(12) United States Patent
`US 6,914,533 B2
`(10) Patent No.2
`
`Petite
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jul. 5, 2005
`
`U8006914533B2
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCESSING
`RESIDENTIAL MONITORING DEVICES
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(75)
`
`131311135 D. Petite, Douglasville, GA
`Inventor:
`(
`)
`_
`.
`(73) ASSIgHCB: StatSignal IPC LLC, 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 720 days.
`
`7
`.
`(‘1) Appl' No" 09/811’076
`(22) Filed:
`Man 165 2001
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2001/0024163 A1 Sep. 27, 2001
`
`Related Us_ Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/790,150, filed on
`Feb. 21, 2001, now Pat. No. 6,522,974, and a continuation,
`figfigggflgggggi?cghflfigfigiggmlgf
`application No. 09/412,895, filed on Oct. 5, 1999, now Pat,
`NO. 6,213,953, and El continuationeinepilrt 0f application NO-
`09/271517: 918d on Mar' 1.8’ 1.999’ now abandofled> and a
`contmuationeinipart of application No. 09/172,554, filed on
`Oct. 14’ 1998’ now Pat. No. 6,028,522} and a continuation
`in—part of application No, 09/102,178, filed on Jun. 22, 1998,
`110W l’fit NO- 6,530,403
`,
`563615101131 aP13113390” N0~ 60/223932: fik‘d 0“ A“? 9,
`(60)
`'
`
`Int. Cl.7 ....................................... .. G08B 17/10
`(51)
`
`(52) U_S_ CL _ _ _ , I
`_ _ _ _ , I _ _ _ __ 340/628; 340/629; 340/630;
`340/5391
`(58) Field of Search ............................... .. 340/628, 629,
`340/630, 632, 539.1, 577, 500, 5207524,
`531, 540, 534, 286.02, 286.05; 370/310
`
`5,587,705 A , 12/1996 Moms .....................N 340/628
`12/1996 Shincovich et al.
`..
`5,590,179 A
`379/107
`
`IMO/870.02
`5,619,192 A
`4/1997 Ayala .......... ..
`.
`5,818,822 A >1: 10/1998 Thomas et a].
`37011315
`
`5,841,764 A * 11/1998 Roderique et al
`370/310
`5,897,607 A
`4/1999 Jammy et a1.
`702/62
`5,898,369 A *
`4/1999 Godwin .... ,.
`340539.26
`
`5,905,438 A *
`5/1999 Weiss et a].
`340/6361
`5,963,650 A
`10/1999 Simionescu et a1.
`........ .. 380/49
`
`9
`9
`6 087 957 A
`7/2000 Gray ........... ..
`340/825.54
`
`6/2001 Nap et al. ............. 370/346
`6,246,677 B1
`6,366,217 B1
`4/2002 Cunningham et a].
`. 340/87031
`
`
`
`* cited by examiner
`.
`.
`Prtmary Exammer—Anh V. La
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Troutnian Sanders LLP;
`Ryan A. Schneider; James E. Schlitz
`r
`4
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`The present invention is directed to a system and method for
`accessing home monitoring devices remotely via a distrib-
`uted Wide-area network (WAN). More specifically,
`the
`present invention is directed towards smoke detector system,
`.
`.
`.
`which monitors for the presence of smoke and communi—
`cates the smoke condition to a remote location. The smoke
`detection system comprises a smoke detection device con-
`nected to a communication device. The smoke detection
`device outputs a signal or a change in a signal upon detection
`of smoke. This signal or change in signal is monitored by the
`communication device. The smoke condition is then com-
`municated to the remote central location via a message
`SyStcm-
`
`12 Claims, 14 Drawing Sheets
`
`235\Transmluer
`
`235—\
`
` TMIISCCWEI'
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 1 of 23
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`Page 1 of 23
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 5, 2005
`
`Sheet 1 0f 14
`
`US 6,914,533 B2
`
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`Sensor I
`
`Actuator
`
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`110
`
`Local Controller
`
`Sensor
`
`Sensor 1
`
`Actuator
`
`105
`
`125
`
`115
`
`100
`
`Central Monitoring
`
`Station
`
`FIG. 1
`
`(PRIOR ART)
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 2 of 23
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`Page 2 of 23
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 5, 2005
`
`Sheet 2 0f 14
`
`US 6,914,533 B2
`
`235
`
`
`
`.\
`Transmitter
`225\
`
`Transceiver
`
`
`225\
`Transceive
`
`
`
`
`Transceiver
`
`235
`
`
`ansmitter
`
`
`WAN (Internet!
`Intranet)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Laptop computer
`
`250
`
`
`
`Workstation
`
`200
`
`FIG. 2
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 3 of 23
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`Page 3 of 23
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 5, 2005
`
`Sheet 3 0f 14
`
`US 6,914,533 B2
`
`Transmitter
`
`Controller
`
`Data
`
`Controller
`
`Sensor
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Transmitter
`
`ID
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 4 of 23
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`Page 4 of 23
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 5, 2005
`
`Sheet 4 0f 14
`
`US 6,914,533 B2
`
`...................
`Transceiver
`ID
`
`i
`1
`
`435
`...........-.
`Function
`i
`Code
`
`Transceiver
`
`Controller
`
`
`
`Data
`
`
`Controller
`
`
`
`
`ID
`
`FIG. 4
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 5 of 23
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`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`Page 5 of 23
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 5, 2005
`
`Sheet 5 0f 14
`
`US 6,914,533 B2
`
`530
`
`535
`
`/’
`
`555
`
`Light
`Source
`
`515
`
`
`
`Photo
`Detector
`
`
`
`500
`
` Photo
`
`Detector
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 6 of 23
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`Page 6 of 23
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 5, 2005
`
`Sheet 6 0f 14
`
`US 6,914,533 B2
`
`
`
`Detection
`
`Circuitry
`
`
`
`
`Radiation
`Source
`
`615
`
`FIG. 6
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 7 of 23
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`Page 7 of 23
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 5, 2005
`
`Sheet 7 0f 14
`
`US 6,914,533 B2
`
`Smoke Detection
`
`Circuitry
`
`705
`
`
`
`715
`
`Communicationt
`Device
`
`700
`
`FIG. 7
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 8 of 23
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`Page 8 of 23
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 5, 2005
`
`Sheet 8 0f 14
`
`US 6,914,533 B2
`
`805
`
`
`
`K.— Ceiling
`
`
`
`810
`
`.
`.
`.
`Communications,
`
`
`
`Smoke Detector
`815 \ 800
`
`Device
`
`FIG. 8
`
`915
`
`920
`
`Communications
`Device
`
`Printed Circuit
`Board
`
`
`
`910
`
`905
`
`Smoke Detector
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 9 of 23
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`Page 9 of 23
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 5, 2005
`
`Sheet 9 0f 14
`
`US 6,914,533 B2
`
` 1
`
`Alarm Line
`
`1055
`
`I'
`I
`
`{050
`_—--— _———_|
`RF
`Comm
`
`1
`|
`
`Detector
`
`Device
`
`Communicationg
`
`FIG. 1GB
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 10 of 23
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`Page 10 of 23
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 5, 2005
`
`Sheet 10 0f 14
`
`US 6,914,533 B2
`
`1105
`
`1110
`
`Smoke Detector
`
`TestingModule ICommunications
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 11 of 23
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`Page 11 of 23
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 5, 2005
`
`Sheet 11 0f 14
`
`US 6,914,533 B2
`
`
`
`Local Gateway A
`
`1215
`
`
`
`
`Local Gateway B
`
`WAN (Internet!
`Intranet)
`
`
`
`1265
`
`'1
`
`1 255
`
`1 235
`
`123°
`
`Transceiver!
`Repeater
`
`V
`
`,
`
`_
`
`1
`
`
`
`FIG. 12
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 12 of 23
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`Page 12 of 23
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 5, 2005
`
`Sheet 12 0f 14
`
`US 6,914,533 B2
`
`Transceiver
`ID (I)
`
`Function
`Code (I)
`
`Transceiver
`ID (X)
`
`Function
`Code (X)
`
`5
`l
`
`I
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Identify
`Identify
`
`Intermediate
`Remote
`
`
`Transceiver
`Transceiver
`
`
`1 340
`
`
`
`Transceiver
`
`
`
`TCPIIP
`
`1 320
`
`
`
`WAN (lnternetl
`
`Intranet)
`
`
`FIG. 13
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 13 of 23
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`Page 13 of 23
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 5,2005
`
`Sheet 13 0f 14
`
`US 6,914,533 B2
`
` EE62.8EEEE§6-:
`
`
`
`:0:5£8.25£53:.xms_.v_n_.0235.6259¢.53B
`
`
`
`MKDPODWFwm0<www§
`
`3..0_n_
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 14 of 23
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`Page 14 of 23
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 5, 2005
`
`Sheet 14 0f 14
`
`US 6,914,533 B2
`
`Sample Messages
`
`(1500
`
`Central Server to Personal Transceiver - Broadcast Message - FF (Emergency)
`
`Byte Count = 12
`
`
`
`First Transceiver to Repeater (Transceiver)
`
`
`
`Byte Count = 17
`
`Broadcast Message ~ FF (Emergency) '/ 1510
`
`From Addr.
`
`(12345678)
`
`
`
`Note: Additional Transceiver Re-Broadcasts do not change the message.
`The messages are simply received and re-broadcast.
`
`Message to Device "A0" From Device "E1" Command - "08" (Respond to PING)
`Response will reverse "To" and "From" Addresses
`
`To Addr.
`(A012345678)
`
`From Addr.
`(E112345678)
`
`P #
`(00)
`
`P Max. P Lngth. Cmd. Data CkH CkL
`(00)
`(11)
`(08)
`(A5)
`(04)
`(67)
`
`Byte Count = 17
`
`FIG. 15
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 15 of 23
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`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`Page 15 of 23
`
`

`

`US 6,914,533 B2
`
`1
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCESSING
`RESIDENTIAL MONITORING DEVICES
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part of US. patent
`applications Ser. No. 09/790,150, now US. Pat. No. 6,522,
`974 filed Feb. 21, 2001, and entitled “System and Method
`for Monitoring and Controlling Residential Devices,” US.
`patent application Ser. No. 09/271,517, now abandoned filed
`Mar. 18, 1999, and entitled, “System For Monitoring Con-
`ditions in a Residential Living Community,” Ser. No.
`09/439,059, now US. Pat. No. 6,437,692 filed Nov. 12,
`1999, and entitled, “System and Method for Monitoring and
`Controlling Remote Devices,” and Ser. No. 09/102,178, now
`US. Pat. No. 6,430,268 filed Jun. 22, 1998, entitled, “Multi—
`Function General Purpose Transceiver;" Ser. No. 09/172,
`554, now US. Pat. No. 6,028,522 filed Oct. 14, 1998,
`entitled, “System for Monitoring the Light Level Around an
`ATM,” Ser. No. 09/412,895, now US. Pat. No. 6,218,953
`filed Oct. 5, 1999, entitled, “System and Method for Moni—
`toring the Light Level Around an ATM.” Each of the
`identified U.S. patent applications is incorporated herein by
`reference in its entirety. This application also claims the
`benefit of US. provisional application Ser. No. 60/223,932,
`filed Aug. 9, 2000, and entitled “Design Specifications for a
`Smoke Detector Communication device,” the contents of
`which are hereby incorporated by reference.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention generally relates to remotely moni-
`tored residential systems, and more particularly to a remote
`smoke detection device, which monitors for the presence of
`smoke and communicates to a remote controller the smoke
`condition.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`As is known, there are a variety of systems for monitoring
`and controlling manufacturing processes, inventory systems,
`emergency control systems, and the like. Most automated
`systems use remote sensors and controllers to monitor and
`respond to various system parameters to reach desired
`results. A number of control systems utilize computers or
`dedicated microprocessors in association with appropriate
`software to process system inputs, model system responses,
`and control actuators to implement corrections within a
`system.
`The prior art FIG. 1 sets forth a traditional monitoring
`system 100. The exemplary monitoring sensor 105 is hard-
`wired to a local controller 110, which communicates to a
`central monitoring station 115 Via the public switched tele-
`phone network (PSTN) 125. An example of this kind of
`system would be a traditional home security system, Each
`monitoring device 105 such as a smoke detector, motion
`detector, glass breakage detector, etc. is hardwired to the
`central monitoring station 115 via the PSTN 125 and the
`local controller 110.
`
`In particular, residential monitoring systems have multi—
`plied as individuals seek protection and safety in their
`residences.
`It has been proven that monitoring for
`the
`presence of heat or smoke indicative of a fire and sounding
`an audible alarm saves lives. In addition, advances have
`been made to include these fire (heat or smoke) detectors
`into home security systems. However, these home security
`systems are often hardwired into the residence, which is
`
`U\
`
`15
`
`30
`
`35
`
`4o
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`costly and quite difficult to install. Also, each residence
`systems individually communicates with the central location
`via the PSTN. This connection is quite susceptible to inter-
`ruption either by accident or on purpose and requires each
`residence to have a connection into the PSTN.
`
`Accordingly, it would be advantageous to develop a fire
`monitoring system that easily, reliably, and quickly commu-
`nicates with a remote central location when necessary.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`To achieve the advantages and novel features, the present
`invention is generally directed to a system and a cost-
`effective method for accessing home monitoring devices
`remotely Via a distributed wide—area network
`More
`specifically,
`the present
`invention is directed towards a
`smoke detector system which monitors for the presence of
`smoke and communicates the smoke condition to a remote
`central location.
`
`The smoke detection system comprises a smoke detection
`device connected to a communication device. The smoke
`detection device outputs a signal or a change in a signal once
`smoke is detected. This signal or change in signal is moni—
`tored by the communication device. The smoke condition is
`then communicated to the remote central location Via a
`message system.
`In accordance with a broad aspect of the invention, a
`system is provided having one or more monitoring devices
`to be accessed ultimately through a computing device in
`communication with the WAN. The monitoring devices are
`in communication with wireless transceivers that transmit
`and/or receive encoded data and control signals to and from
`the computing device. ln this regard, additional wireless
`repeaters may relay the encoded data and control signals
`between transceivers disposed in connection with the moni—
`toring devices and a gateway to the WAN. It should be
`appreciated that, a portion of the information communicated
`includes data that uniquely identifies the monitoring devices.
`Another portion of the data is a multi—bit code word that may
`be decipherable through a look—up table within either the
`WAN gateway or a W'AN interconnected computer.
`In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system
`is configured to monitor and report system parameters. The
`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 an application parameter of interest. The
`system also includes a plurality of transceivers that act as
`signal repeaters that are dispersed throughout the nearby
`geographic region at defined locations. Ry defined locations,
`it is meant only that the general location of each transceiver
`is “known” by a WAN integrated computer. WAN integrated
`computers may be informed of transceiver physical loca-
`tions after permanent installation, as the installation location
`of the transceivers is not
`limited. Each transceiver that
`serves to repeat a previously 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 standalone devices that serve to simply
`receive, format, and further transmit system data signals.
`Further, the system 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 software application servers inter-
`connected with the WAN. The application server further
`includes means for evaluating the received information and
`identifying the system parameter and the originating loca-
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 16 of 23
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`Page 16 of 23
`
`

`

`US 6,914,533 B2
`
`3
`tion of the parameter. The application server also includes
`means for updating a database or further processing the
`reported parameters.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`U\
`
`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. The components in
`the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead
`being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the
`present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference
`numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the seV-
`eral Views. In the drawings:
`FIG. 1 sets forth a prior art monitoring system;
`FIG. 2 sets forth a monitoring system in accordance with
`the present invention;
`FIG. 3 sets forth an embodiment of a communication
`device in accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 4 sets forth an alternate embodiment of a commu-
`nication device in accordance with the present invention;
`FIGS. 5A and 5B set forth a smoke detection device in
`accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 6 sets forth an alternate smoke detection device in
`accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 7 sets forth a block diagram of the smoke detection
`system in accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 8 sets forth a perspective of the smoke detection
`system of the present invention;
`FIG. 9 sets forth a cross sectional View of the smoke
`detection system of the present invention;
`FIGS. 10A and 10B set forth a block diagram of an
`alternate embodiment of the smoke detection system of the
`present invention;
`FIG. 11 sets forth a block diagram of an alternate embodi-
`ment of the smoke detection system of the present invention;
`FIG. 12 sets forth an embodiment of a residential moni—
`toring system;
`FIG. 13 sets forth an embodiment of a local controller;
`FIG. 14 sets forth an embodiment of a messaging system;
`and
`
`FIG. 15 sets forth sample messages in accordance with the
`messaging system of FIG. 14.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`Having summarized the invention above, reference is now
`made in detail to the description of the invention as illus-
`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. 0n
`the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifi-
`cations and equivalents included within the spirit and scope
`of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
`Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a schematic
`diagram illustrating a distributed data monitoring/control
`system suitable for home monitoring applications in accor-
`dance with the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a
`distributed data monitoring/control system (DDMCS) in
`accordance with the present invention is identified generally
`by reference numeral 200. The DDMCS 200 may comprise
`one or more application servers 205 (one shown for sim-
`plicity of illustration), one or more data base servers 210, a
`
`15
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`6O
`
`65
`
`4
`WAN 215, a plurality of transceiver/repeaters 220, trans—
`ceivers 225, sensors 230, transmitters 235, and at least one
`local gateway 240. As is further illustrated in FIG. 2, each
`of the sensors 230 is integrated such that it is communica-
`tively coupled with a suitably configured RF transceiver/
`repeater 220, a RF transceiver 225, or a RF transmitter 235.
`Hereinafter, the group including a RF transceiver/repeater
`220, a RF transceiver 225, and a RF transmitter 235 will be
`referred to as RF communication devices. Those skilled in
`the art will appreciate the application of the various devices
`deployed in a wireless network interface between a plurality
`of residential system sensors 230 and various computing
`devices in communication with a WAN 215 in a distributed
`home monitoring system.
`Each of the aforementioned RF communication devices is
`preferably small in size and may be configured to transmit
`a relatively low-power RF signal. As a result,
`in some
`applications, the transmission range of a given RF commu-
`nication device may be relatively limited. As will be appre—
`ciated from the description that follows,
`this relatively
`limited transmission range of the RF communication devices
`is an advantageous and desirable characteristic of the
`DDMCS 200. Although the RF communication devices are
`depicted without a user interface such as a keypad, in certain
`embodiments the RF communication devices may be con-
`figured with user selectable pushbuttons, switches, or an
`alphanumeric keypad suitably configured with software and
`or firmware to accept operator input. Often, the RF com—
`munication devices will be electrically interfaced with a
`sensor 230 such as with a smoke detector, etc., where user
`selectable inputs may not be needed.
`As illustrated in FIG. 2, the one or more sensors 230 may
`be communicatively coupled to at least one local gateway
`240 Via a RF transmitter 235, a RF transceiver 225, or in the
`alternative, a RF transceiver/repeater 220. Those skilled in
`the art will appreciate that in order to send a command from
`the server 205 to a sensor 230, the RF device in communi-
`cation with the sensor 230 should be a two-way communi-
`cation device. It will also be appreciated that one or more
`sensors may be in direct communication with one or more
`local gateways 240. It will be further appreciated that the
`communication medium between the one or more sensors
`and the one or more local gateways 240 may be wireless or
`for relatively closely located configurations a wired com-
`munication medium may be used.
`As is further illustrated in FIG. 2, the DDMCS 200 may
`comprise a plurality of stand-alone RF transceiver/repeaters
`220. Each stand-alone RF transceiver/repeater 220 as well as
`each RF transceiver 225 may be configured to receive one or
`more incoming RF transmissions (transmitted by a remote
`transmitter 235 or transceiver 225) and to transmit an
`outgoing signal. This outgoing signal may be another low-
`power RF transmission signal, a higher-power RF transmis-
`sion signal, or alternatively may be transmitted over a
`conductive wire, fiber optic cable, or other transmission
`media. The internal architecture of the various RF commu-
`nication devices will be discussed in more detail in connec-
`tion with FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. It will be appreciated by those
`skilled in the art that integrated RF transceivers 225 can be
`replaced by RF transmitters 225 for client specific applica-
`tions that require data collection only.
`One or more local gateways 240 are configured and
`disposed to receive remote data transmissions from the
`various stand-alone RF transceiver/repeaters 220, integrated
`RF transmitters 235, or the integrated RF transceivers 225.
`The local gateways 240 may be configured to analyze the
`transmissions received, convert the transmissions into TCP/
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 17 of 23
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`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`Page 17 of 23
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`

`US 6,914,533 B2
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`5
`IP format and further communicate the remote data signal
`transmissions via WAN 215 to one or more application
`servers 205 or other WAN 215 interconnected computing
`devices such as a laptop 245, a workstation 250, etc. as
`would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In this
`regard, and as will be further described below, local gate—
`ways 240 may communicate information in the form of data
`and control signals to the sensor 230 from application server
`205, laptop computer 245, and workstation 250 across WAN
`215. The application server 205 can be further associated
`with a database server 210 to record client specific data or
`to assist the application server 205 in deciphering a particu-
`lar data transmission from a particular sensor 230. Other
`configurations can be achieved as would be obvious to one
`of ordinary skill in the art based upon individual design
`constraints.
`
`U\
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`15
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`6
`disposed in a permanent location as long as they remain
`within signal range of a system compatible RF communi-
`cation device that subsequently is within signal range of a
`local gateway 240 interconnected through one or more
`networks to the application server 205. ()f still further
`significance,
`the DDMCS 200 as illustrated in FIG. 2,
`provides a flexible access and control solution through
`virtually any suitably configured computing device in com-
`munication with the WAN 215. As by way of example, a
`laptop computer 245 and/or a computer workstation 250
`appropriately configured with suitable software may provide
`remote operator access to data collected via the DDMCS
`200. In more robust embodiments, the laptop computer 245
`and the computer workstation 250 may permit user entry of
`remote operative commands.
`In one preferred embodiment of the DDCMS 200, an
`application server 205 collects, formats, and stores client
`specific data from each of the integrated RF transmitters
`235, RF transceivers 225, and or RF transceiver/repeaters
`220 for later retrieval or access from workstation 250 or
`laptop 245. In this regard, workstation 250 or laptop 245 can
`be used to access the stored information via a Web browser
`in a manner that
`is well
`lmown in the art,
`In a third
`embodiment, clients may elect for proprietary reasons to
`host control applications on their own WAN 205 (not shown)
`connected workstation 250. In this regard, database 210 and
`application server 205 may act solely as data collection and
`reporting devices with the client workstation 250,
`It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
`information transmitted and received by the RF communi-
`cation devices of the present
`invention may be further
`integrated with other data transmission protocols for trans-
`mission across telecommunications and computer networks
`other than the WAN 215. In addition, it should be further
`appreciated that
`telecommunications and computer net—
`works other than the WAN 215 can function as a transmis-
`sion path between the communicatively coupled RF com-
`munication devices,
`the local gateways 240, and the
`application server 205.
`FIG. 3 sets forth an embodiment of the communication
`device 300 of the present invention. The communication
`device comprises a transmitter controller 305, a data con—
`troller 310, a data interface 315, a transmitter identifier 320,
`and a sensor 325 from which the communication device 300
`receives data signals. While the communication device 300
`is shown as a RF transmitter, it could also be an infrared,
`ultrasound, or other transmitter as would be obvious to one
`of ordinary skill in the art. As shown, the data interface 315
`receives the data signal and processes the data signal accord-
`ingly. This processing can include siglal conditioning, ana—
`log to digital conversion, etc. as is known to one of ordinary
`skill in the art depending upon individual design constraints.
`The data interface 315 outputs the conditioned sensor signal
`to the data controller 310. The transmitter ID 320 is a unique
`identifier of the communication device 300 and can be an
`EPROM or other appropriate device as would be known to
`one of ordinary skill in the art. The data controller 310 uses
`the conditioned sense signal and the transmitter identifier
`320 to create a message 340 according to a messaging
`protocol system. The data controller 310 then outputs the
`message 340 to the transmitter controller 305, which trans-
`mits the message 340 via the antenna 330. The antenna 330
`can be an externally mounted, vertically polarized antenna
`that can be mounted on a printed circuit board (not shown)
`or any other appropriate embodiment as would be known to
`one of ordinary skill in the art.
`Each transmitter unit 300 in a DCCMS 200 (FIG. 2) may
`be configured with a unique identification code (e.g., a
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1028
`
`Page 18 of 23
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`30
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`35
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`40
`
`It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that if an
`integrated RF communication device (e.g., a RF transmitter
`235, a RF transceiver 225, or a RF transceiver/repeater 220)
`is located sufficiently close to local gateways 240 such that
`its RF output signal can be received by one or more local
`gateways 240,
`the data transmission signal need not be
`processed and repeated through either a RF transceiver/
`repeater 220 or a RF transceivers 225. To transmit the RF
`signal, the RF communication device can use a RF bit speed ,
`of 4.8 Kbps at half duplex with a bit speed of 2.4 Kbps and
`can use Manchester encoding. While these are examples of
`an RF transmission protocol, it would be obvious to one of
`ordinary skill in the art to use other bit speeds and encoding
`methodologies known in the art. By way of example, one
`could employ quadarture shift keying, which would allow
`the use of a hexadecimal message in contrast with a binary
`message.
`It will be further appreciated that a DDMCS 200 may be
`used in conjunction with a variety of residential systems to
`permit remote data access Via a plurality of distributed
`computing devices in communication with a suitable WAN
`215. As will be further appreciated from the discussion
`herein, each of the RF communication devices may have
`substantially identical construction (particularly with regard
`to their internal electronics), which provides a cost—effective
`implementation at the system level. Furthermore, a plurality
`of stand-alone RF transceiver/repeaters 220, which may be
`identical to one another, may be disposed in such a way that
`adequate coverage throughout a residence and or a residen—
`tial community is provided. Preferably, stand-alone RF
`transceiver/repeaters 220 may be located such that only one
`stand-alone RF transceiver/repeater 220 will pick up a data
`transmission from a given integrated RF transceiver 225
`and/or RF transmitter 235. However, in certain instances two
`or more stand-alone RF transceiver/repeaters 220 may pick
`up a single data transmission, Thus, the local gateways 240
`may receive multiple versions of the same data transmission
`
`signal from an integrated RF transceiver 225, but from
`
`
`
`di erent stand-alone RF transceiver/repeaters 220. As will
`be further explained in association with the preferred data
`transmission protocol, duplicative transmissions (e.g., data
`transmissions received at more than one local gateway 240
`originating from a single RF communication device) may be
`appropriately handled.
`Significantly, the local gateways 240 may communicate
`with all RF communication devices. Since the local gate-
`ways 240 are permanently integrated with the WAN 215, the
`application server 205 of FIG. 2 can host application specific
`software, which was typically hosted in a local controller
`110 of FIG. 1. Of further significance, the data monitoring
`and control devices of the present invention need not be
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`Page 18 of 23
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`US 6,914,533 B2
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`7
`transmitter identification number) 320, that uniquely iden—
`tifies the RF transmitter 320 to the various other devices
`within the DCCMS 200 (FIG. 2). The transmitter identifier
`320 may be programmable, and implemented in the form of,
`for example, an EPROM. Alternatively, the transmitter iden-
`tifier 320 may be set/configured through a series of dual
`inline package (DIP) switches. Additional implementations
`of the transmitter identifier 320, whereby the number may be
`set/configured as desired, may be implemented consistent
`with the broad concepts of the present invention.
`It will be appreciated that the transmit controller 305 may
`convert
`information from digital electronic form into a
`format, frequency, and voltage level suitable for transmis—
`sion from antenna 330. As previously mentioned, the trans-
`mitter identifier 320 is set for a given transmitter 300. When
`received by the application server 160 (FIG. 2), the trans-
`mitter identifier 320 may be used to access a look—up table
`that identifies, for example, the residence, the system, and
`the particular parameter assigned to that particular transmit-
`ter. Additional information about the related system may
`also be provided within the lookup table, with particular
`functional codes associated with a corresponding condition
`or parameter, such as but not
`limited to, an appliance
`operating cycle, a power on/oif status, a temperature, a
`position, and/or any other information that may be deemed
`appropriate or useful under the circumstances or implemen—
`tation of the particular system.
`FIG. 4 sets forth and alternate embodiment of the com—
`munication device 400 wherein the transmitter has been
`replaced with a transceiver. This allows the communication
`device to function as a repeater as well as receive commands
`from the local controller.
`
`The communication device 400 comprises a transceiver
`controller 405, a data controller 410, a data interface 415, a
`transceiver identifier 420, and a sensor 425. While the
`communication device 400 is shown as a RF transceiver, it
`can also be an infrared, ultrasound, or other transceiver as
`would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. The data
`interface 415 receives the sensed signal from the sensor 425
`and processes it as discussed above. The data controller 410
`receives the processed sensor signal, and composes a mes-
`sage 435 according to a preformatted message system. The
`transceiver controller 405 receives the message 435 and
`transmits the message 435 via the antenna 430.
`It will be appreciated that the transceiver controller 405
`may convert information from digital electronic form into a
`format, frequency, and voltage level suitable for transmis-
`sion from the antenna 430. As previously mentioned with
`respect to the RF transmitter of FIG. 3,
`the transceiver
`identification 420 is set for a given communication device
`400. When received by the application server 205 (FIG. 2),
`the transceiver identifier 420 may be used to access a
`look-up table that identifies, for example, the residence, the
`system, and the particular parameter assigned to that par—
`ticular transce