OF OPERATION THEREOF

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to Internet of Things and more specifically, to electric power consumption management system.

BACKGROUND

With advancement in field of technology, lives of people have started depending upon electrical appliances and tools up to a great extent. Specifically, people have started using one or more electrical appliances for getting their work done. Such electrical appliances may be washing machines for cleaning clothes, A.C. for keeping a house cool in summers, heater for keeping the house warm in winters and so forth. Furthermore, such electrical appliances are used as per a requirement thereof as they consume electric power and sometimes produce harmful gases. Moreover, the electrical appliances require to be monitored for a proper functioning thereof.

Conventionally, electrical appliances were operable manually by human interference. Thus, making manual intervention essential for even basic operations like turning on and off of the electrical appliances. As a result, considerable energy wastage occurred owing to human negligence. Consequently, remote controlled appliances gained prominence. Specifically, it widened range of access of the user. However, controlling the appliances was possible only by a single user in possession of an administrative tool such as a remote or a power button. Additionally, changing default settings of the remote to suit the user required professional assistance thereby increasing the cost thereof. Furthermore, it was mandatory for the user to be locally present near the appliances. Thus, the appliances were inaccessible to the user from a distant location. Additionally, the electrical appliances may not be controlled in absence of a direct human intervention. Moreover, there may not be a way to predict a cost of electric energy consumed by the electrical appliances.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with the existing techniques of electric power consumption management systems of electrical appliances. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present disclosure is to overcome one or more disadvantages associated with conventional or existing systems and methods.

An object of the present disclosure provides the aforementioned electric power consumption management system and method of operation of an electric power consumption management system for managing operational state of one or more electrical appliances.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide users of the invention ease and simplicity of controlling electrical appliances.

An object of the present disclosure is to store and analyse performance parameters of the electrical appliances and predict an operational pattern and an operational cost thereof.

An object of the present disclosure allows users to have full control over operation of the electrical appliances.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide simple, more accurate and inexpensive system and method. An object of the present disclosure enables robust and flexible management of electricity consumption by the electrical appliances.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the electric power consumption management system for managing operational state of one or more electrical appliances, wherein each of the one or more electrical appliances is associated with a device identifier, the system comprising: at least one input device, wherein each of the at least one input device is operable to generate a first input, wherein the first input is associated with a given electrical appliance; a remote server arrangement communicably coupled to the one or more electrical appliances and the at least one input device to receive the first input therefrom, wherein the remote server arrangement identifies a corresponding device identifier associated with the given electrical appliance and generates a second input based on the first input, wherein the remote server arrangement includes a database module having a record of device identifiers associated with the one or more electrical appliances; and an electric power controller communicably coupled to the remote server arrangement and the one or more electrical appliances, the electric power controller, in operation, receives the second input and corresponding device identifier from the remote server arrangement and provides an action command to the one or more electrical appliances associated with the corresponding device identifier, wherein an operational state of the given electrical appliance associated with the corresponding device identifier is changed based on the action command.

In an embodiment, the method of operation of an electric power consumption management system for managing operational state of one or more electrical appliances, wherein the method comprises: acquiring a first input from the at least one input device, wherein the first input is associated with a given electrical appliance; transmitting the first input to a remote server arrangement, wherein the remote server arrangement includes a database module having a record of device identifiers associated with the one or more electrical appliances; identifying, using the remote server arrangement, a corresponding device identifier associated with the given electrical appliance; generating, using the remote server arrangement, a second input based on the first input; communicating, the second input and the corresponding device identifier, to an electric power controller communicably coupled to the remote server arrangement and the one or more electrical appliances; generating, using the electric power controller, an action command, wherein the action command is transmitted to the given electrical appliance; and changing the operational state of the given electrical appliance based on the action command.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG.1 illustrates a block diagram of an electric power consumption management system for managing operational state of one or more electrical appliances, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary implementation of the electric power consumption management system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of area of operation of two motion sensors, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of working of the electric power consumption management system of FIG. 1 in automatic mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary sequence diagram of working of the electric power consumption management system of FIG. 1 in manual mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary sequence diagram of configuring mode of operation of the electric power consumption management system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 7A-B illustrates a flowchart of a method of operation of an electric power consumption management system for managing operational state of one or more electrical appliances, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure seeks to provide an electric power consumption management system for controlling the electrical appliances and managing electric power consumption thereby. The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to the existing problem of manual operation and unavailability of data regarding electric power consumption by electrical appliances. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in the prior art, and provides a dynamic, user-friendly and efficient electric power consumption management.

The present disclosure provides the aforementioned electric power consumption management system for managing electrical appliances. The system is able to track power usage of the electrical appliances and based on a current operational pattern thereof the system is operable to predict a probable operational pattern thereof and an operational cost associated therewith. This allows an optimal and planned use of the electrical appliances. Additionally, the system allows the electrical appliances to be controlled and managed remotely and also based on the probable operational pattern the system is operable to calculate a probable cost of using the electrical appliances. Moreover, the present disclosure provides a robust, easy to implement and reliable system for controlling and managing the electrical appliances. Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a block diagram of an electric power consumption management system 100 for managing operational state of one or more electrical appliances 102. Disclosed herein is the electric power consumption management system 100 for managing operational state of one or more electrical appliances 102, wherein the electric power consumption management system 100 regulates use of electricity by the one or more electrical appliances 102. The electric power consumption management system 100 manages consumption of electricity by the one or more electrical appliances 102 by controlling the operational state thereof. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "electric power consumption management system 100" refers to a system comprising electrical and networking devices, wherein the system is operable to control functioning of the one or more electrical appliances 102 associated therewith.

Additionally, optionally, the system is further operable to analyse operational patterns of the one or more electrical appliances 102 associated therewith. The system further predicts probable operational patterns of the one or more electrical appliances 102 and subsequent energy consumption thereof. Also, based upon the probable operational patterns the system, is operable to calculate operational cost in fiat currency (such as dollar, pound, euro, rupee and the like).

Furthermore, the term "one or more electrical appliances 102" includes one or more devices that consume electricity for functioning thereof. Additionally, the one or more electrical appliances 102 are battery operable or draw electricity from an alternate source, wherein the one or more electrical appliances 102 consume electricity to charge batteries thereof. Also, the one or more electrical appliances 102 work on alternating current (AC) and/or direct current (DC). Furthermore, the one or more electrical appliances 102 exhibit "ON" and "OFF" operational states and are operable to change the operational state based on availability of electricity and an input associated with the state of the one or more electrical appliances 102 provided therein. Moreover, the one or more electrical appliances 102 have additional operational states such as "high intensity state" in which the one or more electric appliances perform with intensity higher than the ON operational state. In addition, the one or more electrical appliances 102 have a "power saver" operational state in which the one or more electric appliances perform with lower intensity than the ON operational state. Furthermore, each of the one or more electrical appliances 102 is associated with the device identifier. Notably, the device identifier associated with each of the one or more electrical appliances 102 provides a unique identification thereto. The device identifier for each of the one or more electrical appliances 102 is automatically generated by the system. Alternately, the device identifier for each of the one or more electrical appliances 102 is generated by a user of the system. The device identifier is a numerical, alphabetical, alphanumeric or symbolic string or a combinational string that is capable of uniquely representing each of the one or more electrical appliances 102.

In an example, the at least one input device and the one or more electrical appliances 102 may be associated with an IP address to enable unique identification thereof by the remote server arrangement 106.

Furthermore, the electric power consumption management system 100 customizes use of electric power by the one or more electrical appliances 102 based on various factors including a user command, environmental conditions, pre-programmed instructions and the like. Notably, the at least one input device 104 uses such factors to generate the first input.

As mentioned previously, the system comprises at least one input device, wherein each of the at least one input device 104 is operable to generate the first input, wherein the first input is associated with the given electrical appliance. The at least one input device, generates the first input based on the desired operational state of the given electrical appliance. The at least one input device 104 is located in close proximity of the one or more electrical appliances 102. Alternatively, the at least one input device 104 is located remotely. In an instance, the first input is generated based upon the environmental conditions around the one or more electrical appliances 102. In another instance, the first input is generated based upon the user commands set by the user associated with the at least one input device. Optionally, the at least one input device 104 is: motion sensor, proximity sensor, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, light detecting resistor, a personal computer, a cellular device. The at least one input device 104 such as motion sensor, proximity sensor, pressure sensor, temperature sensor determines presence or absence of an individual in vicinity of the given electrical appliance and generates the first input for achieving the desired operational state of the given electrical appliance. Furthermore, the light detecting resistor detects environmental conditions such as, ambient light in vicinity of the given electrical appliance and generates the first input for achieving the desired operational state of the given electrical appliance based on the environmental conditions. Moreover, the at least one input device 104 such as a personal computer, a cellular device generates the first input based on a user command provided by the user associated therewith. In an example, a motion sensor may detect presence of a person in the vicinity of an electrical appliance "A.C." and may determine operational state of the A.C. to be "ON" and may generate a first input for changing the operational state of the A.C. based on the determined desired operational state of the A.C. In another example, the at least one input device 104 may be a cellular device associated with a user. The user may provide an instruction, related to desired operational state of the electrical appliance to the cellular device. Subsequently, the cellular device may generate a first input related to the desired operational state of the electrical appliance.

Moreover, the system further includes the remote server arrangement 106 communicably coupled to the one or more electrical appliances 102 and the at least one input device 104 to receive the first input therefrom. The remote server arrangement 106 relates to a structure and/or module that includes programmable and/or non-programmable components configured to store, process and/or share information. Optionally, the remote server arrangement 106 includes any arrangement of physical or virtual computational entities capable of processing information to perform various computational tasks. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the remote server arrangement 106 may be both a single hardware server and/or a plurality of hardware servers operating in a parallel or distributed architecture. In an example, the remote server arrangement 106 may include components such as memory, a processor, a network adapter and the like, to store, process and/or share information with other computing components, such as user device/user equipment. Optionally, the remote server arrangement 106 is implemented as a computer program that provides various services (such as database service) to other devices, modules or apparatus.

Furthermore, the remote server arrangement 106 generates the action command based on the first input and identifies the corresponding device identifier associated with the given electrical appliance. The remote server arrangement 106 has the one or more electrical appliances 102 registered therewith. Notably, the system manages electricity consumption of the one or more electrical appliances 102 that are registered with the remote server arrangement 106. Furthermore, the remote server arrangement 106 includes the database module 108 having the record of device identifiers associated with the one or more electrical appliances 102. The database module 108 of the remote server arrangement 106 is an organized body of digital information regardless of the manner in which the data or the organized body is represented therein. Optionally, the database module 108 may be hardware, software, firmware and/or any combination thereof. For example, the organized body of related data may be in the form of a table, a map, a grid, a packet, a datagram, a file, a document, a list or in any other form. The database module 108 includes any data storage software and systems, such as, for example, a relational database like IBM DB2 and Oracle 9. Optionally, the database module 108 may be used interchangeably herein as database management system, as is common in the art. Furthermore, the database module 108 includes one or more software programs for creating and managing one or more databases. Optionally, the database module 108 may be operable to support relational operations, regardless of whether it enforces strict adherence to the relational model, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, the database module 108 is populated by data elements. Furthermore, the data elements may include data records, bits of data, cells which are used interchangeably herein and are intended to mean information stored in cells of a database.

Moreover, the database module 108 includes the record of the one or more electrical appliances 102 registered with the remote server arrangement 106 in form of a list, a table or any other way of organizing the record. The remote server receives the first input from the at least one input device, wherein the first input is associated with the given electrical appliance. Furthermore, the at least one input device (104) is communicably coupled to the remote server arrangement 106 via a communication module, wherein the communication module relates to an arrangement of interconnected programmable and/or non-programmable components that are configured to facilitate data communication between one or more electronic devices and/or databases, whether available or known at the time of filing or as later developed. Furthermore, the communication module may include, but is not limited to, one or more peer-to-peer network, a hybrid peer-to-peer network, local area networks (LANs), radio access networks (RANs), metropolitan area networks (MANS), wide area networks (WANs), all or a portion of a public network such as the global computer network known as the Internet, a private network, a cellular network and any other communication system or systems at one or more locations. Additionally, the communication module includes wired or wireless communication that can be carried out via any number of known protocols, including, but not limited to, Internet Protocol (IP), Wireless Access Protocol (WAP), Frame Relay, or Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). Moreover, any other suitable protocols using voice, video, data, or combinations thereof, can also be employed. Moreover, although the system is frequently described herein as being implemented with TCP/IP communications protocols, the system may also be implemented using IPX, Appletalk, IP-6, NetBIOS, OSI, any tunneling protocol (e.g. IPsec, SSH), or any number of existing or future protocols.

Moreover, the remote server arrangement 106 upon receiving the first input from the at least one input device, wherein the first input is associated with the given electrical appliance, retrieves the corresponding device identifier associated therewith from the record stored in the database module 108. Subsequently, the remote server arrangement 106 generates the second input based on the first input. Notably, the second input specifies the desired operational state of the given electrical appliance.

As mentioned previously, the system further comprises the electric power controller 110 communicably coupled to the remote server arrangement 106 and the one or more electrical appliances 102. Notably, the electric power controller 110 is a software, hardware, firmware or a combination thereof that is programmable to direct the one or more electrical appliance to change the operational state thereof. Furthermore, the electric power controller 110 is communicably coupled to the remote server arrangement 106 and the one or more electrical appliance by way of the communication module. The electric power controller 110 is customized to adhere to requirements of the user of the system. Furthermore, the electric power controller 110, in operation, receives the second input and corresponding device identifier from the remote server arrangement 106 and provides the action command to the one or more electrical appliances 102 associated with the corresponding device identifier. The electric power controller 110 upon receiving the second input and the corresponding device identifier, analyses the second input to determine the desired operational state and identifies the given electrical appliance associated with the corresponding device identifier. Moreover, the electric power controller 110, based on the desired operational state, generates the action command, wherein the action command specifies the desired operational state of the given electrical appliance. The electric power controller 110 subsequently communicates the action command to the given electrical appliance via the communication module. Specifically, the operational state of the given electrical appliance associated with the corresponding device identifier is changed based on the action command. The one or more electrical appliance receives the action command and change an initial operation state to the desired operational state. Specifically, the electric power controller 110 demonstrates processing and decision-making capability and is operable to communicate with other components in the system. Optionally, in an instance when the initial operational state and the desired operation state of the electrical appliance are identical, no change of state is done by the electrical appliance. In an example, the action command is sent to a relay that may act as a switch to the electrical appliances.

Optionally, the electric power consumption management system 100 operates in any one of: an automatic mode, a manual mode or a semi-automatic mode. In an instance, when the electric power consumption management system 100 operates in an automatic mode, the electric power consumption management system 100 is operable to receive the first input from input devices such as a motion sensor, a temperature sensor and the like acting as the at least one input device 104, that monitor the vicinity of the electrical appliance and determine the desired operational state thereof, based upon which the first input and a device identifier is provided to any one of: the remote server arrangement 106, the electric power controller 110, wherein , in automatic mode, the at least one device 104 sends the first input to the remote server arrangement 106. Subsequently, the remote server arrangement 106 sends a second input and the device identifier to the electric power controller 110 and communicates an action command to the one or more electrical appliances 102 having the device identifier. In another instance, when the electric power consumption management system 100 operates in manual mode, the electric power controller 110 is operable to receive the first input in the form of a user command from the at least one input device such as a cellphone, a personal computer associated with the user. The first input along with the device identifier is sent to the remote server arrangement 106 and as a result the remote server arrangement 106 generates the second input and communicates the second input and the device identifier to the electric power controller 110. Furthermore, the electric power controller 110 generates the action command and communicates it to the one or more electrical appliances 102 associated with the device identifier, thereby changing the operational state of the electrical appliance based on the action command. In yet another instance, when the electric power consumption management system 100 operates in the semi- automatic mode, the remote server arrangement 106 is operable to receive the first input from the sensing devices that monitor the vicinity of the electrical appliances as well as the at least one input device 104 associated with one or more users. It is to be understood that, at the instance when the electric power consumption management system 100 is operating in the semi-automatic mode, the first input provided by the at least one input device associated with the one or more users is preferred by the electric power controller 110 over the first input provided by the sensing devices acting as the at least one input devices. Notably, in manual mode or semi-automatic mode the at least one device 104 sends the first input to the electric power controller 110.

In an example, when the system is working in manual mode, an electrical appliance "an electric bulb" that is registered with a remote server arrangement and has a device identifier "AX89" has a low ambient light in vicinity thereof. Subsequently, an at least one input device "a light detecting resistor (LDR)" communicates a first signal to the remote server arrangement, wherein the first signal is associated with a desired operational state "ON" of "the electric bulb".

Optionally, in an instance, when the electric consumption management system works in automatic mode, the one or more electrical appliances 102 in the system also work in the automatic mode. Alternatively, in an instance, when the electric consumption management system works in manual mode, the one or more electrical appliances 102 in the system also work in the manual mode. Additionally, optionally, in an instance, when the electric consumption management system works in semi-automatic mode, the one or more electrical appliances 102 in the system also work in the semi-automatic mode.

Optionally, in an instance, when the electric consumption management system works in automatic mode, the one or more electrical appliances 102 in the system may work in manual mode or semi-automatic mode. Alternatively, in an instance, when the electric consumption management system works in manual mode, the one or more electrical appliances 102 in the system may work in automatic mode or semi-automatic mode. Alternatively, in an instance, when the electric consumption management system works in semi-automatic mode, the one or more electrical appliances 102 in the system may work in automatic mode or manual mode.

Optionally, performance parameters of the one or more electrical appliances 102 are configurable. Notably, configuring of performance parameters of the one or more electrical appliances 102 improves performance and end results associated with the one or more electrical appliances 102. Furthermore, configuring the performance parameters helps in synchronizing the performance parameters with the remote server arrangement 106, time out values for operational state and configurations, checking WIFI/ internet connectivity, setting low priority to data synchronization operation and the like. In addition, the performance parameters of the one or more electrical appliances 102 are set to a default value initially, allowing the user to configure desired values for the performance parameters of the one or more electrical appliances 102.

Optionally, the one or more electrical appliances 102, are auto configured based on environment data in a geographical area of the one or more electrical appliances 102, wherein such environmental data includes weather reports. Notably, the remote server arrangement 106 sends the first input to the electric power controller 110 to communicate action command to the one or more electrical appliances 102 to change the performance parameters. In an example, when external environmental conditions change from clear sky to cloudy, then the remote server arrangement 106 sends the first input to the electric power controller 110 to communicate the action command to each of the one or more electrical appliances 102 in the geographical area. Consequently, the performance parameters and configurations of the one or more electrical appliances 102 are changed based on the received action command.

Optionally, the one or more electrical appliances 102 that are not communicably coupled to the remote server arrangement 106 change operational state based on a day or night time programming therein. Alternatively, the one or more electrical appliances 102 having an internet access refer to an online weather report to change the operational state thereof.

Alternatively, optionally, in an instance when the at least one input device 104 is not connected with the remote server arrangement 106, the first input and the corresponding device identifier is sent to the electric consumption controller. The electric consumption controller, generates the action command based on the first input and communicates the action command to the given electrical appliance associated with the device identifier.

In an embodiment, the first signal in automatic mode may be generated by a query by the remote server arrangement. In an instance, in automatic mode the electric power controller 110 may receive the first input from the input devices that sense the vicinity of the electrical appliances and perform operation based on human presence without any manual interference. Additionally, the electric power controller 110 may take inputs from two motion sensors and analyse previous states of these motion sensors. In order to determine presence of a human, motion sensors may keep track of presence of human in two states i.e. Partially IN and Fully IN. In such an instance, referring to Table 1, motion sensor (MS) 1 may detect a human movement who is not fully inside the vicinity of an electrical appliance, then it is considered as Partially IN and operational state of the electrical appliance may not be changed. When the human enters the environment then motion sensor 2 may detect presence of human. Here, the human is considered to be Fully IN and operational state of the electrical appliance may be changed by sending a second signal and changing a relay state to ON. Also, motion sensor 2 may keep tracking human movement until the human may be in the vicinity of the electrical appliance and consequently the relay state may remain ON throughout. For example, if cumulative input of motion sensor 1 and motion sensor 2 records present state then it is considered as presence of a human in the environment. Notably, motion sensor 1 and motion sensor 2 have different areas of operation. However, the areas of operation of motion sensor 1 and motion sensor 2 overlap occasionally.

Table 1

In an example, in a large area that needs to be covered by more than two motion sensors to detect human presence, four motion sensors are deployed to detect human presence in the area. Notably, referring to Table 2, motion sensor 1.1 and motion sensor 1.2 determine a partial entry of an individual in the area. In addition, motion sensor 2.1 and motion sensor 2.2 along with motion sensor 1.1 and motion sensor 1.2 determine a complete entry in the area. Referring to Table 2, in an instance when motion sensor 1.1 and motion sensor 1.2 detect a human presence the partial entry is present. In another instance, when any one of the motion sensors 1.1 and/orl .2 detects a human presence, partial entry is present. Furthermore, in an instance, when none of the motion sensors 1.1 and/or 1.2 detects human presence, partial entry is absent. Moreover, in an instance, when the partial entry is present and any one of the motion sensors 2.1 and/or 2.2 detects a human presence, complete entry of an individual is detected and final result is human presence detected in the area.

Table 2

In another embodiment, the electric power consumption management system 100 is configured in manual mode explicitly through server. In this mode, the electric power controller 110 sends the action command to work when user command is initiated by user through handheld device or desktop computers. Manual mode may only work when the electric power controller 110 is online. If electric power controller 110 is not online and configured in manual mode then electric power controller 110 may work in semi-automatic mode. Every time electric power controller 110 boots, it checks the availability of internet and tries to connect the server. Once the connectivity is established with the remote server arrangement 106, device synchronizes unique ID, and device IP address, subnet mask, Gateway, public IP address with the remote server arrangement 106. In order to be operated in manual mode, the one or more electrical appliances 102 need to be registered with the remote server arrangement 106. Whenever the IP address of electrical appliance is changed, the device synchronizes the information of the remote server arrangement 106 with the latest IP address information. When user command is issued from the remote server arrangement 106 using handheld device or desktop computers, request is sent to the one or more electrical appliances connected on the IP address and it checks if the request is for a given device using unique ID. If unique ID is not matched then request command is ignored. If unique ID is matched, then request is processed. If electrical appliance is already in given state then no action is performed. Else, electrical appliance triggers the action of ON/OFF operational state for respective relay. As in automatic mode; in manual mode, device information is synchronized with server for monitoring and analysis.

Optionally, in manual mode, multiple users may issue user commands simultaneously. When electrical appliances connect to a network internet, data of all the actions performed by the electrical appliances is synchronized with the remote server arrangement 106. If both the users initiate same action, then no action is performed by the electric power controller 110. If the users initiate different action than previous, then the electric power controller 110 may process and change the operational state of the electrical appliances and information associated therewith may be synchronized with the remote server arrangement 106. When multiple conflicting requests such as one user with ON state request and another user with OFF state request, are received by the electric power controller 110, then the request may be processed one at a time based on first come first serve basis and accordingly operational state of each of the electrical appliances is changed. Subsequently, the electric power controller 110 may perform second request and change the operational state of the electrical appliance and synchronize with the remote server arrangement 106. The electric power controller 110 may not perform any action if the device action state is same as incoming request.

Optionally, the remote server arrangement 106 is operable to elect one of the at least one input device 104 as an administrator input device. The at least one input device 104 may be elected as the administrator based upon registration time thereof with the remote server arrangement 106. Alternatively, the at least one input device 104 may be elected as the administrator based on a role thereof in the system. Additionally, the administrator input device may be operable to decide an importance ranking of the remaining at least one input device. A high importance ranking of any of the at least one input device exhibits higher importance of the first input provided thereby. Furthermore, the importance score associated with the at least one input device is used to resolve conflict that may arise between first input provided.

Optionally, the administrator input device is operable to create a group of plurality of at least one input device. The group of plurality of at least one input device may be associated to a specific electrical appliance. Also, a group may be associated with a plurality of the electrical appliances. Furthermore, any one of the at least one input devices may be associated with one or more groups. Furthermore, different at least one input device 104 in the group of plurality of at least one input devices may have different importance. Consequently, a first input from at least one input device with higher importance may be given higher preference as compared to a first input from at least one input device with lower importance. In an example, importance may be assigned by ranking the at least one input devices. In another example, importance may be assigned by assigning an importance score (such as numerical score, alphabetical score and the like) to the at least one input devices. In an example, group of plurality of at least one input devices may be used in a family for controlling household electrical appliances. In addition, the system may help parents to have a parental control over use of electrical appliances associated with the system.

Optionally, the electric power consumption management system 100 predicts a probable operational pattern and an operational cost associated with the probable operational pattern of the one or more electrical appliances 102 The electric power controller 110 is operable to predict the probable operational pattern and the probable cost associated with the probable operational pattern for the electrical appliances based on the second input for managing the electric power consumption for electrical appliances. The electric power controller 110 analyses data related to regular operations of the electrical appliances over a period of time and based upon the analysed data, the electric power controller 110 predicts the probable operational pattern. Also, the predicted probable operational pattern of the electrical appliances is further used to predict the probable cost associated therewith.

Optionally, the system further includes a database arrangement operable to store: operational statistics of the one or more electrical appliances 102, the probable operational pattern and the operational cost associated with the probable operational pattern. The database arrangement may be accessed by the user via the remote server arrangement 106 Beneficially, the probable operational pattern and the operational cost associated therewith may provide the user an effective and efficient approach for optimally utilizing and managing electric power sources and the electric appliances. Furthermore, the database arrangement may be communicably coupled to the electric power controller 110 The electric power controller 110 or the remote server arrangement 106 may retrieve required data from the database arrangement for predicting the probable operational pattern and the probable cost associated therewith. Additionally, the database arrangement may be communicably coupled to the remote server arrangement 106. Also, the database arrangement may be operable to store operational parameters (such as ON time, OFF time, electric power consumption, electric power consumption cost and the like) of the one or more electrical appliances 102. The operational parameters may be communicated to the database arrangement by the electrical appliances. In an instance, the operational parameters may be communicated to the database arrangement via the remote server arrangement 106.

Optionally, the electric power controller 110 stores operational statistics associated with action commands and operations associated therewith in a local memory. The electric power controller 110 periodically communicates the operational statistics to the remote server arrangement 106, wherein the remote server arrangement 106 stores the operational statistics in at least one of: the database module 108, the database arrangement. Notably, the remote server arrangement 106 stores the operational statistics associated with the one or more electrical appliances 102 in form of a flat table. Notably, the device identifier for each of the one or more electrical appliances 102 acts as a primary key for operational statistics associated with each of the one or more electrical appliances 102. The operational statistics for each of the one or more electrical appliances are retrieved from the database module 108 and the database arrangement using the device identifier associated therewith. Moreover, the remote server arrangement 106 executes preprogrammed and scheduled database operational events for carrying out a normalization process in order to remove dependencies in the operational statistics stored in the flat table. The remote server arrangement records start date for an operational state when the first input is received and further records end date for the operational state when next first input is received. The remote server arrangement 106 calculates duration of the operational state by calculating difference between the start date and the end date associated with the operational state.

Optionally, the remote server arrangement 106 carries out the normalization process on each of the operational statistics such as sensor values, temperature values and the like. In addition, normalized data is provided to a prediction module, wherein the prediction module predicts probable operational pattern and operational cost associated therewith based on the operational statistics such as temperature value, Light intensity value, duration of the operational state, start date of operational state, operational state. Notably, the prediction module is a programmed module that uses combination of one or more regression algorithms such as linear regression algorithm, stepwise regression algorithm and the like.

Optionally, the prediction module is trained on a sample data, wherein the sample data is a subset of normalized data. Furthermore, the prediction module is trained by eliminating over- fitting and under-fitting of the prediction module parameters, such training enables the prediction module to reduce probability of including noisy and faulty data as a parameter for predicting probable operational patterns. In addition, the prediction module is modified periodically. In an example, the prediction module is modified when amount of the operational statistics is increased and new parameters are added. Furthermore, the system is enabled to predict daily, weekly, monthly or yearly results, wherein daily predictions include next few days predictions, weekly predictions include next few weeks predictions and the like. Notably, a window of next few days or weeks data prediction is decided by the remote server arrangement 106 based on available operational statistics.

Optionally, units of electric power consumption in kilowatt-hour per day may be calculated by dividing a product of power (in watt) and time (hours per day) by thousand. Furthermore, cost of the electric power consumption in fiat currency may be calculated by calculating a product of electric power consumption and cost of using one unit of electric power. Furthermore, units of electric power consumption in kilowatt-hour is calculated based on appliance voltage, wattage, amperage or current that are pre-configured during registration of user device. In an instance, when voltage and current values are available, units of electric power consumption are calculated by obtaining product of voltage, current and time period of consumption. In another instance, when voltage and resistance are available, units of electric power consumption are calculated by obtaining product of voltage, resistance and time period of consumption. In yet another instance, when Current and resistance are available, units of electric power consumption are calculated by obtaining product of current, resistance and time period of consumption. Notably, a strategy for calculation of units of electric power consumption is decided by the remote server arrangement 106 based on available operational parameters. Optionally, predicted operational cost is calculated in per unit (kilowatt-hour), Furthermore, the remote server arrangement 106 is used to pre-configured billing details in the database module 108 and calculate consumption of units of electricity. In addition, the user may configure billing formulae as per local region or area. More optionally, the remote server arrangement 106 calculates past electricity consumption using the normalized operational statistics.

In an embodiment, the electrical appliances may always be connected to a network and may synchronize operational data thereof at the remote server arrangement 106. The remote server arrangement 106 may further communicate the operational data to the database arrangement. Beneficially, this may help in analysis and monitoring of use of the electrical appliances and track electrical consumption thereby. Furthermore, in an example, the system may comprise a secondary database. The secondary database may store operational data associated with the electrical appliances at an instance when communication with the server arrangement or the database arrangement may not be established. Furthermore, the operational data stored at the secondary database may be synchronized with either the remote server arrangement 106 and/or the database arrangement.

Optionally, in an instance when the communication module is not working, the electric power controller 110 is not connect with the remote server arrangement 106 and the one or more electrical appliances 102 via the communication module. In such an instance, an access point network is created, wherein each of the one or more electrical appliances 102 is connected to the access point network. Subsequently, the access point network is used by the system for communication among components of the system. In an instance, a user connects to the access point network via the electric power controller 110 accessible thereto. Furthermore, the electric power controller 110 connected to the access point network is used by the user to control and operate the one or more electrical appliances 102 using a user interface associated with the electric power controller 110. In addition, at a later instance, when the electric power controller 110 connects to the communication module, the remote server arrangement 106 is communicated with operational statistics performed using the access point network and subsequently, the operational statistics is stored in the database module 108 and the database arrangement.

Optionally, communication between the remote server arrangement 106 and the electric power controller 110 or the one or more electrical appliances 102 is implemented by pulling data from the remote server arrangement 106. In an instance, when the remote server arrangement 106 has the first input, configuration change request and the like to be sent to the electric power controller 110 or the one or more electrical appliances 102, the information is stored in the database module 108. Subsequently, the electric power controller 110 or the one or more electrical appliances 102 pulls the information from the remote server arrangement 106 periodically. The time period for pulling data from the remote server arrangement is configurable. The time period is configured manually by user of the system or auto-configured based on factors such as: weather conditions, place, time and the like. Furthermore, once the action command associated with the information pulled from the remote server arrangement 106 has been executed, the electric power controller 110 or the one or more electrical appliances 102 sends success response to the remote server arrangement 106. Furthermore, the remote server arrangement 106 marks all the information associated with the success response as complete. In an instance, when the remote server arrangement 106 does not receive the success response on then the remote server arrangement 106 marks old or ageing information in the database module 108 as expired or timeout. In addition, age of the information is configurable by the user or the remote server arrangement 106. For example, an information, older than 10 minutes, that is without a success is marked as expired and is eligible to be pulled again by the electric power controller 110 or the one or more electrical appliances 102.

Optionally, the one or more electrical appliances 102 have a real time counter configured to capture a current time of the action command being executed by the one or more electrical appliances 102. Furthermore, the real time counter captures a current time of different actions and operational state of the one or more electrical appliances 102. In addition, the one or more electrical appliances 102 synchronizes the time of different actions and operational state thereof at a time when the one or more electrical appliances 102 is communicably coupled to the remote server arrangement 106.

In an embodiment, the electrical power consumption management system performs a boot sequence when the system is initiated. Before the system is initiated, the user may have to register with the remote server arrangement 106 and log in with the remote server arrangement 106 and register electrical appliances under user profile thereof. The electric power controller 110 may be self-configurable and once the electric power controller 110 is started, the system may configure itself in the semi-automatic mode by default. Furthermore, the electric power controller 110 checks if network connectivity is available and may be connected. If configured network connectivity is available then the electric power controller 110 connects thereto and configures itself for semi-automatic mode. When the network connectivity is unavailable then the electric power controller 110 cannot take the manual user command. In this mode the electric power controller 110 may keep checking for network connectivity in every 5 minutes. Using IP address and device ID, user can configure the network connectivity for the electric power controller 110. Once the connection is established then the electric power controller 110 may save network connection details and use the same for connecting again if network connectivity is lost. As soon as the device is connected to the network, it can accept the manual commands as well as sense the environment to determine desired operational state and perform required action. Optionally, the electric power controller 110 may work in a specific mode as well, i.e. Manual, Automatic or Semi-Automatic. The administrator may change the mode preference from the remote server arrangement 106. This mode preference may continue till device is rebooted again.

Optionally, the electric power consumption management system 100 further includes a set of protocols for interoperability within the system. Notably, the set of protocols for interoperability within the system is Representational State Transfer (REST) protocol. Specifically, REST is a set of web-standards based architecture and uses hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) for communication of data. Additionally, the REST web services consider each of the at least one input devices and all other components associated therewith as a resource that may be accessed by a common interface. Beneficially, the set of protocols enables a smooth and seamless interaction among components of the systems.

The present disclosure also relates to the method as described above. Various embodiments and variants disclosed above apply mutatis mutandis to the method.

Optionally, in the method the electric power controller 110 operates in any one of: an automatic mode, a manual mode or a semi-automatic mode.

Optionally, the method comprises using the electric power controller 110 to predict a probable operational pattern and an operational cost associated with the probable operational pattern of the one or more electrical appliances 102.

Optionally, in the method the at least one input devices are: motion sensor, proximity sensor, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, light detecting resistor, a personal computer, a cellular device

Optionally, in the method the remote server arrangement 106 is operable to elect one of the at least one input devices as an administrator input device. Optionally, in the method the administrator input device is operable to create a group of plurality of at least one input devices.

Optionally, the method further includes a database arrangement operable to store: operational statistics of the one or more electrical appliances 102, the probable operational pattern and the operational cost associated with the probable operational pattern.

Optionally, the method further includes a set of protocols for interoperability within the system.

Optionally, in the method the set of protocols for interoperability within the system is Representational State Transfer protocol.

Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a block diagram of an electric power consumption management system 100 for managing operational state of one or more electrical appliances 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electric power consumption management system 100 for managing operational state of one or more electrical appliances 102, wherein each of the one or more electrical appliances 102 is associated with a device identifier, the system 100 comprises at least one input device 104, wherein each of the at least one input device 104 is operable to generate a first input, wherein the first input is associated with a given electrical appliance 102. Furthermore, a remote server arrangement 106 communicably coupled to the one or more electrical appliances 102 and the at least one input device 104 to receive the first input therefrom. Notably, the remote server arrangement 106 identifies a corresponding device identifier associated with the given electrical appliance 102 and generates a second input based on the first input. Moreover, the remote server arrangement 106 includes a database module 108 having a record of device identifiers associated with the one or more electrical appliances 102. Furthermore, the electric power consumption management system 100 further comprises an electric power controller 110 communicably coupled to the remote server arrangement 106 and the one or more electrical appliances 102. The electric power controller 110, in operation, receives the second input and corresponding device identifier from the remote server arrangement 106 and provides an action command to the one or more electrical appliances 102 associated with the corresponding device identifier. Notably, an operational state of the given electrical appliance 102 associated with the corresponding device identifier is changed based on the action command. Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is a block diagram of an exemplary implementation of the electric power consumption management system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It may be understood by a person skilled in the art that the FIG. 2 includes a specific arrangement for implementation of the system 100 for sake of clarity, which should not unduly limit the scope of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the system 200 comprises a remote server arrangement 202. Further, the system 200 comprises at least one input device, i.e. a Light Dependent Resistor 204, a Temperature Sensor 206 (used to sense the external environment), a Motion Sensor- 1 208 and a Motion Sensor-2 210 (used to identify the presence of human being in the given environment). The system 200 further comprises an electric power controller 212 communicably coupled to the remote server arrangement 202, and the electrical appliances like a fan 222, a light 224, and an Air Conditioner (AC) 226 communicably coupled through relays 216, 218 and 220, respectively. The system 200 also comprises a memory Card 230 used to store the various operations performed by the electric power controller 212. These operations are stored on the memory card 230 if electric power controller 212 is offline and not connected to the internet.

Based on human presence or remote command initiated through the remote server arrangement 202 the electric power controller 212 can trigger the relays 216, 218 and 220 to perform ON/OFF operation of electrical appliances like the fan 222, the light 224 and the Air Conditioner (AC) 226, respectively. Every time a command is executed by the electric power controller 212, the corresponding action and duration of the action is saved in the memory card 230. If the electric power controller 212 is connected to the remote server arrangement 202 then it is considered as online and the electric power controller 212 will synchronize the executed commands with the remote server arrangement 202. If the electric power controller 212 is offline then the actions summary will be stored in the memory card 230 and whenever the electric power controller 212 comes online it will be synchronized with the remote server arrangement 202.

Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is a schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of area of operation of two motion sensors, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. A motion sensor 1 has area of operation 302, motion sensor 2 has area of operation 304. Notably, the motion sensor 1 and motion sensor 2 have an overlapping area 306 with the area of operation 302 and 304, wherein motion sensor 1 and motion sensor 2 both work in the overlapping area 306. Referring to FIG. 4, illustrated is an exemplary flowchart of working of the electric power consumption management system of FIG. 1 in automatic mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 402, the electric power consumption management system 100, initiates configuration in automatic mode. At step 404, the electric power consumption management system 100, records using a light detecting resistor. At step 406, reading of the light detecting resistor is checked, if it is less than a threshold value. If no, at a step 408, previous state is checked if the previous state is ON at a step 426, an electrical appliance associated with the light detecting resistor is switched off. If reading of the light detecting resistor is less than threshold value, entry state of an individual is checked using motion sensor 1 and motion sensor 2. At step 410, a temperature sensor is used to check temperature in vicinity of the electrical appliance. At step 412, temperature is checked to be greater than a threshold temperature value. If temperature is less than the threshold temperature value, a previous state of the device is checked and the if the previous state is ON the electrical appliance is switched off. If the previous state is OFF, no action is taken. At step 422 and 424, entry state of the individual is determined using motion sensor 1 and motion sensor 2. At step 426, if output of motion sensor 1 is high and output of motion sensor 2 is low, at step 428, partial entry of the individual is determined. At step 430, output of motion sensor 1 and motion sensor 2 is high. At step 432, full entry of the individual is determined. At step 434, output of motion sensor 1 is low and output of motion sensor 2 is high. At step 432, full entry of the individual is determined. At step 416, when full entry of the individual is determined, subsequently, at step 418, previous state of the electrical appliance is checked. If the previous state is ON no action is taken. If the previous state is OFF the state is changed to ON. Furthermore, at step 436, output of motion sensor 1 and motion sensor 2 is low. Subsequently, at step 438, cumulative state of motion sensor 2 is calculated. At step 446, output of motion sensor 2 is checked high and presence of human is determined fully in. Furthermore, at step 442, queue of records of motion sensor is checked. If queue is full, at step 444, old records are deleted. If queue is not full records of motion sensor 2 is recorded in in queue of records and cumulative state of motion sensor 2 is calculated.

Referring to FIG. 5, illustrated is an exemplary sequence diagram of working of the electric power consumption management system of FIG. 1 in manual mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 508.1, a user 506 via a user device (not shown) registers with a remote server arrangement 502 with the system. At step 508.2, status of registration of the user 506 is checked. At step 508.3, the user device is registered with the system. At step 508.4, status of registration of the user device is checked. At step 510.1, an electric power controller 504 initiates setting up the system in manual mode. At step 510.2, boot action of the system is performed. At step 510.3, Wi-Fi connection is established. At step 510.4, IP address and device identifier of the electrical appliance is updated. At step 512.1, remote command is sent by the user 506 to the remote server arrangement 502. At step 512.2, the remote server arrangement 502 sends a second input with device identifier to the electric power controller 504. At step 512.3, the electric power controller 504 verifies the device identifier. At step 512.4, the electric power controller 504 sends action command to electrical appliance associated with the device identifier. At step 512.5, the electric power controller 504 synchronize the action with the remote server arrangement 502. Moreover, the remote server arrangement 502 generates a report of action of the electrical appliance. At step 512.6, the user 506 requests the remote server arrangement 502 for the report.

Referring to FIG. 6, illustrated is an exemplary sequence diagram of configuring mode of operation of the electric power consumption management system of FIG. 1 and 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 602, the electric power controller 504 initiates setup. At step 604, the electric power controller 504 performs boot action. At step 606, the electric power controller 504 connects to Wi-Fi. At step 608, the electric power controller 504 sends IP address, port address and the like to the remote server arrangement 502. At step 610, user 506 sends mode change request to the remote server arrangement 502. Furthermore, at step 612, the remote server arrangement 502 sends mode change request to the electric power controller 504. At step 612, the electric power controller 504 sends response status to the remote server arrangement 502. Moreover, at step 614, the remote server arrangement 502 updates status to a user device associated with the user 506.

Referring to FIG. 7A-B illustrated is a flowchart of a method of operation of an electric power consumption management system for managing operational state of one or more electrical appliances, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 702, a first input is acquired from the at least one input device. The first input is associated with a given electrical appliance. At step 704, the first input is transmitted to a remote server arrangement. Notably, the remote server arrangement includes a database module having a record of device identifiers associated with the one or more electrical appliances. At step 706, a corresponding device identifier associated with the given electrical appliance is identified using the remote server arrangement. At step 708, a second input based on the first input is generated using the remote server arrangement. At step 710, the second input and the corresponding device identifier is communicated to an electric power controller communicably coupled to the remote server arrangement and the one or more electrical appliances. At step 712, an action command is generated using the electric power controller. The action command is transmitted to the given electrical appliance. At step 714, the operational state of the given electrical appliance is changed based on the action command.

The present disclosure overcomes one or more disadvantages associated with conventional systems and methods for managing electricity usage by electrical appliances. The present disclosure provides the aforementioned system and method for managing operational states of the electrical appliances.

The present disclosure provides operational patterns of the electrical appliances to predict operational cost associated therewith. The present disclosure stores and analyses performance parameters associated with the electrical appliances to ensure a working condition thereof. The present disclosure generates a well-defined engagement between users of the disclosed invention and the electrical appliances and further allows a customized interaction therebetween. Moreover, the present disclosure provides simple and inexpensive system and method.

The present disclosure enables robust and flexible management of electricity consumption by the electrical appliances.

Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Expressions such as“including”,“comprising”,“incorporating”,“co nsisting of’,“have”,“is” used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims.