Bathing unit system controller having abnormal operational condition identification capabilities

Abstract

A controller for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing unit system that includes a power source and a set of bathing unit components. The controller comprises a power control device and a processing module. The power control device is capable of acquiring a first state and a second state. In the first state, said power control device enables the power source to supply power to the set of bathing unit components, and in the second state, said power control device prevents the power source from supplying power to the set of bathing unit components. The processing module is operative for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing unit system, and more particularly with the controller itself. Upon detection of an abnormal operational condition associated with the controller, the processing module causes the power control device to acquire the second state.

1 . A controller for a bathing unit system, the bathing unit system including a power source and a set of bathing unit components, said controller comprising: 
 a) a power control device that interfaces between the power source and the set of bathing unit components, said power control device capable of acquiring either one of a first state and a second state, wherein: 
 i. in the first state, said power control device enables the power source to supply power to the set of bathing unit components, and;  
 ii. in the second state, said power control device prevents the power source from supplying power to the set of bathing unit components;  
   b) a processing module in communication with said power control device, said processing module being operative for: 
 i. detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing unit system;  
 ii. causing said power control device to acquire said second state upon detection of an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing unit system.  
   
     
     
         2 . A controller as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said processing module comprises: 
 a) a control unit operative for controlling the set of bathing unit components; and    b) a diagnostic unit operative for: 
 i. detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing unit system;  
 ii. upon detection of an abnormal operational condition, issuing a signal to said power control device for causing said power control device to acquire said second state.  
   
     
     
         3 . A controller as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said abnormal operational condition detected by said diagnostic unit is associated with said controller of the bathing unit system.  
     
     
         4 . A controller as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said processing module is operative for detecting an abnormal operational condition of said bathing unit system when a temperature of the water in said bathing unit system is above a predetermined temperature level.  
     
     
         5 . A controller as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said diagnostic unit includes a signal frequency detection unit operative for detecting an abnormal operational condition of said controller when the frequency of a particular signal issued by said control unit does not correspond to a predetermined frequency value.  
     
     
         6 . A controller as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said diagnostic unit includes a power detection unit operative for detecting an abnormal operational condition of said controller when the power level supplied by the power source falls below a predetermined power level.  
     
     
         7 . A controller as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the predetermined power level is stored in a memory unit of said controller.  
     
     
         8 . A controller as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said controller includes a thermal detection unit operative for detecting an abnormal operational condition of said controller when an internal temperature of said controller exceeds a predetermined temperature value.  
     
     
         9 . A controller as defined in  claim 8 , wherein said predetermined temperature value is stored in a memory unit of said controller.  
     
     
         10 . A controller as defined in  claim 8 , wherein said predetermined temperature value is defined by a thermal fuse.  
     
     
         11 . A controller as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said diagnostic unit includes an optical detection unit operative for detecting an abnormal operational condition of said controller upon detection of the presence of electric arcs within said controller.  
     
     
         12 . A controller as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said power control unit is operative to acquire the second state upon receipt of an emergency-off command signal from a user.  
     
     
         13 . A controller as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said processing module includes an input for receiving command signals from a user, said processing module being responsive to an emergency off command signal received at said input for causing said power control device to acquire said second state.  
     
     
         14 . A controller as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said power control device is selected from the group consisting of a power contactor, a latching relay, a non-latching coil and a plurality of relays.  
     
     
         15 . A controller as defined in  claim 2 , wherein each bathing unit component in the set of bathing unit components is adapted for acquiring an activated state and a non-activated state, wherein in the activated state a bathing unit component is operative for drawing power from the power source, said controller comprising: 
 a) a plurality of actuators associated to respective bathing unit components; and    b) an input for receiving command signals from a user of the bathing unit system such that said control unit is operative for controlling said plurality of actuators at least in part on the basis of said command signals, for causing the bathing unit components in the set of bathing unit components to acquire either one of the activated state and the non-activated state.    
     
     
         16 . A controller as defined in  claim 15 , wherein each of said plurality of actuators each includes a relay.  
     
     
         17 . A controller as defined in  claim 15 , wherein said command signals received at said input are entered by a user via a control panel.  
     
     
         18 . A controller as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the set of bathing unit components includes at least one bathing unit component selected from the set consisting of a heating module, a pump, an ozonator, a power supply, a CD player and an air blower.  
     
     
         19 . A controller as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said control unit is powered independently from said power control device, whereby when said power control device is in said second state, said control unit continues to receive power for operation.  
     
     
         20 . A controller as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said diagnostic unit includes an energy storage unit.  
     
     
         21 . A controller as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said controller includes an output module, wherein upon detection by said processing module of an abnormal operational condition of the bathing unit system, said output module is operative for conveying information to a user indicative of an error condition.  
     
     
         22 . A controller as defined in  claim 21 , wherein said information indicative of an error condition includes information indicative of an abnormal operational condition.  
     
     
         23 . A controller as defined in  claim 21 , wherein said output module is operative for conveying the information indicative of the error condition in a visual format.  
     
     
         24 . A controller as defined in  claim 21 , wherein said output module is operative for conveying the information indicative of the error condition in an audio format.  
     
     
         25 . A controller as defined in  claim 21 , wherein said output module is included on a control panel of the bathing unit system.  
     
     
         26 . A controller as defined in  claim 21 , wherein said output module is included on said controller.  
     
     
         27 . A method for monitoring a bathing unit system, the bathing unit system including a power source, a set of bathing unit components and a power control device that interfaces between the power source and the set of bathing unit components, the power control device capable of acquiring either one of a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state, the power control device enables the power source to supply power to the set of bathing unit components, and in the second state, the power control device prevents the power source from supplying power to the set of bathing unit components, said method comprising: 
 a) detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing unit system;    b) causing the power control device to acquire the second state upon detection of an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing unit system.    
     
     
         28 . A method as defined in  claim 27 , wherein said abnormal operational condition is associated with a controller of the bathing unit system.  
     
     
         29 . A method as defined in  claim 28 , comprising detecting an abnormal operational condition of the controller when a temperature of the water in the bathing unit system is above a predetermined temperature level.  
     
     
         30 . A method as defined in  claim 28 , comprising detecting an abnormal operational condition of the controller when the frequency of a particular signal does not correspond to a predetermined frequency value.  
     
     
         31 . A method as defined in  claim 28 , comprising detecting an abnormal operational condition of the controller when a power level supplied by the power source falls below a predetermined power level.  
     
     
         32 . A method as defined in  claim 31;  wherein the predetermined power level is stored in a memory unit of the bathing unit system.  
     
     
         33 . A method as defined in  claim 31 , wherein the predetermined temperature value is defined by a thermal fuse.  
     
     
         34 . A method as defined in  claim 28 , comprising detecting an abnormal operational condition of the controller when an internal temperature of the controller exceeds a predetermined temperature value.  
     
     
         35 . A method as defined in  claim 34 , wherein the predetermined temperature value is stored in a memory unit of the bathing unit system.  
     
     
         36 . A method as defined in  claim 28 , comprising detecting an abnormal operational condition of the controller upon detection of the presence of electric arcs within the controller.  
     
     
         37 . A method as defined in  claim 27 , comprising causing the power control device to acquire the second state upon receipt of an emergency-off command signal from a user.  
     
     
         38 . A method as defined in  claim 27 , wherein the power control device is selected from the group consisting of a power contactor, a latching relay, a non-latching coil and a plurality of relays.  
     
     
         39 . A method as defined in  claim 28 , wherein each bathing unit component in the set of bathing unit components is adapted for acquiring an activated state and a non-activated state, wherein in the activated state a bathing unit component is operative for drawing power from the power source, said method comprising causing the bathing unit components in the set of bathing unit components to acquire either one of the activated state and the non-activated state, at least in part in response to command signals received from a user.  
     
     
         40 . A method as defined in  claim 39 , wherein said command signals are entered by a user via a control panel.  
     
     
         41 . A method as defined in  claim 27 , wherein the set of bathing unit components includes at least one bathing unit component selected from the set consisting of a heating module, a pump, an ozonator, a power supply, a CD player and an air blower.  
     
     
         42 . A method as defined in  claim 27 , comprising conveying to a user via an output module, information indicative of an error condition, upon detection of an abnormal operational condition of the bathing unit system.  
     
     
         43 . A method as defined in  claim 42 , wherein the information indicative of an error condition includes information indicative of an abnormal operational condition.  
     
     
         44 . A method as defined in  claim 42 , comprising conveying the information indicative of the error condition in a visual format.  
     
     
         45 . A method as defined in  claim 42 , comprising conveying the information indicative of the error condition in an audio format.  
     
     
         46 . A method as defined in  claim 42 , wherein the output module is included on a control panel of the bathing unit system.  
     
     
         47 . A method as defined in  claim 42 , wherein the output module is included on a controller of the bathing unit system.  
     
     
         48 . A bathing unit system comprising: 
 a) a power source;    b) a set of bathing unit components in communication with said power source; and    c) a controller, comprising: 
 i. a power control device that interfaces between said power source and said set of bathing unit components, said power control device capable of acquiring either one of a first state and a second state, wherein: 
 (a) in the first state, said power control device enables said power source to supply power to said set of bathing unit components, and;  
 (b) in the second state, said power control device prevents said power source from supplying power to said set of bathing unit components;  
 
 ii. a processing module in communication with said power control device, said processing module being operative for: 
 (a) detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing unit system;  
 (b) causing said power control device to acquire said second state upon detection of an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system.  
 
   
     
     
         49 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 48 , wherein said processing module comprises: 
 a) a control unit operative for controlling said set of bathing unit components; and    b) a diagnostic unit operative for: 
 i. detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing unit system;  
 ii. upon detection of an abnormal operational condition, issuing a signal to said power control device for causing said power control device to acquire said second state.  
   
     
     
         50 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 49 , wherein said abnormal operational condition detected by said diagnostic unit is associated with said controller of said bathing unit system.  
     
     
         51 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 50 , wherein said processing module is operative for detecting an abnormal operational condition of said controller when a temperature of the water in said bathing unit system is above a predetermined temperature level.  
     
     
         52 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 50 , wherein said diagnostic unit includes a signal frequency detection unit operative for detecting an abnormal operational condition of said controller when the frequency of a particular signal issued by said control unit does not correspond to a predetermined frequency value.  
     
     
         53 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 50 , wherein said diagnostic unit includes a power detection unit operative for detecting an abnormal operational condition of said controller when the power level supplied by the power source falls below a predetermined power level.  
     
     
         54 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 53 , wherein the predetermined power level is stored in a memory unit of said controller.  
     
     
         55 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 50 , wherein said controller includes a thermal detection unit operative for detecting an abnormal operational condition of said controller when an internal temperature of said controller exceeds a predetermined temperature value.  
     
     
         56 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 55 , wherein said predetermined temperature value is stored in a memory unit of said controller.  
     
     
         57 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 55 , wherein said predetermined temperature value is defined by a thermal fuse.  
     
     
         58 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 50 , wherein said diagnostic unit includes an optical detection unit operative for detecting an abnormal operational condition of said controller upon detection of the presence of electric arcs within said controller.  
     
     
         59 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 48 , wherein said power control unit is operative to acquire the second state upon receipt of an emergency-off command signal from a user.  
     
     
         60 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 48 , wherein said processing module includes an input for receiving command signals from a user, said processing module being responsive to an emergency off command signal received at said input for causing said power control device to acquire said second state.  
     
     
         61 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 48 , wherein said power control device is selected from the group consisting of a power contactor, a latching relay, a non-latching coil and a plurality of relays.  
     
     
         62 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 49 , wherein each bathing unit component in said set of bathing unit components is adapted for acquiring an activated state and a non-activated state, wherein in the activated state a bathing unit component is operative for drawing power from the power source, said controller comprising: 
 a) a plurality of actuators associated to respective bathing unit components; and    b) an input for receiving command signals from a user of the bathing unit system such that said control unit is operative for controlling said plurality of actuators at least in part on the basis of said command signals, for causing the bathing unit components in the set of bathing unit components to acquire either one of the activated state and the non-activated state.    
     
     
         63 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 62 , wherein each of said plurality of actuators each includes a relay.  
     
     
         64 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 62 , wherein said command signals received at said input are entered by a user via a control panel.  
     
     
         65 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 48 , wherein said set of bathing unit components includes at least one bathing unit component selected from the set consisting of a heating module, a pump, an ozonator, a power supply, a CD player and an air blower.  
     
     
         66 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 49 , wherein said control unit is powered independently from said power control device, whereby when said power control device is in said second state, said control unit continues to receive power for operation.  
     
     
         67 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 49 , wherein said diagnostic unit includes an energy storage unit.  
     
     
         68 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 48 , wherein said controller includes an output module, wherein upon detection by said processing module of an abnormal operational condition of the bathing unit system, said output module is operative for conveying information to a user indicative of an error condition.  
     
     
         69 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 68 , wherein said information indicative of an error condition includes information indicative of an abnormal operational condition.  
     
     
         70 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 68 , wherein said output module is operative for conveying the information indicative of the error condition in a visual format.  
     
     
         71 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 68 , wherein said output module is operative for conveying the information indicative of the error condition in an audio format.  
     
     
         72 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 68 , wherein said output module is included on a control panel of the bathing unit system.  
     
     
         73 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 68 , wherein said output module is included on a control panel of said bathing unit system.  
     
     
         74 . A bathing unit system as defined in  claim 68 , wherein said output module is included on said controller.  
     
     
         75 . A system for monitoring a controller, the controller being operative for managing a set of components by controlling the power supplied by a power source to each of the components, said system comprising: 
 a) a power control device that interfaces between the power source and the set of components, said power control device capable of acquiring either one of a first state and a second state, wherein: 
 i. in the first state, said power control device enables said power source to supply power to said set of components, and;  
 ii. in the second state, said power control device prevents said power source from supplying power to said set of components;  
   b) a processing module in communication with said power control device, said processing module being operative for: 
 i. detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the controller;  
 ii. causing said power control device to acquire said second state upon detection of an abnormal operational condition associated with the controller.