Water leak early detection system and method

An early leak-detection warning system is disclosed, including an early leak-detection device having a processor operably configured to execute instructions for monitoring a reservoir for a potential undetected leak. The early leak-detection device determines a rate of water loss for the reservoir; determines an expected rate of water loss for the reservoir based on at least one predetermined factor; and compares the rate of water loss to the expected rate of water loss. In response to the rate of water loss exceeding the expected rate of water loss by a predetermined threshold, the system determines that there may be a leak associated with the reservoir.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a water leak early-detection system and method, and more particularly relates to a method and apparatus for continuously monitoring a reservoir for potential leaks, by calculating an expected rate of water loss and comparing the expected rate with a measured rate of water loss in order to determine the probability that a leak exists.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Reservoirs, such as pools, spas, and fountains, require a substantial amount of fresh water to offset effects of evaporation, or loss of water into atmosphere. Average reservoir owners may be in danger of losing thousands of gallons of fresh water annually due to water leaks, or loss of water into the ground. Because it is so hard to distinguish between loss of water due to different factors and during different seasons, leaks in the pool can go undetected until they erode to the point where the owner notices significant deviations from normal operation. As any homeowner is aware, leaks that continue undetected for long periods of time will continue to worsen, and can cause significant damage to the structure itself, as well as surrounding structures. Additionally, leaks are an environmental waste of fresh water, which is particularly troublesome in areas experiencing drought and water supply shortages.

Present proposed solutions for reservoir leak detection requires the owner or operator of the reservoir to already suspect that the leak is occurring and concentrate on detecting actual leak location, rather than act as an overall early-warning leak detection system. Unfortunately, this does not provide a solution for water loss and damage occurring prior to suspecting a leak.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a water leak early detection system and method that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, an early leak-detection warning system including an early leak-detection device including a processor operably configured to execute an executable instruction set for monitoring a reservoir for a potential undetected leak, the executable instruction set stored in a computer readable storage medium and the executable instruction set comprising instructions for: determining a rate of water loss for the reservoir; determining an expected rate of water loss for the reservoir based on at least one predetermined factor; comparing the rate of water loss to the expected rate of water loss; and in response to the rate of water loss exceeding the expected rate of water loss by a predetermined threshold, determining that there may be a leak associated with the reservoir.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes instructions for determining the rate of water loss by receiving information associated with how much water has been added to the reservoir over a time period.

In accordance with a further feature, the reservoir is at least one of: a pool, a spa, a pond, and a fountain.

In accordance with yet another feature, the at least one predetermined factor includes at least one of: an evaporation rate of the reservoir; a temperature associated with the reservoir; a humidity associated with the reservoir; a precipitation measurement associated with the reservoir; statistical information associated with water usage for an area; and statistical information associated with local weather and environmental conditions.

In accordance with another feature, the at least one predetermined factor includes at least one of: wind information associated with the reservoir; a temperature-sensitive material associated with the reservoir; a temperature-sensitive color associated with the reservoir; and a location of the reservoir relative to direct sunlight.

In accordance with a further feature, the system further includes a water flow measurement device: coupled to a fresh water source, communicatively coupled to the early leak-detection device, and operably configured to determine how much fresh water is added to the reservoir from the fresh water source; and the executable instruction set further comprises instructions for receiving information associated with how much fresh water is added from the water flow measurement device.

In accordance with a further feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a remote server: communicatively coupled to a plurality of the early leak-detection devices within an area, operably configured to receive information associated with water usage from the plurality of early leak-detection devices within the area, communicatively coupled to a database for storing said received information from the plurality of early leak-detection devices within the area, and including an executable instruction set comprising instructions for calculating statistical information associated with water usage for the area using the stored information received from the plurality of early leak-detection devices.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one of: a temperature sensor communicatively coupled to the early leak-detection device, the temperature sensor operably configured to measure a temperature and communicate information associated with the measured temperature to the early leak-detection device to calculate the rate of expected water loss for the reservoir; a precipitation sensor communicatively coupled to the early leak-detection device, the precipitation sensor operably configured to measure a precipitation and communicate information associated with the measured precipitation to the early leak-detection device to calculate the rate of expected water loss for the reservoir; and a wind sensor communicatively coupled to the early leak-detection device, the wind sensor operably configured to measure a wind speed and communicate information associated with the measured wind speed to the early leak-detection device to calculate the rate of expected water loss for the reservoir

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless network interface; the at least one predetermined factor includes statistical information associated with local weather and environmental conditions; and the executable instruction set further comprises instructions for receiving the statistical information via the wireless network interface.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless network interface communicatively coupled to the Internet; the at least one predetermined factor includes statistical information associated with local weather and environmental conditions; and the executable instruct set further comprises instructions for receiving the statistical information, via the wireless network interface, from a computer hosting an Internet website, the Internet website providing local weather and environmental information.

In accordance with the present invention, a method for monitoring a reservoir for a potential undetected leak includes detecting a rate of water loss for a reservoir; detecting an expected rate of water loss for the reservoir based on at least one predetermined factor; comparing the rate of water loss to the expected rate of water loss; and in response to the rate of water loss exceeding the expected rate of water loss by a predetermined threshold, detecting that there may be a leak associated with the reservoir.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes determining the rate of water loss by determining how much water is added to the reservoir.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes providing a water flow measurement device: coupled to a fresh water source, and operably configured to determine how much fresh water is added to the reservoir from the fresh water source; and receiving information associated with how much fresh water is added from the water flow measurement device.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes receiving information associated with a probability there is a leak in the reservoir from a remote server, the remote server: communicatively coupled to a database for storing water usage information from an area, and including an executable instruction set comprising instructions for calculating statistical information associated with water usage for the area.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes receiving statistical information associated with local weather and environmental conditions via a wireless network interface to calculate the expected rate of water loss.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, an embodiment of the present invention includes receiving statistical information associated with local weather and environmental conditions via a wireless network interface from a computer hosting an Internet website, the Internet website providing local weather and environmental information.

In accordance with a further feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes an early leak-detection warning system, the system including a water flow measurement device coupled to a fresh water source. The water flow measurement device includes a water flow sensor operably configured to measure water flow from the fresh water source to a reservoir; an early leak-detection device including a processor operably configured to execute an executable instruction set for monitoring the reservoir for a potential undetected leak. The executable instruction set is stored in a computer readable storage medium and the executable instruction set includes instructions for: receiving information associated with a rate of water loss for the reservoir from the water flow measurement device; calculating an expected rate of water loss for the reservoir based on at least one predetermined factor; comparing the rate of water loss to the expected rate of water loss; and in response to the rate of water loss exceeding the expected rate of water loss by a predetermined threshold, determining that there may be a leak associated with the reservoir. The system includes at least one sensor communicatively coupled to the early leak-detection device, the at least one sensor operable to detect at least one of: an evaporation rate of the reservoir; a temperature associated with the reservoir; a humidity associated with the reservoir; and a precipitation amount associated with the reservoir.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of a water surface of water within a water reservoir. The terms “program,” “software application,” and the like as used herein, are defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A “program,” “computer program,” “programming instructions,” “executable instruction set,” or “software application” may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a novel and efficient apparatus, system, and method for continuously monitoring for potential water-leaks associated with a reservoir. Embodiments of the invention provide a method for measuring a rate of water loss for the reservoir, calculating an expected rate of water loss using one or more sensors and/or statistical information, and determining whether there is a potential leak by comparing the measured rate of water loss to the calculated, expected rate of water loss. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide for a method of communicating the potential leak situation to a reservoir owner or operator.

Referring now toFIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in a schematic view.FIG. 1shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of an early leak-detection warning system100, as shown inFIG. 1, includes an early leak-detection device102, a water station104, and a water flow measurement device106.

FIG. 1will be described in conjunction with the process flow chart ofFIG. 6. The process ofFIG. 6begins at step600and moves directly to step602, where the early leak-detection device102determines a rate of water loss for the reservoir110.

The early leak-detection device102can be an electronic device having a processor. The processor can be operably configured to execute an executable instruction set for monitoring a reservoir110for a potential undetected leak112. The executable instruction set can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. The executable instruction set can include instructions for carrying out the various methods and processes described herein. Although the various methods and processes described herein may be described as being performed by either of the leak-detection warning system100, the water station104, the water flow measurement device106, or other components it is understood that the invention is not limited to performance by any one component.

The early leak-detection device102can determine the rate of water loss by receiving information associated with how much water has been added to the reservoir110over a time period. The information can be water flow measurements from the water flow measurement device106. The water flow measurement device106can be coupled to a fresh water source120, such as a water outlet coupled to a structure associated with and proximate to the reservoir110. In other embodiments, the measurement device106can be fluidly coupled with any water source. The water flow measurement device106is operably configured to detect a rate of water flow from the fresh water source120into the reservoir110, i.e., the amount of water added to the reservoir110. The water flow measurement device106can be communicatively coupled to the early leak-detection device102for communication information associated with how much fresh water is added to the early leak-detection device102. As used herein, the term “water flow measurement device” is intended to indicate any component operable to detect a rate of water flow for determining how much water is input into the reservoir110. In one embodiment, the water flow measurement device106can be considered a water-loss detection device, the water-loss detection device operable to determine the rate of water loss for the reservoir110. In some embodiments, the early leak-detection device102and the water-loss detection device are incorporated into the same structure. In alternative embodiments, the early leak-detection device102and the water-loss detection device are structurally separate and independent of one another.

In one embodiment, the rate of water loss for the reservoir110is proportional to the amount of water added to the reservoir110. In another embodiment, the early leak-detection device102includes the water flow measurement device106, or another water flow sensing device, such that it may detect how much water is added to the reservoir110, internally, as opposed to receiving water flow measurements from an external component. In an alternative embodiment, the early leak-detection device102receives information associated with how much fresh water is added to the reservoir110from a water level sensor disposed within the reservoir110. In other embodiments, the early leak-detection device102can receive such information from a water-level maintenance system. In further embodiments, the early leak-detection device102can receive such information through a user-input from a user-input interface communicatively coupled to the processor of the early leak-detection device102. The user-input interface can be a touchscreen display, a keypad, a keyboard, a mouse, a dial, or any other use-input interface operable to receive input from a user.

In step604, the early leak-detection device102determines an expected rate of water loss for the reservoir110based on at least one predetermined factor. The at least one predetermined factor can be an environmental factor. As used herein, the term “environmental factor” is intended to indicate any factor relating to or arising from the surrounds of the reservoir110. In one embodiment, the early leak-detection device102calculates the expected rate of water loss based on at least one predetermined factor that is received from one or more external sensors and statistical information sources. In one embodiment, the sensor can be a temperature sensor operably configured to measure a temperature of water within the reservoir110, near a top surface of the reservoir110. The temperature sensor can be communicatively coupled to the processor of the early leak-detection device102and be operably configured to communicate information associated with the measured temperature to the processor to calculate the rate of expected water loss for the reservoir110. In another embodiment, the sensor can be a temperature sensor operably configured to detect a temperature of air substantially proximate the top surface of water within the reservoir110. Temperature associated with the water in the reservoir110and air proximate the top surface of water in the reservoir110will affect evaporation rates of water within the reservoir110. Accordingly, predetermined factors used to determine and calculate the expected rate of water loss is an evaporate rate and a temperature associated with the reservoir110.

In further embodiments, one of the predetermined factors can include user-input information regarding whether the reservoir110is comprised of a temperature-sensitive material and whether the reservoir110includes a temperature-sensitive color, such as including a black bottom pool, which will tend to absorb more sunlight than other colors. In yet another embodiment, one of the predetermined factors can be a location of the reservoir110relative to direct sunlight. For example, the user can indicate via the user-input interface, whether the reservoir110is, for example, an indoor pool, with or without a sunroof, or whether the reservoir110is an outdoor reservoir110, which receives a substantial amount of direct sunlight, affecting temperature and, therefore, evaporation rates.

In yet another embodiment, the predetermined factor can be a humidity associated with the reservoir110. The water station104can include a humidity sensor operably configured to measure a humidity of air proximate the top surface of water within the reservoir110. In one embodiment, the water station104is disposed within the reservoir110and includes the temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of water and air proximate the water surface area122. In one embodiment, the reservoir110is a swimming pool. In other embodiments, the reservoir110is a spa, a pond, or a fountain. The term “reservoir” is intended to indicate any container where fluid collects.

In another embodiment, the user can input information associated with the top surface area122of the water within the reservoir110for more accurately calculating the expected evaporation rate. The user can input the physical dimensions of the reservoir. In another embodiment, the user can add a measured amount of water to the reservoir110and determine how much the water level rose as a result of adding the measured amount of water. This information can be input into the early leak-detection device102via the user-interface and the early leak-detection device102can calculate the surface area122of the reservoir110.

In yet another embodiment, the predetermined factor can be a precipitation measurement and the sensor can be a precipitation sensor114communicatively coupled to the processor of the early leak-detection device102. The precipitation sensor114can be operably configured to measure a precipitation at the reservoir110and communicate information associated with the measured precipitation to the processor to calculate the rate of expected water loss for the reservoir110. Precipitation is a natural source of water, which may add water to the reservoir110, if the reservoir is located outdoors. The early leak-detection device102can use precipitation measurements to offset the expected water loss of the reservoir110.

In a further embodiment, the predetermined factor can be wind information associated with the reservoir110and the sensor can be a wind sensor116communicatively coupled to the processor of the early leak-detection device102. The wind sensor116can be operably configured to measure a wind speed and communicate information associated with the measured wind speed to the processor to calculate the rate of expected water loss for the reservoir110. In yet another embodiment, the predetermined factor can be statistical information associated with local weather and environmental conditions.

The early leak-detection device102can be operably configured to receive local weather-related statistical information from national or local databases accessible a wide-area network, a local-area network, or the like, via the Internet. The early leak-detection warning system100can further include a network interface. The network interface can be included within the early leak-detection device102. The network interface can facilitate communication between components of the system100via wires of a wired, or wireless signals124within a wireless network. In one embodiment, the early leak-detection device102can be operably configured to receive statistical information, via a wireless network interface, from a computer hosting an Internet website, the Internet website providing local weather and environmental information.

In one embodiment, the above-described sensors can be included in the early leak-detection device102. In alternative embodiments, the above-described sensors can be external to the early leak-detection device102, requiring a wired or wireless connection with the device102for communicating information therebetween. For example, one or more of the above-described sensors can be included in the water station104. In another embodiment, one or more of the above-described sensors can be coupled to the structure proximate the reservoir110. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the precipitation sensor114and the wind sensor116can be disposed on a roof of the structure.

In step606, the early leak-detection device102compares the determined rate of water loss to the expected rate of water loss. The comparison can be a determination of the difference or ratio between the determined rate of water loss with the expected rate of water loss. In step608, the early leak-detection device102can query whether the determined rate of water loss exceeds the expected rate of water loss by a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is stored in non-volatile memory of the early leak-detection device102for access to the threshold value whenever a comparison is desired to be performed. In one embodiment, the predetermined threshold is a value input by the user via the user-input interface. In another embodiment, the predetermined threshold is a default value stored in memory. The default value can represent a substantial deviation from an average expected rate of water loss according to average national or location temperatures associated with seasonal use of the reservoir110or other pertinent factors. The predetermined threshold can be an amount calculated by the early leak-detection device102according to various physical and environmental factors input by the user and detected by sensors coupled to the early leak-detection device102.

In step610, in response to the rate of determined water loss exceeding the expected rate of water loss by the predetermined threshold, the early leak-detection device102can determine that there may be a leak associated with the reservoir110. The early leak-detection device102may assign a percentage value associated with how much the detected water loss rate exceeds the expected water loss rate. This percentage value can be communicated to the reservoir owner or operator as an indication of the likelihood that a leak may exist. The predetermined threshold can include a plurality of threshold values, where if an initial minimum threshold value is met, a determination that a leak may exist is made, and where increasing threshold values are met, an increasing likelihood of a leak is communicated to the reservoir owner or operator. For example, a first threshold may be 5% and a second threshold may be 10%. Accordingly, where the rate of determined water loss exceeds the expected rate of water loss by 5%, an initial warning is communicated to the reservoir owner or operator that there may be a leak. When the rate of determined water loss exceeds the expected rate of water loss by 10%, a stronger warning is communicated to the reservoir owner or operator that there is a high likelihood of a leak.

In step612, the early leak-detection device102communicates that there may be a leak associated with the reservoir110to the reservoir owner or operator. In one embodiment, the device102can provide an audio signal indicating a potential leak condition. In another embodiment, the device102can provide a visual indicator, such as a flashing light and a message on a display coupled to the device102. In yet another embodiment, the device102can communicate to another electronic device associated with the reservoir owner or operator. The communication can include a message indicating that a potential leak has been detected. In further embodiments, the message, visual indication, or audio signal can be tailored to provide increasing urgency as the likelihood of a leak increases. For example, the message can indicate a percentage associated with the likelihood or include increasingly stronger language. The audio signal can increase in volume and frequency as the likelihood increases. The flashing light can change colors according to the likelihood of a leak.

In step614, the process queries whether the early leak-detection warning system100should continue to monitor for potential leaks. If the answer is yes, the process continues to step602, and the cycle repeats. If the answer is no, the process ends at step616. In a preferred embodiment, the early leak-detection warning system100continuously monitors for potential leaks to protect against water damage and water waste.

Referring now primarily toFIG. 2, a block diagram of a data processing system200that may be used to implement processes and methods described herein, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, is presented. The data processing system200may be a symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) system including a plurality of processors202and204connected to system bus206. Alternatively, a single processor system may be employed. Also, connected to system bus206is memory controller/cache208, which provides an interface to local memory210. An I/O bus bridge238is connected to system bus206and provides an interface to I/O bus212. The memory controller/cache208and I/O bus bridge238may be integrated as depicted. The processor202or204in conjunction with memory controller208controls what data is stored in memory210. The processor202and/or204and memory controller208can serve as a data counter for counting the rate of data flow to the memory210or from the memory210and can also count the total volume of data accessed to or from the memory210. The processor202or204can also work in conjunction with any other memory device or storage location.

Peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus bridge214connected to I/O bus212provides an interface to PCI local bus216. A number of modems218, or wireless cards, may be connected to PCI bus216. Typical PCI bus implementations will support four PCI expansion slots or add-in connectors. PCI includes, but is not necessarily limited to, PCI-X and PCI Express components. Communications links between components of the water leak-detection warning system100inFIG. 1may be provided through the modem218and network adapter220connected to PCI local bus216through add-in boards.

Additional PCI bus bridges222and224provide interfaces for additional PCI buses226and228, from which additional modems or network adapters may be supported. In this manner, the data processing system200allows connections to a multiple network of computers. A graphics adapter230and hard disk220may also be connected to I/O bus212as depicted, either directly or indirectly.

FIGS. 3-5illustrate exemplary embodiments of components of the early leak-detection warning system100that may implement methods and processes described herein. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to any one component executing any particular method or process steps. Additionally, although the description and/or figures may indicate functionality being executed by firmware or hardware, it is understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited in such manner.

Referring now primarily toFIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment of the early leak-detection device102is illustrated. The early leak-detection device102includes a local data processing feature304, a memory backup306, a data interpreter308, and a network protocol driver310, shown implemented as firmware. The early leak-detection device102further includes a power supply312, a radio receiver314, a user interface316, a battery charger318, a backup battery320, and a network interface322, shown implemented as hardware components.

The local data processing feature304monitors local data, such as information received from external sensors and servers communicatively coupled to the early leak-detection device102, and processes said local data. The memory backup306can be provided to store information and data in non-volatile memory for later use. In one embodiment, the memory backup306can store information and data when the server communicatively coupled to the early leak-detection device102is unavailable to receive sensor information or other data. In another embodiment, the server can be a cloud, where software applications and information within a database are stored through a distributed network, such as the Internet, as opposed to on a dedicated hard drive. The network protocol driver310facilitates communication between the remote server, allowing sensor information and other data to be communicated to the server and allowing the early leak-detection device102to receive information associated with a potential leak. The data interpreter308receives sensor information for processing. In one embodiment, the data interpreter308receives sensor information from remotely located sensors via wireless radio waves124, as illustrated inFIG. 1. The wireless radio waves124are received through the radio receiver314. The power supply312provides power to the early leak-detection device102. The backup battery320provides a backup power supply to the early leak-detection device102and the battery charger318facilitates charging of the backup battery320. The user-interface316allows the reservoir owner or operator to input various operational parameters and view leak-detection status. In alternative embodiments, the user-interface316can be a touchscreen display, a keypad, a keyboard, a mouse, a dial, or any other use-input interface operable to receive input from the user. The network interface322can be, for example, a network interface card that allows for communication between the early leak-detection device102and the server, via a network. In one embodiment, the network interface322is operable to facilitate communication over a wireless network, such as the Internet or a cellular network. In another embodiment, the network interface322is operable to facilitate communication over a wired network via, for example, an Ethernet connection.

Referring now primarily toFIG. 4, an exemplary embodiment of the water station104is illustrated. The water station104includes a sensor analyzer402, a memory backup404, a sensor interface406, and a communication manager408, shown implemented as firmware. The water station104further includes a solar panel410, a solar intensity meter412, at least one sensor414, a battery charger416, a backup battery418, and a radio transmitter420, shown implemented as hardware components.

The sensor analyzer402receives and processes information received from the at least one sensor414. The memory backup404can be provided to store information and data in non-volatile memory for later use. In one embodiment, the memory backup404can store information and data when the radio communication link is unavailable for transmitting sensor information to the early leak-detection device102. The sensor interface406converts analog information received from the at least one sensor414into digital information that can be processed by the sensor analyzer402. The communications manager408prepares sensor information to be communicated to the early leak-detection device102. In one embodiment, the communications manager408encodes sensor information and includes said information into a communications data packet to be transmitted to the radio receiver314of the early leak-detection device102, via the radio transmitter420.

In one embodiment, the solar panel410is provided as a power source for the water station104. The solar panel410is operable to receive sunlight and convert the sunlight into usable energy. The solar intensity meter412monitors output from the solar panel410to determine the solar intensity of sunlight proximate the water surface area122. This information can be used to determine the expected rate of water loss for the reservoir110. In one embodiment, the at least one sensor414is a temperature sensor operable to determine a temperature of the water and air proximate the water surface area122. In a further embodiment, the at least one sensor414is a humidity sensor operable to determine a humidity proximate the water surface area122. This information can be used to determine the expected rate of water loss for the reservoir110. The backup battery418provides a backup power supply to the water station104and the battery charger416facilitates charging of the backup battery418. In a preferred embodiment, the water station104is disposed within the reservoir110, while the early leak-detection device102is disposed within the building, such as the user's home. Advantageously, this allows the user to view system status, including a potential leak status, without having to be at the reservoir area.

Referring now primarily toFIG. 5, an exemplary embodiment of the water flow measurement device106is illustrated. The water flow measurement device106includes a local data processing feature502a memory backup504, a sensor interface506, and a communication manager508, shown implemented as firmware. The water flow measurement device106further includes a water turbine510, a water flow meter512, a radio transmitter514, a user interface516, a power generator518, a battery charger520, a water valve driver522, a water valve524, and a battery backup526, shown implemented as hardware components.

The local data processing feature502receives water flow measurement information from the water flow meter512and processes the information to determine how much water was added to the reservoir110. The memory backup504can be provided to store information and data in non-volatile memory for later use. In one embodiment, the memory backup504can store information and data when the radio communication link is unavailable for transmitting sensor information to the early leak-detection device102. The sensor interface506receives water flow measurements from the water flow meter512. The communication manager508prepares sensor information to be communicated to the early leak-detection device102. In one embodiment, the communications manager408encodes the water measurement information and includes said information into a communications data packet to be transmitted to the radio receiver314of the early leak-detection device102, via the radio transmitter514.

The water turbine510is operable to discharge water at a flow rate, which can be used for determining how much water is added to the reservoir110from the fresh water source120. The water flow meter512is a water flow sensor operably configured to measure a rotational speed of the turbine510for determining how much water is added to the reservoir110from the fresh water source120. The user interface516is operably configured to allow the reservoir owner or operator to input various operational parameters. In one embodiment, the user interface516is operably configured to allow the reservoir owner or operator to input a value representing a specific amount of water to be added into the reservoir110. This can be provided to assist the user with determining the water surface area122of the reservoir110for calculating the expected evaporation rate. In alternative embodiments, the user-interface316can be a touchscreen display, a keypad, a keyboard, a mouse, a dial, or any other use-input interface operable to receive input from the user. In a further embodiment, the power generator518is operable to convert energy from the water flow into usable power for the water flow measurement device106. The battery backup526provides a backup power supply to the water flow measurement device106, even when water is now flowing, and the battery charger520facilitates charging of the battery backup526. The water valve driver522includes circuitry configured to operate the water valve524for releasing and stopping water flow from the fresh water source120into the reservoir110, whereby a releasing and a stopping water flow from the fresh water120into the reservoir110may be considered an individual refill session.

Referring now primarily toFIG. 7, a process flow chart for another exemplary process in accordance with the present invention is illustrated, where the early leak-detection device102is communicatively coupled to a remote server700. The process ofFIG. 7starts at step702and moves directly to step704, where the early leak-detection device102receives sensor information from one or more sensors104,116,114,106communicatively coupled to the early leak-detection device102via a wired or wireless communication link124. The process continues to step706, where the early leak-detection device102queries whether water was added to the reservoir110. This can be determined by receiving water measurements from the water flow measurement device106. In step708, the early leak-detection device102continues to monitor how much water is added from the fresh water source120. In step710, the early leak-detection device102queries whether water is being added through precipitation. This is determined by receiving precipitation measurements from the precipitation sensor114. In step712, the early leak-detection device102processes the measurements received from the sensors104,116,114,106. This processing can include determining the measured rate of water loss for the reservoir110; determining the expected rate of water loss; and comparing the measured rate with the expected rate for determining whether there may be a leak associated with the reservoir110. In step714, the early leak-detection device102updates the user interface to communicate or indicate the most recent system status to the user.

In step716, information associated with the amount of water added to the reservoir110is communicated to the remote server700via a wired or wireless communication link124. User-input operational parameters, such as the reservoir surface area122, and sensor information can also be communicated to the remote server700. User-input operational parameters particular to the user's reservoir110can be used to normalize the water usage data for being able to compare water usage information from a plurality of early leak-detection devices102that may be associated with differing types of reservoirs108. In a preferred embodiment, the remote server700is operably configured to receive information associated with water loss from the plurality of early leak-detection devices102within a particular area. In step718, the information received from the early leak-detection device102is stored within a database720. The database720can be a non-volatile memory or other data storage device communicatively coupled to the remove server700.

In one embodiment, the remove server700is a computer within the cloud. The database720can be a central database, storing all water loss, environmental and weather information for all users. Accordingly, the database720can include statistical information associated with water loss for a particular area received from the plurality of early leak-detection devices102within the area. Advantageously, this can provide a centralized system whereby water loss for a particular area, such as a neighborhood, a county, a city, or a state, can be calculated, monitored, and/or analyzed to provide statistical information that may be useful for water conservation efforts and for determining whether one user is consuming more water than similarly situated-users within the same area, constituting a potential leak condition. In one embodiment, the remote server700can include an executable instruction set with instructions for calculating statistical information associated with water loss information for the particular area using information stored in the database720, which was received from the plurality of early leak-detection devices102. In other words, if the early leak-detection device102determines that there is more water loss than detected by other early leak-detection devices102within the area, there is potentially a leak condition.

In another embodiment, each of the plurality of early leak-detection devices102can detect one another within a particular proximity relative to each other. Users can be prompted to input their addresses during an initial installation/registration process. Each of early leak-detection devices102can communicate with one another and determine which of the devices102is within the same neighborhood or area by comparing address information. If the early leak-detection device102determines that the water loss is higher than water loss of other homes within the neighborhood or area by a predetermined threshold, the early leak-detection device102can determine that a potential leak may exist.

In step722, the remote server700receives statistical information associated with local weather and environmental conditions. In one embodiment, the statistical information is received from local or national weather services. In step724, the remote server700compares water usage against other users within the same region or area, or with similar weather conditions for determining whether the user is adding more water than other similarly-situated users. The greater the difference, the greater the likelihood that the user has a leak. In step726, the remove server700calculates the probability that the user has a leak. In step728, the early leak-detection device102receives said probability information from the remote server700, which is then updated at the user interface of the early leak-detection device102, in step714. The user-interface update can be in the form of an audio signal transmitted through a speaker coupled to the early leak-detection device102; a visual indicator, such as a flashing light; or a message visible on a display coupled to the device102. In step730, the remote server700queries whether the probability exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the answer is yes, a notification message is communicated to the user in step732. The notification message can be an email, a text message to a cellular mobile device, a pre-recorded voice message, and the like. If the answer is no, the process ends at step734. In a preferred embodiment, as discussed above, the process continuously monitors for a potential leak.

An early leak-detection warning system, method, and apparatus has been disclosed that continuously monitors for potential water leaks associated with a reservoir, such as a pool, a spa, or a fountain. Advantageously, the present invention prevents costly water loss and structural damage associated with water leaks by detecting a potential leak before the leak worsens to the point of visually noticeable operational deviations. The present invention also provides a system for congregating water usage information for all users in a centralized database to provide statistical information useful for water conservation efforts within a particular region.