Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 1 of 32
`
`
`
`
`
`Exhibit J
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 2 of 32
`I IIIII IIIIIIII Ill lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll 111111111111111111
`US006437692Bl
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Petite et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING
`AND CONTROLLING REMOTE DEVICES
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Thomas D. Petite, Douglasville;
`Richard M. Huff, Conyers, both of GA
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: StatSignal Systems, Inc., Atlanta, GA
`(US)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by O days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/439,059
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Nov. 12, 1999
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`( 63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/271,517, filed on
`Mar. 18, 1999, which is a continuation-in-part of application
`No. 09/102,178, filed on Jun. 22, 1998, which is a continu(cid:173)
`ation-in-part of application No. 09/172,554, filed on Oct. 14,
`1998, now Pat. No. 6,028,522, which is a continuation-in(cid:173)
`part of application No. 09/412,895, filed on Oct. 5, 1999,
`now Pat. No. 6,218,953
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/146,817, filed on Aug. 2,
`1999.
`Int. Cl.7 ................................................ GOSB 21/00
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ....................... 340/540; 340/531; 340/539;
`340/3.1; 340/426; 340/521; 340/870.01;
`340/870.03; 340/870.07; 340/870.08; 340/870.16;
`340/870.17; 700/108; 702/56
`(58) Field of Search ................................. 340/531, 539,
`340/3.1, 426, 540, 521, 870.01, 870.03,
`870.07, 870.08, 870.16, 870.17, 988; 700/108;
`343/711, 700 R, 720; 702/56
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5,212,645 A * 5/1993 Wildes et al. ............... 700/108
`5,736,965 A * 4/1998 Mosebrook et al.
`........ 343/702
`5,774,052 A * 6/1998 Hamm et al. ............... 340/540
`5,845,230 A * 12/1998 Lamberson .................. 702/56
`5,880,677 A * 3/1999 Lestician .................... 340/3.1
`5,917,405 A * 6/1999 Joao ........................... 340/426
`6,023,223 A * 2/2000 Baxter, Jr.
`. ................. 340/531
`6,060,994 A * 5/2000 Chen .......................... 340/521
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner-Benjamin C. Lee
`(74) Attorney, Agent,
`or Firm-Thomas, Kayden,
`Horstemeyer & Risley
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`
`The present invention is generally directed to a system for
`monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other condi(cid:173)
`tions within a defined remotely located region. In accor(cid:173)
`dance with one aspect of the invention, a system is config(cid:173)
`ured to monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system
`is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters,
`wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated into a sensor
`adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also
`includes a plurality of transceivers that are dispersed
`throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses
`a local gateway to translate and transfer information from
`the transmitters to a dedicated computer on a network. The
`dedicated computer, collects, compiles, and stores the data
`for retrieval upon client demand across the network. The
`computer further includes means for evaluating the received
`information and identifying an appropriate control signal,
`the system further including means for applying the control
`signal at a designated actuator.
`
`64 Claims, 18 Drawing Sheets
`
`Transceiver
`
`214
`
`212
`
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`222 _)
`
`i(~'
`
`Local Gateway l
`
`,-,o
`
`WAN (Internet I
`
`240
`
`D s s ' ( ln t : r an e~ t )~ Laptop computer
`
`270
`
`Data
`L__.,
`
`.
`
`Server
`
`(
`
`250
`
`[DI
`~
`
`Workstation
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 3 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 1 of 18
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`114
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`113
`Sensor I
`- Actuator
`
`112
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`111
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`t
`
`100
`
`116
`Sensor/
`Actuator
`
`-115
`nsor/
`_tuator
`
`uic _ __j
`
`C 117
`--1 Sensor I
`. Actuator
`
`local Controller
`
`11 O
`
`120
`
`130
`
`Central Controller
`
`FlG.1
`(PRIOR ART)
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 4 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 2 of 18
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`Transceiver
`
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`Transceiver
`
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`[
`
`224
`
`Transceiver
`
`222
`
`Sensor/
`Actuator
`214
`
`Transceiver
`
`Transceiver
`Sensor/
`Actuator
`
`212
`
`7
`
`200
`
`Server
`
`Data
`
`221
`
`220
`
`Local Gateway
`
`230
`
`240
`
`Laptop computer
`
`250
`
`D
`
`Workstation
`
`FIG. 2
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 5 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 3 of 18
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`,.....330
`X-mitter l.D.1 Function Code I
`
`323
`
`320
`
`. RF
`Transmitter
`
`328
`
`324
`
`Data
`Formatter
`
`j X-mitter 1.0.J
`C 326
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`321
`I
`
`Transmit
`
`327
`
`329
`
`FIG. 3A
`
`325
`
`Function Code
`
`Transmit Button ---> Code 1
`
`Emergency Button ---> Code 2
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 6 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 4 of 18
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`330
`(
`--·----··---------,
`.------------·······.············1··--·----
`!
`t' C d
`: Transmitter
`F
`l_ ___________ l. 0 . _________________ unc _ion ____ o __ e _ !
`
`( 310
`
`Sensor
`
`323
`'----,
`
`RF Transmitter
`
`(340
`
`LJ328
`
`( 321
`
`Data
`Interface
`
`~
`
`'.
`
`'~
`
`324
`Data Controller __}
`
`( 326
`
`X-mitter I.D.
`
`FIG. 38
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 7 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 5 of 18
`
`US 6,437 ,692 Bl
`
`330
`(
`.................. ,
`.-----···············;··········!·······-·
`t· C d
`: Transceiver
`F
`i
`1.D.
`unc ion o e j
`j
`··----------·------------······ ----------········---------···'
`( 310
`
`(360
`
`350
`
`Sensor
`
`323 ~
`~
`
`RF Transceiver }
`
`~--.,.--, - - - - - -
`
`( 321
`
`Data
`Interface
`
`,
`
`.....
`
`,,
`,,
`324
`Data Controller LJ
`
`( 326
`Transceiver I
`l.D.
`
`~-------~--~~--
`
`r 380
`
`Actuator
`
`FIG. 3C
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 8 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 6 of 18
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`~ Code.
`
`: .... T r~n;"7i\vJr:~ncti~1
`i .... Transceiver ""T Function" Code .. i ... Transceiver ····i· FuiicWciii"cocie""i
`l ......... U?J!) ......... 1 .......... Jl) ............. J. ........ !:_q_. __ f?SL ................ J?SL .......... :
`310
`
`332
`
`(
`
`323
`
`RF Transceiver
`
`Sensor
`
`360
`
`350
`
`210
`
`Local Gateway
`
`321
`
`Data
`Interface
`
`325
`_ , , , - - - - - -~ .__L - - -~
`Function Code
`
`; '
`; '
`
`324
`
`,,,
`
`; '
`; '
`; '
`; '
`; '
`; '
`
`; '
`; '
`; '
`
`--- I
`1---
`
`Data Controller
`[(
`
`/ 326
`
`Transceiver
`1.0. (X)
`
`Tern erature Set---> Code 1
`f--------=O::..:n..::..../0:ff ---> Code 2
`Actual Tern erature ---> Code 3
`
`L .ir/Hea! ---> Code 4
`
`...
`
`. ..
`
`I
`
`- 380
`
`[
`
`Actuator
`
`FIG. 3D
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 9 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 7 of 18
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`330
`(
`r ··----------------------------·
`. ·-------------------------
`! Transceiver
`Function Code !
`l _________ l.D. _(I) ______________________ (I) ____________ !
`
`332
`(
`· -----------------------.. ·-----i ·-----------------------------. ---
`-----------------------1 ·-----------------------------
`i Transceiver
`Function Code : Transceiver
`Function Code
`j _________ I. D.__(I) ______________________ (I) __________ ___l ________ I. D. _(X) ____________________ (X) __________ _
`
`210
`
`Local Gateway
`
`323
`
`360
`
`350
`I
`
`RF Transceiver
`
`327
`
`GPS
`Receiver
`
`324
`
`Data Controller
`
`326
`
`Transceiver
`1.0. (X)
`
`FIG. 3E
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 10 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 8 of 18
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`330
`Transceiver 1 F
`----:
`t· C --
`I.D.
`[:
`unc ion oc e :
`·····--····------------------\ ............................... '
`
`1-
`
`(
`
`427
`
`429
`
`Identify
`Remote
`Transceiver
`
`Identify
`Intermediate
`Transceiver
`
`r - - f - - - - - l - - - - -~ · - - - -+ -+ - - - .L - - -
`
`420
`
`Look-up
`Table(s)
`
`..,.. ______________ .... ________
`
`~
`
`422
`
`425
`
`Network
`Card
`
`DS~
`Mod~
`
`ISDN
`
`426
`
`'428
`
`430
`
`TCP/IP
`
`FIG. 4
`
`(
`
`230
`
`WAN(I~
`
`lntr:;
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 11 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 9 of 18
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`( 210
`
`D
`
`•8.',',',',.,,--;
`
`Local Gateway
`
`Remote Site
`
`I -----------------~
`
`230
`I- -
`I
`I
`
`Client Premises
`-
`-
`-- -
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`560
`
`--,
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`D
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`•ecs. ·. · · ·
`. .
`: Workstation w/ Web Browser:
`I
`I
`L ________________ I
`
`7
`
`500
`
`510
`
`WAN (Internet I
`Intranet)
`
`0
`;g
`
`Fci
`
`( 530
`
`Server w/ Web Applications
`and Client Specific Applications
`
`Router
`
`Firewall
`
`= (540
`
`511,,11
`
`DOUD
`
`Database Server
`
`FIG. 5
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 12 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 10 of 18
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`I- -
`I
`I
`I
`:
`I
`I
`I
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-· -
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-· -
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`614
`
`Sensor
`
`Transmitter
`
`- -I
`I
`I
`I
`(
`
`610
`
`612_)
`:
`I
`L----------------------------
`
`,, 210
`[ Local Gate;ay I
`
`7
`
`600
`
`230
`
`WAN (Internet I
`Intranet)
`
`221
`
`Transcei~r ;
`
`240
`
`Laptop computer
`
`250
`
`~[Q260
`
`~ 1rnH1D_
`
`0000000
`Server
`
`270
`
`Data
`
`D
`
`·~,',',',',',',
`
`Workstation
`
`FIG. 6
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 13 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 11 of 18
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`,----------------------------------,
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`(
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`I : -----------~Lz ____ ~~-----------
`
`Sensor
`
`Transmitter
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`Vehicle
`Diagnostics
`Bus
`
`710
`
`221
`
`Transceiver
`
`7
`
`700
`
`r
`
`WAN (Internet I
`Intranet)
`
`~~6 0 ' - -
`
`llll!lg
`Server
`
`Data
`
`240
`
`Laptop computer
`
`250
`
`D
`
`·~·',',',',',',
`
`Workstation
`
`FIG. 7
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 14 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 12 of 18
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`I
`I
`:
`I
`
`..
`
`(
`
`817
`
`1
`
`270 Degree Spray
`Head
`
`,::::_:[
`
`813
`
`:
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`814
`816
`I
`L--------------------------
`
`Sensor
`
`811
`
`815
`
`Actuator I
`Sensor
`
`Transceiver
`
`- - - ,
`I
`:
`I
`~ 81 O
`
`812
`
`Transmitter
`
`221
`
`240
`
`210
`
`Local Gateway
`
`/
`
`800
`
`Laptop computer
`
`250
`
`D
`
`Workstation
`
`Server
`
`Data
`
`FIG. 8
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 15 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 13 of 18
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`920 l~. ~)
`
`/
`
`••• •••
`
`I
`
`210
`
`~950
`
`Router
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`·- -
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`D r WAN (Internet I
`0
`
`Intranet)
`
`2lQ Automated Parking Facility
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`-
`230
`
`-
`
`I
`:
`I
`
`Customer Premises
`1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`960
`:
`I
`
`1
`I
`
`I D I
`
`I
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`., .. . , , .~
`I
`Workstation w/
`I
`1
`Web Browser
`:
`I
`_________________ I
`
`~IL~ ,10
`
`u,muu
`Server w/ Web Applications
`and Client Specific Applications
`
`§( ~g
`
`540
`
`j~j
`11:Jil~ill.LI
`
`"
`
`900
`
`Database Server
`
`FIG. 9
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 16 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 14 of 18
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`810
`
`Controlled
`Area
`(Irrigation
`System)
`610
`
`Remote Utility
`Meter
`Subsystem
`
`•
`
`1020
`
`1010
`
`Monitor I Control Remote Services
`
`910
`
`Automated
`Parking
`Facility
`
`•
`
`•
`
`230
`
`?
`
`1000
`
`WAN (Internet I
`Intranet)
`
`(
`
`1040
`
`Local Gateway
`
`Transceiver
`
`Transceiver
`
`• • •
`
`System 1
`
`System 2
`FIG. 10
`
`System n
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 17 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 15 of 18
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`FIG. 11
`To Addr. From Addr. Pkt. No. Pkt. Max. Pkt. Lngth. Cmd.
`(1)
`(6)
`(1)
`(1)
`(1)
`(1-6)
`
`Message Structure
`
`Data
`(0-238)
`
`CkH
`(1)
`
`Ckl
`( 1)
`
`The order of appearance remains fixed although byte position number in each
`packet may vary due to one or more of the following reasons:
`1.
`Scalability of the "TO ADDRESS" (1 to 6 Bytes).
`2.
`The CMD Byte.
`3.
`Scalability of the Data portion of the message (0 to 238 Bytes).
`
`"To Address" Byte Assignment:
`
`MSB - Byte 1
`Device Type
`
`FF-FO (16) - Broadcast All Devices (1 Byte Address)
`EF-1F (224) -· Device Type Base (2 to 6 Byte Address)
`OF-00 (16) - Personal Transceiver Identification (6 Byte Address)
`--------- ----------------------------------------
`Byte 2
`FF-FO (16) - Broadcast all Devices (Byte 1 Type)
`Mfg./Owner ID
`(2 Byte Broadcast Address)
`EF-00 (240) - Mfg./Owner Code Identification Number
`
`Byte 3
`Mfg./Owner
`Extension ID
`
`FF-FO (16) - Broadcast all Devices (Byte 1 & Byte 2 Type)
`(3 Byte Broadcast Address)
`EF-00 (240) - Device Type/Mfg./Owner Code ID Number
`
`Byte 4
`
`Byte 5
`
`Byte 6
`
`FF-FO (16) - Broadcast all Devices (Byte 1 & Byte 2 Type)
`(4 Byte Broadcast Address)
`EF-00 (240) - ID Number
`
`(FF-00) 256 - Identification Number
`
`(FF-00) 256 -· Identification Number
`
`"From Address" Byte Assignment:
`From Address
`(FF-00) Full "ID" of Originating Device (up to 6 Bytes)
`Packet Number
`(FF-00) Packet Number of Msg. longer than 256 Bytes
`Packet Max.
`(FF-00) Number of Packets in Message over 256 Bytes
`Packet Length
`(FF-00) Length (in Bytes) of Packet/Message Transmission*
`Command
`(FF-00) Command Byte
`(FF-00) Data as required by specific command
`Data
`ChkH
`(FF-00) Packet Checksum, High Byte
`ChkL
`(FF-00) Packet Checksum, Low Byte
`Packet Length - 13 Bytes (Min.)/ 256 Bytes (Max.)
`
`*
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 18 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 16 of 18
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`Sample Messages
`
`Central Server to Personal Transceiver - Broadcast Message - FF (Emergency)
`Byte Count = 12
`
`To Addr.
`(FF)
`
`From Addr. Pkt. No. Pkt. Max. Pkt. Lngth. Cmd.
`(12345678)
`(00)
`(FF)
`(00)
`(OC)
`
`CkH Ckl
`(02)
`(9E)
`
`First Transceiver to Repeater (Transceiver)
`Broadcast Message - FF (Emergency)
`Byte Count = 17
`
`To Addr.
`(FO)
`
`From Addr. Pkt. No. Pkt. Ma x Pkt. Lngth. Cmd.
`(00)
`(11)
`(FF)
`(12345678)
`(00)
`-
`
`----------
`
`Data
`(AOOO 123456)
`
`CkH Ckl
`(03)
`(AO)
`
`Note: Additional Transceiver Re-Broadcasts do not change the message.
`The messages are simply received and re-broadcast.
`
`Message to Device "AO" From Device "E1" Command - "08" (Respond to PING)
`Response will reverse "To" and "From" Addresses
`
`To Addr.
`(A012345678)
`
`From Addr.
`(E112345678)
`
`P# P Max. P Lngth. Cmd. Data CkH Ckl
`(00)
`(00)
`( 11)
`(08)
`(A5)
`(04)
`(67)
`
`Byte Count = 17
`
`FIG. 12
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 19 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 17 of 18
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`115
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`110
`
`Local Controller
`
`120
`
`130
`
`Central Controller
`
`/'
`
`1050
`
`140
`
`815
`
`Data
`Translator
`
`Transceiver]
`
`221
`
`Transceiver
`
`210
`
`Local Gateway
`
`230
`
`WAN (Internet I
`Intranet)
`
`240
`
`Laptop computer
`
`Data
`
`FIG. 13
`
`·~-',',',',',',
`
`Workstation
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 20 of 32
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 20, 2002
`
`Sheet 18 of 18
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`1
`
`T ra nscelver
`
`,,, 210
`
`( ( _____ _
`/
`
`~
`
`local Gate~
`
`1060
`
`FIG,. 14
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 21 of 32
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`1
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING
`AND CONTROLLING REMOTE DEVICES
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
`applications Ser. No. 09/271,517; filed Mar. 18, 1999, and
`entitled, "System For Monitoring Conditions in a Residen(cid:173)
`tial Living Community;" Ser. No. 09/102,178; filed Jun. 22,
`1998, entitled, "Multi-Function General Purpose Trans(cid:173)
`ceiver;" Ser. No. 09/172,554; filed Oct. 14, 1998, entitled,
`"System for Monitoring the Light Level Around an ATM,"
`now Pat. No. 6,028,522; Ser. No. 09/412,895; filed Oct. 5,
`1999, entitled, "System and Method for Monitoring the
`Light Level Around an ATM now U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,953;
`and further claims the benefit of provisional patent applica(cid:173)
`tion Serial No. 60/146,817; filed Aug. 2, 1999 entitled,
`"System and Method for Monitoring and Controlling Resi(cid:173)
`dential Devices." Each of the above identified disclosures
`are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`2
`and recording expense associated with more frequent meter
`observation and was convenient for consumers who favor
`the consistent billed amounts associated with "budget
`billing," the utility provider retained the costs associated
`5 with less frequent meter readings and the processing costs
`associated with reconciling consumer accounts.
`Lastly, a number of environmental and safety systems
`require constant or real-time monitoring. Heating,
`ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, fire reporting and
`10 damage control systems, alarm systems, and access control
`systems are representative systems that utilize real-time
`monitoring and often require immediate feedback and con(cid:173)
`trol. These real-time systems have been the target of control
`systems theory and application thereof for some time.
`A problem with expanding the use of control systems
`technology to distributed systems are the costs associated
`with the sensor-actuator infrastructure required to monitor
`and control functions within such systems. The typical
`approach to implementing control system technology is to
`20 install a local network of hard-wired sensors and actuators
`along with a local controller. Not only is there expense
`associated with developing and installing appropriate sen(cid:173)
`sors and actuators but the added expense of connecting
`functional sensors and controllers with the local controller.
`Another prohibitive cost associated with applying control
`systems technology to distributed systems is the installation
`and operational expense associated with the local controller.
`Accordingly, an alternative solution to applying monitor(cid:173)
`ing and control system solutions to distributed systems that
`overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art is desired.
`
`15
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention generally relates to remotely aper- 25
`ated systems, and more particularly to a computerized
`system for monitoring, reporting on, and controlling remote
`systems by transferring information signals through a wide
`area network (WAN) and using software applications hosted
`on a connected server to appropriately process the informa- 30
`tion.
`2. Discussion of the Related Art
`As is known, there are a variety of systems for monitoring
`and controlling manufacturing processes, inventory systems, 35
`emergency control systems, and the like. Most automatic
`systems use remote sensors and controllers to monitor and
`automatically respond to system parameters to reach desired
`results. A number of control systems utilize computers to
`process system inputs, model system responses, and control
`actuators to implement process corrections within the sys(cid:173)
`tem. Both the electric power generation and metallurgical
`processing industries have had success controlling produc(cid:173)
`tion processes by implementing computer controlled control
`systems in individual plants.
`One way to classify control systems is by the timing
`involved between subsequent monitoring occurrences.
`Monitoring processes can be classified as aperiodic or
`random, periodic, and real-time. A number of remotely
`distributed service industries implement the monitoring and
`controlling process steps through manual inspection and
`intervention.
`Aperiodic monitoring systems (those that do not operate
`on a predetermined cycle) are inherently inefficient as they
`require a service technician to physically traverse an area to 55
`record data, repair out of order equipment, add inventory to
`a vending machine, and the like. Such service trips are
`carried out in a number of industries with the associated
`costs being transferred to the consumers of the service.
`Conversely, utility meter monitoring, recording, and cli(cid:173)
`ent billing are representative of a periodic monitoring sys(cid:173)
`tem. In the past, utility providers sent a technician from
`meter to meter on a periodic basis to verify meter operation
`and to record utility use. One method of cutting operating
`expenses in the utility industry involved increasing the
`period at which manual monitoring and meter data recording
`was performed. While this method decreased the monitoring
`
`40
`
`Certain objects, advantages and novel features of the
`invention will be set forth in part in the description that
`follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in
`the art upon examination of the following or may be learned
`with the practice of the invention. The objects and advan(cid:173)
`tages of the invention may be realized and obtained by
`means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly
`pointed out in the appended claims.
`To achieve the advantages and novel features, the present
`invention is generally directed to a cost effective method of
`monitoring and controlling remote devices. More
`45 specifically, the present invention is directed to a comput(cid:173)
`erized system for monitoring, reporting, and controlling
`remote systems and system information transfer by trans(cid:173)
`mitting information signals to a WAN gateway interface and
`using applications on a connected server to process the
`50 information. Because the applications server is integrated on
`a WAN, Web browsers can be used by anyone with Internet
`access (and the appropriate access permissions) to view and
`download the recorded data.
`In accordance with a broad aspect of the invention, a
`system is provided having one or more sensors to be read
`and/or actuators to be controlled remotely, ultimately
`through a computer on the Internet. The sensors and/or
`actuators are interfaced with wireless transceivers that trans(cid:173)
`mit and/or receive data to and from the Internet. In this
`60 regard, additional wireless transceivers may relay informa(cid:173)
`tion between the transceivers disposed in connection with
`the sensors and actuators and a gateway to the Internet. It
`should be appreciated that, a portion of the information
`communicated includes data that uniquely identifies the
`65 sensors and/or actuators.
`In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system
`is configured to monitor and report system parameters. The
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 22 of 32
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`4
`signals from an existing local controller via the networked
`wireless transceivers. In this regard, the system of the
`present invention would require a data translator to tap into
`the data stream of an existing control system. Distinct
`control system signals may be mapped to function codes
`used by the present invention in order to provide customer
`access to control system data. In this way, the system of the
`present invention can be integrated with present data col(cid:173)
`lection and system controllers inexpensively, as customers
`will only have to add a data translator and a wireless
`transmitter or transceiver as the application demands. By
`integrating the present invention with the data stream gen(cid:173)
`erated by present monitoring and control systems, potential
`customers enjoy the benefits of the present invention without
`the difficulties associated with integrating sensors and actua(cid:173)
`tors to monitor individual system parameters.
`
`3
`system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless
`transceivers. At least one wireless transceiver is interfaced
`with a sensor, transducer, actuator or some other device
`associated with the application parameter of interest. In this
`regard, the term "parameter" is broadly construed and may 5
`include, but is not limited to, a system alarm condition, a
`system process variable, an operational condition, etc. The
`system also includes a plurality of transceivers that act as
`signal repeaters that are dispersed throughout the nearby
`geographic region at defined locations. By defined locations, 10
`it is meant only that the location of each transceiver is
`known to a central computer. The central computer may be
`informed of transceiver physical locations after permanent
`installation, as the installation location of the transceivers is
`not limited. Each transceiver that serves to repeat a previ- 15
`ously generated data signal may be further integrated with
`its own unique sensor or a sensor actuator combination as
`required. Additional transceivers may be configured as
`stand-alone devices that serve to simply receive, format, and
`further transmit system data signals. Further, the system 20
`includes a local data formatter that is configured to receive
`information communicated from the transceivers, format the
`data, and forward the data via the gateway to one or more
`servers interconnected with the WAN. The server further
`includes means for evaluating the received information and 25
`identifying the system parameter and the originating loca(cid:173)
`tion of the parameter. The server also includes means for
`updating a database or further processing the reported
`parameters.
`Consistent with the broader concepts of the invention, the 30
`"means" for evaluating the received information and the
`"means" for reporting system parameters are not limited to
`a particular embodiment or configuration. Preferably, these
`"means" will be implemented in software that is executed by
`a processor within a server integrated with the Internet. 35
`However, dedicated WANs or Intranets are suitable back(cid:173)
`bones for implementing defined system data transfer func(cid:173)
`tions consistent with the invention.
`In one embodiment, a client retrieves configured system
`data by accessing an Internet Web site. In such an
`embodiment, a system consistent with the present invention
`acts as a data collector and formatter with data being
`delivered upon client request, with availability twenty-four
`hours a day, seven days a week.
`In more robust embodiments, a system can be configured
`to collect, format, and deliver client application specific
`information on a periodic basis to predetermined client
`nodes on the WAN. In these embodiments, client interven(cid:173)
`tion would serve to close the feedback loop in the control
`system.
`In yet another embodiment, a system can be configured to
`collect, format, and control client application specific pro(cid:173)
`cesses by replacing a local control computer with a WAN
`interfaced server and integrating system specific actuators
`with the aforementioned system transceivers.
`It should be further appreciated that the information
`transmitted and received by the wireless transceivers may be
`further integrated with other data transmission protocols for
`transmission across telecommunications and computer net(cid:173)
`works other than the Internet. In addition, it should be
`further appreciated that telecommunications and computer
`networks other than the Internet can function as a transmis(cid:173)
`sion path between the networked wireless transceivers, the
`local gateways, and the central server.
`In yet a further embodiment, a system can be configured
`using the present invention to translate and transmit control
`
`65
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming
`a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the
`present invention, and together with the description serve to
`explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art control system;
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a monitoring/control
`system of the present invention;
`FIG. 3 A is a functional block diagram that illustrates a
`transmitter in accordance with the present invention inte(cid:173)
`grated in a portable device with user operable buttons that
`trigger data transmissions as desired;
`FIG. 3B is a functional block diagram that illustrates the
`integration of a sensor with a transmitter in accordance with
`the invention;
`FIG. 3C is a block diagram illustrating a transceiver in
`accordance with the present invention integrated with a
`sensor and an actuator;
`FIG. 3D is a functional block diagram further illustrating
`the transceiver of FIG. 3C as applied to a heating,
`ventilation, and air conditioning system controller;
`FIG. 3E is a functional block diagram illustrating the
`40 combination of the transceiver of FIG. 3D with a global
`positioning system (GPS) receiver;
`FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram that illustrates the
`functional components of a local WAN gateway constructed
`in accordance with the invention;
`FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating WAN connectivity in a
`system constructed in accordance with the invention;
`FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a client specific
`application in accordance with the invention (simple data
`collection or monitoring);
`FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating another data moni-
`toring and reporting application consistent with the present
`invention;
`FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a third client specific
`application in accordance with the invention (monitoring
`and controlling a process);
`FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the present invention
`as deployed in a particular business application;
`FIG. 10 is a block diagram further illustrating the present
`60 invention as deployed in a plurality of business applications;
`FIG. 11 is a table illustrating the message protocol of the
`present invention;
`FIG. 12 illustrates three sample messages using the mes(cid:173)
`sage protocol of the present invention;
`FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the system of the
`present invention integrated with the local controller of FIG.
`1; and
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`

`

`Case 1:16-cv-02690-AT Document 10-11 Filed 12/10/15 Page 23 of 32
`
`US 6,437,692 Bl
`
`5
`FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the system of the
`present invention integrated with a mobile inventory unit.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IBE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`Having summarized the invention above, reference is now
`made in detail to the description of the invention as illus(cid:173)
`trated in the drawings. While the invention will be described
`in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit
`it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed therein. On
`the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifi(cid:173)
`cations and equivalents included within the spirit and scope
`of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
`Referring now to the drawings, reference is made to FIG.
`1, which is a block diagram illustrating certain fundamental
`components of a prior art control system 100. More
`particularly, a prior art control system 100 includes a plu(cid:173)
`rality of sensor actuators 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, and
`117 electrically coupled to a local controller 110. In a
`manner well known in the art of control systems, local
`controller 110 provides power, formats and applies data
`signals from each of the sensors to predetermined process
`control functions, and returns control signals as appropriate
`to the system actuators. Often, prior art control systems are
`further integrated via the public switched telephone network
`(PSTN) 120 to a central controller 130. Central controller
`130 can be further configured to serve as a technician
`monitoring station or to forward alarm conditions via PSTN
`120 to appropriate public safety officers.
`Prior art control systems consistent with the design of
`FIG. 1 require the development and installation of an
`application-specific local system controller, as well as, the
`routing of electrical conductors to each sensor and actuator
`as the application requires. Such prior art control systems are 35
`typically augmented with a central controller 130 that may
`be networked to the local controller 110 via PSTN 120. As
`a result, prior art control systems often consist of a relatively
`heavy design and are subject to a single point of failure
`should local controller 110 go out of service. In addition,
`these systems require electrical coupling between the local
`controller and system sensors and actuators. As a result,
`appropriately wiring an existing industrial plant can be a
`dangerous and expensive proposition.
`Having described a prior art control syst