United States
`(19)
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0242688 A1
`McFarland
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Oct. 18, 2007
`
`US 20070242688A1
`
`(54) DYNAMIC VALUE REPORTING FOR
`WIRELESS AUTOMATED SYSTEMS
`
`(76) Inventor: Norman R. McFarland, Palantine, IL
`(US)
`Correspondence Address:
`SEMENS CORPORATION
`INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
`SNSQ), SEESOUTH
`9
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/402,743
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Apr. 12, 2006
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`H04L 2/43
`
`(2006.01)
`
`
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. .............................................. 370/445; 455/73
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A wireless automation device monitors a condition and
`wirelessly reports an event over an automation network in
`response to detecting a change in the condition. The condi
`tion is sampled at a variable periodic interval, and the event
`reported during intervals when a change in the condition is
`determined. The change may be determined according to
`detecting a value for the condition outside a variable range.
`The change may also be determined according to detecting
`differences in the value from values detected in prior inter
`vals. The range and the periodic interval may vary according
`to an analysis of multiple samples of the condition.
`
`214
`
`228
`
`Memory
`226
`Programs
`234
`
`Data Input
`Device
`230
`
`Transceiver
`216
`
`Emerson Exhibit 1027
`Emerson Electric v. Ollnova
`IPR2023-00624
`Page 00001
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`

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`Patent Application Publication Oct. 18, 2007 Sheet 1 of 4
`
`US 2007/0242688 A1
`
`NetWork
`104
`
`100
`1.
`
`m
`
`113
`
`102
`
`MLN
`
`
`
`WBLN
`
`112
`
`Device
`107a
`
`Device
`107b
`
`Field Panel
`106a
`
`Field Panel
`106b
`
`WFLN
`
`WFLN
`
`110a
`
`11 Ob
`
`Controller
`108a
`
`Controller
`108b.
`
`Controller
`108C
`
`Controller
`108e
`
`Sensor
`109a
`
`Actuator
`109b)
`
`-
`
`Figure 1
`
`Controller
`108d
`
`-
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00002
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 18, 2007 Sheet 2 of 4
`
`US 2007/0242688A1
`
`
`
`Processor
`214
`
`Memory
`226
`Programs
`234
`
`Data Input
`Device
`230
`
`Transceiver
`216
`
`Figure 2
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00003
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 18, 2007 Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 2007/0242688 A1
`
`Polling
`Interval
`338/V(t)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`>
`
`336 336 336 336
`336
`336/.336
`
`Figure 3
`
`Transmissio
`interval
`338
`
`Polling
`Interval
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`436,
`
`
`
`436/
`
`436
`
`s:/ 436 Y sy
`436/ Time (t)
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`436
`
`yass
`
`Transmissions
`
`Time (t)
`Figure 4
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00004
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`

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`Patent Application Publication Oct. 18, 2007 Sheet 4 of 4
`
`US 2007/0242688A1
`
`
`
`Figure 5
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`IPR2023-00624 Page 00005
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`

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`US 2007/0242688 A1
`
`Oct. 18, 2007
`
`DYNAMIC VALUE REPORTING FOR WIRELESS
`AUTOMATED SYSTEMS
`
`BACKGROUND
`0001. The invention relates to remote monitoring of
`conditions and more particularly to wirelessly reporting a
`sensed condition over a wireless communication network.
`0002 Automation systems include one or more distrib
`uted components and/or grouping of components that
`together form an integrated system for automating a process
`control. The components include controllers, sensors,
`Switches, alarms, actuators, chillers, fans, humidifiers, and/
`or air handling units configured to automate process control
`for heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), environ
`mental air quality, safety and security, fire, hazard preven
`tion, or other processes for a building or facility. The devices
`may communicate information over a wired network and/or
`by wirelessly broadcasting information between and among
`the components.
`0003. The components may detect events, sense condi
`tions, respond to detected events or changes in conditions,
`and/or control operation of other devices. An event may be
`detected by a sensor, which communicates related informa
`tion to a controller. The controller generates control signals,
`which are communicated to a device for an appropriate
`responsive action. For example, a temperature sensor wire
`lessly broadcasts a temperature reading to a controller. The
`controller reads the information from the sensor and deter
`mines whether a responsive control action may be taken.
`The controller communicates a control signal, as appropri
`ate, to an actuator to control airflow in the room. The
`controller also may communicate a feedback or status signal
`to a remote computer.
`0004 Wireless networks are limited by the amount of
`available bandwidth over which the devices may commu
`nicate. The number of devices and amount of information
`communicated over a wireless system may be constrained
`by the available bandwidth. Systems having many wireless
`devices may create a noisy environment in which data can
`be lost, dropped or not communicated with the targeted
`recipient. The continuous monitoring of conditions and
`broadcast of information consumes larges amounts of
`power, which may shorten a limited-lifetime power source.
`The continuous stream of information from and to devices
`uses a great amount processing power for a controller, and
`may provide redundant information that may need to be
`filtered before being processed.
`0005 Accordingly, there is a need for a system for
`reducing an amount of communication over a wireless
`automated system using dynamic value reporting.
`BRIEF SUMMARY
`0006 The described embodiments include methods, pro
`cesses, apparatuses, and systems for reporting information
`over a wireless automation system, and particularly to a
`wireless building automation system. An automated wireless
`system using dynamic value reporting provides for a robust
`process control that minimizes an amount of communica
`tions in the wireless network. The amount of wireless traffic
`in the system may be reduced, and/or the number of devices
`communicating over a wireless network increased, by mini
`mizing or reducing the amount of information reported by a
`SSO.
`
`0007 Conditions are monitored, or sensed, during a
`variable periodic interval to determine whether a measure
`ment for the condition has changed, is above, and/or below
`a limit or within or outside a range. The measurement may
`also be compared to measurements made during prior inter
`vals, and/or statistics determined based on prior readings. A
`statistical analysis of the measurement may be made, and an
`appropriate control response determined and executed. The
`measurement, the change over a prior measurement, and/or
`the results of a comparison to a limit and/or range may be
`made according to a second periodic interval. The second
`periodic interval may coincide with the first periodic inter
`val.
`0008. In an embodiment, a wireless automation device
`includes a wireless transceiver, such as a RF transceiver, RF
`transmitter, and/or RF receiver or other device that wire
`lessly communicates packets of information over a wireless
`network. A sensor generates a signal based on whether a
`sensed condition is within a predetermined range. In the
`device, a controller polls the sensor at a variable periodic
`interval to read the signal from the sensor. The sensor may
`be continuously activated, or may be activated upon a
`polling by the controller. The controller also controls the
`transceiver to selectively communicate information associ
`ated with the signal from the sensor. The information is
`transmitted during a variable periodic interval for transmit
`ting the information. The information may be transmitted in
`response a change in a sensed condition, in response to a
`sensed condition being outside a predetermined range or
`limit, and/or in response to an externally received control
`signal. Transmission of information during an interval may
`be suspended in response to an externally received control
`signal. The controller and/or sensor may enter a stand-by or
`sleep mode during times other than the variable periodic
`interval.
`0009. The present invention is defined by the following
`claims. Nothing in this section should be taken as a limita
`tion on those claims. Further aspects and advantages of the
`invention are discussed below in conjunction with the pre
`ferred embodiments and may be later claimed independently
`or in combination.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0010. The components in the figures are not necessarily
`to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the
`principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like
`reference numerals designate corresponding parts through
`out the different views.
`0011 FIG. 1 is an example of a wireless automated
`system for building automation.
`0012 FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation for a
`sensor device.
`0013 FIG. 3 illustrates a timing chart illustrating the
`polling interval for a sensor configured for dynamic value
`reporting.
`0014 FIG. 4 illustrates a timing chart for the transmis
`sion of information for a device configured for dynamic
`value reporting.
`0015 FIG. 5 illustrates sensor device in communication
`with a controller.
`
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`US 2007/0242688 A1
`
`Oct. 18, 2007
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`0016 A wireless automation system configured for or
`using dynamic value reporting communicates data among
`and between devices related to changes in a value of a
`monitored condition and/or measured parameter (e.g., a
`wireless sensor for monitoring environmental temperature).
`A wireless automation device using dynamic value reporting
`monitors and wirelessly reports building automation infor
`mation over a building automation network formed by
`multiple distributed devices. The distributed devices com
`municate information between and among the devices from
`a source device to a destination device.
`0017. A device that uses dynamic value reporting senses,
`samples and/or measures a condition during a period of a
`sampling or polling interval. A reading of the condition may
`be taken to identify an indicator associated with the current
`or present condition. The indicator of the current or present
`condition may be read during a current period of the
`sampling interval. The current reading of the indicator may
`be stored with prior readings of the indicator in a memory.
`The current readings and prior readings may be stored in
`memory in order in which the readings were read, Such as in
`a stack manner. The current reading of the indicator also may
`be compared to prior readings of the indicator to determine
`a change. The indicator and/or the change may be compared
`to a limit or range, such as an absolute limit and/or a range
`for changes from one or more previous measured values.
`0018. The device wirelessly receives and transmits infor
`mation over the network. The information may include a
`current indicator of the condition, a value or status for the
`condition and/or sensor, and/or the comparison of the indi
`cator to a limit or range, the time or interval sequence
`number in which an indicator was made, the time or interval
`sequence in which an indicator is deemed to have changed
`beyond a limit or outside a range and like information. The
`information is routed as packets, such as according to a
`TCP/IP transmission protocol. The information is commu
`nicated to destination device, such as an actuator, and/or a
`controller that executes a process control such as executing
`a responsive action, and/or communicating an appropriate
`control signal. The device may communicate information
`during a period of a transmission interval. The device may
`communicate information during a transmission, or commu
`nication, interval. The information may be communicated in
`response to a comparison that identifies a change in the
`sensed condition, Such as a change outside a band limit, or
`a reading of the indicator beyond a limit. Similarly, a
`transmission of information may be suspended for periods of
`a transmission interval for which no change in the indicator
`has been identified. The device may enter a sleep mode, or
`go into a standby mode, between periods of the transmission
`and/or polling interval. The transmission and polling inter
`vals, the limits and ranges may be changed, varied, regu
`lated, adjusted, extended and/or compressed according to the
`measured values and/or comparison to the limits.
`0.019
`FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram for an example
`of a wireless automation system 100 configured for and/or
`using dynamic value reporting. The illustrated wireless
`automation system 100 automates a building control process
`for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) for
`one or more buildings and/or facilities. In an embodiment,
`
`the building automation system may be an APOGEETM
`system provided by Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. of
`Buffalo Grove, Ill. The wireless automation system 100
`using dynamic value reporting may be any of a variety of
`other automation systems, including air quality systems,
`industrial control systems, security and loss prevention
`systems, hazard detection and/or prevention systems, light
`ing systems, combinations and integrations thereof, and the
`like.
`0020. The automation system 100 provides process con
`trol functionality for one or more building, or facility
`operations. The automation system 100 includes one or more
`devices positioned, or distributed, throughout the building.
`The devices generate and/or receive information related to a
`specific event, condition, status, acknowledgement, control,
`combinations thereof and the like. The devices may also
`respond to control commands and/or execute an instruction
`received by or in a signal. The devices may also commu
`nicate or route the information between and among compo
`nents of the system from a source to a destination.
`0021. The automation system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a
`multi-tier architecture having a high-speed or high band
`width communications level that includes aggregate collec
`tions of sensor and/or actuator data, video or other high
`bandwidth data or long range communications and a level
`for point-to-point communication between devices. The
`devices may be field panels, controllers, sensors, actuators
`and any other component of an automation system. Control
`processes are distributed to the field panels, controllers,
`sensors and actuators as appropriate for the particular opera
`tions or functions of the device.
`0022. The devices of the system 100 communicate infor
`mation, data and commands according to an assigned bind
`ing association. That is, devices may be commissioned as an
`operating pair or group according to a binding association.
`Even though devices may be commissioned as an operating
`pair or group, communications between devices may be
`routed, or hopped, via one or more other devices of the
`network. That is, the communication of information between
`and among devices includes transmitting, routing, and/or
`information hopping using low-power wireless RF commu
`nications across a network defined by the devices. Multiple
`paths from a source to a destination may exist in the
`network.
`0023. A sensing device monitors a condition and/or status
`of an event. The sensing device may report appropriate
`sensor information, Such as a current value or indicator of
`the condition, timing of a reading, prior measurements,
`status of the sensor and/or a comparison of a measured value
`to a desired limit, range or a previous measurement. Actua
`tors may process sensor information to determine an appro
`priate action for the actuator. Controllers monitor the pro
`cess or action of sensors and actuators, and may override the
`sensor and/or actuators to alter processing based on a
`regional or larger area control process.
`0024. The automation system 100 includes a supervisory
`control system or workstation 102, one or more field panels
`106a, 106b, and one or more controllers 108a-108e. Each
`controller 108a-108e, for example, corresponds to an asso
`ciated localized, standard building control Subsystem Such
`as a space temperature control, air quality control, lighting
`control, hazard detection, security, combinations thereof, or
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`
`the like. The controllers 108a-108e communicate with one
`or more sensors 109a using two-way wireless communica
`tion protocol. The controllers 108a-108e also may commu
`nicate information with one or more actuators 109b using
`two-way wireless communication protocol. For example,
`sensor 109a and actuator 109b are commissioned to com
`municate data and/or instructions with the controller 108a.
`Sensor 109a may also communicate information directly
`with actuator 109 busing two-way wireless communications.
`0.025 The controller 108a provides control functionality
`of each, one, or both of the sensor 109a and the actuator
`109b. Controller 108a controls a subsystem based on sensed
`conditions and desired set point conditions. The controller
`108a controls the operation of one or more actuators in
`response to an event reported by a sensor 109a. The con
`troller 108a may drive the one or more actuator to a desired
`set point.
`0026. The controller 108a is programmed with the set
`points and a code setting forth instructions that are executed
`by the controller for controlling the actuators to drive the
`sensed condition to be with the set point. For example, the
`actuator 109b is operatively connected to an air conditioning
`damper and sensor 109a may be a room temperature sensor
`that reports information related to a temperature being
`monitored by the sensor. The sensor may report current
`temperature or a relative temperature change compared to a
`prior measurement. If the temperature sensed by the sensor
`109a exceeds a threshold, the actuator may respond accord
`ingly to open a damper, allowing air conditioning to flow
`into a room. The sensor 109a may communicate the sensed
`condition to the actuator 109b and/or to the controller 108a,
`which thereafter provides an appropriate control signal to
`the actuator 109a.
`0027 Sensor, actuator, and set point information may be
`shared among or common to, controllers 108a-108e, field
`panels 106a-106b, work station 102, and any other compo
`nents or elements that may affect control of the building
`automation system 100. To facilitate sharing of information,
`groups of Subsystems such as those coupled to controllers
`108a and 108b are organized into wireless field (or floor)
`level networks (“WFLNs) and generally interface at least
`one field panel 106.a. Controllers 108c, 108d and 108e along
`with the field panel 106b also may communicate via a
`low-level WFLN data network 110b.
`0028. The WFLN data networks 110a 110b are low-level
`data networks that may use any Suitable proprietary or open
`protocol. The devices forming a WFLN communicate via
`two-way radio links. Interfaces, routers and bridges are
`provided for implementing the WFLN 110a and 110b. While
`shown as a common bus or interconnection structure, the
`WFLN may include multiple or different communication
`links between components with some or no redundancy in
`any of various patterns.
`0029) Any of a wide variety of WFLN architectures may
`be used. For example, the devices of the WFLN may utilize
`a wireless MESH technology to form a MESH network. For
`example, the WFLN configured as a wireless MESH net
`work include multiple nodes that communicate via wireless
`communication links. The MESH network establishes a grid
`of nodes that create redundant paths for information flow
`between and among the nodes. In the MESH network,
`information may reach a destination either by a direct
`
`point-to-point communication or by an indirect communi
`cation where the information is routed or hops from node to
`node, among different paths from a source to the destination.
`The WFLN may be self-forming and/or self-healing. The
`WFLN also allows bi-directional routing for command and
`control information. Additional, different or fewer networks
`may be provided. For example, a WFLN may be wired,
`while other networks may be wireless, one or both wireless
`networks include wired components, or the networks may be
`distributed among only one, three or more levels.
`0030) The WFLN's 110a and 110b operate in accordance
`with distinguishable or the same wireless communications
`protocols. For example, the WFLN 110a operates pursuant
`to the 802.15.4 communications protocols, but IEEE
`802.11x (e.g., 802.11a802.11b, 802.11c ... 802.11g), Wi-Fi,
`Wi-Max, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Ethernet, proprietary, standard,
`now known or later developed wireless communication
`protocols may be used. The WFLN 110b may operate using
`the same or different protocol as the protocol employed by
`WFLN 110a. Any now known or later developed network
`and transport algorithms may be used. Communication,
`transport and routing algorithms are provided on the appro
`priate devices. Any packet size or data format may be used.
`0.031) The field panels 106a and 106b coordinate com
`munication of data, information and signals between the
`controllers 108a-108e and the workstation 102 and network
`104. In addition, one or more of the field panels 106a and
`106b may control devices such as HVAC actuators 107a and
`107b. The field panels 106a and 106b accept modification,
`changes, alterations, and the like from the user with respect
`to objects defined by the building automation system 100.
`The objects are various parameters, control and/or set points,
`port modifications, terminal definitions, users, date/time
`data, alarms and/or alarm definitions, modes, and/or pro
`gramming of the field panel itself, another field panel, and/or
`any controller in communication with a field panel.
`0032. The field panels 106a and 106b may communicate
`upstream via a wireless building level network (“WBLN')
`112 to the workstation 102. The workstation 102 includes
`one or more Supervisory computers, central control panels or
`combinations thereof. The workstation 102 provides overall
`control and monitoring of the building automation system
`100 and includes a user interface. The workstation 102
`further operates as a building control system data server that
`exchanges data with one or more components of the building
`automation system 100. The workstation 102 may also allow
`access to the building control system data by other applica
`tions. The applications are executed on the workstation 102
`or other Supervisory computers that may be communica
`tively coupled via a management level network (MLN) 113.
`0033. The workstation provides user access to compo
`nents of the building automation system 100, such as the
`field panels 106a and 106b. The workstation 102 accepts
`modifications, changes, and alterations to the system. For
`example, a user may use the workstation 102 to reprogram
`set points for a Subsystem via a user interface. The user
`interface may be an input device or combination of input
`devices, such as a keyboard, Voice-activated response sys
`tem, a mouse or similar device. The workstation 102 may
`affect or change operations of the field panels 106a and
`106b, utilize the data and/or instructions from the worksta
`tion 102, and/or provide control of connected devices, such
`
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`as devices 107a and 107b and/or the controllers 108a and
`108b. The field panels 106a and 106b therefore accept the
`modifications, changes, alterations and the like from the
`USC.
`0034. The workstation 102 may process data gathered
`from the field panels 106a and 106b and including maintain
`a log of events and conditions. Information and/or data are
`gathered in connection with the polling, query or otherwise.
`The workstation 102 maintains a database associated with
`each field panel 106a and 106b, controllers 108a-108e, and
`sensor 109a, actuator 109b, controller 108d and devices
`107a and 107b. The database stores or records operational
`and configuration data.
`0035. The workstation 102 may be communicatively
`coupled to a web server. For example, the workstation 102
`may be coupled to communicate with a web server via the
`MLN 113 through a network 104 such as an Ethernet
`network, a LAN, WLAN, or the Internet. The workstation
`102 uses the MLN 113 to communicate building control
`system data to and from other elements on the MLN 113.
`The MLN 113 is connected to other supervisory computers,
`servers, or gateways through the network 104. For example,
`the MLN 113 may be coupled to a web server to commu
`nicate with external devices and other network managers.
`The MLN 113 may be configured to communicate according
`to known communication protocols such as TCP/IP, BAC
`net, and/or other communication protocols Suitable for shar
`ing large amounts of data.
`0.036
`FIG. 2 illustrate a block diagram of an automation
`device 207 for a wireless automation system using dynamic
`value reporting. The automation device 207 provides service
`functionality. The automation device 207 may be a function
`specific device, or configured to provide one or more of a
`variety of functionalities. In an example, the automation
`device 207 monitors a condition or parameter and wirelessly
`reports dynamics in the condition or parameter. The auto
`mation device 207 may be a sensor that monitors a condition
`and/or event, such as a building environment. The automa
`tion device 207 may be installed, positioned, and/or located
`with, within, on, or around a building, facility, a plant,
`factory, assembly, edifice, structure, colliery, combinations
`or portions thereof or other environment having conditions
`to be monitored.
`0037. The automation device 207 communicates over a
`network which may include other automation devices, data
`processors, desktop computers, a mobile computers, a note
`book computers, a tablet computers, controllers, personal
`computers, workstations, mainframe computers, servers,
`personal digital assistants ("PDA), personal communica
`tions devices such as a cellular telephone, and like devices
`configured to communicate information over a communica
`tion network. The network may be any known or proprietary
`network of computers, such as a Local Area Network
`(LAN), a Wireless LAN (WLAN) a Personal Area Network
`(PAN), Wireless PAN (WPAN) and a Virtual Private Net
`work (VPN), combinations thereof and the like. The auto
`mation device 207 may communicate according to any
`known or proprietary communication protocols such as
`TCP/IP, BACnet, and/or other communication protocols
`Suitable for sharing large amounts of data. For example, the
`automation device 207 is a temperature sensor that monitors
`and reports information related to a temperature in a room or
`
`portion thereof. The sensor 207 reports information related
`to the temperature between and among devices of a building
`automation system.
`0038. The device 207 includes a processor 214, a trans
`ceiver 216, and a sensor 209. Additional, different or fewer
`components may be provided. Such as providing a plurality
`of different or the same types of sensors. For example, the
`device may also have a memory 226, a storage device 228.
`a data input device 230, and a data output 232. A program
`234 resides in the memory 226 and includes one or more
`sequences of executable code or coded instructions. The
`program 234 may be implemented as computer software,
`firmware including object and/or source code, hardware, or
`a combination of software and hardware. The program 234
`may be stored on a computer-readable medium, (e.g., Stor
`age device 228) installed on, deployed by, resident on,
`invoked by and/or used by the processor 214. The program
`234 is loaded into the memory 226 from storage device 228.
`Additionally or alternatively, code may be executed by the
`controller processor 214 from the storage device 228. The
`program 234 may be implemented using any known or
`proprietary Software platform or frameworks including
`basic, visual basic, C, C+, C++, J2EETM, Oracle 9i, XML,
`API based designs, and like Software systems.
`0039 The processor 214 implements a control process
`for the device 207. The control process may be implemented
`based on a signal that is read from and/or provided by the
`sensor 209, Such as a measured value of a parameter, an
`indicator of a sensed condition and/or status of an event. The
`processor 214 may be may be one or more devices including
`a general processor, digital signal processor (DSP), control
`processor unit (CPU), application specific integrated circuit
`(ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), analog
`circuit, digital circuit, combinations thereof or other now
`known or later developed devices for implementing a con
`trol process. The processor 214 has a processing power or
`capability and associated memory corresponding to the
`needs of one or more of a plurality of different types of
`sensors 209 and transceiver 216. The processor 214 imple
`ments a control process algorithm specific to the sensor 209.
`Other control processes may be stored but unused due to a
`specific configuration.
`0040. The processor 214 executes one or more sequences
`of instructions of the program 234 to process data. Data
`and/or instructions may be preprogrammed to the device 207
`and or provide to the device 207 using the data input device
`230. Data and/or instructions may also be received via the
`transceiver 216. The processor 214 interfaces data input
`device 230 and/or the transceiver 216 to receive data and
`instructions. The processor 214 may also interface the
`storage device 228 for storage and retrieval of data. Data
`processed by the processor 214 may be stored in and
`retrieved from in storage device 228, communicated via the
`transceiver 216, and/or presented via data output device 232.
`The data output device 232 may be a display, monitor, a
`printer, a communications port, an array of lights, combi
`nations thereof and the like. For example, the processor may
`control a light array of the output device 232 to indicate an
`operation status, or read data status, a transmit status and the
`like. The light array may be internal to an enclosure for the
`device, and/or externally visible.
`0041. The transceiver 216 is a receiver, transmitter, com
`bination receiver/transmitter, wireless communication port,
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`wireless communication device, wireless modem and like
`device capable of wirelessly receiving, communicating,
`transmitting, and/or broadcasting information. In an
`embodiment, the transceiver 216 may receive and transmit
`control information from other components or devices. The
`information may be control information to alter the imple
`mented control process.
`0042. The transceiver 216 wirelessly communicates
`information using one or a combination of one-way and/or
`two-way wireless communications. The information may be
`communicated using radio frequency (RF), infra-red (IR),
`ultra-sound communication, cellular radio-telephone com
`munications, a wireless telephone, a Personal Communica
`tion Systems (PCS) and like wireless communication tech
`nologies. The transceiver 216 communicate information as
`packets of information according to one or more communi
`cations protocols or standards, including IEEE 802.11(x),
`802.16, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, ZigBee, Bluetooth, Voice Over
`Internet Protocol (VoIP). The transceiver 216 also or alter
`natively communicates information and/or packets of infor
`mation in accordance with known and proprietary network
`protocols such as TCP/IP. Ethernet and like protocols over a
`Personal Area Network (PAN), Wireless PAN (WPAN),
`virtual private network (VPN), Wireless Local Area Net
`work (WLAN) and like networks. The transceiver may also
`include an interrogator that wirelessly transmits signals to
`interrogate components of a building automation system.
`The transceiver also may receive a wirelessly transmitted
`interrogation signal from one or more other components.
`0043. The sensor 209 may include a device or a collec
`tion of devices that sense conditions, parameters and/or
`events such as an environmental condition in a building. The
`sensor 209 generates information or data related to the
`sensed or monitored condition. The information may be
`provided an output as one or more signals that may be read
`by the processor 214. The information may be generated in
`response to a physical stimulus such as light, Sound, pres
`Sure, heat, magnetism, motion and/or acceleration. The
`physical stimulus may be detected as the result of sensing or
`monitoring the conditions or parameters. The may be pro
`vided as an indicator of the sensed condition, parameter or
`event. In an example, the sensor 209 is configured as any of
`a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, fire sensor