Detection of domestic water consumption patterns

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method comprising: obtaining a series of successive time pulses from a water consumption meter placed on a water supply pipe serving at least one dwelling, each pulse representing the consumption of a predefined volume of water at an emission time; detecting a use associated with a first pulse having an emission time greater than or equal to the sum of the emission time of the immediately preceding pulse in the series and a predefined threshold; successively associating the immediately subsequent pulses in the series with the use, as long as the difference between the emission time of the last pulse associated with the use, and the emission time of the immediately subsequent pulse is less than said predefined threshold;the calculation of the volume of water consumed during use, said volume of water consumed during use being equal to the number of pulses associated with the use multiplied by said predefined volume; the classification of the use into a type of use, according to said volume of water consumed during use. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 3.;

Description

Title of the invention: Detection of domestic water consumption patterns. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to water distribution. More particularly, the present invention relates to the classification of domestic water uses in homes.

[0002] Prior art

[0003] The preservation of water resources and the limitation of water consumption are major issues, both from an economic and ecological point of view.

[0004] One way to limit water consumption is to classify water uses in order to quantify the respective consumption of different uses. This makes it possible both to eliminate "undesirable" uses such as leaks and micro-leaks, and to identify the most water-intensive uses, allowing users to focus their efforts to reduce water consumption on the most important uses.

[0005] For example, a detailed knowledge of domestic water consumption patterns makes it possible to provide the user with information such as the presence of leaks, or particularly high consumption for a given use, for example, particularly long showers.

[0006] Historically, such detection of uses was impossible, because consumption was recorded over a period of at least several months by manual meter reading, which by nature did not allow identification of the different uses.

[0007] The emergence of remote meter reading makes it possible to consider new applications for detecting usage, since, in the context of remote meter reading, consumption information can be sent to the network manager with much finer granularity, for example several times a day.

[0008] However, the use of remote reading meters is not sufficient to detect the nature of domestic water uses, for several reasons.

[0009] Firstly, water meters generally operate by emitting time pulses representing the consumption of a given volume of water, typically 1 liter. Currently, there is no effective method for classifying water uses based on these pulses.

[0010] Moreover, the transmission of remote reading frames encounters certain limitations depending on the context.

[0011] Firstly, the volume of data transmitted may in some cases be limited, which does not allow a counter to send frames containing all the pulses to a server.

[0012] Limitations may also arise regarding data confidentiality. For regulatory reasons, extremely detailed data concerning user consumption cannot always be sent. Consumption data may, for example, be sent in increments of one or more hours, or even a day.

[0013] For all these reasons, it is often not possible for a remotely read water meter to send all the pulses to a server. It is therefore desirable to be able to classify usage locally on the meter, and send the network operator only the breakdown of consumption by use.

[0014] There is therefore a need for a method of classifying domestic uses of water consumption, based on pulses from a water meter.

[0015] There is also a need for a method of classifying domestic water consumption uses that can be implemented locally on the meter. Summary of the invention

[0016] To this end, the invention relates to a computer-implemented method comprising: obtaining a series of successive time pulses from a water consumption meter placed on a water supply pipe serving at least one dwelling, each pulse representing the consumption of a predefined volume of water at an emission time; detecting a use associated with a first pulse having an emission time greater than or equal to the sum of the emission time of the immediately preceding pulse in the series and a predefined threshold; successively associating the immediately subsequent pulses in the series with the use, as long as the difference between the emission time of the last pulse associated with the use, and the emission time of the immediately subsequent pulse is less than said predefined threshold;the calculation of the volume of water consumed during use, said volume of water consumed during use being equal to the number of pulses associated with the use multiplied by said predefined volume; the classification of the use into a type of use, according to said volume of water consumed during use.

[0017] The method therefore makes it possible, based solely on the pulses emitted by a water meter, to determine the associated usage. It thus offers several advantages.

[0018] Firstly, knowledge of uses and associated volumes allows for a better understanding, and therefore control, of water consumption; it allows, for example, detecting undesirable uses and understanding the distribution of water consumption by type of use, which allows for savings in consumption.

[0019] The method according to the invention also has the advantage of not requiring a training phase for the classification of uses.

[0020] The method according to the invention requires few computing resources and can be run on a metering device. This allows only summary consumption data to be transmitted. This makes it possible both to limit the amount of data to be transmitted and to preserve user confidentiality by not transmitting all of their consumption data.

[0021] The method according to the invention can therefore be easily deployed, including on remote reading meters with limited computing power and bandwidth.

[0022] Advantageously, said predefined threshold is between 40 and 180 seconds.

[0023] These thresholds are particularly suitable for separating successive uses. Indeed, a threshold of 40 seconds ensures that a low-flow use, such as a trickle of water, will have generated a new pulse, while a threshold of 180 seconds ensures that pulses from uses containing pauses are properly aggregated into a single use.

[0024] Advantageously, said predefined threshold is between 90 and 180 seconds.

[0025] This range generally corresponds to the maximum time spent soaping up during a shower, then to generate a new impulse. It therefore allows all the impulses of a shower to be aggregated into a single use, while allowing as much separation as possible between successive uses.

[0026] Advantageously, the predefined volume of water is between 0.1 and 3L.

[0027] These values ​​allow for good granularity in the emission of pulses: they are low enough to emit pulses regularly during use, and therefore to group pulses correctly within the same use, but also high enough to avoid the untimely emission of pulses.

[0028] Advantageously, the predefined volume of water is equal to IL.

[0029] This value allows for good granularity in pulse emission, for the reasons mentioned above. Furthermore, it is the default value for many water meters. Using this value therefore allows compatibility with the vast majority of meters currently deployed.

[0030] Advantageously, each type of use among a set of types of uses is associated with a range of volumes, the ranges of volumes associated with the different types of uses not overlapping; said classification consists of classifying the use into a type of use of said set associated with a range of volumes including said volume of water consumed during the use.

[0031] This allows a simple and efficient classification of uses into a type of use

[0032] Advantageously, the method includes a subsequent step of calculating the cumulative volumes of water consumption respectively associated with a plurality of types of uses over a given period.

[0033] This allows for the direct transmission of a usage analysis, for example, in the form of water consumption volume per use. This offers several advantages. It reduces the amount of data to be transmitted, which is beneficial if the metering device communicates via a low-bandwidth radio link, as is often the case with remote-reading water meters. It also preserves the confidentiality of user data, since detailed consumption information is not sent.

[0034] This allows the user or network operator to analyze the respective contributions of the different uses, and therefore to adapt their water consumption accordingly.

[0035] This also makes it possible to identify the presence of undesirable uses.

[0036] Advantageously, the method includes a step of presenting a synthetic graphical representation representing the cumulative volumes of water consumption respectively associated with the plurality of types of uses over the given period to a user living in at least one home or an operator of the water distribution network to which said pipeline belongs.

[0037] Such a representation has the advantage of providing a synthetic and immediate view of consumption.

[0038] Advantageously, the cumulative volumes are compared to cumulative reference consumption volumes for the given period.

[0039] This makes it possible to identify a cumulative volume of excessive consumption of a given type of use, compared to the expected volume of consumption, and therefore to refine the identification of excessive consumption on a given type of use.

[0040] Advantageously, the method includes, if the number of occurrences or the cumulative volume of consumption of a given type of use during a given period is greater than a second threshold, the automatic detection of undesirable use.

[0041] This makes it possible to detect and correct undesirable uses that generate significant water consumption.

[0042] The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments of the invention when said program is executed on a computer.

[0043] The invention also relates to a system comprising: a water consumption meter placed on a water supply line serving at least one dwelling configured to emit successive time pulses, each pulse representing the consumption of a predefined volume of water at an emission time; at least one computing unit configured to execute the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments of the invention.

[0044] Advantageously, the system comprises a single device including said water consumption meter and said at least one calculation unit.

[0045] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description given with reference to the accompanying drawings provided by way of example, which represent, respectively:

[0046] [Fig-1] an example of a system in which the invention can be implemented;

[0047] [Fig.2a] a first example of a system according to a set of embodiments of the invention;

[0048] [Fig.2b] a second example of a system according to a set of embodiments of the invention;

[0049] [Fig.3] an example of a method implemented by computer according to a set of methods of implementing the invention.

[0050] Fig. 1 represents an example of a system in which the invention can be implemented.

[0051] The system 100 comprises a water consumption meter 110 placed on a water supply pipe 111 serving at least one dwelling. A dwelling is understood to be a place of residence. A dwelling may therefore be, for example, an apartment, a house, a studio, a chalet, etc. According to different embodiments of the invention, the water supply 111 may be an individual water supply serving a single dwelling, or a collective water supply serving a group of dwellings, for example, a water supply for an apartment building.

[0052] The meter 110 is configured to measure the volume of water passing through the water supply pipe 111, i.e. the volume of water consumed by the dwelling or dwellings.

[0053] For this purpose, the counter 110 is configured to emit successive time pulses, each pulse representing the consumption of a predefined volume of water at an emission time.

[0054] Thus, the meter emits a pulse each time a volume of water equal to the predefined volume has passed through the water supply pipe 111. In other words, a pulse is emitted as soon as a cumulative volume equal to the predefined volume has passed through the pipe since the last pulse emitted. For example, if in a given time a volume of water equal to twice the predefined volume passes through the pipe, two pulses will be emitted during that time.

[0055] Each pulse is associated with an emission time, which makes it possible to know precisely when the pulse was emitted. This emission time can be represented in different ways, such as, for example, a date and time, a time elapsed since the system's initialization time, or a time elapsed since the previous pulse.

[0056] According to different embodiments of the invention, the water consumption meter can be based on different principles. For example, it can be based on an electromagnetic flow meter, or a flow sensor on which flow rates are integrated until the volume associated with a pulse is reached.

[0057] According to different embodiments of the invention, the predefined volume can take different values. For example, the predefined volume can be between 0.1 and 3 L, and can be equal to IL.

[0058] The water passing through the pipe corresponds to the different consumptions of the home(s) served by the pipe, and can therefore be consumed for different domestic uses, such as hand washing 140, the use of a washing machine 141, or even a shower 142.

[0059] One of the objectives of the invention is to quantify these different uses. These uses are given by way of example only, and the invention can be used to classify and quantify any type of domestic use of water.

[0060] Domestic water use is defined, for example, by Article R214-5 of the French Environmental Code as follows: “Domestic water use, within the meaning of Article L. 214-2, consists of withdrawals and discharges intended exclusively to meet the needs of individuals who own or rent the facilities and those of persons habitually residing in their home, within the limits of the quantities of water necessary for human consumption, hygiene, washing, and plant or animal production reserved for the family consumption of these persons.” Domestic uses can therefore correspond to a wide range of activities using water within a home. “Undesirable” uses, such as micro-leaks, can also be considered in the context of the present invention.

[0061] In order to detect these uses, the pulses can be processed to detect the types of uses and the associated volumes.

[0062] The meter 110 can be a communicating remote reading meter capable of communicating with at least one server 120 (referred to as "the server" in the remainder of the description in [Fig. 1]) to transmit water consumption data. Communication can take place in various ways. For example, radio communications can be implemented. In the context of communicating meters, long-distance, low-data-rate radio links (also referred to as by the acronym LPWAN, meaning in English "Low Power Wide Area Network", that is to say "Low Power Wide Area Network"), because they allow the meter to send information even if it is not easily accessible, while involving low consumption, which allows the 110 meter to operate on battery power for a long time.

[0063] The server can thus process the data received from the sensor and communicate this data to a user terminal 130, for example by displaying the respective consumption shares of different uses, or by comparing the consumption of different uses to that of similar households. This allows users to better understand the structure of their water consumption and to conserve the resource by focusing their reduction efforts on the largest consumption areas. The user terminal can be of various types. For example, it could be a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet.

[0064] According to various embodiments of the invention, the meter 110 can be a smart meter that itself performs the classification of uses and the estimation of associated volumes, and transmits to the server 120 only the types of uses and associated volumes. This solution has the dual advantage of preserving the confidentiality of users' consumption details and limiting the amount of data transmitted.

[0065] In other embodiments of the invention, the counter 110 transmits all the pulses to the server 120, and the server 120 performs the analysis. This makes it possible to perform the analysis for sensors that are not configured to perform the analysis (for example, older generation sensors), and to centralize the analysis for all sensors on the server 120, which allows, for example, easy adaptation of the analysis in the event of changes to the calculation parameters by the network operator.

[0066] System 100 is provided by way of non-limiting example only of a system according to the invention, and other architectures are possible.

[0067] For example, the counter 110 can communicate directly with a user terminal 130, for example via a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. In this case, the analysis can be performed directly by the counter 110, or by the user terminal.

[0068] The system may also include only the counter 110. In this case, the results of the analysis may, for example, be displayed directly on the counter, or stored for future use.

[0069] Fig. 2a represents a first example of a system according to a set of embodiments of the invention.

[0070] The system 200a comprises a single device 210a.

[0071] The device of 210a is a water consumption reading device, comprising a meter 213a, which may be, for example, meter 110.

[0072] The system 200a comprises at least one storage medium 212a. This at least one storage medium may consist of any storage medium capable of storing numerical values, such as, for example, a hard drive or flash memory. In the example shown in [Fig. 2a], the at least one storage medium is located in the device 210a. In other embodiments of the invention, the at least one storage medium may be located outside the device 210a. For example, it may be a shared hard drive or a remote database accessible through queries by the computer. The at least one storage medium 212a may, in particular, be used to store the pulses emitted by the counter 213a for processing.

[0073] The device 210a comprises at least one computing unit 21la. The computing unit can be any type of computing unit capable of loading instructions and performing computational operations. The at least one computing unit can, for example, be a processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a digital signal processor (DSP). The at least one computing unit is not limited to any particular processor type or architecture and can be configured to perform operations by loading executable code elements. In several embodiments of the invention, the at least one computing unit can be a single computing unit or a plurality of computing units, for example, several processors or several computing cores of a multi-core processor.

[0074] At least one computing unit 21 is configured to execute the steps of a method according to the invention, such as for example described with reference to [Fig.3].

[0075] Implementing the method according to the invention within the water metering device 210a allows for the direct transmission of a usage analysis, for example, in the form of a water consumption volume per use. This offers several advantages. It reduces the amount of data to be transmitted, which is advantageous if the metering device communicates via a low-speed radio link, as is often the case with remote-reading water meters. It also preserves the confidentiality of user data, since detailed consumption information is not sent.

[0076] Fig. 2b represents a second example of a system according to a set of embodiments of the invention.

[0077] The system 200b includes a water metering device 210b comprising a water meter 213b, and at least one calculating device 220b comprising at less one 221b computing unit. The 200b system also includes a 222b storage medium accessible by at least one 220b computing device.

[0078] The water meter 213b, at least one calculation unit 221b and storage medium 222b are respectively similar to the water meter 213a, at least one calculation unit 221a and storage medium 222a.

[0079] According to various embodiments of the invention, the at least one computing device 220b may consist of a single computing device, for example, a server or a user terminal. According to other embodiments of the invention, a plurality of computing devices 220b with a plurality of computing units 221b are used. This is the case, for example, if a plurality of servers are used.

[0080] Devices 210b and 220b communicate via a communication link 230b. The communication link can be of various types. For example, it can include one or more radio links, such as long-range, low-bandwidth radio links, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth links, or cellular links. The communication link can also include wired links.

[0081] The water metering device 210b uses the communication link 230b to transmit the pulses to at least one computing device 220b, which is in charge of performing the pulse analysis.

[0082] At least one computing unit 211b is configured to execute the steps of a method according to the invention, such as for example described with reference to [Fig.3].

[0083] Different architectures are possible for the 200b system. For example: - at least one computing device 220b may consist of at least one server. In this case, device 210b may, for example, be a remote reading meter sending the pulses measured by sensor 213b to a network manager using a long-distance radio link; - at least one 220b computing device can be a user terminal, for example a personal computer, a tablet or a smartphone. In this case, the 210b and 220b devices can communicate via a local network, for example via a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.

[0084] Performing calculations on a calculation device other than the counting device 210b has several advantages.

[0085] This makes it possible to apply the method according to the invention to water metering devices that are not capable of implementing it, for example, older generation metering devices. In cases where at least one computing device 220b processes data from several metering devices, this allows for centralized data processing. More generally, this makes it easier to adapt the data processing method, for example, in the event of parameter changes.

[0086] In a set of embodiments not shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the method according to the invention is carried out partly on a counting device and partly on one or more other computing devices, for example, a user terminal or one or more servers. For example, the counting device can generate the pulses and process them to determine associated usages and volumes, send the usages and volumes to the computing device(s), which perform the classification of usages based on volumes.

[0087] Figure 3 represents an example of a computer-implemented method according to a set of implementation modes of the invention.

[0088] Method 300 comprises a computer-implemented method. It can, for example, be executed by computing units 21la or 221b. The method can also be distributed across computing units 21la and 221b, for example, by executing some of the steps on a metering device and others on a server. For example, steps 310 to 340 can be executed on a communicating meter that sends the associated usage and volume data to one or more servers, which then execute the classification step 350.

[0089] Method 300 includes a first step 310 of a series of obtaining successive time pulses from a water consumption meter placed on a water supply pipe serving at least one dwelling, each pulse representing the consumption of a predefined volume of water at an emission time.

[0090] The meter can, for example, be meter 110, and the water supply pipe pipe 111. As explained with reference to [Fig. 1], the meter is configured to emit a pulse as soon as a volume of water equal to the predefined volume has passed through the pipe since the previous pulse.

[0091] In a set of embodiments of the invention, the method can be performed on the counting device itself, as for example in the case of [Fig.2a]. In this case, the pulses are directly generated and processed by the counting device.

[0092] In a set of embodiments of the invention, represented for example in [Fig. 2b], the method is carried out on a computing device separate from the counting device. Step 310, receiving the time pulses, then consists of receiving the pulses from the counting device.

[0093] The method 300 then includes a second step 320 of detecting a use associated with a first pulse having an emission time greater than or equal to the sum of the emission time of the immediately preceding pulse in the series and a predefined threshold.

[0094] In other words, when a pulse is emitted at a time sufficiently distant from the previous emission (greater than the predefined threshold), it is considered to be a new use: the new use is therefore detected, and the pulse associated with the use.

[0095] The method 300 then includes a third step 330 of successively associating the use of the immediately subsequent pulses in the series, as long as the difference between the emission time of the last pulse associated with the use, and the emission time of the immediately subsequent pulse is less than said predefined threshold.

[0096] In other words: - A use starts upon receipt of the first pulse; - Iteratively, upon receiving each successive impulse: • If the difference between the pulse and the previous pulse is less than the predefined threshold, the pulse is added to the usage; • Otherwise, the use is terminated because the delay between two successive pulses is greater than the predefined threshold, and the pulse initiates a new use.

[0097] Thus, a use can include either a single pulse, if it is sufficiently far removed (differences in emission times greater than the predefined threshold) from the immediately preceding and subsequent pulses in the series, or a plurality of pulses close to each other, the difference between the emission times of two successive pulses of the use then always being less than the predefined threshold.

[0098] For example, with a predefined threshold of 180 seconds, the following cases are possible: Case 1: • First pulse at time = 0 SeCOHd&S; • Second impulse ^2 at a time t2 = 100 seconds; • Third impulse at a time = 300 seconds; • A first use is defined between Ej and ^2- then a second use at starting from t3, because t2 - ti < 180, but t3 - ^2 > 180; Case 2: • First impulse at a time = 0 seconds; • Second pulse i2 at a time t2 = 100 seconds; • Third impulse û at a time t3 = 140 seconds; • Third pulse 4 at one time — 400 SGCondeS; • A first use is defined between and then a second use from car t2- < 180, then t3 - t2 < 110 but £4 - t3 > 180; Case 3: • First impulse at a time ^=0 Seconds; • Second impulse at a time t2 = 200 seconds; • A first use is defined at time ti, then a second use at starting from car ^2 - 1 > 180;

[0099] According to various embodiments of the invention, the notion of a difference less than the threshold may correspond to a difference that is strictly less than, or less than or equal to, the threshold. For example, if we consider the times tj and t2+i of two successive pulses, the detection of a new use for a predefined threshold S can be performed, according to various embodiments: - If the difference between ti and t2+i is strictly less than S, that is, if t M - ti< S - - If the difference between tj and ti+1 is less than or equal to S, that is, if tw S.

[0100] At the end of step 320, the impulses are therefore grouped into coherent uses, corresponding for example to a shower, washing dishes, etc...

[0101] According to different embodiments of the invention, the predefined threshold S can take different values.

[0102] Generally, this predefined threshold represents the duration without detectable consumption after which a use is considered complete. This threshold must therefore be chosen to be low enough to avoid aggregating successive uses, but also high enough to prevent a single use from being "split in two." For example, it is desirable that, when a user washes their hands or takes a shower, the water consumption before and after washing should be grouped into a single use. Therefore, it is desirable that the threshold be high enough so that the last pulse before washing and the first after are grouped into the same use. Conversely, if the user gets out of the shower, gets dressed, and then starts a dishwasher, it is desirable that the time without consumption during which the user gets dressed be greater than the predefined threshold to separate the two uses.

[0103] For example, the predefined threshold can be between 40 and 180 seconds. A predefined threshold between 90 and 180 seconds is particularly suitable.

[0104] These thresholds are particularly suitable for separating successive uses. Indeed, a threshold greater than or equal to 40 seconds ensures that a low-flow use, such as a trickle of water, will have generated a new pulse within 40 seconds of the initial pulse, while a threshold less than or equal to 180 seconds ensures that pulses from uses with pauses are properly aggregated into a single use.

[0105] In particular, a threshold between 90 and 180 seconds generally corresponds to the maximum time spent soaping up during a shower, then running enough water to generate a new pulse. It therefore makes it possible to aggregate all the pulses of a shower into a single use, while allowing, as much as possible, for successive uses to be separated.

[0106] According to different embodiments of the invention, the predefined volume of water can take different values. For example, the predefined volume can be between 0.1 and 3L.

[0107] These values ​​allow for good granularity in the emission of pulses: they are low enough to emit pulses regularly during use, and therefore to properly group the pulses within the same use, but also high enough to avoid the untimely emission of closely spaced pulses in the event of micro-leakage.

[0108] The predefined volume of water can in particular be equal to IL.

[0109] This value allows for good granularity in pulse emission, for the reasons mentioned above. Furthermore, it is the default value for many water meters. Using this value therefore allows compatibility with the vast majority of meters currently deployed.

[0110] In a set of embodiments of the invention, the predefined threshold can be defined as a function of the predefined volume, in order to adapt to the expected frequency of pulse emission.

[0111] For example, a single predefined value between 90 and 180 seconds is particularly suitable for a predefined volume of water between 0.1 and 3L, and more particularly equal to IL.

[0112] Method 300 then includes a fourth step 340 of calculating a volume of water consumed during use, said volume of water consumed during use being equal to the number of pulses associated with the use multiplied by said predefined volume.

[0113] This step therefore consists of determining the volume of a use, by counting the number of pulses emitted during the use.

[0114] For example, taking the example above with a predefined threshold of 180 seconds, and a predefined volume of IL, we can have the following cases: Case 1: • First pulse at time = 0 SeCOHd&S; • Second impulse ^2 at a time = 100 seconds; • Third impulse at a time = 300 seconds; • A first use is defined between Ej and ^2- then a second use at starting from t3, because t2 - ti < 180, but t3 - ^2 > 180; • Two pulses (d and i2) were emitted during the first use, i.e. a volume consumed during the first use equal to 2 * IL = 2L. Case 2: • First impulse i^ at a time = 0 seconds; • Second impulse f2 at a time t2 = 100 seconds; • Third pulse 4 at a time = 140 seconds; • Third impulse 4 at a time t4 = 400 seconds; • A first use case is defined between 4 and t^, then a second use case from ¢4, because t2 - 4 < 180, then - t2 < 180 but t3> 180; • Three pulses (i^, 4 and 4) were emitted during the first use, i.e. a volume consumed during the first use equal to 3 * IL = 3L. Case 3: • First impulse at a time = 0 seconds; • Second impulse 4 at a time t2 = 200 seconds; • A first use is defined at time, then a second use at from 4, because t2 - 4 > 180; • A single pulse (il) was emitted during the first use, i.e. a volume consumed during the first use equal to 1 * IL = IL.

[0115] At the end of step 340, it is therefore possible to know the volume of water consumed during each use.

[0116] Method 300 then includes a fifth step 350 of classifying the use into a type of use, according to said volume of water consumed during the use.

[0117] This step consists of determining a type of use (for example, whether the use corresponds to a shower, a dishwasher, a washing machine, etc.).

[0118] Indeed, the applicant noted that each type of use generally corresponded to a characteristic volume of water consumed. For example, a dishwasher generally uses between 2 and 3 liters of water, a toilet flush followed by handwashing between 4 and 12 liters, while a shower generally uses between 15 and 100 liters of water. Knowing the volume associated with the use therefore makes it possible to determine the type of use involved and, failing that, to define useful usage categories for the user, allowing them to separate the main domestic uses, such as toilet flushing, laundry, and showers and baths.

[0119] The method therefore makes it possible, based solely on the pulses emitted by a water meter, to determine the associated usage. It thus offers several advantages.

[0120] Firstly, knowledge of uses and associated volumes makes it possible to better understand, and therefore control, water consumption; it makes it possible, for example, to detect undesirable uses and to know the distribution of water consumption by type of use, which makes it possible to achieve savings in consumption.

[0121] The method according to the invention also has the advantage of not requiring a training phase for the classification of uses.

[0122] The method according to the invention requires few computing resources and can be run on a metering device. This allows only summary consumption data to be transmitted. This makes it possible both to limit the amount of data to be transmitted and to preserve user confidentiality by not transmitting all of their consumption data.

[0123] The method according to the invention can therefore be deployed easily, including on remote reading meters with limited computing power and bandwidth.

[0124] In a set of embodiments, - each type of use among a set of types of uses is associated with a range of volumes, the ranges of volumes associated with the different types of uses not overlapping; - said classification consists of classifying the use into a type of use of said set associated with a range of volumes including said volume of water consumed during the use.

[0125] In other words, a number of usage types are defined, each associated with a volume range. When the volume of water consumed during the use falls within a range associated with a usage type, the use is classified into that type.

[0126] This allows a simple and effective classification of uses into a type of use.

[0127] In a set of embodiments of the invention, the classification is based on the following uses, in ascending order of volume: micro-leaks and occasional uses; controlled occasional uses such as a dishwasher; toilet flushes; intermediate uses such as a washing machine cycle; low-volume shower; medium shower; high-volume shower; bath; intensive use such as watering. The volumes associated with each use can be defined by increasing thresholds.

[0128] To this end, the consumption associated with each type of use can be quantified. The following ranges can, for example, be evaluated: - The IL isolated use category is separated in all cases (it includes micro-leaks, as well as occasional uses of 1 liter); - Occasional use exceeding 1 litre will require 2 to 4 litres; - A toilet flush will use between 3 and 12 litres; - A washing machine will consume between 10 and 30 litres; - A shower will consume between 15 and 150 liters; - a bath will consume between 80 and 250 liters.

[0129] Since some intervals overlap, thresholds can be defined. Furthermore, some intervals can be divided into more specific uses. For example, the classification can be based on the following consumption intervals, each interval of water volume consumed by a use being associated with a type of use: • 1 liter = occasional use (drawing water from a tap for a few seconds), micro-leak; • 2-3 litres = controlled occasional use, washing stool; • 4-10 liters: toilet flushes, larger water draws (washing dishes by hand, filling a bucket...) • 11-20 liters = intermediate uses (washing machine cycle, water pumping) important, very short showers); • 21-40 liters = water-saving showers, (typically 5 minutes at 6 liters per minute) ; • 40-70 litres = average showers (typically 6 minutes at 8 litres per minute) ; • 70 - 150 litres = long showers (typically more than 9 minutes at 8 litres) per minute), half a bathtub; • 150 - 250 litres = baths, important uses. • More than 250 litres = intensive uses (watering, filling swimming pool, blocking toilet flush, continuous leak).

[0130] These intervals and types of uses are given by way of non-limiting example only, and other intervals / types of uses may be considered. For example, a subset of the above intervals and types of uses may be used. The boundaries and intervals considered, as well as the associated types of uses, may of course be different from those presented above. For example, different thresholds may be chosen: for example, the separation between a controlled occasional use and a toilet flush could be defined between 2 and 3 liters rather than between 3 and 4; the separation between a toilet flush and a washing machine could be defined between 11 and 12 liters, or between 12 and 13 liters, rather than between 10 and 11; the separation threshold between a washing machine and a shower could be set between 15 and 25 liters, etc.

[0131] In the example above, the intervals cover all possible consumptions. Thus, whatever the volume of water consumed, a corresponding type of use can be identified. In other embodiments, the intervals associated with the uses may only cover a portion of the possible consumption volumes. In the case where a volume of water consumed during a use would not If the usage falls within none of these intervals, it can be classified as an unknown usage type.

[0132] In the case where data (i.e., depending on the embodiment, the transmitted data may be, for example, the pulses obtained in step 310, the uses and volumes at the end of step 340, or the classified uses, possibly associated with their volumes at the end of step 350) are transmitted from one counting device to another computing device, the frequency of data transmission may be modulated. For example, the data may be transmitted hourly, daily, weekly, etc.

[0133] Once the uses have been classified, their knowledge can be used in various ways.

[0134] In a set of embodiments of the invention, method 300 includes a subsequent step of calculating the cumulative volumes of water consumption respectively associated with a plurality of types of uses over a given period.

[0135] This involves summing, over a given period (for example, a week, a month, a year, etc.), the volumes consumed for each type of use. At the end of this step, the respective volumes associated with each use are therefore known and can be taken into account by a user or a water distribution network operator.

[0136] This allows the user or network operator to analyze the respective contributions of the different uses, and therefore to adapt water consumption accordingly.

[0137] For example, if the analysis of cumulative volumes highlights excessive water consumption for uses related to showers, the user can adapt their consumption to reduce the time spent in the shower or adopt more economical equipment.

[0138] This also makes it possible to identify the presence of undesirable uses.

[0139] For example, the presence of significant cumulative consumption associated with "micro-leak" usage makes it possible to detect the presence of a leak and to initiate the necessary corrective actions with a very sensitive detection threshold. Similarly, the presence of usage patterns related to long showers makes it possible to inform the user that their time spent in the shower is excessive or that their equipment needs to be adapted.

[0140] In practice, the analysis can be carried out in different ways.

[0141] In a set of embodiments of the invention, method 300 then includes a step of presenting a synthetic graphical representation representing the cumulative volumes of water consumption respectively associated with the plurality of types of uses over the given period to a user living in at least one home or an operator of the water distribution network to which said pipeline belongs.

[0142] In general, usage patterns can thus be quantified and presented in a concise manner to a user and / or a network operator. For example, the relative cumulative consumption of different types of usage over a given period (week, month, year, etc.) can be presented to a user (resident of one or more households served by the water supply) or a water distribution network operator serving at least one household, for example, in a graphical form such as a bar chart or a pie chart. The visualization can be done on any type of user terminal, for example, a personal computer, smartphone or tablet, via a web browser or an application.

[0143] Such a representation has the advantage of providing a synthetic and immediate view of consumption.

[0144] In the event that the representation is shown to the user, the latter can directly undertake measures to adapt his water consumption.

[0145] In the event that the representation is shown to the operator, the latter can analyze it, and contact the user to inform him of the most appropriate consumption reduction actions.

[0146] In a set of embodiments of the invention, the cumulative volumes are compared to cumulative reference consumption volumes for the given duration.

[0147] This makes it possible to identify a cumulative volume of excessive consumption of a given type of use, compared to the expected volume of consumption, and therefore to refine the identification of excessive consumption on a given type of use.

[0148] The cumulative reference consumption volumes for the given period may correspond to different volumes against which it is useful to compare consumption. For example, these may be: - of cumulative past consumption volumes of the same users over the same period. For example, the cumulative consumption of a household over a given month can be compared to the cumulative consumption of the same month of the previous year, which makes it possible to detect a possible increase in consumption for a type of use; - average or median cumulative consumption volumes for equivalent households. For example, average or median cumulative consumption volumes can be established for a given region for similar households (for example, studios occupied by a single person). This makes it possible to detect excessive consumption for a type of use, compared to expected consumption based on the characteristics of the household served; - etc.

[0149] In practice, the comparison can be carried out in various ways. For example, cumulative consumption can be compared numerically to cumulative reference consumption (adjusted, where applicable, by a margin factor), and an alert can be triggered if the cumulative consumption exceeds the cumulative reference consumption. If the cumulative consumption is represented graphically, the reference consumption can be indicated on the graphical representation, allowing the user or network operator to make an instant comparison and visualize the extent of excessive consumption.

[0150] In a set of embodiments of the invention, method 300 includes, if the number of occurrences or the cumulative volume of consumption of a given type of use during a given period is greater than a threshold, the automatic detection of undesirable use.

[0151] An undesirable use is a use that should be limited or eliminated. For example, leaks, micro-leaks, or long showers are undesirable uses.

[0152] This makes it possible to detect and correct undesirable uses that generate significant water consumption.

[0153] In practice, undesirable use can be detected if, over a given period: - the number of occurrences associated with the type of use is greater than a threshold. For example, a micro-leak can be detected if the number of occurrences of the use "micro-leak" (generally detected for uses comprising only a single pulse, for example corresponding to the consumption of one liter of water) is greater than 20 in a day; - The cumulative volume of water consumed for a use considered undesirable over a given period exceeds a threshold. For example, a volume associated with long showers exceeding 300 liters in a week can trigger an alert.

[0154] The method thus makes it possible to detect undesirable uses by the sole analysis of the pulses emitted by a water meter.

[0155] The above examples demonstrate the invention's ability to detect and classify domestic water uses. However, they are given only by way of example and do not in any way limit the scope of the invention, as defined in the claims below.

Claims

1. Demands Method for classifying water use in at least one household (300) implemented by a smart water meter comprising: - obtaining (310) a series of successive time pulses from the intelligent water consumption meter (110) placed on a water supply pipe (111) serving at least one home, each pulse representing the consumption of a predefined volume of water at an emission time; - the detection (320) of a use associated with a first pulse having an emission time greater than or equal to the sum of the emission time of the immediately preceding pulse in the series and a predefined threshold; - the association (330) successively to the use of the immediately subsequent pulses in the series, as long as the difference between the emission time of the last pulse associated with the use, and the emission time of the immediately subsequent pulse is less than said predefined threshold; - the calculation (340) of a volume of water consumed during use, said volume of water consumed during use being equal to the number of pulses associated with the use multiplied by said predefined volume; - the classification (350) of the use into a type of use, according to said volume of water consumed during the use, each type of use among a set of types of uses being associated with a range of volumes, the ranges of volumes associated with the different types of uses not overlapping, and said classification consisting of classifying the use into a type of use of said set when the volume of water consumed during the use is within the range of volumes associated with said type of use; and, - transmission to a server (120) only the types of uses and associated water volumes.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein said predefined threshold is between 40 and 180 seconds.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein said predefined threshold is between 90 and 180 seconds.

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined volume of water is between 0.1 and 3L.

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined volume of water is equal to IL.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a further step of calculating the cumulative volumes of water consumption respectively associated with a plurality of types of uses over a given period.

7. Method according to claim 6, comprising a step of presenting a synthetic graphical representation representing the cumulative volumes of water consumption respectively associated with the plurality of types of uses over the given period to a user living in at least one home or an operator of the water distribution network to which said pipeline belongs.

8. Method according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the cumulative volumes are compared to cumulative reference consumption volumes for the given period.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims comprising, if the number of occurrences or the cumulative volume of consumption of a given type of use during a given period is greater than a second threshold, the automatic detection of undesirable use.

10. Product computer program comprising program code instructions for performing the steps of the water use classification method of at least one dwelling (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 when said program is run on a smart water consumption meter.

11. Smart water consumption meter (100, 200a, 200b) including: - a water consumption meter (110, 213a, 213b) placed on a water supply (111) serving at least one dwelling, configured to emit successive time pulses, each pulse representing the consumption of a predefined volume of water at a given emission time; and, - at least one computing unit (211a, 221b) configured to perform the steps of the water use classification method for at least one dwelling (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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