Water meter and leak detection system

Abstract

The present invention is a system comprised of a water meter collection node (i.e., water meter or base station) with a water flow rate sensor(s), water valve control mechanism (water shut-off/on), and leak detection capability. The system uses wireless transceiver technology to communicate with a private or corporate network, or to communicate via an internet connection. The system transfers encrypted water data and information via application programming interface to remote computers and/or server, enabling access of the water data and information by remote electronic communication devices. The water meter collection node is configured to communicate with an authenticated communication hub that functions to extend the range of wireless transmissions of the collection node. The communication hub can by wire or wirelessly communicate with an internet router and transfers water data and information to an internet connection. The collection node(s) and/or communication hub(s) can wirelessly communicate with a private or commercial network system, and to a remote computer/server and/or a cloud service. One or more communication hubs can function as repeater apparatuses and/or can perform complex operations such as using mesh technology, or point-to-point or peer-to-peer connections.