Monitoring of filters

Abstract

Filters are monitored. Color data is determined for a filter. A filter status for the filter is derived from the color data. An action is taken based on the filter status. The filter status may include a dirty status or an empty status for the filter. The action may include alerting a user based on the filter status. The filter may be illuminated prior to the determining of the color data for the filter.

1 . A method for use in monitoring of filters, comprising:
 determining color data for a filter;   deriving, from the color data, a filter status for the filter; and   taking an action based on the filter status.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the filter status comprises a dirty status for the filter. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the filter status comprises an empty status for the filter. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the action comprises alerting a user based on the filter status. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 illuminating the filter prior to the determining of the color data for the filter.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the action comprises displaying the filter status at a location that is remote from the filter. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the filter comprises a water filter. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the filter status comprises a needs-replacing status for the filter. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the determining of the color data for the filter comprises using a color sensor to sense light from the filter. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the filter is disposed at least partially within a filter housing. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the color data is determined based on light traversing a filter housing containing the filter. 
     
     
         12 . A system for use in monitoring of filters, comprising:
 a color sensor determining color data for a filter;   a processor deriving, from the color data, a filter status for the filter; and   a communication system taking an action based on the filter status.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the filter status comprises a dirty status for the filter. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the filter status comprises an empty status for the filter. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the action comprises alerting a user based on the filter status. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a light source illuminating the filter prior to the determining of the color data for the filter.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the action comprises displaying the filter status at a location that is remote from the filter. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the filter comprises a water filter. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the filter status comprises a needs-replacing status for the filter. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the color data is determined based on light traversing a filter housing containing the filter.