SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING EFFICIENCIES OF HVACR SYSTEMS

Computer-implemented methods and related systems enable measurement of efficiency of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) systems. The method includes receiving data regarding an HVACR system at a processor. The data is received from one or more probes installed on the HVACR system. The method also includes processing the data to determine an efficiency of the HVACR system and displaying the measured efficiency on a network device. Accordingly, technicians, engineers and property managers can monitor HVACR systems and can use the measured data to maintain or repair HVACR systems, to understand their effectiveness and cost-efficiencies and to design HVACR systems for building spaces.

BACKGROUND

According to some estimates, approximately half of the energy consumed in an average residential household comes from heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) systems. The average household HVACR lifespan is 12 to 15 years, when properly installed and maintained. A typical residential air conditioning system that is seldom maintained can lose approximately 26% of its efficiency after 10 years and approximately 37% of its efficiency after 15 years. A residential air conditioning system that is maintained properly still loses approximately 10% of its efficiency after 10 years and approximately 14% of its efficiency after 15 years.

To put these figures in perspective, if an air conditioning system is 15 years old and hasn't been maintained properly, approximately 18% of a power bill that includes this air conditioning system is probably due to an inefficient of the system. This 18% does not even consider other factors that can decrease the efficiency of the air conditioning system, such as an inadequate home insulation factor caused by air imbalance, poor insulation, improperly set fan speeds and air infiltration.

Accurately measuring the efficiency of an HVACR system is critical to ensure that the HVACR system is running properly, and money is not being wasted. However, current methods for measuring the efficiency of HVACR systems can be inaccurate and lead to extreme misdiagnosis. For example, measuring refrigerant properties in an air conditioning system may be an unreliable way to determine efficiency of an air conditioning system because other factors, such as refrigerant impurities and or degradation, can change the heat transfer properties dramatically. Thus, improvements can be made to improve the accuracy of efficiency measurements of HVACR systems.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method for measuring the efficiency of an HVACR system is disclosed. The method may include receiving data regarding an HVACR system at a processor, wherein the data is received from one or more probes installed on the HVACR system. The method may also include processing the data to determine an efficiency of the HVACR system. The method may further include displaying the efficiency data on a network device.

In some embodiments, the probe may be an air probe and the received data may include at least one of a temperature, a relative humidity, a barometric pressure, and an air flow rate.

In some embodiments, the probe may be a fluid probe and the received data may include a temperature.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Current methods for measuring the efficiency of HVACR systems can be inaccurate and lead to extreme misdiagnosis. Accurately measuring the efficiency of an HVACR system can be critical to a variety of different people and entities. For example, with accurate efficiency measurements: (a) power companies can add more people to the same grid; (b) residential consumers and complexes, and commercial businesses can save money on their utility bills and extend the life of their system; (c) industrial entities can react fast to problems, lower their overhead of maintenance personnel, extend the life of their equipment and lower their utility expenses; and (d) HVACR technicians can increase their value by quickly identifying problems.

Some embodiments disclosed herein may include air and fluid probes that can be used to accurately measure the efficiency of HVACR systems. These probes can have a variety of uses in residential settings. For example, in residential settings, probes can:provide a notification when an HVACR system is not running efficiently and/or when air filters need to be replaced;provide efficiency updates on an HVACR system in real-time;give real-time system efficiency updates;monitor how residents are using an HVACR system;extend the life of the HVACR system; (f) provide information in real-time on how much the inefficiency of an HVACR system is costing in its current state and a forecast of the system's future inefficiency so that the consumer can prioritize financial decisions relating to the HVACR system;help to identify problems with an HVACR system more quickly and more accurately; andpull historic and real-time weather data to ensure accurate space r-value readings.

In addition to uses in residential settings, these probes have a variety of uses in commercial settings. To begin, these probes can be installed on many different commercial systems. For example, these probes may be installed on split systems, package units, chill water systems, geothermal systems, water source heat pumps, walk-in coolers, and walk-in freezers to name a few. In addition, probes used in a commercial setting cansave money on electric bills and reduce operating expenses;integrate data from multiple probes that may be viewed together on a single easy to navigate platform;provide a notification when an HVACR system is not running efficiently and/or when air filters need to be replaced;detect and measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, and other gasses (air probes);provide real-time system efficiency updates;analyze evaporator and condenser barrels in real-time to identify when scaling, refrigerant charge or water flow are becoming an issue;analyze cooling towers in real-time to see when scaling, fan speed, water flow or humidity are an issue; andconsider historic and real-time weather data to make sure HVACR systems are running at maximum efficiency in any environment.

Turning to the figures,FIG. 1illustrates an example system100configured for measuring the efficiency of an HVACR system. The system100may include a network102, probes104, an HVACR system105, a webserver106, a user device108, and a mobile application marketplace server110.

In some embodiments, the network102may be configured to communicatively couple probes104, webserver106, user device108, and mobile application marketplace server110to one another and to other network devices using one or more network protocols, such as the network protocols available in connection with the World Wide Web. In some embodiments, the network102may be any wired or wireless network, or combination of multiple networks, configured to send and receive communications (e.g., via data packets) between systems and devices. In some embodiments, the network102may include a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Storage Area Network (SAN), a cellular network, the Internet, or some combination thereof.

HVACR system105may include any heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and/or refrigeration system. HVACR system105may include one or more conduits, channels, ducts, tubes, and pipes through which gasses or liquids may flow. HVACR system105may include one or more evaporator coils, evaporator barrels, condenser barrels, cooling towers, and/or boilers. HVACR system105may be configured for a residential use and/or commercial use.

In some embodiments, probes104may be devices for measuring and transmitting data from within HVACR system105. Probes104may include air probes104aand fluid probes104b. Air probes104amay be configured to measure and transmit data relating to a gas within HVACR system105. For example, air probes104amay include one or more sensors configured to measure a temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, and/or air flow rate of a gas within HVACR system105. Fluid probes104bmay be configured to measure and transmit data relating to a liquid within HVACR system105. For example, fluid probes104bmay include one or more sensors configured to measure a temperature, density, and/or flow rate of a liquid within HVACR system105.

Probes104may transmit any measured data through network102to any network device connected to network102, including webserver106and user device108. In addition, probes104may transmit measured data directly to user device108. For example, probes104may transmit data to user device108through a wired connection or a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth.

In some embodiments, webserver106may be any computer system capable of communicating over the network102with probes104, user device108, and/or mobile application marketplace server110. Webserver106may make one or more mobile and/or web applications available to user device108, including probe app112. Webserver106may also host one or more websites, such as web portals that include web pages, addressable at a particular web domain. Webserver106may further include a processor114.

In some embodiments, probe app112may be a mobile app that is available for download through a server, such as mobile application marketplace server110. Mobile application marketplace server110may include, for example, the APP STORE provide by Apple Computer and the ANDROID application website. Probe app112may alternatively be a web application that is hosted by webserver106. In addition, probe app112may be a desktop app, which is downloaded and installed on a desktop computer.

In some embodiments, user device108is a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone or a tablet computer. In alternative embodiments, user device108may be a laptop computer or a desktop computer. In embodiments where user device108is a mobile device, probe app112may be a mobile app downloaded from mobile application marketplace server110such as the APP STORE provide by Apple Computer or the ANDROID application website. In embodiments where user device108is a laptop or desktop computer, probe app112may be provided through a web application that is hosted by webserver106.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the system100without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, system100may include additional components similar to the components illustrated inFIG. 1that each may be configured similarly to the components illustrated inFIG. 1.

Probe app112may be configured to receive data that is measured by probes104and, using this data alone or together with additional data, calculate any number of different performance levels of an HVACR system, such as enthalpy. For example, probes104may measure the return and supply temperatures and relative humidity levels across an evaporator coil. Using these values, probe app112may calculate enthalpy. Probes104may also measure the static pressure across the indoor unit/components to be used for further calculations and/or as a method to read when the indoor blower motor is on/off. Probe app112may use one or more algorithms to calculate the effective heat transfer efficiency of HVACR system105. For example, algorithms may be used to first calculate the enthalpy removal across the evaporator coil.

Algorithms may calculate the efficiency of the unit by calculating the sensible heat ratio, refrigerant capacity, temperature split, and contrast these results with a preset effective cubic feet per minute (CFM) range. An effective CFM range may be defined between 325 to 420 CFM calculated. However, this may not necessarily be the actual airflow across the indoor coil but effectively what the CFM would have to be to get a certain enthalpy, sensible heat ratio and temperature split at a given calculated refrigerant capacity in British thermal units per hour (BTU/h). Probe app may determine additional efficiency issues, low/high air flow across evaporator coil, dirty filters, undersized ductwork, electric heat running, etc. These calculations and efficiencies may be sent to one or more user devices and displayed.

Probe app112may be configured to also calculate variable speed compressor capacity in HVACR system105that include a compressor. To determine part load capacity or energy calculations such as SEER ratings, algorithms may take the rated load amps of the compressor and the actual amp draw to calculate compressor part load capacity. Probes104may include a one amp sensor per compressor and a one amp sensor to measure total amp draw to condenser fan motors and/or system components so that energy consumption can be computed. These calculations may be sent to one or more user devices and displayed.

Probe app112may also be configured to calculate an efficiency across an evaporator/condenser barrel and boiler. In this embodiment, fluid probes104bmay be placed at the barrel and measure inlet and outlet fluid temperatures. Using these temperatures, probe app112may calculate an effective flow rate per ton. The efficiency of the barrel may then be calculated by the deviation of the effective flow rate and gallon per minute per ton. Probe app may determine additional efficiency issues, such as fluid scale build up on the refrigerant tubes, low/high water flow, etc. These calculations and efficiencies may be sent to one or more user devices and displayed.

Probe app112may also be configured to calculate an efficiency across a cooling tower. In this embodiment, fluid probes104bmay measure an outdoor temperature, an outdoor relative humidity, an inlet fluid temperature and an outlet fluid temperature. Using these measurements along with the user inputted manufacturer designed range/approach temperatures and industry standard flow rate, probe app112may calculate an efficiency of the cooling tower. Probe app112may determine other efficiency issues, such as when it is too humid outdoors for the tower to function properly, scale build up, low/high water flow, etc. These calculations and efficiencies may be sent to one or more user devices and displayed.

Probe app112may further be configured to calculate indoor air quality variables, such as CO2 and/or CO levels, particle count, temperature, and volatile organic compounds. In this embodiment, air probes104amay be placed in the return plenum of HVACR system105. This air probe104amay measure carbon dioxide levels, carbon monoxide levels, particle allergen count, and volatile organic compounds. These measured levels may be sent to one or more user devices and displayed.

Probe app112may also be configured to calculate the effective insulation value (R value) of a space. In this embodiment, air probes104amay be placed in an air distribution system of HVACR system105. Air probes104amay take measurements and transmit data to probe app112, which calculates an enthalpy change in a space and the efficiency of HVACR system105over a period of time while HVACR system105is running. This calculation may create a known British thermal unit (BTU) value of heat either removed or added to the space. HVACR system105may then be shut down and enthalpy values of the space measured again over a period of time. Probe app112may then calculate two outputs, effective space R value (ESRV) and duct space R value (DSRV). ESRV, effective space R value, is the R value of the conditioned space or the space being tested that is calculated using various heat transfer principles, weather data and real-time HVACR data analyzed in Probe App112. The ESRV value is not adjusted for duct/building air leakage. DSRV, duct effective space R value, is the ESRV value adjusted for duct leakage information calculated or inputted into App112.

Probe app112may further be configured to calculate an amount of duct leakage. In this embodiment, probe app112may calculate BTUs entering a space while HVACR system105is running and the heat gain/loss of the space in BTUs while the system is off. Probe app112may factor in real-time weather data during the time frame. Using this data, duct leakage percentage can be back calculated by using the calculated relationship between ESRV and DSRV as described in the section prior.

Probe app112can be used to calculate Internal loads in a space. These calculations are essentially an interpolation of ESRV and DSRV values over time. Internal loads are essential to accurate energy calculations and are a constantly changing variable. Internal load calculations replace the use of fixed industry standard internal load values, reducing inaccurate estimations. These calculations can enable the possibility of real-time internal load readings, improving technology surrounding building and HVAC efficiency.

Finally, probe app112may be configured to calculate when an air filter needs to be replaced. In this embodiment, probe app112first calculates enthalpy change, system efficiency and static pressure change over time across an indoor coil. The device could zero out when the system is running with a reduced static pressure and a calculation of the sensible heat ratio to monitor if the system was running dehumidification and/or humidification. As the air filter gets dirty, the sensible heat ratio will slightly decrease due to reduced airflow across the coil and the static pressure will follow an exponential trend upwards. At a certain value point, the device algorithms can trigger a message indicating that it is time to replace the air filters. In addition, the air filter life percentage could constantly be displayed with the monitoring type device.

Processor114or similar can transmit and receive data via hardwired, cellular, Wi-fi and/or Bluetooth to a thermostat controller. This data can be displayed or used in calculations inside of the thermostat controller. The data is not limited to the use of the controller but may also be relayed from the controller to an external server for further use such as delivering energy data to approved parties such as energy companies.

App112may be interfaced with zoning controls that control the air flow distribution system. The app could identify duct leakage, zone damper failures and aid in energy management solutions.

App112could be applied in the automotive industry by sending real-time HVAC diagnostic information to the vehicles server unit. This data could aid in vehicle diagnostics, vehicle air quality diagnostics and vehicle energy management.

FIG. 2illustrates an exemplary air probe tool202and an exemplary fluid probe tool210. Air probe tool202includes internal portion204and an external portion206. When installed in an HVACR system, internal portion204may be configured to extend into an interior space within the HVACR system. To install air probe tool202, a hole may be cut in a portion of an HVACR system and such that internal portion204of air probe tool202extends into an interior portion of the HVACR system. External portion206of air probe tool202may be positioned on the outside of the HVACR system.

In one embodiment, air probe tool202may be installed in an HVAC plenum208. Plenum208may be a return plenum that is positioned between a first piece of HVACR evaporator coil and the first return duct inlet from the equipment. Alternatively, plenum208may be a supply plenum that is positioned between the evaporator coil and the first supply duct from the equipment. In one embodiment, two air probe tool202may be installed in an HVACR system. A first air probe tool may be installed in a supply plenum and a second air probe tool may be installed in a return plenum.

Air probe tool202may include one or more sensors in the either the internal portion204, or the external portion206, or both. For example, sensors within internal portion204of air probe tool202may measure a temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, elevation, air quality, and/or air flow rate within plenum208. Sensors within external portion206of air probe tool202may measure a temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, elevation, air quality, and/or air flow rate outside of plenum208.

Air probe tool202may include a transmission mechanism. For example, air probe tool202may include a wifi transmitter that is configured to transmit data through a network, such as the Internet, to an external webserver. In other embodiments, air probe tool202may include a Bluetooth transmitter that may transmit data to a user device. Alternatively still, air probe tool202may transmit data through a wired connection to a user device. Air probe tool202may include one or more internal batteries. Alternatively, air probe tool202may include a power cord that may be plugged into an outlet.

Fluid probe tool210may include an electronic portion212and a band portion214. When installed in an HVACR system, band portion214of fluid probe tool210may be secured around a pipe or conduit that contains a liquid. Band portion214may be adjustable in size to ensure that electronic portion212is in contact with an exterior surface of the pipe or conduit that contains a liquid.

Electronic portion212may include one or more sensors that are configured to contact an exterior surface of a pipe or conduit to which fluid probe tool210is attached. In one embodiment, these sensors may include a thermometer that is configured to measure the temperature of a liquid inside of a pipe or conduit. Electronic portion212may include a thermometer that measures an air temperature outside of a pipe or conduit.

In one embodiment, one or more fluid probe tools210may be installed near inlets/outlets of evaporator barrels, condenser barrels, hot water boilers, and/or cooling towers. For example, in one embodiment, a first fluid probe tool may be installed near the external inlet side of an evaporator barrel and a second fluid probe may be installed near the external outlet side of the evaporator barrel. For reliable heat transfer readings, a good point of contact between the fluid probe and a pipe is necessary. In some cases, external piping insulation will need to be removed for good contact.

Fluid probe tool210may include a transmission mechanism. For example, fluid probe tool210may include a WiFi transmitter that is configured to transmit data through a network, such as the Internet, to an external web server. In other embodiments, fluid probe tool210may include a Bluetooth transmitter that may transmit data to a user device. Alternatively still, fluid probe tool210may transmit data through a wired connection to a user device. Fluid probe tool210may include one or more internal batteries. Alternatively, fluid probe tool210may include a power cord that may be plugged into an outlet.

FIG. 3illustrates an exemplary monitoring system300. Monitoring system300includes a pair of air probes302, a fluid probe304, and a controller306. Air probes302include cables extending from their ends. These cables may be power cables that are configured to plug into an outlet. Alternatively, these cables may communicate measured data to an external device. In some embodiments, air probes302and fluid probe304may include an internal communication mechanism. These communication mechanism may allow the probes to communicate wirelessly via, for example, Bluetooth and/or WiFi. In some embodiments, probes302,304may be connected via a wire to controller306. Controller306may include an internal communication mechanism that allows for wireless communication to external devices. Fluid probe306includes a band and a pair of contact prongs that are configured to make contact with a pipe around which fluid probe306is secured.

FIG. 4illustrates an exemplary login page from a probe app according to the present disclosure. The page illustrated inFIG. 4may be a login screen. A user that has already created an account on the probe app may simply enter his or her email address and a password.

FIG. 5illustrates an exemplary accounts page from a probe app. Once a user has logged into the probe app, he or she can choose to go into an existing customer account or create a new account. The new account may be a residential account or a commercial account.

FIG. 6illustrates an exemplary reports page from a probe app. Through this page, a user can edit data and/or browse existing reports.

FIG. 7illustrates an exemplary residential accounts page from a probe app. Through this page, a user can add a residential account.

FIG. 8illustrates an exemplary commercial accounts page from a probe app. Through this page, a user can add a commercial account.

FIG. 9illustrates an exemplary equipment type page from a probe app. Through this page, a user can select the type of device to which the user may connect. For example, the user may select either air probes or fluid probes.

FIG. 10illustrates an exemplary input page from a probe app. Through this page, a user can provide input on known data so that an analysis can be conducted. The data is separated into five different categories: general, equipment, cooling/heating, duct work, and controls/financial.

FIG. 11illustrates a exemplary general input page from a probe app. Through this page, a user can add general data. Specifically, a user may enter his or her zip code. Some of this data may automatically populate based on the zip code entered, such as air temperature and humidity. All historical data may be saved and used during analysis. Design Min Temp and Design Max Temp may be a calculation created from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommendation of a system designed to work consistently on historic averages.

FIG. 12illustrates an exemplary equipment page from a probe app. Through this page, a user can add equipment data. Specifically, the user may select equipment type, tonnage and enter known airflow cubic feet per minute (CFM) across the indoor coil. If the airflow data is not known, a range may be used and a statistical output will be present in the analysis to show system efficiency accuracy.

FIG. 13illustrates an exemplary cooling page from a probe app. Through this page, a user can add cooling data. Specifically, a user may enter known information that can easily be found on equipment nameplates or by looking up system model numbers. If the cooling system efficiency is already known, or if an analysis is to be performed without the system running, a user may select the cooling override option.

FIGS. 14 and 15illustrate exemplary heating pages from a probe app. Through these pages, a user can add heating data.

FIG. 16illustrates an exemplary controls/financial page from a probe app. Through this page, a user can add controls/financial data. For example, a user may enter a current utility rate and select the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) efficiency of the system.

FIG. 17illustrates an exemplary load test page from a probe app. Through this page, if a user needs to find a space R value, the user can run a load test. The load test outputs are necessary to receive accurate financial data. A user may select the Load Test button and follow instruction provided. The test may take approximately 45 minutes to complete. If the values are already known (for example if the test has already been run), the user may select test override and insert the known values.

FIGS. 18 and 19illustrate exemplary load test advanced settings pages from a probe app. These pages may be advanced settings pages where a user can input device data calibrations. These calibrations may be saved in the probe app so that there is no need to calibrate every time the user logs onto the probe app.

FIGS. 20 to 25illustrate exemplary technical analysis pages from a probe app. These pages provides real-time efficiencies for cooling and heating. These pages also display real-time space and system sensible heat ratios, recommendations on air speed settings and what seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) the system is actually running. A user may select a code button to see receive potential reasons that the system is not running as efficiently as it could be running. These pages may also provide information on how leaky the ductwork is on the system. These pages may display the annual cooling and heating kwh from the HVACR system as well as how over or under sized the system is under the current conditions. Finally, these pages may display the minimum and maximum temperatures possible from the calculations.

FIGS. 26 to 29illustrate exemplary financial analysis pages from a probe app. These pages display how much the cooling, heating, and ductwork is currently costing and an estimation of how much it will cost in the future. These pages also show how much money can be saved if the HVACR system was running at 100% efficiency or the space R-value was improved. The improved R-value may be modified through inputs, however the default may be current plus five. These pages may also show how much money the system currently costs based on the programming set in the input selection. These setpoints may be modified to see how bills would be impacted. These pages also provide a graphical view of the carbon footprint of the HVACR system and the outdoor temperature limits. The carbon footprint values may be pulled from a geographical database that analyzes the type of electricity produced to the address where the HVACR system is located. The carbon footprint may also be calculated based on total fuel consumption, if applicable.

FIGS. 30 to 34illustrate exemplary reporting pages from a probe app. These pages allow a user to select the type of report to view. Technical reports may include very specific details of the system. A customer report may be more simple to understand.FIGS. 32 to 34illustrate an exemplary customer report. Once the type of report is selected, the report(s) may be sent to an email address provided or a pdf view may be generated and saved or printed out.

FIG. 35illustrates an example computer system400that may be employed in a system for measuring and displaying HVACR efficiencies. In some embodiments, the computer system400may be part of any of the systems or devices described in this disclosure. For example, the computer system400may be part of any of the probes104, webserver106, user device108and mobile application marketplace server110ofFIG. 1.

The computer system400may include a processor402, a memory404, a file system406, a communication unit408, an operating system410, a user interface412, and an application414, which all may be communicatively coupled. In some embodiments, the computer system may be, for example, a desktop computer, a client computer, a server computer, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet computer, a portable music player, or any other computer system.

Generally, the processor402may include any suitable special-purpose or general-purpose computer, computing entity, or processing device including various computer hardware or software applications and may be configured to execute instructions stored on any applicable computer-readable storage media. For example, the processor402may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or any other digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret and/or to execute program instructions and/or to process data, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the processor402may interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data stored in the memory404and/or the file system406. In some embodiments, the processor402may fetch program instructions from the file system406and load the program instructions into the memory404. After the program instructions are loaded into the memory404, the processor402may execute the program instructions.

The memory404and the file system406may include computer-readable storage media for carrying or having stored thereon computer-executable instructions or data structures. Such computer-readable storage media may be any available non-transitory media that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, such as the processor402. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media may include non-transitory computer-readable storage media including Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory devices (e.g., solid state memory devices), or any other storage media which may be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. Combinations of the above may also be included within the scope of computer-readable storage media. Computer-executable instructions may include, for example, instructions and data configured to cause the processor402to perform a certain operation or group of operations. These computer-executable instructions may be included, for example, in the operating system410, in one or more applications, such as probes104, webserver106, probe app112, processor114, or user device108ofFIG. 1, or in some combination thereof.

The communication unit408may include any component, device, system, or combination thereof configured to transmit or receive information over a network, such as the network102ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the communication unit408may communicate with other devices at other locations, the same location, or even other components within the same system. For example, the communication unit408may include a modem, a network card (wireless or wired), an infrared communication device, a wireless communication device (such as an antenna), and/or chipset (such as a Bluetooth device, an 802.6 device (e.g., Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)), a WiFi device, a WiMax device, a cellular communication device, etc.), and/or the like. The communication unit408may permit data to be exchanged with a network and/or any other devices or systems, such as those described in the present disclosure.

The operating system410may be configured to manage hardware and software resources of the computer system400and configured to provide common services for the computer system400.

The user interface412may include any device configured to allow a user to interface with the computer system400. For example, the user interface412may include a display, such as an LCD, LED, or other display, that is configured to present video, text, application user interfaces, and other data as directed by the processor402. The user interface412may further include a mouse, a track pad, a keyboard, a touchscreen, volume controls, other buttons, a speaker, a microphone, a camera, any peripheral device, or other input or output device. The user interface412may receive input from a user and provide the input to the processor402. Similarly, the user interface412may present output to a user.

The application414may be one or more computer-readable instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, such as the memory404or the file system406, that, when executed by the processor402, is configured to perform one or more actions of the system. In some embodiments, the application414(e.g., app) may be part of the operating system410or may be part of an application of the computer system400, or may be some combination thereof.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the computer system400without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, although each is illustrated as a single component inFIG. 35, any of the components402-414of the computer system400may include multiple similar components that function collectively and are communicatively coupled. Further, although illustrated as a single computer system, it is understood that the computer system400may include multiple physical or virtual computer systems that are networked together, such as in a cloud computing environment, a multitenancy environment, or a virtualization environment.

As indicated above, the embodiments described herein may include the use of a special purpose or general-purpose computer (e.g., the processor402ofFIG. 35) including various computer hardware or software applications, as discussed in greater detail below. Further, as indicated above, embodiments described herein may be implemented using computer-readable media (e.g., the memory404or file system406ofFIG. 35) for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.

In some embodiments, the different components and applications described herein may be implemented as objects or processes that execute on a computer system (e.g., as separate threads). While some of the methods described herein are generally described as being implemented in software (stored on and/or executed by general purpose hardware), specific hardware implementations or a combination of software and specific hardware implementations are also possible and contemplated.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention as claimed to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention as claimed and various embodiments with various modifications as may be suited to the particular use contemplated.