USOO7230528B2
`
`(12)
`
`United States Patent
`Kates
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,230,528 B2
`Jun. 12, 2007
`
`(54) PROGRAMMED WIRELESS SENSOR
`SYSTEM
`
`4.675,661 A
`4,692,742 A
`
`6, 1987 Ishii
`9, 1987 Raizen et al.
`
`(76) Inventor: Lawrence Kates, 1111 Bayside Dr.
`Corona Del Mar, CA (US) 92625
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/231,321
`(22) Filed:
`Sep. 20, 2005
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`Mar. 22, 2007
`
`US 2007/OO63833 A1
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`GSB 9/00
`(2006.01)
`G08B I/08
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............ 340/521; 340/539.19; 340/825.36;
`340/825.49; 340/825.69
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................ 340/521,
`34053919, 539.16,539.17, 539.18, 539.14
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,099,168 A
`7/1978 Kedjierski
`4,136,823. A
`1/1979 Kullberg
`4,226,533 A 10, 1980 Snowman
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`5, 1981 Malinowski
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`8/1983 Wong et al.
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`4,455,553 A
`6, 1984 Johnson
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`8, 1985 Tan
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`9, 1985 Bressert et al.
`4,556,873. A 12/1985 Yamada et al.
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`3, 1987 Van Wienen
`4,661.804 A
`4, 1987 Abel
`4,670,739 A
`6/1987 Kelly, Jr.
`
`
`
`fift
`
`(Continued)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`
`O 346 152 A2 12, 1989
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`“Measuring and Controlling Indoor Humidity,” http://www.relative
`humidity-sensor.com, 3 pages, Jun. 18, 2004.
`Continued
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner Donnie L. Crosland
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Knobbe, Martens, Olson &
`Bear, LLP
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A low cost, robust, wireless sensor system that provides an
`extended period of operability without maintenance is
`described. The system includes one or more intelligent
`sensor units and a base unit that can communicate with a
`large number of sensors. When one or more of the sensors
`detects an anomalous condition (e.g., Smoke, fire, water,
`etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and pro
`vides data regarding the anomalous condition. The base unit
`can contact a Supervisor or other responsible person by a
`plurality of techniques, such as, telephone, pager, cellular
`telephone, Internet, etc. In one embodiment, one or more
`wireless repeaters are used between the sensors and the base
`unit to extend the range of the system and to allow the base
`unit to communicate with a larger number of sensors. In one
`embodiment, each sensor is labeled according to its intended
`location, and system configuration data containing the sen
`sor identification codes and corresponding sensor locations
`is provided to the user.
`
`30 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`22
`
`Emerson Exhibit 1021
`Emerson Electric v. Ollnova
`IPR2023-00626
`Page 00001
`
`

`

`US 7,230,528 B2
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`9, 1987 Murakami et al.
`4,692,750 A
`2f1988 Yuchi et al.
`4,727,359 A
`1, 1989 Miller et al.
`4,801,865 A
`5, 1989 Bellavia et al.
`4,827,244. A
`8/1989 Kedjierski
`4,862,514 A
`4,871.999 A 10, 1989 Ishii et al.
`4,901,316 A
`2, 1990 Igarashi et al.
`4,916,432 A
`4, 1990 Tice et al.
`4,939,504 A
`7, 1990 Miller
`4,951,029 A * 8/1990 Severson .................... 340/506
`4,977,527 A 12/1990 Shaw et al.
`4,996,518 A
`2, 1991 Takahashi et al.
`5,134,644 A
`7, 1992 Garton et al.
`5,138,562 A
`8, 1992 Shaw et al.
`5,151,683 A
`9, 1992 Takahashi et al.
`5,159,315 A 10/1992 Schulz et al.
`5,168.262 A 12/1992 Okayama
`5,229,750 A
`7/1993 Welch, Jr. et al.
`5,260,687 A 11/1993 Yamauchi et al.
`5,267,180 A 1 1/1993 Okayama
`5,281,951 A
`1/1994 Okayama
`5,315,291 A
`5/1994 Furt
`5,319,698 A
`6, 1994 Glidewell et al.
`5,335,186 A
`8, 1994 Tarrant ....................... 7O2/127
`5,345,224 A
`9, 1994 Brown
`5,359,241 A 10/1994 Hasegawa et al.
`5,400,246 A
`3, 1995 Wilson et al.
`5.430,433 A
`7, 1995 Shima
`5.432,500 A
`71995 Scripps
`5,530,433 A
`6, 1996 Morita
`5,568,121 A 10/1996 Lamensdorf
`5,574.435 A 11/1996 Mochizuki
`5,627,515 A
`5, 1997 Anderson
`5,655,561 A
`8, 1997 Wendel et al.
`5,736,928. A
`4, 1998 Tice et al.
`5,748,092 A
`5/1998 Arsenault et al.
`5,854,994. A * 12/1998 Canada et al. ................ 702's
`5,859,536 A
`1/1999 Stockton
`5,881,951 A
`3/1999 Carpenter
`5,889,468 A
`3/1999 Banga
`5,907.491 A
`5, 1999 Canada et al.
`5,923,102 A
`7/1999 Koenig et al.
`5,949,332 A
`9, 1999 Kim
`6,025,788 A
`2/2000 Diduck
`6,031,455 A
`2/2000 Grube et al.
`6,049,273 A
`4/2000 Hess
`6,060,994 A
`5, 2000 Chen
`6,075451 A
`6, 2000 Lebowitz et al.
`6,078,050 A
`6, 2000 Castleman
`6,078.269 A
`6, 2000 Markwell et al.
`6,084.522 A
`7/2000 Addy
`6,097,288 A
`8/2000 Koeppe, Jr.
`6,175.310 B1
`1/2001 Gott
`6,208,247 B1 * 3/2001 Agreet al. ............ 340,539.19
`6,215.404 B1
`4/2001 Morales
`6,313,646 B1
`11/2001 Davis et al.
`6,320,501 B1
`1 1/2001 Tice et al.
`
`4, 2002 Walter
`6,369,714 B2
`4/2002 Kroll et al.
`6,377,181 B1
`4/2002 Goetz
`6,380,860 B1
`7/2002 Acevedo
`6.420,973 B2
`8/2002 Petite et al.
`6,437,692 B1
`8, 2002 Hess
`6,441,731 B1
`9/2002 Jen et al.
`6,445,292 B1
`12/2002 Apelman
`6,489,895 B1
`2/2003 Castleman et al.
`6,515,283 B1
`3/2003 Doumit et al.
`6,526,807 B1
`4/2003 Thiesen et al.
`6,552,647 B1
`6,553,336 B1 * 4/2003 Johnson et al. ............. TO2,188
`6,583,720 B1
`6/2003 Quigley
`6,704,681 B1
`3/2004 Nassof et al.
`6,731,215 B2
`5/2004 Harms et al.
`6,748,804 B1
`6/2004 Lisec et al.
`6,759,956 B2
`7/2004 Menard
`6,796,187 B2
`9/2004 Srinivasan et al.
`6.798.220 B1
`9/2004 Flanigan et al.
`6,940,403 B2
`9/2005 Kail, IV
`6,995,676 B2
`2/2006 Amacher
`2002/0011570 A1
`1/2002 Castleman
`2002/0033759 A1
`3, 2002 Morello
`2002/0186141 A1 12/2002 Jen et al.
`2003/0011428 A1
`1/2003 Yamakawa et al.
`2003, OO58093 A1
`3/2003 Dohi et al.
`2003/0122677 A1
`7/2003 Kail, IV
`2003,01992.47 A1 10, 2003 Striemer
`2004.0007264 A1
`1/2004 Bootka
`2005. O105841 A1
`5.2005 Luo et al.
`2005/0116667 A1
`6, 2005 Mueller et al.
`2005.0128067 A1
`6, 2005 Zakrewski
`2005, 0131652 A1
`6/2005 Corwin et al.
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`O 346 152 A3 12, 1989
`EP
`WOOO-21047 A1
`4, 2000
`WO
`WO WO 2004-010398 A1
`1/2004
`WO WO 2004-073326 A2
`8, 2004
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`“Impedance Moisture Sensor Technology,” http://www.sensorland.
`com/HowPage029.html, 2 pages, Jun. 18, 2004.
`“Relative Humidity Information.” www.relative-humidity-sensor.
`com/relative-humidity.html 6 pages, Jun. 18, 2004.
`“Ways to Prevent Mold Problems.” http://www.toxic-black-mold
`info.com/prevent.html, 12 pages, Jun. 18, 2004.
`“G-CapTM 2 Relative Humidity Sensor.” http://www.global spec.
`com/FeaturedProducts/Detail?ExhibitID=1454, 2 pages, Jun. 18.
`2004.
`Texas Instruments, Inc., Product catalog for "TRF6901 Single-Chip
`RF Transceiver.” Copyright 2001-2003, 27 pages.
`Texas Instruments, Inc., Mechanical Data for PT (SPQFP-G48)
`Plastic Quad Flatpack, 2 pages, Jan. 2004.
`“Waterbug”. Data Sheet, Model WB-200, www.winland.com, 2
`pages Aug. 16, 2006.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00002
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`
`
`
`
`Jun. 12, 2007
`Jun. 12, 2007
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`Sheet 1 of 9
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`US 7,230,528 B2
`US 7,230,528 B2
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`047/
`GOL
`
`SS|
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00003
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`IPR2023-00626 Page 00003
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 12, 2007
`Jun. 12, 2007
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`Sheet 2 of 9
`Sheet 2 of 9
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`US 7,230,528 B2
`US 7,230,528 B2
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`
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`YadWVL
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`YOSNAS
`
`LINNYOSNAS
`
`CWB
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00004
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`IPR2023-00626 Page 00004
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 12, 2007
`Jun. 12, 2007
`
`Sheet 3 of 9
`Sheet 3 of 9
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`US 7,230,528 B2
`US 7,230,528 B2
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`
`
`YIMOd
`
`JOYNOS
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00005
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`IPR2023-00626 Page 00005
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 12, 2007
`Jun. 12, 2007
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`Sheet 4 of 9
`Sheet 4 of 9
`
`US 7,230,528 B2
`US 7,230,528 B2
`
`
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`JODV4YSLNI
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`IPR2023-00626 Page 00006
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`IPR2023-00626 Page 00006
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`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 12, 2007
`
`Sheet 5 Of 9
`
`US 7,230,528 B2
`
`POWER UP
`
`NITALIZE
`
`122
`
`25
`6
`
`CHECK FOR FAULT
`CONDITION
`
`4207
`
`424
`YES
`
`
`
`422
`
`TRANSMIT FAULT
`
`TRANSMIT ALERT
`
`
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`NO
`TAKE SENSOR
`READINGS
`
`EVALUATE SENSOR
`DATA
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`626
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`427
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`4/07
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`PERIOD
`ELAPSED
`p
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`LISTEN FOR INSTRUCTIONS
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`RECEIVED
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`6/4
`
`A. (f
`
`NSTRUCTIONS
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00007
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 12, 2007
`
`Sheet 6 of 9
`
`US 7,230,528 B2
`
`724
`WAKE UP
`
`726
`TRANSMIT FAULT
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`
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`726
`
`TAKE SENSOR READINGS
`
`727
`
`TRANSMIT REPORT
`
`-725
`LISTEN FOR INSTRUCTIONS
`
`INSTRUCTION
`RECEIVED
`
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`
`77/7
`
`PERFORM INSTRUCTED
`OPERATION
`
`47% /
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00008
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 12, 2007
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`Sheet 7 of 9
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`US 7,230,528 B2
`
`
`
`ELECTRIC
`POWER
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00009
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 12, 2007
`
`Sheet 8 of 9
`
`US 7,230,528 B2
`
`Produce list of sensor locations
`(optionally, indicate type of sensor)
`
`Send list of sensor locations to
`programming facility
`
`Produce list of sensor ID's corresponding
`to Sensor ocotions
`
`Store Sensor D list
`
`Label sensor units with ID and/or
`location information
`
`Send obeled sensor units and
`computer-readable media to user
`
`9077
`
`922
`
`923
`
`9/24
`
`9/22
`
`9/76
`
`W2 v
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00010
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 12, 2007
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`Sheet 9 Of 9
`
`US 7,230,528 B2
`
`foo/
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`
`7(762
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`
`Produce list of locations for
`additional sensors
`
`Send list to programming facility
`
`Retrieve list of sensor occations
`
`Add new sensor to list of sensors
`
`Add new sensor ID's to list of sensor ID's
`corresponding to sensor locations
`
`Store sensor ID list
`
`Label new sensor units with ID and/or
`ocotion information
`
`Send obeled sensor units dnd
`computer-readable media to user
`
`WC2 /
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00011
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`

`

`US 7,230,528 B2
`
`1.
`PROGRAMMIED WIRELESS SENSOR
`SYSTEM
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to a wireless sensor system
`for monitoring potentially dangerous or costly conditions
`Such as, for example, Smoke, temperature, water, gas and the
`like in a building or vehicle, and/or for monitoring energy
`usage or efficiency of water heaters and the like.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`Maintaining and protecting a building or complex is
`difficult and costly. Some conditions, such as fires, gas leaks,
`etc., are a danger to the occupants and the structure. Other
`malfunctions, such as water leaks in roofs, plumbing, etc.,
`are not necessarily dangerous for the occupants, but can,
`nevertheless, cause considerable damage. In many cases, an
`adverse condition Such as water leakage, fire, etc., is not
`detected in the early stages when the damage and/or danger
`is relatively small. Sensors can be used to detect such
`adverse conditions, but sensors present their own set of
`problems. For example, adding sensors, such as, for
`example, Smoke detectors, water sensors, and the like, in an
`existing structure can be prohibitively expensive due to the
`cost of installing wiring between the remote sensors and a
`centralized monitoring device used to monitor the sensors.
`Adding wiring to provide power to the sensors further
`increases the cost. Moreover, with regard to fire sensors,
`most fire departments will not allow automatic notification
`of the fire department based on the data from a smoke
`detector alone. Most fire departments require that a specific
`temperature rate-of-rise be detected before an automatic fire
`alarm system can notify the fire department. Unfortunately,
`detecting fire by temperature rate-of-rise generally means
`that the fire is not detected until it is too late to prevent major
`damage.
`When a relatively large number of sensor units are used,
`as in, for example, a commercial building, apartment build
`ing, etc., then correlating an identification code in the sensor
`unit with a location of the sensor unit can become difficult.
`Correlating the location of a sensor unit with an identifica
`tion code for the sensor unit can make it difficult to install
`and maintain the sensor System. Moreover, errors in corre
`lating the location of the sensor unit with an identification
`code of the sensor unit can lead to potentially life-threaten
`ing delays when a sensor reports a dangerous condition and
`the report sensor cannot be located.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`SUMMARY
`
`50
`
`55
`
`The present invention solves these and other problems by
`providing a relatively low cost, robust, wireless sensor
`system wherein sensor units are labeled according to an
`intended location and computer-readable or networked data
`are provided to a monitoring system. The system provides an
`extended period of operability without maintenance. The
`system includes one or more intelligent sensor units and a
`base unit that can communicate with the sensor units. When
`one or more of the sensor units detects an anomalous
`60
`condition (e.g., Smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor unit
`communicates with the base unit and provides data regard
`ing the anomalous condition. The base unit can contact a
`supervisor or other responsible person by a plurality of
`techniques, such as, telephone, pager, cellular telephone,
`Internet (and/or local area network), etc. In one embodiment,
`one or more wireless repeaters are used between the sensor
`
`65
`
`2
`units and the base unit to extend the range of the system and
`to allow the base unit to communicate with a larger number
`of sensors.
`In one embodiment, the sensor system includes a number
`of sensor units located throughout a building that sense
`conditions and report anomalous results back to a central
`reporting station. The sensor units measure conditions that
`might indicate a fire, water leak, etc. The sensor units report
`the measured data to the base unit whenever the sensor unit
`determines that the measured data is Sufficiently anomalous
`to be reported. The base unit can notify a responsible person
`Such as, for example, a building manager, building owner,
`private security service, etc. In one embodiment, the sensor
`units do not send an alarm signal to the central location.
`Rather, the sensors send quantitative measured data (e.g.,
`Smoke density, temperature rate-of-rise, etc.) to the central
`reporting station.
`In one embodiment, the sensor system includes a battery
`operated sensor unit that detects a condition, such as, for
`example, Smoke, temperature, humidity, moisture, water,
`water temperature, carbon monoxide, natural gas, propane
`gas, other flammable gases, radon, poison gasses, etc. The
`sensor unit is placed in a building, apartment, office, resi
`dence, etc. In order to conserve battery power, the sensor is
`normally placed in a low-power mode. In one embodiment,
`while in the low-power mode, the sensor unit takes regular
`sensor readings and evaluates the readings to determine if an
`anomalous condition exists. If an anomalous condition is
`detected, then the sensor unit “wakes up' and begins com
`municating with the base unit or with a repeater. At pro
`grammed intervals, the sensor also “wakes up' and sends
`status information to the base unit (or repeater) and then
`listens for commands for a period of time.
`In one embodiment, the sensor unit is bi-directional and
`configured to receive instructions from the central reporting
`station (or repeater). Thus, for example, the central reporting
`station can instruct the sensor to: perform additional mea
`Surements; go to a standby mode; wake up; report battery
`status; change wake-up interval; run self-diagnostics and
`report results; etc. In one embodiment, the sensor unit also
`includes a tamper Switch. When tampering with the sensor
`is detected, the sensor reports Such tampering to the base
`unit. In one embodiment, the sensor reports its general
`health and status to the central reporting station on a regular
`basis (e.g., results of self-diagnostics, battery health, etc.).
`In one embodiment, the sensor unit provides two wake-up
`modes, a first wake-up mode for taking measurements (and
`reporting Such measurements if deemed necessary), and a
`second wake-up mode for listening for commands from the
`central reporting station. The two wake-up modes, or com
`binations thereof, can occur at different intervals.
`In one embodiment, the sensor units use spread-spectrum
`techniques to communicate with the base unit and/or the
`repeater units. In one embodiment, the sensor units use
`frequency-hopping spread-spectrum. In one embodiment,
`each sensor unit has an Identification code (ID) and the
`sensor units attaches its ID to outgoing communication
`packets. In one embodiment, when receiving wireless data,
`each sensor unit ignores data that is addressed to other
`sensor units.
`The repeater unit is configured to relay communications
`traffic between a number of sensor units and the base unit.
`The repeater units typically operate in an environment with
`several other repeater units and thus, each repeater unit
`contains a database (e.g., a lookup table) of sensor IDs.
`During normal operation, the repeater only communicates
`with designated wireless sensor units whose IDs appears in
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00012
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`

`US 7,230,528 B2
`
`3
`the repeater's database. In one embodiment, the repeater is
`battery-operated and conserves power by maintaining an
`internal schedule of when its designated sensors are
`expected to transmit and going to a low-power mode when
`none of its designated sensor units is scheduled to transmit.
`In one embodiment, the repeater uses spread-spectrum to
`communicate with the base unit and the sensor units. In one
`embodiment, the repeater uses frequency-hopping spread
`spectrum to communicate with the base unit and the sensor
`units. In one embodiment, each repeater unit has an ID and
`the repeater unit attaches its ID to outgoing communication
`packets that originate in the repeater unit. In one embodi
`ment, each repeater unit ignores data that is addressed to
`other repeater units or to sensor units not serviced by the
`repeater.
`In one embodiment, the repeater is configured to provide
`bi-directional communication between one or more sensors
`and a base unit. In one embodiment, the repeater is config
`ured to receive instructions from the central reporting station
`(or repeater). Thus, for example, the central reporting station
`can instruct the repeater to: send commands to one or more
`sensors; go to standby mode: “wake up; report battery
`status; change wake-up interval; run self-diagnostics and
`report results; etc.
`The base unit is configured to receive measured sensor
`data from a number of sensor units. In one embodiment, the
`sensor information is relayed through the repeater units. The
`base unit also sends commands to the repeater units and/or
`sensor units. In one embodiment, the base unit includes a
`diskless PC that runs off of a CD-ROM, flash memory,
`DVD, or other read-only device, etc. When the base unit
`receives data from a wireless sensor indicating that there
`may be an emergency condition (e.g., a fire or excess Smoke,
`temperature, water, flammable gas, etc.) the base unit will
`35
`attempt to notify a responsible party (e.g., a building man
`ager) by several communication channels (e.g., telephone,
`Internet, pager, cell phone, etc.). In one embodiment, the
`base unit sends instructions to place the wireless sensor in an
`alert mode (inhibiting the wireless sensor's low-power
`mode). In one embodiment, the base unit sends instructions
`to activate one or more additional sensors near the first
`SSO.
`In one embodiment, the base unit maintains a database of
`the health, battery status, signal strength, and current oper
`45
`ating status of all of the sensor units and repeater units in the
`wireless sensor system. In one embodiment, the base unit
`automatically performs routine maintenance by sending
`commands to each sensor to run a self-diagnostic and report
`the results. The bases unit collects such diagnostic results. In
`one embodiment, the base unit sends instructions to each
`sensor telling the sensor how long to wait between
`“wakeup' intervals. In one embodiment, the base unit sched
`ules different wakeup intervals to different sensors based on
`the sensor's health, battery health, location, etc. In one
`embodiment, the base unit sends instructions to repeaters to
`route sensor information around a failed repeater.
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`FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of network communica
`tion packet used by the sensor units, repeater units, and the
`base unit.
`FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing operation of a sensor unit
`that provides relatively continuous monitoring.
`FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing operation of a sensor unit
`that provides periodic monitoring.
`FIG. 8 shows how the sensor system can be used to
`detected water leaks.
`FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing one embodiment for
`configuring the sensor System by labeling sensor units
`according to an intended location and providing computer
`data to correlate a sensor identification code with a sensor
`location.
`FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing one embodiment for
`adding sensors to an existing system.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`FIG. 1 shows a sensor system 100 that includes a plurality
`of sensor units 102-106 that communicate with a base unit
`112 through a number of repeater units 110-111. The sensor
`units 102-106 are located throughout a building 101. Sensor
`units 102-104 communicate with the repeater 110. Sensor
`units 105-106 communicate with the repeater 111. The
`repeaters 110-111 communicate with the base unit 112. The
`base unit 112 communicates with a monitoring computer
`system 113 through a computer network connection such as,
`for example, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet, firewire port, Uni
`versal Serial Bus (USB) port, bluetooth, etc. The computer
`system 113 contacts a building manager, maintenance Ser
`vice, alarm service, or other responsible personnel 120 using
`one or more of several communication systems such as, for
`example, telephone 121, pager 122, cellular telephone 123
`(e.g., direct contact, Voicemail, text, etc.), and/or through the
`Internet and/or local area network 124 (e.g., through email,
`instant messaging, network communications, etc.). In one
`embodiment, multiple base units 112 are provided to the
`monitoring computer 113. In one embodiment, the monitor
`ing computer 113 is provided to more than one computer
`monitor, thus, allowing more data to be displayed than can
`conveniently be displayed on a single monitor. In one
`embodiment, the monitoring computer 113 is provided to
`multiple monitors located in different locations, thus, allow
`ing the data from the monitoring computer 113 to be
`displayed in multiple locations.
`The sensor units 102-106 include sensors to measure
`conditions, such as, for example, Smoke, temperature, mois
`ture, water, water temperature, humidity, carbon monoxide,
`natural gas, propane gas, security alarms, intrusion alarms
`(e.g., open doors, broken windows, open windows, and the
`like), other flammable gases, radon, poison gasses, etc.
`Different sensor units can be configured with different
`sensors or with combinations of sensors. Thus, for example,
`in one installation the sensor units 102 and 104 could be
`configured with Smoke and/or temperature sensors while the
`sensor unit 103 could be configured with a humidity sensor.
`The discussion that follows generally refers to the sensor
`unit 102 as an example of a sensor unit, with the under
`standing that the description of the sensor unit 102 can be
`applied to many sensor units. Similarly, the discussion
`generally refers to the repeater 110 by way of example, and
`not limitation. It will also be understood by one of ordinary
`skill in the art that repeaters are useful for extending the
`range of the sensor units 102-106 but are not required in all
`embodiments. Thus, for example in one embodiment, one or
`more of the sensor units 102-106 can communicate directly
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 shows a sensor system that includes a plurality of
`sensor units that communicate with a base unit through a
`number of repeater units.
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a sensor unit.
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a repeater unit.
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the base unit.
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`US 7,230,528 B2
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`with the base unit 112 without going through a repeater. It
`will also be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that
`FIG. 1 shows only five sensor units (102-106) and two
`repeater units (110-111) for purposes of illustration and not
`by way of limitation. An installation in a large apartment
`building or complex would typically involve many sensor
`units and repeater units. Moreover, one of ordinary skill in
`the art will recognize that one repeater unit can service
`relatively many sensor units. In one embodiment, the sensor
`units 102 can communicate directly with the base unit 112
`without going through a repeater 110.
`When the sensor unit 102 detects an anomalous condition
`(e.g., Smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor unit communicates
`with the appropriate repeater unit 110 and provides data
`regarding the anomalous condition. The repeater unit 110
`forwards the data to the base unit 112, and the base unit 112
`forwards the information to the computer 113. The computer
`113 evaluates the data and takes appropriate action. If the
`computer 113 determines that the condition is an emergency
`(e.g., fire, Smoke, large quantities of water), then the com
`puter 113 contacts the appropriate personnel 120. If the
`computer 113 determines that the situation warrants report
`ing, but is not an emergency, then the computer 113 logs the
`data for later reporting. In this way, the sensor system 100
`can monitor the conditions in and around the building 101.
`In one embodiment, the sensor unit 102 has an internal
`power source (e.g., battery, Solar cell, fuel cell, etc.). In order
`to conserve power, the sensor unit 102 is normally placed in
`a low-power mode. In one embodiment, using sensors that
`require relatively little power, while in the low-power mode
`the sensor unit 102 takes regular sensor readings and evalu
`ates the readings to determine if an anomalous condition
`exists. In one embodiment, using sensors that require rela
`tively more power, while in the low-power mode, the sensor
`unit 102 takes and evaluates sensor readings at periodic
`intervals. If an anomalous condition is detected, then the
`sensor unit 102 “wakes up' and begins communicating with
`the base unit 112 through the repeater 110. At programmed
`intervals, the sensor unit 102 also “wakes up' and sends
`status information (e.g., power levels, self diagnostic infor
`mation, etc.) to the base unit (or repeater) and then listens for
`commands for a period of time. In one embodiment, the
`sensor unit 102 also includes a tamper detector. When
`tampering with the sensor unit 102 is detected, the sensor
`unit 102 reports such tampering to the base unit 112.
`In one embodiment, the sensor unit 102 provides bi
`directional communication and is configured to receive data
`and/or instructions from the base unit 112. Thus, for
`example, the base unit 112 can instruct the sensor unit 102
`to perform additional measurements, to go to a standby
`mode, to wake up, to report battery status, to change
`wake-up interval, to run self-diagnostics and report results,
`etc. In one embodiment, the sensor unit 102 reports its
`general health and status on a regular basis (e.g., results of
`self-diagnostics, battery health, etc.)
`In one embodiment, the sensor unit 102 provides two
`wake-up modes; a first wake-up mode for taking measure
`ments (and reporting Such measurements if deemed neces
`sary), and a second wake-up mode for listening for com
`mands from the central reporting station. The two wake-up
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`modes, or combinations thereof, can occur at different
`intervals.
`In one embodiment, the sensor unit 102 uses spread
`spectrum techniques to communicate with the repeater unit
`110. In one embodiment, the sensor unit 102 uses frequency
`hopping spread-spectrum. In one embodiment, the sensor
`unit 102 has an address or identification (ID) code that
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`distinguishes the sensor unit 102 from the other sensor units.
`The sensor unit 102 attaches its ID to outgoing communi
`cation packets so that transmissions from the sensor unit 102
`can be identified by the repeater 110. The repeater 110
`attaches the ID of the sensor unit 102 to data and/or
`instructions that are transmitted to the sensor unit 102. In
`one embodiment, the sensor unit 102 ignores data and/or
`instructions that are addressed to other sensor units.
`In one embodiment, the sensor unit 102 includes a reset
`function. In one embodiment, the reset function is activated
`by the reset switch 208. In one embodiment, the reset
`function is active for a prescribed interval of time. During
`the reset interval, the transceiver 203 is in a receiving mode
`and can receive the identification code from an external
`programmer. In one embodiment, the external programmer
`wirelessly transmits a desired identification code. In one
`embodiment, the identification code is programmed by an
`external programmer that is connected to the sensor unit 102
`through an electrical connector. In one embodiment, the
`electrical connection to the sensor unit 102 is provided by
`sending modulated control signals (power line carrier sig
`nals) through a connector used to connect the power Source
`206. In one embodiment, the external programmer provides
`power and control signals. In one embodiment, the external
`programmer also programs the type of sensor(s) installed in
`the sensor unit. In one embodiment, the identification code
`includes an area code (e.g., apartment number, Zone number,
`floor number, etc.) and a unit number (e.g., unit 1, 2, 3, etc.).
`In one embodiment, the sensor communicates with the
`repeater on the 900 MHz band. This band provides good
`transmission through walls and other obstacles normally
`found in and around a building structure. In one embodi
`ment, the sensor communicates with the repeater on bands
`above and/or below the 900 MHz band. In one embodiment,
`the sensor, repeater, and/or base unit listen to a radio
`frequency channel before transmitting on that channel or
`before beginning transmission. If the channel is in use, (e.g.,
`by another device such as, another repeater, a cordless
`telephone, etc.) then the sensor, repeater, and/or base unit
`changes to a different channel. In one embodiment, the
`sensor, repeater, and/or base unit coordinate frequency hop
`ping by listening to radio frequency channels for interfer
`ence and using an algorithm to select a next channel for
`transmission that avoids the interference. Thus, for example,
`in one embodiment, if a sensor senses a dangerous condition
`and goes into a continuous transmission mode, the sensor
`will test (e.g., listen to) the channel before transmission to
`avoid channels that are blocked, in use, or jammed. In one
`embodiment, the sensor continues to transmit data until it
`receives an acknowledgement from the base unit that the
`message has been received. In one embodiment, the sensor
`transmits data having a normal priority (e.g., status infor
`mation) and does not look for an acknowledgement, and the
`sensor transmits data having elevated priority (e.g., excess
`Smoke, temperature, etc.) until an acknowledgement is
`received.
`The repeater unit 110 is configured to relay communica
`tions traffic between the sensor 102 (and, similarly, the
`sensor units 103-104) and the base unit 112. The repeater
`unit 110 typically operates in an environment with several
`other repeater units (such as the repeater unit 111 in FIG. 1)
`and thus, the repeater unit 110 contains a database (e.g., a
`lookup table) of sensor unit IDs. In FIG. 1, the repeater 110
`has database entries for the Ids of the sensors 102-104, and
`thus, the sensor 110 will only communicate with sensor units
`102-104. In one embodiment, the repeater 110 has an
`internal power source (e.g., battery, Solar cell, fuel cell, etc.)
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`7
`and conserves power by maintaining an internal Schedule of
`when the sensor units 102-104 are expected to transmit. In
`one embodiment, the repeater unit 110 goes to a low-power
`mode when none of its designated sensor units