I IIIII IIIIIIII Ill lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll 111111111111111111
`US007468661B2
`
`c12) United States Patent
`Petite et al.
`
`(IO) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`*Dec. 23, 2008
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING
`AND CONTROLLING REMOTE DEVICES
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Thomas D. Petite, Douglasville, GA
`(US); Richard M. Huff, Conyers, GA
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Hunt Technologies, Inc., Lafayette, IN
`(US)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 306 days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis(cid:173)
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/395,685
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Mar. 31, 2006
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2006/0181406 Al
`
`Aug. 17, 2006
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation of application No. 10/139,492, filed on
`May 6, 2002, now Pat. No. 7,053,767, which is a
`continuation of application No. 09/439,059, filed on
`Nov. 12, 1999, now Pat. No. 6,437,692, and a continu(cid:173)
`ation-in-part of application No. 09/412,895, filed on
`Oct. 5, 1999, now Pat. No. 6,218,953, which is a con(cid:173)
`tinuation-in-part of application No. 09/271,517, filed
`on Mar. 18, 1999, now abandoned, and a continuation(cid:173)
`in-part ofapplicationNo. 09/172,554, filed on Oct. 14,
`1998, now Pat. No. 6,028,522, and a continuation-in(cid:173)
`part of application No. 09/102,178, filed on Jun. 22,
`1998, now Pat. No. 6,430,268.
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/146,817, filed on Aug.
`2, 1999.
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`GOSB 21/00
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. .................. 340/540; 340/531; 340/539.17;
`340/3.1; 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 Classification Search ................. 340/540,
`340/539.17, 539.26, 531, 521, 870.01, 870.03,
`340/870.07, 870.08, 870.16, 870.17, 988;
`700/108; 702/56; 455/7; 370/238; 343/711,
`343/700 R, 720
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5,845,230 A * 12/1998 Lamberson .................. 702/56
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner-Toan N Pham
`(7 4) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Thomas, Kay den,
`Horstemeyer & Risley, LLP
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`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 accordance
`with one aspect of the invention, a system is configured to
`monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system is imple(cid:173)
`mented 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 identify(cid:173)
`ing an appropriate control signal, the system further including
`means for applying the control signal at a designated actuator.
`
`14 Claims, 18 Drawing Sheets
`
`Workstation
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 1 of 30
`
`

`

`US 7,468,661 B2
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,917,405 A *
`6,044,062 A *
`6,366,217 Bl*
`
`6/1999 Joao ...................... 340/426.17
`3/2000 Brownrigg et al. .......... 370/238
`4/2002 Cunningham et al ... 340/870.31
`
`7,117,239 Bl*
`7,254,372 B2 *
`7,304,587 B2 *
`2004/0090950 Al*
`* cited by examiner
`
`10/2006 Hansen ....................... 709/200
`8/2007 Janusz et al. .................. 455/88
`12/2007 Boaz ..................... 340/870.02
`5/2004 Lauber et al. ............... 370/352
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 2 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 1 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`114
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`113
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`112
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`111
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`t
`
`100
`
`115
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`116
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`117
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`Local Controller
`
`110
`
`120
`
`130
`
`Central Controller
`
`FIG.1
`(PRIOR ART)
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 3 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 2 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`Transceiver
`
`Sensor/
`Actuator
`
`224
`
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`Transceiver
`
`Transceiver
`
`215
`
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`222
`
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`214
`
`210
`
`Local Gateway
`
`Transceiver
`
`220
`
`Local Gateway
`
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`212
`
`/
`
`200
`
`270
`
`Data
`
`Server
`
`230
`
`240
`
`Laptop computer
`
`250
`
`D
`.. ' ..... .
`
`Workstation
`
`FIG. 2
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 4 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 3 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`330
`
`(
`\ Transmitter ! F
`t· C d
`\
`l
`i unc ion o e 1
`I.D.
`C 310
`
`"·•····•••••·····••••····••••••••••••••••• .. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••o•••••••;
`
`320
`
`328
`
`Sensor
`
`!.
`
`323
`
`RF Transmitter
`
`321
`
`Data
`Interface
`
`Data Controller
`
`324
`
`212
`
`326
`
`Transmitter
`1.0.
`
`FIG. 3A
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 5 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 4 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`330
`(
`············· . . .....
`,················-------······----·····--·~----········
`\ F n t. Cod
`:
`i Transmitter
`! u c ,on
`e i
`I.D.
`!
`
`:•••••••••••·•···••••••······••••••••••••..!,,, .••••••••••.. ,,•o+oo++••·••••••••••••'
`
`310
`
`Sensor
`
`323
`
`340
`
`328
`
`RF Transmitter
`
`321
`
`Data
`Interface
`
`324
`
`Data Controller
`
`326
`
`X-mitter I.D.
`
`FIG. 3B
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 6 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 5 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`i Transceiver
`:
`I.D.
`
`/330
`j F
`;
`l··t··. C d··-
`1 unc ron o e 1
`
`'••••••••••••••••••••••n•••••••••••••••• '••••••••••• .... •••••••••••••••••••••••••:
`
`323
`
`360
`
`350
`
`RF Transceiver
`
`321
`
`Data
`Interface
`
`Data Controller
`
`324
`
`326
`
`Transceiver
`I.D.
`
`310
`
`Sensor
`
`Actuator
`
`FIG. 3C
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 7 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 6 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`323
`
`RF Transceiver
`
`Sensor
`
`360
`
`350
`
`210
`
`Local Gateway
`
`14-1------' _.
`I--+----,,,_. _.
`_.
`_.
`_. _.
`
`_.
`
`321
`
`Data
`Interface
`
`_.
`
`324
`_.
`_.
`_.
`
`_.
`
`_.
`
`---
`
`Data Controller
`[(
`
`_.
`
`326
`
`Transceiver
`1.0. (X)
`
`325
`
`Function Code
`
`T em erature Set --> Code 1
`On/Off --> Code 2
`Actual Tern erature --> Code 3
`Air/Heat---> Code 4
`
`380
`
`Actuator
`
`FIG. 30
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 8 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 7 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`,,-330
`············"4·······················( .. 04 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
`i Transceiver
`i Function Code :
`i
`!
`:
`I.D. (I)
`(I)
`.
`···························-···,·····C.:.3..~ ............................................................... .
`·······························
`... t.riin.scelve"r"" ""TF'unction Code i Transceiver 1 Function Code :
`.. ___ I.D._(I) __ ........ !_ ........... Jl) ................. l ...... ___ I.D. __ (X) .......... ! ............. JX) ............ ....1
`
`210
`
`Local Gateway
`
`323
`
`360
`
`350
`
`RF Transceiver
`
`327
`
`GPS
`Receiver
`
`324
`
`Data Controller
`
`326
`
`Transceiver
`LO. (X)
`
`FIG. 3E
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 9 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 8 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`/330
`,·-········-···························---.. -·-·--·····1········-······---··········:
`
`l .... ~~n.~odejldenti:7
`
`y-421
`
`Remote
`
`429
`
`Identify
`Intermediate
`Transceiver
`
`210
`
`420
`
`Transceiver 14------. ..... -'"9>!
`
`424
`
`Look-up
`Tabte(s)
`
`~ 422
`
`425
`
`Network
`Card
`
`DSL
`Modem
`
`ISDN
`
`426
`
`428
`
`430
`
`TCP/IP
`
`FIG. 4
`
`WAN (Internet I
`Intranet)
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 10 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 9 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`Remote Site
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`Laptop computer
`I
`w/ Web Browser
`I
`! __________________ ~
`I
`
`Client Premises
`,------------------1
`I
`560
`I
`I
`
`I D i I
`
`'='',·.·.·.· ·.
`I
`Workstation w/ Web Browser:
`I
`I
`
`210
`
`(
`
`D
`
`b:,,',·.·. ••·•
`
`Local Gateway
`
`/
`
`500
`
`510
`
`Router
`
`Firewall
`
`1~530
`,:,o_
`
`uuuuuuu
`Server w/ Web Applications
`and Client Specific Applications
`
`Database Server
`
`FIG. 5
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 11 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 10 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`I
`I
`I
`:
`I
`:
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`614
`
`Sensor
`
`Transmitter
`
`610
`
`I
`I
`I
`
`I
`:
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`r---------------------------------~
`r
`
`612
`1-------------------------------
`
`221
`
`Transceiver
`
`240
`
`Laptop computer
`
`250
`
`D
`
`•8','<' < • • •
`Workstation
`
`7
`
`600
`
`Server
`
`Data
`
`FIG. 6
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 12 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 11 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`I~ I
`
`,-----------------------------
`I
`:
`,,.;
`: @~'',,,,
`
`-----1
`I
`
`(
`
`I
`I
`I
`:
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`712
`711
`I
`L-----------------------------------
`
`'
`
`' ,
`' , ,
`714
`.........
`
`Sensor
`
`Transmitter
`
`/
`
`/
`/.,.,
`
`Vehicle
`Diagnostics
`Bus
`
`710
`
`221
`
`Transceiver
`
`240
`
`Laptop computer
`
`250
`
`?
`
`700
`
`230
`
`WAN (Internet I
`Intranet)
`
`Server
`
`Data
`
`D
`
`~.······
`Workstation
`
`FIG. 7
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 13 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 12 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`( 817
`
`270 Degree Spray
`Head
`
`813
`
`812
`
`Sensor
`
`Transmitter
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`}--810
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`:
`I
`I
`1
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`1
`I
`
`221
`
`811
`
`815
`
`Transceiver
`
`Actuator I
`Sensor
`
`814
`
`210
`
`Local Gateway
`
`·--- -'
`
`/'
`
`800
`
`230
`
`240
`
`Laptop computer
`
`250
`
`D
`
`·~· .•• <.
`Workstation
`
`Server
`
`Data
`
`FIG. 8
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 14 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 13 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`---------------1
`~~~-.L-#--~~-,L~~~--,'~~~-,,-~-?
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`930
`
`'-----> t i
`932SD! I
`
`/ ··· .. y:
`
`910 Automated Parking Facility
`----------------------- ---------
`
`I
`I
`I
`
`920
`
`~ -
`; / ··· ... _
`
`'
`
`950
`
`Router
`
`Customer Premises
`, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`960
`
`I
`I
`
`D
`
`.c=!,' • ' •• ••
`
`Workstation w/
`I
`Web Browser
`:
`------------------~
`'\
`
`900
`
`I
`:
`1
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`1
`I
`I
`
`530
`
`Server w/ Web Applications
`and Client Specific Applications
`
`Database Server
`
`FIG. 9
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 15 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 14 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`810
`
`Controlled
`Area
`(Irrigation
`System)
`610
`
`Remote Utility
`Meter
`Subsystem
`
`•
`•
`•
`
`1020
`
`910
`
`Automated
`Parking
`Facility
`
`•
`
`Data
`
`230
`
`/
`
`1000
`
`1040
`
`Local Gateway
`
`Transceiver
`
`Transceiver
`
`Transceiver
`
`System 1
`
`System 2
`
`FIG.10
`
`System n
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 16 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 15 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`FIG. 11
`To Addr. From Addr. Pkt. No. Pkt. Max. Pkt Lngth. Cmd.
`(1-6)
`(6)
`(1)
`(1)
`(1)
`(1)
`
`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).
`The CMD Byte.
`2.
`Scalability of the Data portion of the message (0 to 238 Bytes)
`3.
`
`"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
`Mfg./Owner ID
`
`FF-FO (16) - Broadcast all Devices (Byte 1 Type)
`(2 Byte Broadcast Address)
`EF-00 (240) - Mfg./Owner Code Identification Number
`
`Byte 3
`Mfg.towner
`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
`
`Byte4
`
`Byte 5
`
`Byte6
`
`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:
`(FF-00) Full "ID" of Originating Device (up to 6 Bytes)
`From Address
`(FF-00) Packet Number of Msg. longer than 256 Bytes
`Packet Number
`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
`Data
`(FF-00) Data as required by specific command
`ChkH
`(FF-00) Packet Checksum, High Byte
`ChkL
`(FF-00) Packet Checksum, Low Byte
`Packet Length - 13 Bytes (Min.)/ 256 Bytes (Max.)
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 17 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 16 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`Sample Messages
`
`Central Server to Personal Transceiver - Broadcast Message - FF (Emergency)
`
`Byte Count= 12
`
`To Addr. From Addr. Pkt. No. Pkt. Max. Pkt. Lngth. Cmd. CkH Ckl
`(FF)
`(12345678)
`(00)
`(00)
`(OC)
`(FF)
`(02}
`(9E)
`
`First Transceiver to Repeater (Transceiver}
`Broadcast Message - FF (Emergency)
`Byte Count = 17
`
`To Addr. From Addr. Pkt. No. Pkt. Max. Pkt. Lngth.
`(FO)
`(12345678)
`(00)
`(00)
`(11)
`
`CkH Ckl
`(03}
`(AO)
`
`Note: Additional Transceiver Re-Broadcasts do not change the message.
`The messages are simply received and re-broadcast.
`
`Data
`(A000123456)
`
`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
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 18 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 17 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`115
`Sensor/
`Actuator
`
`110
`
`Local Controller
`
`120
`
`130
`
`Central Controller
`
`/
`
`1050
`
`Server
`
`Data
`
`FIG.13
`
`140
`
`815
`
`Data
`Translator
`
`Transceiver
`
`221
`
`210
`
`Local Gateway
`
`WAN (Internet I
`Intranet)
`
`240
`
`Laptop computer
`
`250
`
`D
`
`.~.· ·.·.·.· ·.
`Workstation
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 19 of 30
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 18 of 18
`
`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`115
`Sensor I
`Actuator
`
`815
`
`Transceiver
`
`221
`
`Transceiver
`
`WAN (Internet I
`Intranet)
`
`240
`
`250
`
`D
`
`.~.·.· ·.· ·.·
`Workstation
`
`/
`
`1060
`
`Server
`
`Data
`
`FIG. 14
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 20 of 30
`
`

`

`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`1
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING
`AND CONTROLLING REMOTE DEVICES
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`2
`Conversely, utility meter monitoring, recording, and client
`billing are representative of a periodic monitoring system. 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 and recording
`expense associated with more frequent meter observation and
`10 was convenient for consumers who favor the consistent billed
`amounts associated with "budget billing," the utility provider
`retained the costs associated with less frequent meter read(cid:173)
`ings and the processing costs associated with reconciling
`consumer accounts.
`Lastly, a number of environmental and safety systems
`require constant or real-time monitoring. Heating, ventila(cid:173)
`tion, and air-conditioning systems, fire reporting and damage
`control systems, alarm systems, and access control systems
`are representative systems that utilize real-time monitoring
`20 and often require immediate feedback and control. 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 tech(cid:173)
`nology to distributed systems are the costs associated with the
`25 sensor-actuator infrastructure required to monitor and control
`functions within such systems. The typical approach to
`implementing control system technology is to install a local
`network of hard-wired sensors and actuators along with a
`local controller. Not only is there expense associated with
`30 developing and installing appropriate sensors 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 dis(cid:173)
`tributed systems is the installation and operational expense
`35 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.
`
`This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
`No. 10/139,492, entitled, "System and Method for Monitor(cid:173)
`ing and Controlling Remote Devices," filed on May 6, 2002,
`now U.S. Pat. No. 7,053,767 which itself is continuation of
`U.S. application Ser. No. 09/439,059, filed on Nov. 12, 1999
`and entitled "System and Method for Monitoring and Con(cid:173)
`trolling Remote Devices," and bearing U.S. Pat. No. 6,437,
`692. U.S. Pat. No. 6,437,692 is a continuation-in-part ofU.S.
`patent applications Ser. No. 09/271,517, filed Mar. 18, 1999 15
`now abandoned and entitled, "System For Monitoring Con(cid:173)
`ditions in a Residential Living Community"; Ser. No. 09/102,
`178 filed Jun. 22, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,430,268 and
`entitled, "Multi-Function General Purpose Transceiver"; Ser.
`No. 09/172,554, filed Oct. 14, 1998 and entitled, "System for
`Monitoring the Light Level Around an ATM," now U.S. Pat.
`No. 6,028,522; Ser. No. 09/412,895, filed Oct. 5, 1999 and
`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 U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
`60/146,817, filed Aug. 2, 1999 and entitled, "System and
`Method
`for Monitoring and Controlling Residential
`Devices." Each of the above identified applications and pat(cid:173)
`ents are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention generally relates to remotely oper(cid:173)
`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 net(cid:173)
`work (WAN) and using software applications hosted on a
`connected server to appropriately process the information.
`
`DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART
`
`40
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`50
`
`As is known, there are a variety of systems for monitoring
`and controlling manufacturing processes, inventory systems,
`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 system.
`Both the electric power generation and metallurgical process(cid:173)
`ing industries have had success controlling production pro(cid:173)
`cesses by implementing computer controlled control systems
`in individual plants.
`One way to classify control systems is by the timing
`involved between subsequent monitoring occurrences. Moni(cid:173)
`toring 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
`record data, repair out of order equipment, add inventory to a
`vending machine, and the like. Such service trips are carried 65
`out in a number of industries with the associated costs being
`transferred to the consumers of the service.
`
`Certain objects, advantages and novel features of the inven(cid:173)
`tion will be set forth in part in the description that follows and
`in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
`45 examination of the following or may be learned with the
`practice of the invention. The objects and advantages 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 specifi(cid:173)
`cally, the present invention is directed to a computerized
`system for monitoring, reporting, and controlling remote sys-
`55 terns and system information transfer by transmitting infor(cid:173)
`mation signals to a WAN gateway interface and using appli(cid:173)
`cations on a connected server to process the information.
`Because the applications server is integrated on a WAN, Web
`browsers can be used by anyone with Internet access ( and the
`60 appropriate access permissions) to view and download the
`recorded data.
`In accordance with a broad aspect of the invention, a sys(cid:173)
`tem is provided having one or more sensors to be read and/ or
`actuators to be controlled remotely, ultimately through a com(cid:173)
`puter on the Internet. The sensors and/or actuators are inter(cid:173)
`faced with wireless transceivers that transmit and/or receive
`data to and from the Internet. In this regard, additional wire-
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 21 of 30
`
`

`

`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`4
`other than the Internet can function as a transmission path
`between the networked wireless transceivers, the local gate(cid:173)
`ways, and the central server.
`In yet a further embodiment, a system can be configured
`using the present invention to translate and transmit control
`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
`10 signals may be mapped to function codes used by the present
`invention in order to provide customer access to control sys(cid:173)
`tem data. In this way, the system of the present invention can
`be integrated with present data collection and system control(cid:173)
`lers inexpensively, as customers will only have to add a data
`15 translator and a wireless transmitter or transceiver as the
`application demands. By integrating the present invention
`with the data stream generated by present monitoring and
`control systems, potential customers enjoy the benefits of the
`present invention without the difficulties associated with inte-
`20 grating sensors and actuators to monitor individual system
`parameters.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`
`3
`less transceivers may relay information between the trans(cid:173)
`ceivers 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 sensors and/or actuators.
`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 trans(cid:173)
`ceivers. 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 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, it is meant only that
`the location of each transceiver is known to a central com(cid:173)
`puter. The central computer may be informed of transceiver
`physical locations after permanent installation, as the instal(cid:173)
`lation location of the transceivers is not limited. Each trans(cid:173)
`ceiver 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 trans(cid:173)
`ceivers may be configured as stand-alone devices that serve to 25
`simply receive, format, and further transmit system data sig(cid:173)
`nals. 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 servers interconnected with the WAN. 30
`The server further includes means for evaluating the received
`information and identifying the system parameter and the
`originating location 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
`"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 40
`a processor within a server integrated with the Internet. How(cid:173)
`ever, dedicated WANs or Intranets are suitable backbones for
`implementing defined system data transfer functions consis(cid:173)
`tent with the invention.
`In one embodiment, a client retrieves configured system 45
`data by accessing an Internet Web site. In such an embodi(cid:173)
`ment, 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 infor(cid:173)
`mation on a periodic basis to predetermined client nodes on
`the WAN. In these embodiments, client intervention 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 trans(cid:173)
`mitted and received by the wireless transceivers may be fur(cid:173)
`ther 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
`
`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. 3A 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
`35 trigger data transmissions as desired;
`FIG. 38 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 sen(cid:173)
`sor 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 com(cid:173)
`bination of the transceiver of FIG. 3D with a global position(cid:173)
`ing system (GPS) receiver;
`FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram that illustrates the
`functional components of a local WAN gateway constructed
`50 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
`55 collection or monitoring);
`FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating another data moni(cid:173)
`toring and reporting application consistent with the present
`invention;
`FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a third client specific
`60 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
`65 invention as deployed in a plurality of business applications;
`FIG. 11 is a table illustrating the message protocol of the
`present invention;
`
`Petitioner Emerson's Exhibit 1043
`Page 22 of 30
`
`

`

`US 7,468,661 B2
`
`5
`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
`FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the system of the
`present invention integrated with a mobile inventory unit.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`
`Having summarized the invention above, reference is now
`made in detail to the description of the invention as illustrated
`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, modifications
`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, 20
`which is a block diagram illustrating certain fundamental
`components of a prior art control system 100. More particu(cid:173)
`larly, a prior art control system 100 includes a plurality of
`sensor actuators 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, and 117 elec(cid:173)
`trically 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 30
`public switched telephone network (PSTN) 120 to a central
`controller 130. Central controller 130 can be further config(cid:173)
`ured 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(cid:173)
`specific local system controller, as well as, the routing of
`electrical conductors to each sensor and actuator as the appli(cid:173)
`cation requires. Such prior art control systems are typically 40
`augmented with a central controller 130 that may be net(cid:173)
`worked 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 45
`require electrical coupling between the local controller and
`system sensors and actuators. As a result, appropriately wir(cid:173)
`ing an existing industrial plant can be a dangerous and expen(cid:173)
`sive proposition.
`Having described a prior art control system and delineated 50
`some of its shortcomings, reference is now made to FIG. 2,
`which is a block diagram that illustrates a control system in
`accordance with the present invention. Control system 200
`consists of one or more sensor/actuators 212, 214, 216, 222,
`and 224 each integrated with a transceiver. The transceivers 55
`a