TW201537498A - Network-based heater surveillance system and surveillance method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A network-based heater surveillance system is disclosed, comprising a water heater and at least one remote device. The water heater has a main heater and a wireless module coupled to the main heater. The remote device is selectively communicatively connected to the wireless module for communicatively connecting with the main heater. The remote device has a remote module which provides a visible user interface for setting and monitoring the water heater status. The water heater determines priority based on the first come first serve principle. When the remote device gets priority, the remote device gets access permission to set and monitor the water heater. When the remote device does not get priority, the remote device gets access permission to monitor the water heater.

Description

Network type water heater monitoring system and monitoring method thereof

The invention relates to a water heater, in particular to a monitoring system and a monitoring method for a network type water heater.

According to the current water heaters using wireless remote control on the market, wireless radio frequency modules are usually used as a wireless transmission interface. Since the wireless remote control/controller directly controls the water heater, the wireless remote control/controller is subject to regulations in terms of transmission power and electromagnetic wave transmission, resulting in a limitation on the wireless transmission distance, how to increase the transmission distance, and compliance with regulations. The subject of wireless control is to solve the problem. However, even if the lifting distance is in compliance with the regulations, there are still limitations and it is impossible to go far. Also, when there are multiple wireless remote controls/controllers that can control the water heater, it will cause the water heater to change the water temperature setting by the remaining wireless remote controllers/controllers during use.

The reason is that the present inventors have felt that the above problems can be improved, and that the present invention has been deliberately studied and used in conjunction with the theory, and a present invention which is reasonable in design and effective in improving the above problems has been proposed.

The object of the present invention is to provide a network type water heater monitoring system and a monitoring method thereof, which can facilitate a user to monitor or set a water heater by using a remote monitoring device in a living room at home or outdoors, and is not used by the rest in use. The remote monitoring device changes the settings.

To achieve the above, the present invention provides a network type water heater monitoring system, including: a water heater, comprising: a water heater host and a wireless transmission module, The wireless transmission module is coupled to the water heater host; and the at least one remote monitoring device is selectively communicably coupled to the wireless transmission module, and is communicatively coupled to the water heater host, and the remote monitoring device The device is provided with a remote control module, and the remote control module has a visual user interface for setting the water heater and displaying the state of the water heater; wherein the water heater establishes a communication link according to the remote monitoring device The priority of the wireless transmission module determines whether the priority is obtained. When determining that the remote monitoring device obtains priority, the water heater grants the remote monitoring device permission to set the water heater through the visual user interface and display the The authority of the water heater state, when it is determined that the remote control device does not obtain priority, the water heater grants the remote monitoring device permission to display the state of the water heater through the visual user interface.

In order to achieve the above, the present invention further provides a monitoring method for a network type water heater monitoring system, the steps comprising: (a) providing at least one remote monitoring device and a water heater, wherein the remote monitoring device has a remote end a control module, the remote control module having a visual user interface; (b) authenticating the remote monitoring device to associate the remote monitoring device with the water heater; (c) the remote monitoring The device searches for and displays the water heater that can be connected through the visual user interface; (d) the remote monitoring device logs in through the visual user interface to enable the remote monitoring device to communicate with the water heater; (e) determining whether priority is obtained; (f) if not, the remote monitoring device only has authority to display the state of the water heater; (g) if yes, the remote monitoring device has the authority to set the water heater and display the state of the water heater Permissions.

According to the above description, the network type water heater monitoring system and the monitoring method thereof are selectively connected to the wireless transmission module through the remote monitoring device, and then the communication is connected to the water heater host, and the water heater establishes communication according to the remote monitoring device. The priority order of the wireless transmission module is determined to determine whether the priority is obtained, and the user can conveniently monitor or set the water heater in the living room at home or outdoors, and is not changed by the other remote monitoring devices during use. .

100‧‧‧Water heater

110‧‧‧Water heater host

120‧‧‧Wireless transmission module

130‧‧‧ Identification unit

200, 200a, 200b‧‧‧ remote monitoring device

210‧‧‧Remote Control Module

211‧‧‧Visual user interface

300‧‧‧Communication transmission device

400‧‧‧Cloud Server

M‧‧‧Internet

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram (1) of a network type water heater monitoring system according to the present invention.

2 is a schematic structural view (2) of a network type water heater monitoring system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram (3) of a network type water heater monitoring system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram (4) of a network type water heater monitoring system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram (5) of a network type water heater monitoring system according to the present invention.

6 is a flow chart of a method for monitoring a network type water heater according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention provides a network type water heater monitoring system. The network type water heater monitoring system basically includes a water heater 100 and a remote monitoring device 200.

Referring to FIG. 2, the water heater 100 may be a gas heater, a hot (instantaneous) electric water heater, or a heat storage electric water heater, but is not limited thereto. The water heater 100 basically includes a water heater host 110 and a wireless transmission module 120. The water heater main unit 110 may be a structure for charging water and heating the water, and the wireless transmission module 120 is coupled to the water heater main unit 110. Further, the wireless transmission module 120 can communicate with the water heater host 110 through an interface unit (not shown), such as SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), I2C, USB, and RS232 interfaces. Moreover, the wireless transmission module 120 can include, but is not limited to, a wireless transmission unit such as a Bluetooth unit, a network unit, and a radio frequency unit (RF). Preferably, the wireless transmission module 120 is a wireless transmission module that supports Wireless Fidelity Protocol (Wi-Fi).

The remote monitoring device 200 can be, but not limited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a PDA, a notebook, and a wireless smart remote controller (Remote). One of or a combination thereof. Preferably, the remote monitoring device 200 is a smart phone, which may have a wireless transceiver unit (not shown) selected from the group consisting of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPRS, 3G, 4G/LTE, and the remote monitoring device. The remote control module 210 is also provided with a remote control module 210, and the remote control module 210 can be a hardware control circuit, a firmware program or a software program (such as an application), and the remote control module 210 has A user can enter commands to set and monitor a visual user interface 211 of the water heater 100. Remote monitoring The device 200 can be connected to the wireless transmission module 120 through a wireless transmission protocol communication, and then communicatively coupled to the water heater host 110. The above wireless transmission protocol may be Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared transmission protocol, etc., and is not limited thereto. Preferably, the remote monitoring device 200 is coupled to the wireless transmission module 120 via a Wireless Fidelity Protocol (Wi-Fi) communication.

In addition, referring to FIG. 3, the network type water heater monitoring system further includes a communication transmission device 300, such as a wireless access point (AP), a wireless sharer or a router. Preferably, the communication transmission device 300 is a wireless access point. The communication transmission device 300 can be connected to the wireless transmission module 120 by wire or wirelessly, for example, wired to the wireless transmission module 120 by a cable having an RJ45 connector, or wirelessly connected via a wireless fidelity protocol (Wi-Fi). Wireless transmission module 120. In addition, the remote monitoring device 200 can also be wirelessly connected to the communication transmission device 300 via the Wireless Fidelity Protocol (Wi-Fi), and then communicatively coupled to the wireless transmission module 120 and the water heater host 110.

Referring to FIG. 4, the communication transmission device 300 can also be connected to an Internet M, and the communication transmission device 300 has an Internet address, such as a fixed Internet address or a dynamic Internet address. site. Therefore, when the remote monitoring device 200 can transmit the signal distance outside the wireless transmission module 120 and the communication transmission module 300 (such as when outdoors), the remote monitoring device 100 can transmit different 3G networks or 4G networks. The mobile communication network such as the road is connected to the Internet address M and automatically searches for or connects to the Internet address of the communication transmission device 300, and is communicatively coupled to the wireless transmission module 120 and the water heater host 110 through the communication transmission module 300. .

In addition, the water heater 100 may further include an identification unit 130, and the identification unit 130 may be an identification barcode, for example, a Quick Response Code (QR Code), which contains the product serial number and product type of the water heater 100 in an encoding manner. And other information. Therefore, the remote monitoring device 200 can capture the identification barcode through the image capturing unit (not shown), and read and decode the identification barcode through the remote control module 110, so that the remote monitoring device 200 is bound to the water heater 100. And complete the remote monitoring device The device authentication of 200, and the information such as the product serial number and product type of the water heater 100 are stored in the remote monitoring device 200. Further, the identification unit 130 can be disposed outside the water heater main unit 110 in a printing manner or an attachment manner. In other embodiments, the identification unit 130 can also be printed on the product specification or product warranty card of the water heater 100.

In addition, the network type water heater monitoring system further includes a cloud server 400. The water heater 100 can be connected to the Internet M via the communication transmission device 300, and then connected to the cloud server 400. Preferably, when the water heater 100 is connected to the power source, the Internet M is automatically connected to the cloud server 400. Further, the water heater 100 can be uploaded to the cloud server 400 via the user's authorization, and stored as an operation history, a failure history, and the like. Therefore, when the water heater 100 detects that the carbon emission (CO) exceeds the standard or the fault, the water is automatically uploaded to the cloud server 400 and stored as a fault history. Moreover, the user can connect to the cloud server 400 through the remote monitoring device 200 to remotely monitor the operation and fault status of the water heater 100, and can reserve maintenance service or assistance, for example, the neutralizer of the water heater 100 and the filter medium after a certain number of years. If it needs to be replaced, the cloud server 400 can be connected to the remote monitoring device 200 to reserve maintenance service or assistance.

In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 5, the network type water heater monitoring system has at least one remote monitoring device 200, 200a, 200b, and the water heater 100 is communicatively coupled to the wireless transmission according to the remote monitoring device 200, 200a, 200b. The priority of the module 120 determines whether the priority is obtained. When determining that the remote monitoring device 200 obtains the priority, the water heater 100 grants the remote monitoring device 200 permission to set the water heater 100 and display the water heater through the visual user interface 211. 100 state permission, at this time, the remote monitoring device 200 is in the setter mode, that is, the visual user interface 211 displays a complete function setting option for the user to select and set the water heater 100, for example, setting the water temperature of the water heater 100. . When the water heater 100 determines that the remote monitoring device 200 does not obtain priority, the water heater 100 only grants the remote monitoring device 200 permission to display the state of the water heater 100 through the visual user interface 211. At this time, the remote monitoring device 200 is in the observer mode, that is, the visual user interface 211 does not display the function setting option, or displays the function setting option but cannot perform the clicking or operation.

In one embodiment, the water heater 100 is a gas water heater, and is provided with a plurality of detectors, such as: a water inlet temperature detector, an outlet water temperature detector, a water inlet detector, and a speed detector. They are used to detect the inlet water temperature, the outlet water temperature, the water flow rate, and the fan speed of the water heater 100, respectively. Therefore, after the remote monitoring device 200 is communicatively coupled to the water heater 100, the water heater 100 can be transmitted back to one or a group of the water inlet temperature, the outlet water temperature, the water flow rate, and the fan speed of the water heater 100 through the visual user interface 211. Displayed in the visual user interface 211 allows the user to remotely monitor the status of the water heater 100 in a visual manner by visualizing the user interface 211. Moreover, if the gas consumption of the water heater 100 is to be remotely monitored, the water heater 100 can be transmitted back to the visual user interface 211 through the visual user interface 211, and the gas consumption of the water heater 100 is calculated according to the following relationship. Out: Wherein, H represents the gas consumption of the water heater 100, TH represents the water temperature of the water heater 100, TC represents the water inlet temperature of the water heater 100, M represents the water flow rate of the water heater 100, and η represents the thermal efficiency of the water heater 100. In other words, the water heater 100 can calculate the gas consumption of the water heater 100 according to the parameter values of the water outlet temperature, the inlet water temperature, the water flow rate, and the thermal efficiency of the water heater 100 respectively detected by the detectors provided by the detectors, and then calculate the gas consumption of the water heater 100, and then Returned and displayed in the visual user interface 211, or the water heater 100 directly returns the water outlet temperature, the inlet water temperature, the water flow rate, and the thermal efficiency of the water heater 100, and then calculated by the remote control module 210. And displayed in the visual user interface 211. Moreover, if the gas consumption of the water heater 100 is to be further monitored, the water heater can be returned to the visual user interface 211 through the visual user interface 211, and the cumulative gas consumption of the water heater 100 is calculated according to the following relationship. Out: Among them, Ht represents the cumulative gas consumption of the water heater 100. H(t) represents the gas consumption of the water heater for 100 unit time. If the gas used by the water heater 100 is barreled gas (LPG), the cumulative consumption of the barreled gas of the water heater 100 is calculated according to the following relationship: Wherein, Q represents the cumulative consumption of the barreled gas of the water heater 100, and Ht represents the cumulative consumption of the gas of the water heater 100. If the gas used by the water heater 100 is natural gas (NG), the cumulative gas consumption of the natural gas of the water heater 100 is calculated according to the following relationship: Wherein, Q represents the cumulative consumption of natural gas in the water heater 100, and Ht represents the cumulative consumption of the gas in the water heater 100.

In another embodiment, the water heater 100 is further a condensing gas water heater, and if the energy saving state of the water heater 100 is to be monitored, for example, how much gas is saved compared to the general digital water heater, the water heater can be returned and displayed through the visual user interface 211. In visualizing the user interface 211, the amount of gas in the water heater 100 is calculated according to the following relationship: Where △H represents the provincial gas quantity of the water heater 100, TH represents the water outlet temperature of the water heater 100, TC represents the water inlet temperature of the water heater 100, M represents the water flow rate of the water heater 100, η 1 represents the thermal efficiency of the water heater 100, and η 2 represents another water heater. The thermal efficiency of (generally digital water heaters).

In another embodiment, the water heater 100 is further a circulating gas water heater, and the water heater 100 can be used to visualize the user interface 211 to return the water heater 100 and display it in the visual. The user interface 211 is used, and the current cycle water saving amount of the water heater 100 is calculated according to the following relationship: F=total heat recovery time (s)×S/60, where F represents the current cycle water saving amount of the water heater 100, S Represents the circulating water flow of the water heater 100. If the cumulative water saving amount of the water heater 100 is further known, the water heater 100 can be transmitted back to the visual user interface 211 through the visual user interface 211, and the cumulative cycle water saving amount of the water heater 100 is calculated according to the following relationship. Out: Among them, Ftotal represents the cumulative cycle water saving of the water heater 100, and F(T) represents the circulating water saving amount of the water heater 100 per unit time.

Moreover, when the water heater 100 is in operation and when heating, the power state and the combustion state of the water heater 100 can be monitored through the visual user interface 211, and when the water heater 100 fails, the water heater 100 can also be viewed through the visual user interface 211. The fault message returned.

In another embodiment, the water heater 100 is a thermal storage electric water heater. To know the power consumption of the water heater 100, the water heater 100 can be transmitted back to the visual user interface 211 through the visual user interface 211. The power consumption of the water heater 100 is calculated by multiplying the voltage of the water heater 100 by the current of the water heater 100. If the cumulative power consumption of the water heater 100 is to be further known, the water heater 100 can be transmitted back to the visual user interface 211 through the visual user interface 211, and the cumulative power consumption of the water heater 100 is calculated according to the following relationship: Wherein, Q represents the cumulative power consumption of the water heater 100, and P represents the power consumption of the water heater 100.

Moreover, when the remote monitoring device 200 obtains priority, the startup time and the deadline of the water heater 100 can also be set through the visual user interface 211.

Please refer to FIG. 6 , and please refer to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 , and the flow of the monitoring method of the network type water heater monitoring system is described in detail below. The implementation steps include: (S101) First, at least one remote monitoring device 200 is provided. A water heater 100. The remote monitoring device 200 has a remote control module 210, and the remote control module 210 provides a visual user interface 211. If the remote monitoring device 200 is not equipped with the remote control module 210, the method further includes the steps of installing a remote control module 210 to the remote monitoring device 200, and the remote control module 210 can directly The online store is downloaded and installed, or installed via a storage medium such as a disc, a flash drive or a mobile hard drive. (S103) Next, authentication is performed. In detail, the remote monitoring device 200 captures an identification unit 130 of the water heater 100 through the built-in image capturing unit, and then reads and decodes the identification unit through the remote control module 110 to associate the remote monitoring device 200. The water heater 100 further completes the device authentication setting of the remote monitoring device 200. If there are other remote monitoring devices 200a, 200b, the remote control module 210 can be separately installed and then authenticated, which can also be associated with the water heater 100. (S105) Search and display the water heater 100 that is connectable. In detail, the remote monitoring device 200 searches for and displays the water heater 100 that can be connected by visualizing the user interface 211 by activating the operation of the remote control module 210. (S107) To log in. In detail, it is only necessary to input a preset user account and password and other authentication means through the visual user interface 211. Log in to the water heater 100 to establish a communication link with the water heater 100. (S109) It is discriminated whether or not priority is obtained. In detail, the water heater 100 discriminates whether the remote monitoring device 200 obtains priority based on the principle that the first comer first obtains. (S110) If not, the water heater 100 only grants the remote monitoring device 200 permission to display the state of the water heater 100. (S111) If yes, the water heater 100 grants the remote monitoring device 200 permission to set the water heater 100 and display the status of the water heater 100. Finally, when the water heater 100 determines that the remote monitoring device 200 that has obtained priority has not reset the water heater 100 for a certain period of time (a predetermined time or every other cycle time), the water heater 100 sends a prompt message to the remote monitoring device 200, and then releases Priority, so that other remote monitoring devices 200a, 200b have a chance of priority, and any of the other remote monitoring devices 200a, 200b can be reset to reset the water heater, for example, set the water temperature, or Reset the username and password.

In summary, the network type water heater monitoring system and the monitoring method thereof are selectively connected to the wireless transmission module through the remote monitoring device, and then the communication is connected to the water heater host, and the water heater establishes communication according to the remote monitoring device. Linking the priority order of the wireless transmission module to determine whether the priority is obtained, so that the user can monitor or set the water heater when the user is in the living room at home or outdoors, and the water heater is not changed by the remaining remote monitoring device during use. The setting.

100‧‧‧Water heater

110‧‧‧Water heater host

120‧‧‧Wireless transmission module

200, 200a, 200b‧‧‧ remote monitoring device

210‧‧‧Remote Control Module

211‧‧‧Visual user interface

Claims (17)

A network type water heater monitoring system includes: a water heater comprising: a water heater host and a wireless transmission module, the wireless transmission module coupled to the water heater host; and at least one remote monitoring device, the remote monitoring device Optionally, the communication is connected to the wireless transmission module, and the communication is connected to the water heater host, and the remote monitoring device is provided with a remote control module, and the remote control module is configured to set the water heater and display a visual user interface of the water heater state; wherein the water heater determines whether the priority is obtained according to a priority order of the remote monitoring device to establish a communication link to the wireless transmission module, and determines that the remote monitoring device obtains priority The water heater grants the remote monitoring device permission to set the water heater and the status of the water heater through the visual user interface, and the water heater grants the remote monitoring when determining that the remote control device does not obtain priority The device displays the authority of the state of the water heater through the visual user interface. The network type water heater monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the water heater further comprises an identification unit, and the remote monitoring device performs authentication by reading and decoding the identification unit. The network type water heater monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising a communication transmission device coupled to the wireless transmission module, wherein the remote monitoring device is communicatively coupled to the communication transmission device Wireless transmission module and the water heater host. The network type water heater monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising a cloud server, wherein the remote monitoring device and the water heater are respectively connected to the cloud server through an internet. The network type water heater monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the water heater has a plurality of detectors for detecting the water inlet temperature, the outlet water temperature, the water flow rate, and the fan speed of the water heater. The network type water heater monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the remote monitoring device transmits the water heater to the water inlet temperature, the outlet water temperature, the water flow rate, and the fan speed through the visual user interface. One or a group is displayed in the visual user interface. The network type water heater monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the remote monitoring device transmits the gas consumption of the water heater to the water heater through the visual user interface and displays the visualized user interface. The gas consumption of the water heater is calculated according to the following relationship: Where H represents the gas consumption of the water heater, TH represents the water temperature of the water heater, TC represents the water inlet temperature of the water heater, M represents the water flow rate of the water heater, and η represents the thermal efficiency of the water heater. The network type water heater monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the remote monitoring device transmits the water consumption of the water heater to the water heater through the visual user interface and displays the visualized user interface. The cumulative gas consumption of the water heater is calculated according to the following relationship: Among them, Ht represents the cumulative gas consumption of the water heater, and H(t) represents the gas consumption per unit time of the water heater. The network type water heater monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the remote monitoring device transmits the water consumption of the water heater to the water heater through the visual user interface and displays the visualized consumption in the water heater. Interface, and the cumulative consumption of barreled gas in the water heater is calculated according to the following relationship: Among them, Q represents the cumulative consumption of barreled gas in the water heater, and Ht represents the cumulative consumption of gas in the water heater. The network type water heater monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the remote monitoring device transmits the natural gas gas consumption of the water heater to the water heater through the visual user interface and displays the visualized user on the visualized user. Interface, and the cumulative consumption of natural gas in the water heater is calculated according to the following relationship: Among them, Q represents the cumulative consumption of natural gas in the water heater, and Ht represents the cumulative consumption of gas in the water heater. The network type water heater monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the remote monitoring device transmits the water quantity of the water heater back to the water heater through the visual user interface and displays the visualized user interface. The gas quantity of the water heater is calculated according to the following relationship: Where △H represents the province's gas volume, TH represents the water temperature of the water heater, TC represents the water temperature of the water heater, M represents the water flow of the water heater, η1 represents the thermal efficiency of the water heater, and η2 represents the thermal efficiency of the other water heater. . The network type water heater monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the remote monitoring device transmits the water heater to the current cycle water saving amount of the water heater through the visual user interface and displays the visualized user Interface, and the water circulation of the water heater in the current cycle is calculated according to the following relationship: F = total heat time (s) × S / 60, where F represents the water circulation of the water heater, and S represents the circulating water flow of the water heater. The network type water heater monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the remote monitoring device transmits the water circulation of the water heater to the water heater through the visual user interface and displays the visualized user interface. And the cumulative cycle water saving of the water heater is calculated according to the following relationship: Among them, Ftotal represents the cumulative cycle water saving of the water heater, and F(T) represents the circulating water saving of the water heater per unit time. The network type water heater monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the remote monitoring device transmits the power consumption of the water heater to the water heater through the visual user interface and displays the visualized user interface. The power consumption of the water heater is calculated by multiplying the voltage of the water heater by the current of the water heater. The network type water heater monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the remote monitoring device transmits the cumulative power consumption of the water heater to the water heater through the visual user interface and displays the visualized user interface. The cumulative power consumption of the water heater is calculated according to the following relationship: Where Q represents the cumulative power consumption of the water heater. A method for monitoring a network type water heater monitoring system includes the steps of: (a) providing at least one remote monitoring device and a water heater, wherein the remote monitoring device has a remote control module, and the remote control module Group has a visual make a user interface; (b) authenticating the remote monitoring device to connect the remote monitoring device to the water heater; (c) searching and displaying the available device through the visual user interface of the remote monitoring device The water heater of the line; (d) logging in through the visual user interface of the remote monitoring device to enable the remote monitoring device to be communicatively coupled to the water heater; (e) determining whether priority is obtained; (f) if No, the remote monitoring device only has the authority to display the status of the water heater; (g) if yes, the remote monitoring device has the authority to set the water heater and display the status of the water heater. The method for monitoring a network type water heater monitoring system according to claim 16, wherein the step further comprises: determining whether the remote monitoring device that has obtained the priority has not set the water heater for a period of time; if so, releasing the priority.