Inventors:
Donald B. Ellingham - Fairfield CT, US
Richard A. Nichols - Fairfield CT, US
International Classification:
G06T 11/20
A63F 13/00
G06Q 10/00
G06Q 50/00
Abstract:
Methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed for monitoring usage of a consumable resource, and displaying substantially instantaneous and historical usage measurements of the consumable resource in both numerical and non-numeric manner. The non-numeric manner facilitates comprehension by non-technical users in conservation applications. The relative size, position and movement of graphical icons, images, symbols and objects convey present and past consumption. A projection of consumption can be calculated and compared against consumption, prompting corrective actions. Past and present conservation performance can be displayed in the context of a game. Various symbols optionally incrementally visually reward conservation or admonish failure, and therein score efforts. Challenging goals can be established to increase conservation. User-chosen display color schemes facilitate décor integration. Integration of the display into various devices including gas or liquid flow-control valves, and electrical dimmers and switches are disclosed. A portable version facilitates resource waste detection and problem location.