Autonomous measuring device for a pool, system comprising such a device and method for assisting in the management of a pool

Abstract

The invention relates to a stand-alone measuring device (130) for a pool, comprising a housing, a pool water temperature sensor comprising a measuring element (215), a storage module configured to record at least one temperature measurement provided by the temperature sensor, at least one communication module configured to transmit at least one item of information recorded in the at least one storage module to a remote electronic entity, the device (130) comprising a fixing element adapted to mechanically secure and / or unsecure the housing to a covering element of the pool, and a support element (210) comprising a first end mechanically secured to the housing and a second end opposite the first end and supporting the at least one measuring element (215),the at least one support element (210) being configured to offset the at least one measuring element (215) in depth and ensure its mobility relative to the housing. figure for the abstract: figure 3,

Description

Title of the invention: Autonomous measuring device for a pool, system comprising such a device and method for assisting in the management of a pool TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The field of the invention relates to the management of a pool, for example a swimming pool. In particular, the invention relates to an autonomous measuring device, in particular for measuring the water temperature of a pool. The invention also relates to a system for equipping a pool, comprising a covering element, for example a thermal cover, provided with such an autonomous device. The invention further relates to a method for assisting in the management of a pool for an electronic entity connected by a wireless link to an autonomous device of such a system. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] There are autonomous floating devices for measuring the temperature of a pool comprising a pool water temperature sensor and a communication module. The temperature sensor is typically configured to periodically take measurements of the temperature of the pool water by at least partial immersion of the temperature sensor in the pool water. The communication module allows the transmission of pool water temperature measurements to a remote electronic entity.

[0003] These devices, generally compact, make it possible to measure the temperature of the water near the surface to provide a user with comfort information. They are generally not suitable for providing assistance in managing the pool or improving practices related to its use, in particular based on certain and predictive data. Statement of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims at a simple, reliable and economical autonomous measurement device for a pond, capable of providing information relating to the environment of the water pond, in order to assist a user in the management of the pond.

[0005] The subject of the invention, in a first aspect, is a stand-alone measuring device for a pool, the device comprising a housing, at least one pool water temperature sensor, the at least one temperature sensor comprising at least one measuring element, at least one storage module configured to record at least one temperature measurement provided by the at least one pool water temperature sensor, at least one communication module configured to transmit at least information recorded in the at least one storage module to at least one remote electronic entity, the device further comprising at least one fixing element adapted to mechanically secure and / or mechanically unsecure the housing to a covering element of the basin, and at least one support element comprising a first end mechanically secured to the housing and a second end opposite the first end, the second end supporting the at least one measuring element, the at least one support element being configured to offset the at least one measuring element in depth relative to the housing and ensure mobility of the at least one measuring element relative to the housing.

[0006] In the autonomous device according to the invention, the at least one fixing element offers the possibility of mechanically securing or mechanically unsecuring the housing to a covering element of the pool. In addition, the at least one support element makes it possible to measure the water in depth, under a surface of the water of the pool, by offsetting in depth the at least one measuring element relative to the housing, while allowing, when the housing of the autonomous device is mechanically secured to the covering element, the storage of the covering element.

[0007] Thus, by ensuring mobility of the at least one measuring element relative to the housing, the at least one support element allows the autonomous device, when the autonomous device is mechanically secured to the covering element, to take a first deployed state and a second stored state. In the deployed state, the at least one support element is substantially transverse relative to the covering element, moving the at least one measuring element away from the at least one temperature sensor relative to the covering element. In the stored state, the at least one support element is substantially wound with the covering element in order to limit its bulk.

[0008] Preferred, simple, convenient and economical characteristics of the device according to the invention are presented below.

[0009] For example, the autonomous device further comprises at least one securing sensor configured to detect a state of mechanical securing of the housing to a covering element of the basin, the at least one storage module being configured to record at least one state of securing provided by the at least one securing sensor.

[0010] For example, the mechanical restraint sensor is a contact sensor, in particular piezoelectric.

[0011] For example, the autonomous device further comprises at least one immersion sensor configured to detect a state of at least partial immersion of the device, the device being configured to perform measurements and / or transmit information only if a state of at least partial immersion is detected.

[0012] For example, the housing further comprises at least one sealed housing in which the at least one storage module, the at least one communication module and / or an electrical energy source are arranged.

[0013] For example, the housing comprises a first part comprising the sealed housing and a second part mechanically secured to the first part, the second part being removable relative to the first part, and wherein the at least one fastening element is formed by mechanically securing the second part to the first part.

[0014] For example, the first portion of the waterproof housing includes a removable airtight cap configured to seal the waterproof housing by mechanically securing the airtight cap to the first portion of the waterproof housing.

[0015] For example, the stand-alone device further comprises at least one location module configured to locate the device, the at least one storage module being configured to record location information of said device.

[0016] According to embodiments, the at least one location module is a cellular telephone module. By way of illustration, the location module may be a GPRS module (acronym for General Packet Radio Service in English terminology) also known as a 2G module. The location module may also be a UMTS module (acronym for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System in English terminology) or a more recent technology module. Alternatively, it may be a GPS module (acronym for Global Positioning System in English terminology) or a location module using another technology.

[0017] For example, the at least one support element is a flexible rod.

[0018] For example, the at least one support element is a flexible cable. As for illustration, the at least one support element has a longitudinal dimension of between 20 cm and 70 cm, preferably between 30 cm and 60 cm, and better still between 40 cm and 50 cm.

[0019] For example, the housing is a float housing. The housing can then be used independently of the covering element.

[0020] The invention also relates, in a second aspect, to a system for equipping a pool comprising a covering element configured to at least partially cover the pool and at least one autonomous pool measuring device, comprising all or part of the characteristics described above, in which the at least one autonomous device is mechanically secured to the covering element by at least one fixing element of the autonomous device.

[0021] Preferred, simple, convenient and economical features of the system according to the invention are presented below.

[0022] For example, the covering element may cover entirely or at least partially the basin.

[0023] For example, the covering member may be configured to be rolled up and unrolled.

[0024] For example, the covering element may be isothermal.

[0025] According to particular embodiments, the covering element is a floating thermal cover, in particular a bubble cover, or a set of floating blades, for example made of PVC (acronym for Polyvinyl Chloride) or polycarbonate, in particular connected to each other by pivoting connections.

[0026] The invention also relates, in a third aspect, to a method for assisting in the management of a pool for a personal electronic entity connected by a wireless link to at least one autonomous device of a system, comprising all or part of the characteristics described above, comprising a reception by the personal electronic entity of at least one measurement of the water temperature of the pool, a reception by the personal electronic entity of at least one piece of meteorological information, a processing by the personal electronic entity of the at least one measurement of the water in the pool and of the at least one piece of meteorological information to determine at least one piece of pool management advice, and a presentation of the at least one piece of pool management advice to a user.

[0027] By way of illustration, the at least one meteorological information may be an air temperature, an ultraviolet index, a rainfall index and / or a wind strength and direction index.

[0028] Preferred, simple, convenient and economical characteristics of the method according to the invention are presented below.

[0029] For example, the at least one piece of weather information is received from a device separate from the at least one standalone device of the system, the at least one piece of weather information being received in response to a transmission of at least one piece of location information from the device.

[0030] For example, the at least one basin management advice relates to a position of the basin covering element relative to the basin.

[0031] For example, the method further comprises presenting to the user a state relating to the position of the basin covering element relative to the basin according to an immersion state or a non-immersion state of the autonomous device in the basin transmitted from the autonomous device.

[0032] For example, the method further comprises a user input of at least one characteristic of the basin, the processing taking into account the at least one characteristic input by the user.

[0033] For example, the method further comprises comparing at least one first location information of the autonomous device with at least one second prior location information of the autonomous device recorded by the personal electronic entity to detect a change in location of the autonomous device.

[0034] For example, the at least one characteristic of the basin is a geometric dimension of the basin, in particular a depth, a width and / or a length, or a diameter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0035] Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the present invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the devices, system and methods which are the subject of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: • [Fig.l] is a schematic view of an environment comprising a basin, allowing the implementation of the invention according to particular embodiments; • [Fig.2] is a schematic side view of the self-contained device illustrated in [Fig.l], mechanically secured to a covering element; • [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective view of the self-contained device illustrated in [Fig.2], before it is mechanically secured to a covering element; • [Fig.4] is an exploded schematic top view of the stand-alone device shown in Figures 2 and 3; • [Fig.5] is a schematic side view of a rolled covering element, the covering element comprising a self-contained device as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4; • [Fig.6] illustrates an example of electronic architecture that can be implemented in a stand-alone device according to particular embodiments; • [Fig.7] illustrates an example of steps implemented in a stand-alone device to perform measurements and transmit data; • [Fig.8] illustrates an example of electronic architecture of an electronic entity such as that illustrated in [Fig.l] for implementing the invention according to particular embodiments; • [Fig.9] illustrates an example of steps implemented in an electronic entity to help a user manage a pool based on measurements obtained from an autonomous device and meteorological data; and • Figures 10 to 12 illustrate examples of views of a graphical interface of an application used on an electronic entity to help a user manage a pool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The present description is given as a non-limiting example of embodiment.

[0037] According to particular embodiments, an autonomous measuring device, in particular for direct measurement and collection of local environmental information, is adapted to be mounted on a covering element of a pool, typically a cover or a shutter, in order to transmit information, in particular water temperature information and, optionally, location information, to an external electronic entity such as a personal portable electronic device. This external electronic entity can then use the information received and additional information, for example additional information obtained from a remote system as a function of a location of the autonomous device, such as weather forecasts, to assist a user in the management of the pool.The user can therefore be advised to remove or install the covering element depending on the temperature of the pool water measured by the autonomous device and the short-term weather forecast.

[0038] Thus, the autonomous device makes it possible to associate in real time a presence or absence of a swimming pool cover with a reading of a state of the water and of an environment of the swimming pool and to carry out an interpolation on an energy input and an energy saving of the cover. It also makes it possible to generate usage advice on the proper operation of the swimming pool and its immediate environment.

[0039] The autonomous device connected to an electronic entity provides a real-time evaluation of the energy input of a cover, in particular a thermal (or solar) cover. It also gives a comprehensive picture of the temperature of the pool water, the surrounding air, the surrounding ultraviolet (UV) radiation index and the installation status of the cover. It also gives a short-term forecast of the main weather parameters in the immediate environment of the pool.

[0040] The autonomous device can thus contribute to providing the following information to a user: - the current water temperature, - air temperature, - the UV index and / or an alert to protect vulnerable people, - the temperature history over several days and / or months, - the state of the thermal blanket (e.g., in place or folded away), - various tips for proper use of the thermal blanket including • a prediction of the optimal time for swimming, • the installation or removal of the thermal blanket for optimal use, • the installation or removal of the thermal blanket to optimize its longevity, • a weather alert (linked to the pool area), and / or • the impact of certain chemical treatments on the longevity of the thermal blanket.

[0041] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of an environment comprising a basin, allowing the implementation of the invention according to particular embodiments.

[0042] As illustrated, the basin, here a swimming pool, and its environment, referenced 100, comprise the basin 105 itself surrounded by a border 110 such as coping stones. The basin is accessible by a staircase 115. The perimeter of the basin comprises a space 120 arranged to allow the circulation of people enjoying the swimming pool and / or ensuring maintenance. The basin, when not in use, for safety reasons or to optimize its parameters (for example its temperature or its chemistry), can be covered by a covering element 125 such as a shutter or a cover. By way of illustration, this covering element 125 is here shown partially open. It can be a thermal cover, in particular a bubble cover, or a set of floating blades, for example made of PVC or polycarbonate, connected together by pivoting connecting elements.

[0043] The pool water is maintained by a treatment and filtration system (not shown). Such a system is generally housed in a pool enclosure (not shown), located a few meters or tens of meters from the pool and connected to it via pipes. This system may also include means for heating the pool water, for example a heat pump.

[0044] According to particular embodiments, an autonomous measuring device 130 is attached to the covering element 125. As described in more detail below, the autonomous device 130 notably comprises a temperature sensor and a communication module. It may also comprise a location module, using for example a cellular telephone module. The autonomous device 130 can thus measure a temperature of the water in the pool and, using the communication module, transmit the temperature to a remote device, in particular to an electronic entity 135, for example a smartphone or a tablet. The communication between the autonomous device 130 and the electronic entity 135 may comply with a known standard. It may for example be a Bluetooth or WiFi type communication (Bluetooth and WiFi are trademarks).According to particular embodiments, the temperature of the water in the pool is transmitted at the request of the electronic entity 135 or according to a predetermined communication scheme to save the electrical source of the autonomous device 130.

[0045] The electronic entity 135 can use information relating to the location of the autonomous device 130 to obtain additional information, for example meteorological data of the present moment or of future moments. They can be obtained from a remote system such as a meteorological center 140. It is recalled here that meteorological models make it possible to estimate precise present and future meteorological data for a given location. The information relating to the location of the autonomous device 130 can be obtained from it if the autonomous device is provided with a location module and / or by the electronic entity 135 if the electronic entity 135 is provided with a location module and if the electronic entity 135 is located near the autonomous device 130 (eg, if the electronic entity 135 and the autonomous device 130 are connected to each other by short or medium range communication means for example of the Bluetooth or WiFi type).

[0046] The information obtained by the electronic entity 135 is processed by the latter to help the user manage the pool, for example to anticipate the removal or installation of the covering element.

[0047] [Fig. 2] is a schematic side view of a self-contained device mechanically secured to a covering element, for example the self-contained device 130 mechanically secured to the covering element 125 in [Fig. 1]. As illustrated, the self-contained device 130 here comprises a first part 200 forming a body of the self-contained device 130 and a second part 205 forming a locking element. The second part 205 is here mechanically secured to the first part 200. The body and the locking element here form a housing of the self-contained device 130. The self-contained device 130 comprises an element for fixing the self-contained device 130 to the covering element 125. The fixing element is here formed by mechanically securing the second part 205 to the first part 200, in particular by pressure, as illustrated in [Fig. 3].

[0048] The autonomous device 130 further comprises a support element 210 comprising a first end mechanically secured to the housing, in particular to the first part 200, and a second end opposite the first end, the second end supporting a measuring element 215 of the temperature sensor (the temperature sensor being able to be placed in a housing of the housing to be protected and connected to the other electronic elements of the autonomous device 130).

[0049] The support element 210 may be a rigid element or a flexible element, preferably hollow to integrate a conductive connection (electrical or thermal) between the measuring element 215 and the temperature sensor itself. When the support element 210 is rigid, it is mechanically secured to the housing by a pivoting joining element or comprises a pivoting joining element. When the support element 210 is flexible, it is mechanically secured to the housing by a pivoting or rigid junction (eg, screwed or glued). The support element 210 may be a rod made of synthetic material, for example nylon.

[0050] In the position of use in which the autonomous device 130 is shown, the measuring element 215 is located under the body of the autonomous device 130, directly above it, at a distance from the covering element 125 here equal to the length of the support element 210. The position of the measuring element 215 thus makes it possible to avoid a measurement bias linked to a proximity of the covering element 125 to the surface of the water.

[0051] According to a particular embodiment, the housing formed by the first part 200 and the second part 205 is here a float housing, allowing the autonomous device 130 to float and therefore to be used in a pool independently, without a covering element. The buoyancy is obtained by the choice of materials and an internal volume of the autonomous device 130, in particular by cells present on each of the first part 200 and the second part 205 of the housing.

[0052] [Fig. 3] is a schematic perspective view of the self-contained device 130 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, before it is mechanically secured to a covering element.

[0053] As illustrated, the locking element 205 is here screwed to a central part of the body 200 of the autonomous device 130, providing large bearing surfaces 300 on the covering element on which the autonomous device 130 can be mounted, limiting the risks of the autonomous device 130 becoming detached and of the covering element being torn. The central part onto which the locking element is screwed here forms a housing that can accommodate electronic elements, in particular the temperature sensor (whose measuring element 215 is offset), the communication module and an electrical source such as a battery as illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0054] [Fig. 4] is an exploded schematic top view of the autonomous device shown in Figures 2 and 3. As illustrated, the central part of the body 200 of the autonomous device 130, referenced 400, forms a housing which can be hermetically closed using a cap 405 (or, according to another embodiment, using the locking element 205). This housing can accommodate an electronic card 410 equipped with different modules, for example a temperature sensor, a communication module and a storage module. The housing can also accommodate an electrical source, rechargeable or not, for example the battery 415. The latter can allow operation of the autonomous device 130 for several months, or even several years. It can be changed by removing the locking element 205 and, if necessary, the cap 405.

[0055] According to particular embodiments, the autonomous device comprises a immersion sensor (not shown), for example a capacitive sensor whose electrodes are fixed on the outer surface of the body 200. When the latter is in the water, the resistance of the water between the electrodes can be detected, making it possible to deduce that the autonomous device is in the water and that, thus, if the autonomous device is mounted on a covering element, that it is deployed, at least partially, on a pool. Conversely, if it is determined that the autonomous device is not in the water, it can be determined that if the autonomous device is mounted on a covering element, it is, at least partially, stored.

[0056] The self-contained device may further comprise a mechanical attachment sensor such as a contact sensor, for example a piezoelectric sensor, for determining whether the self-contained device is mounted on a covering element. The state of this mechanical attachment sensor combined with the state of an immersion sensor may thus make it possible to know the state of a covering element.

[0057] [Fig. 5] is a schematic side view of a rolled-up cover member 125, with the self-contained device 130 mechanically secured to the cover member. As illustrated, the support member 210 of the self-contained device 130 allows the measuring member 215 to move, relative to the body of the self-contained device 130 and relative to a use position, into a storage position in which it is located proximate to the cover member 125.

[0058] [Fig.6] illustrates an example of electronic architecture that can be implemented in a stand-alone device according to particular embodiments, for example in the form of an electronic card (or PCB, acronym for Printed Circuit Board in English terminology).

[0059] The electronic card 600 preferably comprises a communication bus 605 to which are connected:

[0060] - a central processing unit or microprocessor 610 (also called CPU, acronym for Central Processing Unit in Anglo-Saxon terminology);

[0061] - a 615 read-only memory (or ROM, acronym for Read Only Memory in French) Anglo-Saxon minology) which may include an operating system;

[0062] - a random access memory or cache memory 620 (RAM, acronym for Random Access Memory in Anglo-Saxon terminology) comprising registers adapted to record variables and parameters created and modified during the execution of the aforementioned programs;

[0063] - a communication interface 625, preferably of the wireless type, for example Bluetooth or WiFi type, the interface being particularly capable of transmitting data, in particular to an electronic entity;

[0064] - an input / output interface 630 connected to a temperature sensor 635 and, optionally, to a location module 640 (for example GPRS, UMTS type or GPS), an immersion sensor 645 (for example of the capacitive type) and / or a mechanical subjection sensor 650 (for example a piezoelectric type contact sensor).

[0065] The electronic card 600 may also comprise a storage memory (655), for example of the SSD type (acronym for Solid State Device in English terminology), which may comprise the aforementioned programs and data measured, processed or to be processed according to particular embodiments.

[0066] The communication bus 605 allows communication and interoperability between the different elements included in the electronic card 600 or connected to it. The representation of the bus is not limiting and, in particular, the central unit is capable of communicating instructions to any element of the electronic card 600 directly or via another element of the electronic card 600.

[0067] The executable code of each program allowing the programmable device to implement the processes according to the invention can be stored, for example, in the storage memory 655 or in read-only memory 615.

[0068] According to a variant, the executable code of the programs may be received via a communication network via the interface 625, to be stored in a manner identical to that described previously.

[0069] More generally, the program(s) may be loaded into one of the storage means of the electronic card 600 before being executed.

[0070] The central unit 610 will control and direct the execution of the instructions or portions of software code of the program(s) according to the invention, instructions which are stored in the storage memory 655 or in the read-only memory 615 or in the other aforementioned storage elements. When the power is switched on, the program(s) which are stored in a non-volatile memory, for example the storage memory 655 or in the read-only memory 615, are transferred into the random access memory 620 which then contains the executable code of the program(s) according to the invention, as well as registers for storing the variables and parameters necessary for implementing the invention.

[0071] [Fig.7] illustrates an example of steps implemented in a stand-alone device to perform measurements and transmit data.

[0072] As illustrated, a first step here is intended to determine whether the autonomous device is mechanically secured to a covering element and whether it is at least partially immersed (step 700). If so, subsequent steps are performed in a loop, for example periodically (eg, every 15 minutes), to measure the temperature of the water in which the autonomous device is immersed (step 705) and store the measurements in a memory of the autonomous device (step 710). The stored values ​​may be measured values ​​representative of the water temperature or the temperature itself (i.e., the measured value and processed according to a calibration of the temperature sensor). According to particular embodiments, the memory used to store data to be transmitted to a remote device is divided into sections, each section being associated with a particular type of data (e.g., one section is associated with the measured temperatures, another section is associated with the state of the immersion sensor, yet another section is associated with location data, etc.). Each stored data item is preferably also stored with the time at which the data item was obtained. Still according to a particular embodiment, the oldest data item in a section is replaced by new data of the same type when the section is full. Measurement time slots can be determined to use different measurement frequencies depending on the time of day.

[0073] If the autonomous device is provided with other sensors, for example an air temperature sensor, an immersion sensor and / or a mechanical restraint sensor, a similar mechanism can be implemented (eg, steps similar to steps 705 and 710 are implemented for each variable to be measured, with identical or different parameters (eg, the frequency of obtaining data from the mechanical restraint sensor can be lower than that of obtaining the water temperature). According to other embodiments, certain measurements are carried out conditionally, depending on other parameters. By way of illustration and as described above, a water temperature measurement is carried out here, periodically, only when the autonomous device is partially submerged.

[0074] In parallel, a test is carried out to determine whether stored data must be transmitted (step 715). According to particular embodiments, the stored data are transmitted at predetermined times, for example at fixed times or periodically, or on request, for example on request from the electronic entity which will process this data. According to other embodiments, the stored data are transmitted when the volume of new data (i.e., untransmitted data) reaches a particular threshold, for example a predetermined threshold.

[0075] If stored data must be transmitted, they are transmitted (step 720), using the communication module of the autonomous device. As described previously, the latter can use a standard communication protocol, for example according to the Bluetooth standard or the WiFi standard.

[0076] If the autonomous device is provided with a location module, a test can be performed to determine whether location information must be obtained (step 725). According to a particular embodiment, obtaining location information can be performed upon request, for example upon request from an electronic entity electronics if the latter determines that the last location information provided by the mobile device does not correspond with current location information of the portable electronic device. If location information must be obtained, it is obtained (step 730) and is stored in a memory of the autonomous device (step 735) to be transmitted with other data to a remote device, for example an electronic entity.

[0077] [Fig.8] illustrates an example of electronic architecture of an electronic entity such as that illustrated in [Fig.l] for implementing the invention according to particular embodiments.

[0078] The electronic entity 800 preferably comprises a communication bus 805 to which are connected:

[0079] - a central processing unit or microprocessor 810 (CPU);

[0080] - a read only memory 815 (ROM) which may contain an operating system and programs;

[0081] - a random access memory or cache memory 820 (RAM) comprising registers adapted to save variables and parameters created and modified during the execution of the aforementioned programs;

[0082] - a communication interface 825, preferably of the wireless type, which can, depending on certain embodiments, establish communications according to several modes, for example a short or medium range communication of the Bluetooth or WiFi type and a long range communication of the cellular telephony type, the interface being in particular capable of receiving data, in particular from an autonomous device located nearby and from a remote system; and

[0083] - a location module 830 (for example of the GPS type).

[0084] The electronic entity 800 may also comprise a storage memory, for example of the SSD type, which may comprise the aforementioned "Prog" programs and data measured, processed or to be processed according to particular embodiments.

[0085] The communication bus 805 allows communication and interoperability between the different elements included in the electronic entity 800 or connected to it. The representation of the bus is not limiting and, in particular, the central unit is capable of communicating instructions to any element of the electronic entity 800 directly or via another element of the electronic entity 800.

[0086] The executable code of each program allowing the programmable device to implement the processes according to the invention can be stored, for example, in the storage memory 835 or in read-only memory 815.

[0087] According to a variant, the executable code of the programs may be received via a communication network via the interface 825, to be stored in a manner identical to that described previously.

[0088] More generally, the program(s) may be loaded into one of the storage means of the electronic entity 800 before being executed.

[0089] The central unit 810 will control and direct the execution of the instructions or portions of software code of the program(s) according to the invention, instructions which are stored in the storage memory 835 or in the read-only memory 815 or in the other aforementioned storage elements. When the power is switched on, the program(s) which are stored in a non-volatile memory, for example the storage memory 835 or in the read-only memory 815, are transferred into the random access memory 820 which then contains the executable code of the program(s) according to the invention, as well as registers for storing the variables and parameters necessary for implementing the invention.

[0090] [Fig.9] illustrates an example of steps implemented in an electronic entity to help a user manage a pool based on measurements obtained from an autonomous device and meteorological data.

[0091] As illustrated, a first step here has the object of obtaining measurements of the pool (step 900), for example obtaining the temperature of the water in the pool, under a covering element to limit the influence of surface radiation. These measurements are obtained from an autonomous device as described previously, on request or according to a predetermined mechanism.

[0092] In a subsequent, preceding or simultaneous step, present and / or future meteorological data are obtained (step 905). Such meteorological data include, for example, the air temperature near the basin, a UV index, wind strength and direction, precipitation intensity, etc. Some or all of the present meteorological data may be obtained from the autonomous device if it is provided with sensors configured to perform such measurements. They may also be obtained from a remote system, in particular from a meteorological center capable of estimating present and / or future meteorological data using numerical models and measurements. For these purposes, the position of the autonomous device is obtained.By way of illustration, it can be obtained at the request of the electronic entity if the latter does not know it, if it has a doubt or if the position of the autonomous device recorded by the electronic entity is not consistent with that determined by the latter. To estimate its position, the autonomous device can use a cellular telephony module, for example of the GPRS or UMTS type, and estimate its position by triangulation according to the position of access points. Alternatively, it can use a GPS module. According to other embodiments, the position of the autonomous device is considered to be the same as that of the electronic entity which then estimates it, for example with a cellular telephony module or a GPS module. The estimated position of the autonomous device is transmitted to a remote system such as . than a meteorological center which, in response, provides the requested present or future meteorological information.

[0093] The received data is then processed (step 910) to provide assistance regarding pool management to the user of the electronic entity (step 915). This processing may in particular include the application of rules to the received data. By way of illustration, if wind is forecast and if the covering element is not in place on the pool, it may be advisable to deploy it. Similarly, if the water temperature is lower than the air temperature, present and future, it may be advisable to put away the covering element.

[0094] According to a first particular embodiment, the processing of the received data is carried out using an artificial intelligence engine using a self-learning mechanism making it possible to associate data obtained at a given time (measurements of the pool and meteorological data) with data obtained subsequently, for example the temperature of the water in the pool, to estimate cause-and-effect links and, thus, make it possible to optimize the management of the pool.

[0095] According to a second particular embodiment, the processing of the received data is carried out using an artificial intelligence engine, called "encapsulated", obtained from a remote server. In such an embodiment, the remote server generates a generic artificial intelligence engine on the basis of data received from different pools, preferably a large number of pools, to associate data obtained over a first period with data obtained over a second period. Thus, by way of illustration, it is possible to associate a variation in water temperature (e.g., a water temperature measurement every half hour), the installed or removed position of a covering element and meteorological data, from a first period, with a water temperature of a second period. After learning, the artificial intelligence engine is encapsulated and transmitted to one or more electronic entities.It is observed here that the remote server can improve the artificial intelligence engine over time, with new data, and retransmit it to the electronic entities after encapsulation. Thus, from data of a first period, for example a variation in water temperature (eg, a water temperature measurement every half hour), the installed or removed position of a covering element and meteorological data, the electronic entity is capable of estimating data of a second period, for example a water temperature in one hour, two hours or three hours. This estimation can in particular be used to estimate a time corresponding to predetermined criteria of a user, for example a temperature criterion. It can also be used to calculate energy saved or spent according to a temperature variation.

[0096] Comfort data may further be provided to the user (step 920). These data correspond for example to some of the measurements received and / or meteorological data received or even to estimates of the periods in which the conditions of the basin will meet the expectations of the users.

[0097] To refine the assistance provided to the user of the electronic entity in managing the pool, he may be asked to provide additional information, such as the size of the pool (length, width and depth, or diameter and depth), the desired water temperature range, the price of the energy used for the pool, for example to filter and, if necessary, heat the water in the pool, etc.

[0098] [Fig. 10] illustrates a first example of a view of a graphical interface of an application used on an electronic entity to help a user manage a pool.

[0099] As illustrated, the interface (1000) here allows the user to enter certain additional information using corresponding fields, such as dimensions of the pool (length, width and depth, or diameter and depth) (1005), a desired bathing temperature (1010), a price per kWh (1015) to calculate an energy input linked to the use of the solar cover, a threshold for triggering an alert (1020) to warn the user of the appearance of a probable wind around the pool in a given future time period, for example from 3 hours to 72 hours. The interface further comprises a set of buttons (1025), for example to validate a choice, go back or reset the values ​​with the default values. For these purposes, the interface can be associated with a touch screen or with input elements such as a keyboard and a mouse.

[0100] [Fig. 11] illustrates a second example of a view of a graphical interface of an application used on an electronic entity to help a user manage a pool.

[0101] As illustrated, the interface (1100) here displays the air temperature (1105), the pool water temperature (1110), the UV index (1115), the electricity consumption and the corresponding price (1120) as well as the history of a parameter, here the variation in the pool water temperature over the last 24 hours.

[0102] Other information may be displayed. For example, the application may indicate whether the standalone device is in water, and may further estimate and display the energy stored by the thermal blanket from the pool dimensions and water temperature measurements obtained, calculate and display the profit made by the thermal blanket, estimate, compare, and display the profit that would be made using another thermal blanket, display UV protection recommendations, etc.

[0103] [Fig. 12] illustrates a third example of a view of a graphical interface of an application used on an electronic entity to help a user manage a basin.

[0104] As illustrated, the interface (1200) displays a message (1205) to advise the user of the electronic entity to install the thermal cover in view of the last known temperature of the pool water and the weather forecast. The message (1205) may further comprise an estimate of the energy input and / or an estimate of the energy savings related to the installation of the cover.

[0105] On the contrary, the interface (1200) can display a message (1205) to advise the user of the electronic entity to partially or completely remove the thermal cover in view of the last known temperature of the water in the pool and the weather forecast.

[0106] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples. It extends to other variants.

[0107] Depending on the embodiment selected, certain acts, actions, events, or functions of each of the methods described herein may be performed or occur in a different order than they were described, or may be added, merged, or not performed or not occur, as the case may be. In addition, in some embodiments, certain acts, actions, or events are performed or occur concurrently and not successively.

[0108] Although described through a number of detailed exemplary embodiments, the proposed device, system and method include various variations, modifications and improvements which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it being understood that these various variations, modifications and improvements are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. In addition, different aspects and features described above may be implemented together, or separately, or substituted for each other, and all of the various combinations and sub-combinations of the aspects and features are within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, some systems and equipment described above may not incorporate all of the modules and functions described for the preferred embodiments.

Claims

Claims

1. Autonomous measuring device (130) for a pool (100), the device (130) comprising a housing, at least one temperature sensor (635) for the water of the pool (100), the at least one temperature sensor (635) comprising at least one measuring element (215), at least one storage module (655) configured to record at least one temperature measurement provided by the at least one temperature sensor (635) for the water of the pool (100), at least one communication module (625) configured to transmit at least one piece of information recorded in the at least one storage module (655) to at least one remote electronic entity (135), the device (130) further comprising at least one fixing element adapted to mechanically secure and / or mechanically unsecure the housing to a covering element (125) of the pool (100),and at least one support element (210) comprising a first end mechanically secured to the housing and a second end opposite the first end, the second end supporting the at least one measuring element (215), the at least one support element (210) being configured to offset the at least one measuring element (215) in depth relative to the housing and ensure mobility of the at least one measuring element (215) relative to the housing.,

2. Device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one securing sensor (650) configured to detect a state of mechanical securing of the housing to a covering element (125) of the basin (100), the at least one storage module (655) being configured to record at least one state of securing provided by the at least one securing sensor (650).

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, further comprising at least one immersion sensor (645) configured to detect a state of at least partial immersion of the device (130), the device (130) being configured to carry out measurements and / or transmit information only if a state of at least partial immersion is detected.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing further comprises at least one sealed housing in which the at least one storage module (655), the at least one communication module (625) and / or an electrical energy source are arranged.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the housing comprises a first part (200) comprising the sealed housing and a second part (205) mechanically secured to the first part (200), the second part (205) being removable relative to the first part (200), and wherein the at least one fixing element is formed by mechanically securing the second part (205) to the first part (200).

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one location module (640) configured to locate the device (130), the at least one storage module (655) being configured to record location information of said device (130).

7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one support element (210) is a flexible rod.

8. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the housing is a float housing.

9. System for equipping a basin (100) comprising a covering element (125) configured to at least partially cover the basin (100) and at least one autonomous measuring device (130) for basin (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the at least one autonomous device (130) is mechanically secured to the covering element (125) by at least one fixing element of the autonomous device (130).

10. A method for assisting in the management of a pool (100) for a personal electronic entity (135) connected by a wireless link to at least one autonomous device (130) of a system according to claim 9, comprising a reception (900) by the personal electronic entity (135) of at least one measurement of water temperature of the pool (100), a reception (905) by the personal electronic entity (135) of at least one piece of meteorological information, a processing (910) by the personal electronic entity (135) of the at least one measurement of water in the pool (100) and of the at least one piece of meteorological information to determine at least one management advice (915) for the pool (100), and a presentation of the at least one management advice (915) for the pool (100) to a user.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one piece of weather information is received from a separate device (140) of the at least one standalone device (130) of the system, the at least one in- weather formation being received in response to a transmission of at least one location information from the device (130).

12. Method according to one of claims 10 and 11, in which the at least one basin management advice (100) relates to a position of a covering element (125) of the basin (100) relative to the basin (100).

13. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising presenting to the user a status relating to the position of a covering element (125) of the basin (100) relative to the basin (100) according to an immersion state or a non-immersion state of the autonomous device (130) in the basin (100) transmitted from the autonomous device (130).

14. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising user input of at least one characteristic of the basin (100), the processing taking into account the at least one characteristic input by the user.

15. Method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising a comparison of at least one first location information of the autonomous device (130) with at least one second previous location information of the autonomous device (130) recorded by the personal electronic entity (135) to detect a change in location of the autonomous device (130).

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