Patent Description:
Spas include variable features or functions, which are available to enhance a user's experience in the spa. For example, spas also often include sensors and electronic circuitry for monitoring spa conditions (e.g., water temperature, turbidity, chemical concentrations). Output from such sensors can be used to monitor spa operation and to emit an alert or notification if a fault is detected. Other spa features can include self-testing and alert generating components, water pumps, water jets, lights, and stereo systems. Typically, these features or functions have been controlled by a main control panel, such as a touchscreen built into the spa tub. Sensor readings may also be displayed on the main control panel. In some spa systems, functions can also be controlled by a dedicated remote control device, which can transmit commands to the spa.

In addition, a number of systems are known for transmitting sensor output from a spa to a remote computer network or device. Transmitted information can be accessed through a website or App to provide users with real time or periodically updated information about the spa.

For example, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT> are directed to methods of monitoring a bathing system which measure electrical current drawn by the bathing system to determine whether the system is operating under normal or abnormal operating conditions. Results of the comparison can be transmitted wirelessly to a remote device.

<CIT> and <CIT> are directed to user interface displays which display information about different settings or operating modes, such as ambience settings or low energy modes, for a bathing system. The user interface can be accessed through a remote device, such as a smart phone. The user interface can provide information about how long an ambience setting or mode has been in use, or about what operational settings of the bathing unit are associated with a selected ambience setting. Documents <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> describe further spa monitoring and controlling systems.

However, improved spa communication and control systems would be of benefit. For example, systems which improve accessibility of sensor information and which provide more robust remote control of the spa would improve user experiences. The devices and systems disclosed herein are designed to provide such benefits.

The invention relates to a remote control and monitoring system for spa as claimed in claim <NUM>. Additional features are defined in the dependent claims.

These and other features and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limit of the invention.

As used herein, the singular form of "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For the purposes of this specification, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, dimensions, physical characteristics, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about.

As used herein, the terms "right", "left", "top", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention can assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting. Also, it is to be understood that the invention can assume various alternative variations and stage sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are examples.

As used herein, the terms "communication" and "communicate" refer to the receipt or transfer of one or more signals, messages, commands, or other type of data. For one unit or component to be in communication with another unit or component means that the one unit or component is able to directly or indirectly receive data from and/or transmit data to the other unit or component. This can refer to a direct or indirect connection that can be wired and/or wireless in nature. Additionally, two units or components can be in communication with each other even though the data transmitted can be modified, processed, routed, and the like between the first and second unit or component. For example, a first unit can be in communication with a second unit even though the first unit passively receives data and does not actively transmit data to the second unit. As another example, a first unit can be in communication with a second unit if an intermediary unit processes data from one unit and transmits processed data to the second unit. It will be appreciated that numerous other arrangements are possible.

The present invention is generally directed to a system <NUM>, <NUM> for remote monitoring and control of one or more spas <NUM> using a computer or handheld electronic device (e.g., smartphone) with Internet connectivity. The system <NUM> can be configured to permit remote monitoring and control of one or more spas <NUM> utilizing a web-based portal or App accessible by a spa owner, spa dealer, or another authorized party. The web portal or App provides a user interface (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) which allows a user to: control different components and devices on the spa <NUM>; schedule spa operations remotely; and review real-time or previously collected data (e.g., diagnostic information, pump/heater data, water parameters, fault logs, etc.) uploaded from the spa <NUM> to the website. The user interface may also provide notifications about faults or errors identified by the spa controller and scheduled maintenance activities.

An example of a hot tub or spa <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The spa <NUM> can include a frame <NUM>, a shell <NUM>, and a basin <NUM>. The frame <NUM> of the spa <NUM> is the skeleton of the spa <NUM> and outlines the basic shape of the spa <NUM>. The shell <NUM> can cover at least a portion of the frame <NUM> and can give the spa <NUM> a more finished appearance. The basin <NUM> can be defined by the shell <NUM> of the spa <NUM> and is a cavity configured to receive and retain water.

In some examples, the spa <NUM> can also include a number of additional components for improving user experience. For example, the spa <NUM> can include one or more jets <NUM> for providing a pressurized stream of water or air into the basin <NUM>. Jets <NUM> can be arranged at different locations in the basin <NUM>, such as to provide air or water flow to areas of the user's body (e.g., arms, back, legs, neck, etc.), which may benefit from increased pressure. The spa <NUM> can also include audio/visual entertainment features for providing entertainment or distraction while using the spa <NUM>. Components of the entertainment features, such as speakers <NUM>, lights <NUM>, or a television display <NUM>, may be positioned at different portions of the frame <NUM> or shell <NUM>.

The spa <NUM> also includes a main control panel <NUM> for controlling operation of the spa components. The control panel <NUM> can include buttons and switches for controlling the spa or can include a touchscreen display. The control panel <NUM> can also include a visual display for showing which spa components are turned on or off and for displaying information collected by sensors. For example, the display can show a current water temperature and/or a target water temperature.

A schematic drawing of electronic components of the spa <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The spa <NUM> can include a controller <NUM> in electrical communication with the control panel <NUM> and with a plurality of onboard sensors. The controller <NUM> can be a computer processor or computer device, as is known in the art, including computer readable memory with instructions that, when executed, cause the controller <NUM> to receive information from sources including the on-board sensors, user input devices, the control panel <NUM>, as well as from remote sources through a communication interface, process the received information, and control operation of the spa <NUM> based on the received information. The controller <NUM> may also be configured to cause the communications interface to send processed information to remote devices.

As is known in the art, the spa <NUM> includes electronic devices for conditioning water contained in the basin <NUM>. For example, the spa <NUM> can include an electric circulation pump <NUM> and a heater <NUM>. The spa can also include an ozone system or UV system <NUM> for sanitizing the spa water. The circulation pump <NUM> can be configured to conduct water from the basin <NUM> through a filter <NUM> and the heater <NUM> back to the basin <NUM>. The pump <NUM> and heater <NUM> can be electrically coupled to the controller <NUM> and configured to receive operating instructions from the controller <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> can be configured to turn the pump <NUM> and heater <NUM> on or off based on input from the user or measurements from sensors for measuring water parameters (e.g., temperature, pH, turbidity, etc.) contained in the basin <NUM>. In one example, a target water temperature value can be preset or entered by the user. The controller <NUM> can be configured to activate the pump <NUM> and heater <NUM> when a measured water temperature is below the target value and to turn off the pump <NUM> and heater <NUM> when the water temperature is at or above the target value.

As indicated above, the spa <NUM> also includes a plurality of different types of onboard sensors for monitoring a condition of the spa water and spa components. Sensors for measuring a condition of the water can include a water temperature sensor <NUM> disposed in the basin <NUM> or tubing between the basin <NUM> and pump <NUM>. The spa <NUM> can also include sensors for measuring water chemistry. For example, a water care or chemical sensor <NUM> may measure water pH or sanitizer levels (e.g., chlorine level) to ensure that spa chemicals are being provided in an expected manner. In some examples, the spa <NUM> can include a turbidity sensor <NUM> positioned in the basin <NUM>. The turbidity sensor <NUM> can be configured to measure whether water in the spa <NUM> is clear or cloudy. The spa <NUM> can also include environmental sensors, such as an ambient temperature sensor <NUM> and an ambient humidity sensor <NUM>.

In some examples, the spa <NUM> can also include or be configured to use information acquired from an optical sensor <NUM> configured to read or record results from different analyte test strips. For example, the optical sensor <NUM> can be a camera which records an image of a test strip before and after water has been exposed to the strip. The captured images can be processed by the spa controller <NUM> to determine test results.

The spa <NUM> also includes sensors for measuring a condition of spa components. For example, the spa <NUM> can include a flow sensor <NUM> positioned near the filter <NUM> for measuring water flow through the filter <NUM>. A decrease in water flow through the filter <NUM> would indicate that the filter <NUM> is clogged or full and should be cleaned or replaced. The spa <NUM> can also include power sensors <NUM> for measuring incoming power and current drawn by certain spa electronics. The power sensor <NUM> would identify a loss of electrical power to the spa <NUM> from, for example, a loss of electricity. The power sensor <NUM> can also identify power drawn by different spa electronics. Large changes in power used by an electronic component would indicate that the component is operating in an unexpected manner and may need to be serviced or replaced.

In other examples, the power sensor <NUM> is configured to measure electrical current or power provided to the spa <NUM> from a power source, such as an electrical outlet. For example, the power sensor <NUM> could be connected to and/or in electrical communication with a main power line extending from a plug configured to be connected to an electrical outlet. In that case, the power sensor <NUM> measures power (e.g., phase and magnitude of AC current) provided from the power source to the spa <NUM>. For example, measurements from the power sensor <NUM> could be used to determine when voltage applied to the spa <NUM> is too low (e.g., <NUM> volts instead of <NUM> volts). Measurements from the power sensor <NUM> could also be used to identify loss of power or power surges. Information about power loss or surges could be provided to the user through the communications features described herein.

In some examples, the spa <NUM> can also include sensors for monitoring a condition of the spa <NUM> during shipping and prior to installation. For example, the spa <NUM> can include inertia or motion sensors, such as one or more gyroscopes or accelerometers <NUM>, for identifying if the spa <NUM> has been mishandled (e.g., dropped or damaged in another manner) during shipping. For example, the gyroscopes or accelerometers <NUM> can be configured to identify linear movement or acceleration of the spa <NUM>, which would indicate that the spa <NUM> was dropped or fell over, as may occur if the spa <NUM> is not properly secured during shipping. Information received from the gyroscopes or accelerometers <NUM> can also be used to identify sudden impacts or severe vibration of the spa <NUM>, as would occur if the spa <NUM> were hit or otherwise contacted by objects with sufficient force to damage the spa shell <NUM> or electronic components contacted therein. In other examples, pressure sensors, strain gauges, and similar sensing devices can be used in combination with the gyroscopes and accelerometers <NUM> to identify drops or impact. For example, pressure sensors could be positioned on different portions of the spa shell <NUM> and configured to measure impact force against the portions of the shell <NUM>.

In order to operate the sensors during shipping and prior to installation, the spa <NUM> further includes a battery <NUM> for providing power to the controller <NUM> and sensors when the spa <NUM> is not connected to a power source. In that case, the spa <NUM> can also include a battery level sensor <NUM> for measuring a battery level of the battery <NUM>. The spa <NUM> may also include a location determining sensor or location determining circuitry, such as a global positioning system (GPS) device <NUM>, for monitoring a location of the spa <NUM> during shipping.

The spa <NUM> also includes a communications interface <NUM>, such as a cellular or wireless transceiver, for communicating information from spa <NUM> to a central server or monitoring station and for receiving operating instructions from the central server or monitoring station. In a preferred example, the communications interface <NUM> is a cellular transceiver <NUM>. In that case, the interface <NUM> can also include a transceiver battery <NUM> for powering the transceiver <NUM> if electric power is lost. The battery <NUM> can also be configured to provide power to the transceiver <NUM> during shipping, when the spa <NUM> is not connected to an electrical outlet, for providing information about the shipping process (e.g., tracking and drop detection features). In some examples, the spa <NUM> is configured to upload data to and receives instructions from a remote computer network through the cellular transceiver <NUM>. In most cases (e.g., when the spa <NUM> is located in an area with high-bandwidth cellular reception), the spa <NUM> communicates through the cellular transceiver <NUM> and cellular network. In particular, once the spa <NUM> is installed at an installation location, the cellular transceiver <NUM> is configured to establish a steady periodic contact with an area cellular network for providing a steady connection therewith.

If cellular reception is not available, a WiFi dongle or adapter <NUM> can be used to communicate with a user's home wireless network. In that case, data is sent from the spa <NUM> to the WiFi adapter <NUM> by a cellular signal sent by the cellular transceiver <NUM>. The WiFi adapter <NUM> converts the cellular signal to a WiFi signal. The WiFi signal is transmitted to the remote server or to the Internet using a home wireless network and internet connection.

In some examples, the spa <NUM> is configured to receive wireless software updates through the communications interface <NUM>. In some cases, a software update can be sent in response to a detected fault. In other examples, a spa manufacturer may send software updates to multiple spas at different locations at the same time. In some cases, users may need to agree or opt-in to receive automated software updates.

A system <NUM> for remotely monitoring and controlling the spa <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. As described above, the spa <NUM> is configured to send information to and receive instructions from a central server <NUM>. Communication between the spa <NUM> and central server <NUM> is preferably over a cellular network through the cellular transceiver <NUM> located on the spa <NUM> and one or more cellular towers <NUM> of the network. Communication with the central server <NUM> can also be over the Internet through the WiFi dongle or adapter <NUM> and a user's WiFi router <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and home network.

The central server <NUM> can be a cloud-based computer network and database including a communications or network interface and memory for storing computer readable information about the spa <NUM>. For example, sensor readings obtained by the spa <NUM> can be stored on the cloud based network. In addition, user preferences, error logs, maintenance schedules, and similar information for operating the spa <NUM> can also be stored on the server <NUM>. In some examples, the central server <NUM> is maintained by a spa manufacturer and includes information about the spa, such as baseline diagnostic test values, obtained before the spa <NUM> was shipped. In that case, as described herein, certain diagnostic activities can be performed remotely on the central server <NUM>.

The central server <NUM> can be associated with a manned monitoring station <NUM>, such as a customer service facility manned by service technicians. In that case, information collected by the spa <NUM> and sent to the central server <NUM> can be manually reviewed. If certain faults are detected, service technicians can schedule a service call or other appropriate action.

The central server <NUM> can be associated with a user accessible website or web portal <NUM> including a user interface for displaying information collected by the sensors associated with the spa. As is known in the art, a web portal is a website or Internet location that displays information from different sources such as other internet-enabled devices, databases, other webpages, and other networks. The website or web portal <NUM> can also be used for remotely controlling the spa in real time or for scheduling spa operations for a future time. The web portal <NUM> can be accessed by a spa user with a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone <NUM>. Exemplary user interface screens, which can be displayed on the web portal, are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, a system <NUM> for remotely receiving information from and controlling multiple spas 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d is illustrated. The system <NUM> can be used by a spa dealer to monitor a fleet of spas and to provide service if faults or errors are identified. The system <NUM> includes the central server <NUM> in wired or wireless communication with the spas 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. As previously described, some spas 10a, 10b communicate with the central server <NUM> over a cellular network including cell towers <NUM>. Other spas 10c, 10d communicate with the central server <NUM> over the WiFi routers 112c, 112d and the Internet <NUM>. The central server <NUM> is configured to receive information from the spas 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, process the information, and make the information available to the spa dealer or another third party over a dealer web portal <NUM>. The spa dealer can access the web portal <NUM> using a computer <NUM> or similar device for reviewing the status of the multiple spas 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. In some examples, the dealer can also remotely control the spas 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d by entering instructions through a user interface on the web portal <NUM>.

An exemplary user interface screen <NUM> for the website or web portal accessible by a user for monitoring and remotely controlling the spa is shown in <FIG>. The exemplary screen <NUM> includes a plurality of sections with different information about the spa <NUM> and related topics. In some examples, the user interface screen <NUM> can be customizable. For example, the user may be able to adjust the position of certain screen sections. In addition, the user may be able to close or minimize certain screen sections if the information contained therein is not of particular interest.

In some examples, the user interface screen <NUM> includes a dashboard section <NUM> for remotely monitoring the status of the spa <NUM>. On the dashboard section <NUM>, a user can remotely view information collected by sensors associated with the spa <NUM>. The dashboard section <NUM> can be a visual dashboard including numerical values <NUM> for sensor readings, along with graphical representations. For example, a visual representation <NUM> of gas gauges or similar icons can be used for providing information about a spa. As shown in <FIG>, the dashboard section <NUM> includes a water temperature indicator displaying current spa water temperature. The dashboard could also display past temperature values. Similar visual representations for power consumption and other operating parameters can also be displayed on the dashboard section <NUM>.

In some examples, the dashboard section <NUM> of the user interface screen <NUM> also includes a water quality indicator <NUM> based on measurements obtained from the water quality and water care sensors on the spa <NUM>. The water quality indicator <NUM> can be a numerical value, such as an analyte concentration value, water pH, or sanitizer levels. In other examples, a visual icon representative of whether the spa water is clear or cloudy can be displayed. Advantageously, these features allow the user to know, while away from home, whether water is sufficiently clear and that the spa is ready for use. In some examples, the user interface screen <NUM> can also provide dosing recommendations, which can include displaying exact steps to adjust the spa water using standard spa chemicals.

In some examples, the dashboard section <NUM> of the user interface screen <NUM> can also report information collected from a test strip exposed to spa water. For example, the user interface screen <NUM> can guide a user through exposing a water chemical test strip to water and capturing an image of the test strip using an optical sensor associated with the spa or a separate digital camera device. In either case, the spa controller or a controller associated with the central server can process the captured image to extract color-change information from the test strip. The controller can determine water quality information based on the extracted color change information. The water quality information can be displayed on the dashboard section <NUM> of the user interface screen <NUM>.

In some examples, the user interface screen <NUM> can also include a section <NUM> for remotely programming filtration settings or a pump operation schedule for the spa. For example, the section <NUM> can include a menu <NUM> for selecting a filtration cycle time. The section <NUM> may also include a list <NUM> of upcoming scheduled filtration cycles. If a filtration cycle is being performed, the section <NUM> can show status information, such as time remaining in the filtration cycle, to show the user when the spa <NUM> will be ready for use.

In some examples, the user interface screen <NUM> can also include a maintenance alert or reminder section <NUM> including a list of maintenance activities that should be performed now or in the near future. Reminders that can be provided to a user can include a reminder to clean the filter, replace the filter, or change water. Maintenance alerts can be scheduled automatically based on time or date. For example, a clean filter alert may be generated on a regular basis, such as every <NUM> to <NUM> months. A reminder to replace a filter can be provided every <NUM> to <NUM> months. A reminder to replace a UV sanitizing bulb of the UV system <NUM> can be provided annually. In other examples, maintenance alerts may be generated based on information collected by spa sensors. For example, a maintenance alert to clean the filter or check the UV bulb may generate if a water quality sensor measures an unexpected value.

The user interface screen <NUM> can also include an error alert section <NUM> listing faults detected for spa components. Errors are typically related to a spa component (e.g., the pump or heater) that is not functioning in an expected manner. Sometimes, the spa is configured to generate multiple error alerts, which could be related to one component or to several components. For example, the system may be configured to monitor current or voltage for different components, such as the pump or heater. An alert may be generated if current drawn or power usage by the spa components is outside of a normal operating range. In some examples, faults may be identified by the spa controller based on measurements from spa sensors. In other examples, as described in greater detail hereinafter, faults may be detected by the central server based on a comparison of baseline values for the spa obtained before the spa is shipped to the dealer or customer and operating values measured by spa sensors.

The error alert section <NUM> of the user interface screen <NUM> can include a list of detected errors identified by the spa controller or cloud-based central server. The error alert section <NUM> can also include visual indicators representative of an importance of a particular alert. For example, alerts that are particularly important and require user action may be shown in red or bold text. Less important alerts, which can be addressed at a later time, can be shown in yellow or green text. In addition to viewing errors on the web portal, a user may also be notified of a generated alert on the spa itself. For example, the control panel <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) may emit a visual or audible notification informing the user that an alert has been generated. In a similar manner, the control panel <NUM> may also provide a visual or audio notification if a maintenance activity needs to be performed.

Error alerts or notifications about maintenance activities to be performed can also be sent directly to a user by text message or email. Alerts may also be sent to the spa dealer, so that the spa dealer can reach out to the customer to proactively schedule a service appointment if needed or help with basic troubleshooting over the phone.

The user interface screen <NUM> can also include a user information or content section <NUM> allowing users to view information, such as articles, how-to guides, and instructional videos, about operating and maintaining the spa. The content section <NUM> can include a list of available instructional videos that a user can watch to learn about the spa. The content section <NUM> can also include search features or an index allowing a user to find content of particular interest. The content section <NUM> can also include a notification about selected recommended content for the user to watch. As described herein, content recommendations can be based on how long the user has owned the spa or use information for the spa collected by onboard sensors.

In some examples, instructional videos can include use and care tips for activities including filling the spa or changing the water, selecting and applying spa chemicals, replacing a UV sanitizing bulb, cleaning or changing the spa filter, programing water filtration, and cleaning the spa. The videos can also include instructions for controlling different spa functions. For example, videos can explain how to operate the spa pump, jets, or entertainment features such as a stereo.

In some examples, a user can access a video by clicking on a video of interest or by keyword searching. For example, a search for the word "filter" may return videos with instructions for removing the filter, cleaning the filter, purchasing a new filter, and installing the new filter. When a video or other content is selected, it can be displayed on a pop-up window or Internet browser screen on the user's computer, smartphone, or other portable electronic device.

In some examples, the system is configured to select relevant videos for users to watch. For example, certain videos may be scheduled to be displayed at a predetermined period of time after initial set up of the spa. In that case, a video about how to operate the pump and jets may be shown to the user a day or two after initial installation. A video instructing the user about how to perform more complex tasks, such as operating a spa stereo or lights, may be displayed a week after installation. A video about changing the filter may be displayed along with the change filter maintenance notification <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> months after initial installation.

In other examples, sensor information or other inputs received by components on the spa may be used to determine suggested videos for the user to watch. For example, if the user attempts to set a temperature outside of a normal range using the spa control box or if the user presses buttons on the spa control box in an unexpected manner, a video with instructions for operating the circulation pump or explaining the purpose of different buttons on the spa control box may be displayed to the user. In a similar manner, if use records recorded by the spa indicate that the user often uses some entertainment features (e.g., the stereo), but not others (e.g., lights), the system may determine that the user does not know how to use the other components. In that case, an instructional video can be recommended and shown with instructions for using the component. For example, the video may instruct the user how to turn on spa lights, how lights can be used in combination with audio (e.g., visual effects), and other features.

In some examples, the user interface screen <NUM> also includes an energy cost estimator <NUM>. The energy cost estimator <NUM> displays an estimated energy cost for operating the spa over a period of time. In some instances, the energy cost estimator <NUM> displays an estimated number of kilowatt hours (kwh) used by the spa over a period of time (e.g., kwh used in the past week or month). A user can use the displayed number of kwh to determine energy cost. In other examples, the system allows the user to input a local energy rate (e.g., cost per kwh). Based on the input rate information, the energy cost estimator <NUM> displays an estimated operating cost range. For example, an estimated range for monthly energy costs can be provided. This feature allows the user to track the operation cost through the month. If operating costs are high, the user can adjust spa operating settings to lower costs. However, since the energy cost estimator <NUM> is not based on actual power consumption of the spa, it is not an exact cost, but only an estimated range.

In some examples, the user interface screen <NUM> can also include a section <NUM> with updates from the spa dealer. For example, the update section <NUM> can include messages about new products related to the spa owned by the user. The update section <NUM> can also include coupons and discounts.

As previously described, a system <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) allows a single user, such as a spa dealer, to monitor and control multiple spas at the same time provided that the user has authorization to access each spa. In that case, the spa dealer can have a dedicated web portal showing status and operating parameters for each spa. The spa dealer can access the website to view information about each spa and to respond to any detected faults. In some examples, the dealer can also control spa components remotely. For example, the dealer can remotely perform troubleshooting activities, such as turning the circulation pump on or off to see if it is working correctly.

A user interface <NUM> for the web portal, which can be shown to a spa dealer showing status information for multiple spas, is shown in <FIG>. The user interface <NUM> generally includes a list <NUM> of different authorized spas, which the spa dealer is authorized to access. The dealer can select a particular spa to view information, shown at section <NUM>, about the selected spa including, for example, the spa type (e.g., manufacturer and model number), owner's name and address, purchase date, and other identifying information. In some examples, the dealer can also view a status dashboard <NUM> with information about water quality and operating parameters for various spa components to determine whether spa components are functioning in an expected manner. The dealer user interface screen <NUM> can also include a section <NUM> with maintenance reminders for a selected spa. If a particular maintenance reminder is due shortly, the dealer can contact the customer to offer guidance on performing proper maintenance and to proactively schedule a service appointment. In some examples, the dealer user interface screen <NUM> can also include an error log section <NUM> for a selected spa including a list of errors generated by the spa controller of the selected spa. The error log section <NUM> can indicate a time and date that a particular error occurred. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the error log section <NUM> indicates that an "overheat" error occurred at <NUM>:00PM on Aug. <NUM>, <NUM>. In some instances, the dealer user interface screen <NUM> also includes diagnostic values, such as values for current drawn by various spa components, as shown in the power statistics section <NUM> of the dealer user interface screen <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the power statistics section <NUM> includes measured values for spa components, such as the water pump (<NUM> amps) and the heater module (<NUM> amps). The power statistics section <NUM> also includes a total current measurement, which is a total electrical current drawn by the spa system at a given time.

The spa remote control and monitoring system of the present invention can be used for performing a variety of different spa monitoring and control processes.

For example, the system can perform remote diagnostics and generate errors for the spa over a cellular network or the Internet. A flow chart illustrating steps in a process for performing remote diagnostics is illustrated in <FIG>. In step <NUM>, real-time measurements for sensors associated with spa components are obtained from onboard sensors on the spa. In some examples, the measurements are obtained during normal operation of the spa. In other examples, sensor measurements can be obtained during periodically scheduled or manually initiated self-tests performed by different spa components. A self-test can include cycling power to electronic components of the spa and measuring a response of the respective components. For example, as power is being cycled to the different components, power output for the respective components can be monitored by power sensors (e.g., voltage or current sensors) in electrical communication with different spa components to evaluate whether components are drawing power in an expected manner.

Optionally, as shown at step <NUM>, the spa controller can detect faults to generate errors based on diagnostic measurements obtained by the sensors on the spa. For example, the spa controller can be configured to generate an overheating error when data measured by sensors associated with the pump and/or spa shell indicate that the water is above a predetermined temperature.

At step <NUM> the data measured by sensors on the spa, such as current or voltage information for electrical components of the spa, is transmitted to the central server over a cellular network or over the Internet, as described herein. Along with the raw data measured by the sensors, information about errors generated by the spa controller can also be transmitted from the spa to the central server. At step <NUM>, received information from the spa is processed by the central server. For example, information about generated errors can be considered and, in some instances, displayed to a user or service technician. Information about generated errors can also be processed to determine, for example, what diagnostic values measured by sensor components may be of particular interest and/or how received measured raw data should be processed and used. The raw data is also received by the central server and processed.

Optionally, at step <NUM>, processed data, such as processed current or voltage information, can be compared to power parameters for the spa stored on the central server. For example, power parameters can include individualized baseline data for a spa, such as baseline current and voltage requirements for each component, startup or wakeup times, times to perform certain functions, and similar parameters obtained for each spa before the spa leaves the manufacturer's warehouse. Based on the comparisons, as shown at step <NUM>, additional errors can be generated by the central server if the measured values fall outside of an expected or acceptable range relative to a baseline valve or exceed a threshold value. In some cases, multiple faults can be identified for a single spa component. In other examples, simultaneous faults for different spa components or a series of faults for different spa components are identified.

As shown at step <NUM>, the central server can be configured to process the errors generated by the spa controller and errors generated by comparison of data on the central server to diagnose problems with spa components. It is recognized that the ability to determine which components generate errors and/or the sequence in which errors are generated by different spa components will help better diagnose and resolve issues. If, based on processing of different generated errors, the central server determines that there is a problem with one or more spa components, an alert may be generated at step <NUM> indicating that one or more spa components are not functioning in the expected manner. As shown at step <NUM>, the generated error alert can be made available to a user on the web portal, website, or App as previously described. An alert or notification may also be sent directly to a user's portable electronic device (e.g., smartphone) from the central server.

In another example, the remote control system can be used to provide guidance and feedback while draining or filling the spa. Draining and filling a spa are both time-consuming processes (e.g., draining can take up to an hour) which typically require a user to remain in close proximity to the spa to monitor water levels. The remote control system can be used to provide real-time or periodic updates about a water level of the spa and inform the user when the spa is nearly empty or full.

For example, water level or fill sensors disposed in the basin of the spa can be used to determine a spa water level. Information measured by the sensors can be transmitted from the spa to the central server and, optionally, from the central server to a user's portable handheld electronic device. The received information can also be published to the spa's dedicated web portal or website, where it can be viewed by the user. In some examples, the user interface can include actual water levels, such as a water volume currently contained in the spa basin. Alternatively or in addition, the user interface can display notifications when the spa is nearly full or empty letting the user know when the filling or draining process is completed.

In one example process for changing spa water, a user can prepare to drain the spa in a conventional manner, such as by attaching a hose to a spa outflow port and opening a valve to begin draining water from the spa. The user can then access the spa web portal with a handheld electronic device, such as a smartphone, to view periodic or real-time updates about the spa water level. The user can then walk away from the spa. After a period of time, the user receives an alert on the handheld electronic device indicating that the spa is nearly empty. The user can return to the spa and turn on a water source to begin filling the spa. When the spa is nearly full, the user receives an alert on the handheld electronic device indicating that it is time to return to the spa and turn off the water. Advantageously, due to the remote monitoring capabilities of the system, the user does not need to remain near the spa for the entire duration of emptying and filling.

In some examples, the spa system can be configured to monitor spa location and status prior to installation. For example, readings from sensors associated with the spa can be collected and monitored as the spa is being transported from a manufacturer to a dealer's warehouse or from the warehouse to an installation location. Information measured by sensors on the spa can be wirelessly transmitted to the central server by the cellular transceiver over a cellular network. Since the spa is not connected to a power source during shipping, the sensors and cellular transceiver are powered by the spa battery, as described above.

Measurements from a number of different types of sensors can be useful to monitoring the spa during shipping. For example, accelerometers positioned at different points on the spa frame can be used for drop detection. The accelerometers can be configured to continuously or periodically monitor movement of the spa during shipping. Motion information can be stored locally on computer memory associated with the spa controller. If the accelerometers identify substantial movement indicating that the spa was dropped during shipping, a notification can be sent from the spa to a central server. If a drop is detected, the manufacturer may need to closely examine the spa to ensure that it is suitable for delivery. Alternatively, the manufacturer may need to ship a replacement spa.

The remote control system may also be configured to monitor the spa's location during shipping. For example, the GPS device located on the spa can be configured to periodically wake up and identify a location of the spa. The spa controller can be configured to store the location information on computer readable memory associated with the controller and to periodically or in real-time, send indications of the spa's location to the central server. Information from the GPS device can also be used to monitor the spa's location in the manufacture's production facility or warehouse. Such location information could be used for inventory purposes or to track production time, time spent in the warehouse prior to shipping, and other distribution characteristics that may be of interest to manufacturers and distributors.

Claim 1:
A remote control and monitoring system (<NUM>) for a spa (<NUM>) comprising:
a spa comprising:
at least one sensor for monitoring water condition or status of a spa component; and
a communications interface comprising a cellular transceiver (<NUM>) which wirelessly transmits information obtained from the at least one sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the spa (<NUM>) to a central server over a cellular network;
the central server (<NUM>) in wireless communication with the spa (<NUM>) and a portable computer device (<NUM>), wherein the central server (<NUM>) is configured to:
receive information from the at least one sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the spa (<NUM>) over the cellular network;
process the received information to determine one or more water condition parameters for water contained in the spa (<NUM>); and
generate a user interface (<NUM>) displaying the one or more water condition parameters so that the one or more water condition parameters can be viewed by a user.