CN113884755B - System and method for setting up a sensor system - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for setting up a sensor system that facilitates setting up at least one sensor in the sensor system via a data transmitter communicatively coupled to an analysis engine for a building management system, wherein an application is for running on a mobile device and interacting with the at least one sensor. The method comprises the following steps: communicating with the at least one sensor by the application to display a visual indicator; capturing visual data representative of the visual indicator by a camera of the mobile device; and associating the at least one sensor with a circuit of the building power system based on the captured visual data.

Description

System and method for setting up a sensor system

[ Field of technology ]

This patent application relates generally to power sensors and, more particularly, to a system and method for setting up a power sensor.

[ Background Art ]

In related art embodiments, building management systems are typically proprietary monitoring systems custom designed for commercial buildings, which alert when critical equipment fails. These related art building management systems rely on facility managers and engineers to set system and research power performance indicators (power performance metrics) to calibrate the amount of electricity used to keep the building running for 24 hours a day. Some building management systems allow facility managers and engineers to remotely manage specific settings of important equipment.

In related art systems, power metering may be used to determine how much power a consumer is using. In related art systems, metering is typically accomplished by having an electricity meter attached to the power line between a building (home, business, or other place) and an electric company. However, such systems typically provide only information about the total power usage of the entire building, and not about the power consumption associated with a particular circuit within the building.

Related art smart metering systems are used to analyze individual circuits within a building by connecting a sensor to each circuit (typically at a circuit breaker box). However, these related art systems may involve powering down the entire breaker box, resulting in lost operating time, or connecting the sensor to an energized power line, which may be dangerous.

Further, installing and setting up these related art sensor networks typically requires a great deal of training, expertise, and time. In the related art, power tracking (power tracking) involves installing a plurality of sensors in each room of a building, and this may involve replacing a power consumer and wall drilling, and thus may encounter connection problems in transmitting collected data.

[ Invention ]

In an embodiment, the power performance of the building is monitored in real time by a plurality of sensors located at a central power distribution point (central distribution point) of the building.

The present application provides a system and method for setting up a sensor system. In one embodiment, a method for setting up a power sensor system facilitates setting up at least one power sensor in the power sensor system via a data transmitter communicatively coupled to an analysis engine for a building management system, wherein an application is for running on a mobile device and interacting with the at least one power sensor. The method comprises the following steps: communicating, by the application, with the at least one power sensor to display a status via a visual indicator on the at least one power sensor; capturing, by the application, data representative of the visual indicator and data representative of a power distribution panel of the building power system; and identifying circuitry associated with the at least one power sensor based on the captured data representative of the power distribution panel and associating the at least one power sensor with the circuitry based on the captured data representative of the visual indicator. The step of capturing data representative of the power distribution panel includes: capturing spatial information associated with circuit settings within the power distribution panel; and detecting color information associated with the circuit wiring within the power distribution panel.

Preferably, the visual indicator comprises a light emitting LED located on the at least one power sensor.

Preferably, the application transmits the pattern displayed by the light emitting LED to the at least one power sensor to associate the at least one power sensor with the circuit of the building power system.

Preferably, the method for setting up a power sensor system further comprises: starting a panel setting interface through the application program to guide a user to determine the position of the component to be connected; and directing the user to set a voltage tap on one of the circuit breakers to provide power to the at least one power sensor and the data transmitter.

Preferably, a voltage tapped cable is connected to a terminal block of the data transmitter, and a voltage tapped circuit breaker can be opened.

Preferably, the method for setting up a power sensor system further comprises controlling the data transmitter by the application program to generate an indicative visual signal to indicate that the voltage tap setting is successful.

In another embodiment, a system for providing a power sensor system includes: at least one power sensor; a transmitter communicatively coupled to the at least one power sensor; and a processor controlled by an application, the application interacting with the at least one power sensor, the processor: communicating with the at least one power sensor to display a status via a visual indicator on the at least one power sensor; capturing data representative of the visual indicator and data representative of a power distribution panel of a building power system; and identifying circuitry associated with the at least one power sensor based on the captured data representative of the power distribution panel and associating the at least one power sensor with the circuitry based on the captured data representative of the visual indicator. Upon capturing data representative of the power distribution panel, the processor: capturing spatial information associated with circuit settings within the power distribution panel; and detecting color information associated with the circuit wiring within the power distribution panel.

Preferably, the visual indicator comprises a light emitting LED located on the at least one power sensor; the processor transmits the pattern displayed by the light emitting LED to the at least one power sensor to associate the at least one power sensor with the circuit of the building power system.

Preferably, the processor captures the data representative of the visual indicator by controlling a sensing device.

Preferably, the sensing device is associated with a mobile device.

[ Description of the drawings ]

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of analytical feature (parsed signature) analysis according to an embodiment of the present application;

2A-2C are schematic diagrams of exemplary components of a current transformer sensor system according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a setup process according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary panel setup user interface according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary user interface for voltage tap (voltage tap) setting according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary user interface for current transformer setup according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary user interface for photo identification (photographic recognition) according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary user interface for connecting to a network according to one embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a power distribution system (power distribution system) utilizing an exemplary current transformer according to one embodiment of the present application;

FIGS. 10-18 are schematic diagrams of a series of user interfaces that may be used in a setup process (commissioning process) according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary computing environment including an exemplary computing device suitable for use in some embodiments of the present patent application.

[ Detailed description ] of the invention

The following detailed description provides further details regarding the drawings and embodiments of the present patent application. For clarity, repeated element numbers and descriptions between the drawings are omitted. The terminology used throughout the description is provided as an example and is not intended to be limiting. For example, the use of the term "automated" may include fully or semi-automated embodiments, involving control of certain aspects of the embodiments by a user or administrator, depending on the desired embodiment by one of ordinary skill in the art in practicing embodiments of the present application. The user may make a selection through a user interface or other input means, or through a suitable algorithm. The embodiments described in this patent application may be implemented alone or in combination, and the functions of the embodiments may be accomplished in any manner depending on the desired implementation.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of analytical feature (parsed signature) analysis according to one embodiment of the present patent application. A user interface 100 exhibiting analytical feature analysis according to one embodiment of the present application is shown in fig. 1. Referring to fig. 1, a plurality of circuit-based sensors 105 (e.g., current transformers) may be coupled to a local power system 110 to monitor the total power usage of a location (e.g., a commercial, industrial, or residential building). In one embodiment, a plurality of circuit-based sensors 105 may be located at a central power distribution point (central power distribution point) at the location, such as a power panel 110 (e.g., a power panel (panelboard), a circuit breaker panel, an electrical panel (ELECTRIC PANEL), etc.) to collect electricity usage data. According to one example system, a plurality of circuit-based sensors 105 may be used for one electrical panel 110 on which to rest. In this example, one sensor is attached to each circuit, and these sensors may be interconnected with a data transmitter to connect to a cloud analysis system 120. For example, a plurality of circuit-based sensors may be used for ultra-high frequency resolution (e.g., 8 kilohertz).

Each circuit-based sensor 105 may capture a power consumption signal (represented by power consumption characteristics 115a-115 e) associated with an individual circuit in the local power system 110, each individual circuit being connected to an individual device. The individual power consumption characteristics (power draw signatures) 115a-115e may be separated from the overall characteristics 125 (e.g., the overall power consumption of the local power system 110). The present embodiment may provide a user interface 130 to display the overall feature 125, where the overall feature 125 overlaps with the various power consumption features 115a-115 e.

According to an embodiment, the one or more circuit-based sensors 105 may be current transformers 205 described below. Each current transformer 205 may be connected to each circuit of the local power system and collect power consumption information that is analyzed to determine the power performance (power performance) of each device connected to the local power system.

Fig. 2A-2C are schematic diagrams of exemplary components of a current transformer sensor (current transformer sensor) system according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown, multiple sensors (e.g., current transformer sensors 205) are attached to multiple circuit lines within a distribution box and connected to a data transmitter 225. The data transmitter 225 is coupled to an analysis engine (e.g., an analysis processor or software running on a computing device such as the computing device 1905 described below in fig. 19). Various arrangements are available for sensor and data transmission as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, each sensor may include a near field communication (near-field communication) mode to transmit the collected data to the analysis engine via the data transmitter 225. In some embodiments, the plurality of current transformer sensors 205 may be interconnected and connected to a hub (hub) that includes the data transmitter 225 to provide reliable communications and reduce signal interference at the distribution box of the local power system.

In one embodiment, the current transformer 205 may include a body 215 including an upper half; a lower half hinged to the upper half; and a latch mechanism 207. The latch mechanism includes a slider mechanism that can open the body 215 into an upper half and a lower half to surround the wires of the building circuit. The current transformer 205 may also include an indicator element (indicator element) 206, such as an LED or other visual indicator, to provide status and/or indication information, such as connection status, signal status, or any other information, for the mobile application. By providing an opening, a live cable of the circuit can be inserted into the sensing gap (SENSING GAP) 204. The current transformer 205 extracts (extract) current from the live cable passing through the sensing gap 204. The upper and lower halves may be separated by pulling a grip tab 207 away from the sensing gap 204. The exemplary structure of the current transformer 205 may allow for safe one-handed opening of the upper and lower halves of the body, even with gloves.

In an embodiment, the current transformer 205 may include enclosed (encased) upper and lower ferrite cores (ferrites cores) and a circuit board in combination with a hall effect sensor that extracts current flowing through the live cable through the sensing gap 204. In some embodiments, although a Hall-effect sensor (Hall-effect sensor) is between the lower ferrite core pieces, other types of sensors may be incorporated into the area around the sensing gap 204 in order to monitor and detect the current through the sensing gap 204 in a non-contact manner. Such as a temperature sensor, a flow sensor, or any other type of sensor that may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the current transformer 205 can draw current from a live cable that passes through the sensing gap 204. Further, in some embodiments, blade-like protrusions (bladed protrusion) may be incorporated into the sensing gap 204 to allow the energizing cable passing through the sensing gap 204 to be penetrated (penetrated) and tapped (tapped) directly (e.g., monitored directly or in contact).

As shown in fig. 2B, a current transformer 205 may be attached to each circuit of the local power system. In some embodiments, the plurality of current transformers 205a, 205b may be interconnected by a plurality of connectors 210. For example, the current transformer 205a may include a connector 210a, and the connector 210a may be connected with a receiver 211b of another current transformer 205b, e.g., in a daisy chain configuration. The daisy chain structure minimizes space and wiring (wiring) within the electrical box. Other embodiments may include a bus or switching topology (SWITCHING TOPOLOGY) for connecting sensors (e.g., current transformers 205) with the data transmitter 225.

As shown, the current transformer 205 includes a body that includes a female (female) connector 210 and a male (male) connector 211. For example, the female connector 210 may include a female mini-HDMI port and the male connector 211 may include a male mini-HDMI plug. However, other types of ports and plugs may be apparent to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, one or both of the female connector 210 and the male connector 211 may be connected to a sensor by a cable. The female connector 210 and the male connector 211 may be used to make a connection between a plurality of current transformers 205a and 205 b. For example, one female connector 210a of one current transformer 205a may be connected to one male connector 211B of another current transformer 205B as shown in fig. 2B.

As described in detail below, installing the sensor system may include attaching the current transformer sensors 205a and 205b to circuit lines 5a-5c within the electrical box 7, with the current transformer sensors 205a and 205b interconnected with the plurality of connectors 210 and connected to the data transmitter 225, with the data transmitter 225 being connected to an analysis engine (e.g., an analysis processor or software running on a computing device such as the computing device 1905 described below in fig. 19). For example, the first and last sensors in the daisy chain structure may be connected to the data transmitter 225 by extension (extension) cables. To accommodate (accommdate) different layouts or types of electrical boxes, the data transmitter 225 may be daisy-chained with more than one sensor. During installation of the sensor system, various additional components may be included to accommodate construction and physical assembly, such as extension cable 9, voltage tap cable 11, and other mounting features such as joint (CHASE NIPPLE) 13a and locknut (locknut) 13b. In this embodiment, the extension cable 9 is preferably a 200mm,1m,3m current transformer chain extension cable, the joint 13a is a 1 "joint, and the locknut 13b is a 1" locknut.

As shown in fig. 2B and 2C, installing the current transformer may include opening the upper and lower halves of the current transformer and clamping the current transformer to the circuit to be monitored, connecting the current transformer chain with an extension cable and guiding the wires through knock-out holes (knockouts) into the FWC. A certain interval needs to be reserved between the adjacent current transformers.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart of a setup (commissioning) process 300 according to an embodiment of the present application. The process may be used to register a sensor (e.g., current transformer 205) or set as part of a power management or monitoring system connected to a power distribution system (e.g., a building's power distribution system). In some embodiments, an application (e.g., a mobile application running on a computing device such as computing device 1905 described below in fig. 19) may facilitate (facilitate) installation and setup of sensors in coordination with an analysis engine of the power management or monitoring system. The application may run on a handheld device (e.g., a smart phone) and interact with the sensor during sensor installation. The plurality of sensors may include an indicator element 206, such as an LED or other visual indicator, to provide status and/or indicator information, such as connection status, signal status, or any other information, to the mobile application.

In step 310, the application initiates a panel setup interface to instruct the user to determine the location of the components to be connected. The application may allow a user to identify or designate each circuit in a circuit panel and any devices associated with each circuit in the circuit panel (e.g., heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system circuitry, lighting circuitry, server room circuitry, etc.). For example, a general (generics) schematic of a circuit panel may be provided to allow a user to specify which circuit of the circuit panel is to be set. In other embodiments, a particular circuit panel setting may be obtained (retrievable) from a library based on model number (model number) or other unique identifier (identifier).

In step 320, the application may direct the user to set a voltage tap on a circuit breaker to provide power to the sensor and the data transmitter. If there is at least one spare breaker per phase, the voltage tap can be set without closing any of the breakers. For example, the user may open the panel and find one backup breaker on each phase. If there is no backup breaker, but there is a void in the panel, the backup breaker can be inserted and used for voltage tapping. Otherwise, the power supply may be briefly turned off by the voltage tap breaker.

The voltage tap cable may be connected to a data transmitter terminal block (terminal blocks) and the voltage tap breaker may be opened. The data transmitter voltage tap may include a built-in lead fuse and may not require additional fuse protection. In some embodiments, a light ring on the data transmitter 225 may be used to indicate that the voltage tap set was successful. For example, pulsed white light may indicate that the system is functioning properly, and a flashing (blinking) red light may indicate that troubleshooting is to follow.

In step 330, the application (application) prompts the user to assign (assign) a sensor (e.g., current transformer 205) to each circuit of the local power system. The application may receive communications from within the sensor via an indicator (e.g., LED 206 or other visual indicator) on the sensor, assigning a tag to each circuit. In some embodiments, each selected circuit breaker may be marked by the application (labeled "switch for VS sub-metering").

In step 340, a photo (photo) recognition sequence may capture information conveyed by the pointer using a camera of the handheld device. For example, the LEDs 206 on the sensor may blink at a particular frequency or color that is captured by the camera of the handheld device, and the application may associate the sensor with the assignment circuit.

In some embodiments, it may be determined in step 345 whether all of the sensors that need to be assigned have been assigned. For example, the user may be provided with the option of assigning more sensors. If not all sensors have been assigned (e.g., no outcome to step 345), the process 300 may return to step 330 and steps 330 and 340 may repeat. Conversely, if all sensors have been assigned (e.g., yes in step 345), the process 300 may proceed to step 350.

In step 350, the application may establish a network connection through the data transmitter to transmit the collected data to a computing device (e.g., computing device 1905 described below in fig. 19). The network connection may be a wireless network connection, a bluetooth network connection, a cellular (cellular) communication network connection, or any other type of network connection that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In step 360, the application may selectively provide the user with various troubleshooting options using an indicator (e.g., LED 206 or other visual indicator) associated with each sensor and/or the LED ring of the data transmitter. Table 1 below describes exemplary troubleshooting (troubleshooting) information transmitted by indicators or data on the sensor, or by the handheld device.

Table 1: exemplary troubleshooting information

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary panel settings user interface 400 according to an embodiment of the present application. The user interface 400 may be displayed on a display screen of a computing device, such as the computing device 1905 of FIG. 19. As shown, the user interface 400 may provide a plurality of fields (fields) or control selections 405-430 for the setup panel. The field 405 may be used to identify the panel name or to provide a name for the panel. A selection box (check box) 410 may be used to identify a three-phase panel (thread-PHASE PANEL). The control field 415 may be used to identify the voltage of the panel. The control field 420 may be used to identify a split-phase (split-phase) panel. The control field 425 may be used to identify wire diameters (size) or circuit breakers that exceed a certain threshold (e.g., wire diameters greater than 4AWG or circuit breakers rated currents greater than 75A). Further, the control area 430 may be used to specify the color of the cable or wire associated with the panel.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary user interface 500 for setting voltage tap settings according to an embodiment of the present application. The user interface 500 may be displayed on a display screen of a computing device, such as the computing device 1905 of FIG. 19. As shown, the user interface 500 may provide a plurality of field or control selections 505-520 to assist a user in setting a voltage tap to provide power to the data transmitter 225. The field 505 may be used to specify that the voltage tap is to be set using a backup breaker or using a wired breaker. Field 510 may provide a warning or prompt to the user (e.g., "ensure circuit breaker closed. Connect voltage tap cable to circuit breaker.") fields 515 and 520 may provide instructions to the user that may be executed to set the voltage tap without having to consult an operating guide or assembly manual.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary user interface 600 for current transformer setup according to an embodiment of the present application. The user interface 600 may be displayed on a display screen of a computing device, such as the computing device 1905 of FIG. 19. As shown, the user interface 600 may provide a plurality of field or control selections 605-620 to assist a user in setting each current transformer or sensor that is used to monitor panel settings through the user interface 400 described above. Field 605 may provide the current state of the setup or debug process (e.g. a timeline or other indication of the setup phase). The field 610 may provide instructions and a schematic to show the user how to set each current transformer. The field 615 may provide a field for a user to name or identify the circuitry associated with each current transformer. The control field 620 may allow the user to specify the cable or wire color associated with each set current transformer.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary user interface 700 for photo recognition according to an embodiment of the present application. The user interface 700 may be displayed on a display screen of a computing device, such as the computing device 1905 of fig. 19. As shown, the user interface 700 may provide a plurality of fields 705-715 to assist a user in setting up a current transformer using photo identification. The field 705 may provide the current state of the setup or debug process (e.g. a timeline or other indication of the setup phase). Field 710 may provide instructions to show the user how to set up the current transformer using photo identification (e.g., please take a high definition photo for the panel). The field 715 may identify (identify) an area of the user interface 700 within which a panel or particular current transformer should be placed to facilitate photo identification.

The photo recognition user interface 700 may utilize a camera of the mobile device or an uploaded picture to assist in setting up the sensor. In one embodiment, a user may obtain or upload an image of a tag assigned to the mounting circuit. For example, electricians often place a schematic drawing of a labeled (label) on the inside door of a distribution box to identify where a particular room or device is served by a circuit. Thus, the image taken with the schematic may include a plurality of tags that indicate that circuit 1 is servicing the air conditioner, circuit 2 is servicing the outdoor light, circuit 3 is servicing the closet of the third building, etc. The user may also acquire an image of the actual distribution box including the sensor attached to the circuit.

The setup application may analyze the schematic and the image of the sensors to suggest a label to assign for each sensor. For example, the application may analyze the schematic image using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to collect tags assigned to circuits. The application may associate the tag of the schematic with a sensor attached to the corresponding location of the circuit. For example, a sensor (e.g., current transformer 205) for each location may be identified through an indicator interface 206 of the sensor. For example, the application may signal each sensor to display a different or alternate (changing) state via the indicator prior to capturing the image. The application may analyze the image based on the status of each sensor. The application may automatically assign a (assignment) tag to each sensor, the tag being used to classify the devices detected by the sensor during the power signature analysis.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary user interface 800 for connecting to a network according to one embodiment of the present application. The user interface 800 is displayed on a display screen of a computing device, such as the computing device 1905 of FIG. 19. As shown, the user interface 800 may provide various fields or controls 805-820 to assist a user in setting up a network. The field 805 may provide the current state of the debug or set process (e.g. a timeline (timeline) or a schematic of the phase of the debug or set process). The field 810 may provide instructions on how to connect to the network (e.g., "select the source of the data transmitter connection"). In some embodiments, field 810 may also provide device information (e.g., a media access control address (MAC ADDRESS), an Internet Protocol (IP) address, etc.) related to the device (e.g., a computing device such as computing device 1905 of fig. 19 below) in which the application is running. Control fields 815 and 820 may be used to specify the type of network or data transmission that is used. For example, the data transmitter 225 may be connected via long term evolution signals, wi-Fi, ethernet connection, and the like.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a power distribution system 900 utilizing exemplary current transformers 909, 911, 913, 914, 916, 918, 919 according to one embodiment of the present application. The power distribution system as shown in fig. 9 may be set up and monitored using a setup or commissioning process as described herein.

As shown, the power distribution system 900 includes an ac power source 905 (e.g., an alternator or other ac power source as will be apparent to those skilled in the art) coupled to a distribution line 907 (e.g., a power cable through which ac current may flow).

In the power distribution system 900, a series of current transformers 909, 911, 913, 914, 916, 918, 919 can be attached to any point along the length of the power distribution line 907 to allow current to be drawn at any location along the length of the power distribution line 907. Each current transformer 909, 911, 913, 914, 916, 918, 919 may be attached to the distribution wire 907 by inserting the distribution wire 907 into the sensing gap and closing the upper and lower halves of the current transformer.

Each current transformer 909, 911, 913, 914, 916, 918, 919 may draw current from the distribution line 907 and provide current to the devices 910, 915, 920, 925, 930, 935, 940, each device 910, 915, 920, 925, 930, 935, 940 being connected to one of the current transformers 909, 911, 913, 914, 916, 918, 919. For example, the current transformer 909 may be connected to a personal computer device 910 such as a laptop or desktop computer to provide power thereto. Further, the current transformer 911 may be connected to a portable electronic device 915, such as a personal music player, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (personal DIGITAL ASSISTANT), a tablet computer, or a digital camera, to provide power thereto. In addition, a current transformer 913 may be connected to a personal entertainment device 920, such as a television, stereo (stereo) system, DVD player, blu-ray player, etc., to provide power thereto.

Further, the current transformer 914 may be connected to provide electrical power to a light source 925 such as, for example, a bulb, a Light Emitting Diode (LED), a Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL), or other light emitting device as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. In addition, the current transformer 916 may be connected to provide power to a server device 930, a mainframe (mainframe), or other networked computing device.

Further, current transformers 918 and 919 may be connected to provide electrical power to household appliances 935 and 940, such as stoves, ovens, microwaves, refrigerators, and the like. Additional current transformers may also be used to draw current from the distribution line 907 and provide electrical power to any device that may be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Fig. 10-18 are schematic diagrams of a series of user interfaces 1000-1800 that may be used in a setup process, such as setup process 300 of fig. 3 described above, according to an embodiment of the present application. The user interfaces 1000-1800 may be displayed on a display screen of a computing device, such as the computing device 1905 of FIG. 19.

The user interface 1000 of fig. 10 may represent an initial (initialization) screen for starting a setup or debug process. As shown, the user interface 1000 may provide a number of fields or controls 1005-1015 to allow a user to initiate a setup or debug process. Field 1005 may provide information to the user such as a serial number, a media access control address (MAC ADDRESS), or other information related to initiating a setup or debug process. Control 1010 may allow the user to specify a country or region in which the system setup process may be used. In some embodiments, different processes or different languages of the user interface 1000 may be initiated or switched based on the control 1010. Control 1015 may allow the user to begin the setup or debugging process.

The user interface 1100 of fig. 11 may represent a panel verification or setup screen (panel verification or configuration screen) for a verification (verify) or setup panel during a setup or debug process. As shown, the user interface 1100 may provide a number of fields or controls 1105-1135 that may allow a user to verify or set a panel during a setup or debug process. The field 1105 may provide the current state of the setup or debug process (e.g. a timeline or other indication of the setup phase). The field 1110 may provide a name or identifier associated with the panel being verified or set. The name or identifier may be automatically detected by the photo recognition process described above or may be manually entered by the user using the user interface 1100. Fields 1115 and 1120 may provide panel configuration and panel voltage information, respectively.

Fields 1115 and 1120 may be automatically detected by the photo recognition process described above or another automated process, such as measuring voltage, current or phase of a power system, as is well known to those skilled in the art, or manually set by a user. Control 1125 may be used to specify the color of the cable associated with the panel and field 1130 may display the specified results provided by control 1125. Control 1135 may be used to transition to the next user interface in the sequence.

The user interface 1200 of fig. 12 may represent a tap assignment (TAP ASSIGNMENT) screen for setting and assigning voltage taps during a debug or setup process. As shown, the user interface 1200 may provide a plurality of fields or controls 1205-1225 that may allow a user to assign and set voltage taps. The field 1205 may provide the current state of the setup or debug process (e.g. a timeline or other indication of the setup phase). Controls 1210-1220 may be used to specify voltage tap colors according to a user's particular installation. Control 1225 may be used to transition to the next user interface in the sequence.

The user interface 1300 of fig. 13 may represent a sensor (current transformer) setup or configuration screen for the first sensor to be installed. As shown, the user interface 1300 may provide a plurality of fields or controls 1305-1345, which may allow a user to set and configure a first one of a plurality of sensors attached to the power system. The field 1305 may provide information or instructions to the user plus schematics 1310 and 1315 to allow the user to understand each step of the setup process. For example, as shown, when the system controls one particular sensor to blink in a particular manner so that the user knows which sensor he should first place, the user can be instructed to look for the light that blinks on the particular sensor.

Control 1320 allows the user to specify whether a terminal block (terminal block) is to be used with the sensor combination. In some embodiments, a sensor may be used that must be connected to a terminal block as shown in diagram 1310. In other embodiments, a clip sensor as shown in FIG. 1315 may be used.

The control 1325 may be used to assign an (assignment) identifier or name to the sensor that is set through the user interface 1300. Control 1330 may be used to specify the color of the cable associated with the sensor being provided. Control 1335 may be used to specify whether an ac current measurement sensor (e.g., a rogowski coil) is used. The field 1340 may indicate the current associated with the sensor being set through the user interface 1300. The current may be automatically detected by the sensor or manually adjusted by the user. Control 1345 may be used to transition to the next user interface in the sequence.

The user interface 1400 of fig. 14 may represent a sensor (current transformer) setup or configuration screen for additional sensors to be installed. As shown, the user interface 1400 may provide a plurality of fields or controls 1405-1445 that may allow a user to set and configure additional sensors attached to the power system. The field 1405 may provide information or instructions to the user plus schematics 1410 and 1415 to allow the user to understand each step of the setup process. For example, as shown, when the system controls one particular sensor to blink in a particular manner so that the user knows which sensor he should first place, the user can be instructed to look for the light that blinks on the particular sensor.

Control 1420 allows the user to specify whether a sensor is associated with the same circuit breaker as the previous sensor. Control 1425 allows the user to specify whether a terminal block is to be used with the sensor combination. In some embodiments, a sensor may be used that must be connected to a terminal block as shown in fig. 1410. In other embodiments, a clip sensor as shown in fig. 1415 may be used.

Control 1430 can be used to assign an identifier (identifier) or name to the sensor that is set through user interface 1400. Control 1435 may be used to designate the cable color associated with the sensor being set. Control 1440 may be used to specify whether an ac current measurement sensor (e.g., a rogowski coil) is used. A field 1445 may indicate a current associated with a sensor set through the user interface 1400. The current may be automatically detected by the sensor or manually adjusted by the user. Control 1450 may be used to transition to the next user interface in the sequence.

The user interface 1500 of fig. 15 may represent a sensor summary (summary) screen for checking (review) assigned cable colors for a plurality of sensors set through the user interfaces 1300 and 1400 of fig. 13 and 14. The sensors may be connected together as described above to form a sensor chain (e.g., sensor daisy chain). As shown, the user interface 1500 may include a number of fields or controls 1505-1525. Control 1505 may allow the user to return (navigate back) to the last set sensor (e.g., current transformer). Fields 1510-1520 may display the sensor name or identifier and cable color assigned through user interfaces 1300 and 1400. Control 1525 may be used to transition to the next user interface in the sequence.

The user interface 1600 of fig. 16 is a network selection screen that may be used to select a network type. As shown, the user interface 1600 may provide various fields or controls 1605-1615 to assist the user in selecting a network type. Field 1605 may provide the current state of the debug or set procedure (e.g. a timeline or a phase diagram of the debug or set procedure). Controls 1610 and 1615 may be used to specify the type of network or data transmission that should be used. For example, the data transmitter 225 may be connected via Long Term Evolution (LTE) signals, wi-Fi, ethernet connections, and the like.

The user interface 1700 of FIG. 17 is a network settings screen that may be used to set the network that was selected. As shown, the user interface 1700 may provide various fields or controls 1705-1730 that may be used to set up a network. Control 1705 may be used to return to user interface 1600 to select a different network type. The field 1710 may provide network identification information that has been automatically detected. Control 1715 may be used to select custom (custom) network identification (identification) to be entered. Field 1720 may be used to enter a password associated with the network. Control 1725 may be used to obtain (access) additional network settings. Control 1730 may be used to submit network settings entered via user interface 1700.

The user interface 1800 of fig. 18 is a network status screen that may be displayed after network setup is complete. As shown, the user interface 1800 may provide various fields or controls 1805-1820 that may be used to reset or change network states. Fields 1805 and 1810 may provide information to the user regarding the current network state or setup procedure. Control 1815 may be used to end the debug or setup process. Control 1820 may be used to return to user interface 1700 of fig. 17 to modify network configuration settings.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of an example computing environment 1900 containing an example computing device 1905 suitable for use in some embodiments. The computing device 1905 in the computing environment 1900 may include one or more processing units, cores or processors 1910, memory 1915 (e.g., random access memory, read only memory, etc.), internal memory 1920 (e.g., magnetic, optical, solid state memory, and/or organic), and/or input/output interfaces 1925, any of which may be coupled to a communication mechanism or bus 1930 for communicating information, or embedded within the computing device 1905.

The computing device 1905 may be communicatively coupled to an input/user interface 1935 and an output device/interface 1940. Either or both of input/user interface 1935 and output device/interface 1940 may be wired or wireless interfaces and may be detachable. Input/user interface 1935 may include any physical or virtual device, component, sensor, or interface (e.g., buttons, touch screen interface, keyboard, pointing/cursor control, microphone, camera, braille (braille), motion sensor, optical reader, etc.) that may be used to provide input.

Output device/interface 1940 may include a display, television, monitor, printer, speakers, braille, etc. In some embodiments, an input/user interface 1935 (e.g., a user interface) and an output device/interface 1940 may be embedded in the computing device 1905 or physically coupled to the computing device 1905. In other embodiments, other computing devices may be used as input/user interface 1935 and output device/interface 1940 for computing device 1905 or to provide functionality of input/user interface 1935 and output device/interface 1940 for computing device 1905. These elements may include, but are not limited to, well-known Augmented Reality (AR) hardware inputs to enable a user to interact with an augmented reality environment.

Examples of computing device 1905 may include, but are not limited to, devices that are often mobile (e.g., smart phones, devices in vehicles and other machines, devices carried by humans and animals, etc.), mobile devices (e.g., tablet computers, notebook computers, laptops, personal computers, radios, etc.), and devices that are not designed for mobility (e.g., desktop computers, server devices, other computers, kiosks, televisions with one or more processors embedded therein, televisions with one or more processors coupled thereto, radios, etc.).

The computing device 1905 may be communicatively coupled (e.g., through an input/output interface 1925) to external memory 1945 and to a network 1950 to communicate with any number of networking components, devices, and systems, including one or more computing devices having the same or different configurations. The computing device 1905 or any connected computing device may function as, provide services to, or be referred to as: a server, a client, a thin server (THIN SERVER), a general-purpose machine, a special-purpose machine, or another tag.

The input/output interface 1925 may include, but is not limited to, a wired and/or wireless interface using any communication or input/output protocol or standard (e.g., ethernet, 1902.11xs, universal system bus, wiMAX, modem, cellular network protocol, etc.) for communicating information to and/or from at least all connected components, devices, and networks in the computing environment 1900. Network 1950 may be any network or combination of networks (e.g., the internet, a local area network, a wide area network, a telephone network, a cellular network, a satellite network, etc.).

The computing device 1905 may communicate using and/or with computer-usable or computer-readable media, including transitory and non-transitory media. Transitory media include transmission media (e.g., metallic cables, optical fibers), signals, carriers, and the like. Non-transitory media include magnetic media (e.g., magnetic disks and tapes), optical media (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD ROM), digital video disc, blu-ray disc), solid state media (e.g., random access memory, read only memory, flash memory, solid state memory), and other non-volatile memory or memory.

The computing device 1905 may be used to implement various techniques, methods, applications, processes, or computer-executable instructions in some example computing environments. Computer-executable instructions may be retrieved from, and stored on, a non-transitory medium. The executable instructions may originate from one or more of any programming, scripting, and machine language (e.g., C, C ++, c#, java, visual Basic, python, perl, javaScript, etc.).

In a local or virtual environment, the processor 1910 may execute under any Operating System (OS) (not shown in the figures). One or more applications may be deployed including a logic unit 1955, an Application Programming Interface (API) unit 1960, an input unit 1965, an output unit 1970, a visual data acquisition unit 1975, a circuit identifier unit 1980, a sensor/circuit association unit 1985, and an inter-unit communication mechanism 1995 for communicating the different units with each other, with an Operating System (OS) and with other applications (not shown).

For example, visual data acquisition unit 1975, circuit identifier unit 1980, and sensor/circuit association unit 1985 may implement one or more of the processes in fig. 3. The above units and components may be varied in design, function, arrangement or implementation and are not limited to the above description.

In some embodiments, when information or execution instructions are received by an Application Programming Interface (API) unit 1960, the information or execution instructions may be transmitted to one or more other units (visual data acquisition unit 1975, circuit identifier unit 1980, and sensor/circuit association unit 1985). For example, the visual data acquisition unit 1975 may utilize the input/user interface 1935 to control a camera or image acquisition device to capture image data from one or more sensors and at least one circuit panel. Further, the circuit identifier unit 1980 may identify a circuit based on the captured visual data. Further, the sensor/circuit association unit 1985 may associate or assign at least one sensor to a circuit based on the captured visual data. Based on the association, a user interface containing electronic data of the circuit measured by the sensor may be displayed.

In some cases, the logic unit 1955 may be used to control information flow between units and direct services provided by an Application Programming Interface (API) unit 1960, an input unit 1965, a visual data acquisition unit 1975, a circuit identifier unit 1980, and a sensor/circuit association unit 1985 in some embodiments described above. For example, the flow of one or more processes or implementations may be controlled by the logic unit 1955 alone or by the logic unit 1955 in conjunction with the Application Programming Interface (API) unit 1960.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, schematics, and examples. Where such block diagrams, schematics, and examples include one or more functions and/or operations, each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, schematics, or examples can be implemented individually and/or collectively by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the present technology may be implemented by Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). However, the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, may be equivalently implemented in standard integrated circuits, as one or more programs executed by one or more processors, as one or more programs executed by one or more controllers (e.g., microcontrollers), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof.

Although certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the application. Indeed, the novel apparatus and methods described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the applications. The accompanying embodiments and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the application.

Portions of the detailed description are presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations within a computer. These algorithmic descriptions and symbolic representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is a defined sequence of steps that yields the desired end state or result. In some embodiments, the steps performed require physical manipulation of the actual quantity to achieve the actual result.

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "displaying," or the like, may include the operation and processes of a computer system, or other information processing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other information storage, transmission or display devices.

Embodiments may also relate to an apparatus for performing the operations described herein. The apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or may comprise one or more general-purpose computers selectively activated or reconfigured by one or more computer programs. These computer programs may be stored in a computer readable medium, such as a computer readable storage medium or a computer readable signal medium. A computer-readable storage medium may include tangible media such as, but not limited to, optical disks, magnetic disks, read-only memory, random access memory, solid state devices, and drives or other types of tangible or non-transitory media suitable for storing electronic information. A computer readable signal medium may include a medium such as a carrier wave. The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. The computer program may include a software-only implementation that includes instructions to implement the operations of the desired implementation.

Various general-purpose systems may be used with programs and modules in accordance with the examples herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the desired method steps. In addition, embodiments are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of embodiments as described herein. The instructions of the programming language may be executed by one or more processing devices, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), processor, or controller.

The operations described above may be performed by hardware, software, or some combination of software and hardware, as is known in the art. Aspects of the embodiments may be implemented using circuitry and logic (hardware), while other aspects may be implemented using instructions stored on a machine-readable medium (software), which if executed by a processor would cause the processor to perform a method embodying the embodiments of the application. Furthermore, some embodiments of the application may be implemented solely in hardware, while other embodiments may be implemented solely in software. Furthermore, the various functions described may be performed in a single unit or may be distributed across several components in any number of ways. When executed by software, the method may be performed by a processor, such as a general purpose computer, based on instructions stored on a computer readable medium. If desired, the instructions may be stored on the medium in a compressed and/or encrypted format.

Furthermore, other embodiments of the application will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the teachings of the application. The aspects and/or components of the described embodiments may be used alone or in any combination. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the application being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (10)

1. A method for setting up a power sensor system that facilitates setting up at least one power sensor in the power sensor system via a data transmitter communicatively coupled to an analysis engine for a building management system, wherein an application is for running on a mobile device and interacting with the at least one power sensor, the method comprising:

Communicating, by the application, with the at least one power sensor to display a status via a visual indicator on the at least one power sensor;

Capturing, by the application, data representative of the visual indicator and data representative of a power distribution panel of the building power system; and

Identifying circuitry associated with the at least one power sensor based on the captured data representative of the power distribution panel and associating the at least one power sensor with the circuitry based on the captured data representative of the visual indicator; wherein:

The step of capturing data representative of the power distribution panel includes:

capturing spatial information associated with circuit settings within the power distribution panel; and (3) with

Color information associated with circuit wiring within the power distribution panel is detected.

2. The method for setting up a power sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the visual indicator comprises a light emitting LED located on the at least one power sensor.

3. The method for setting up a power sensor system according to claim 2, wherein the application program transmits a pattern displayed by the light emitting LED to the at least one power sensor in order to associate the at least one power sensor with the circuit of the building power system.

4. The method for setting up a power sensor system of claim 1, further comprising:

Starting a panel setting interface through the application program to guide a user to determine the position of the component to be connected; and

The user is instructed to set a voltage tap on one of the circuit breakers to provide power to the at least one power sensor and the data transmitter.

5. The method for setting up a power sensor system according to claim 4, wherein a voltage tapped cable is connected to a terminal block of the data transmitter and a voltage tapped circuit breaker can be opened.

6. The method for setting up a power sensor system of claim 5, further comprising controlling the data transmitter by the application to generate an indicative visual signal to indicate that the voltage tap setting was successful.

7. A system for setting up a power sensor system, comprising:

At least one power sensor;

a transmitter communicatively coupled to the at least one power sensor; and

A processor controlled by an application, the application interacting with the at least one power sensor, the processor:

Communicating with the at least one power sensor to display a status via a visual indicator on the at least one power sensor;

Capturing data representative of the visual indicator and data representative of a power distribution panel of a building power system; and

Identifying circuitry associated with the at least one power sensor based on the captured data representative of the power distribution panel and associating the at least one power sensor with the circuitry based on the captured data representative of the visual indicator; wherein:

upon capturing data representative of the power distribution panel, the processor:

capturing spatial information associated with circuit settings within the power distribution panel; and (3) with

Color information associated with circuit wiring within the power distribution panel is detected.

8. The system for providing a power sensor system of claim 7, wherein the visual indicator comprises a light emitting LED located on the at least one power sensor; the processor transmits the pattern displayed by the light emitting LED to the at least one power sensor to associate the at least one power sensor with the circuit of the building power system.

9. The system for configuring a power sensor system of claim 7, wherein the processor captures the data representative of the visual indicator by controlling a sensing device.

10. The system for providing a power sensor system of claim 9, wherein the sensing device is associated with a mobile device.