CA2485551A1 - Communication and warning system, particularly for municipal utilities - Google Patents

Abstract

A communication and warning system, particularly for municipal utilities comprises receiving units for use by the general public. A central control station receives input from a utility company relating to the status of a public utility, creates a digitally encoded signal relating to the input, and transmits the digitally encoded signal for receipt by the receiving units. The receiving units decode the digitally encoded signal and display the status of the utility based on the digitally encoded signal. The receiving units comprise circuitry and/or software for receiving a digitally encoded signal, circuitry and/or software for decoding the digitally encoded signal, and circuitry and/or software for displaying the status of the utility based on the digitally encoded signal.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to wireless and wired communication and warning systems, particularly for municipal utilities, and most particularly for monitoring the state of an electrical power grid and a water utility, and for alerting end users as to the same.
OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Electrical power is a mainstay to virtually all homes and businesses in North America and, indeed, most of the world.
Electrical power is absolutely essential to carry on our present way of life. Without sufficient electrical power, our known way of life essentially stops. Further, the economic losses associated with the large-scale failure of electrical power can be enormous.

[0003] On August 14, 2003, 50 million people on the East coast of North America experienced an extended electrical power blackout.
In some locations, homes and businesses were without power for nearly a full day. During this time, people affected by the blackout became acutely aware of their dependency on electricity.
Businesses stopped, computers halted, telecommunications were r CA 02485551 2004-11-03 affected, traffic gridlock ensued, and so on. Hundreds of millions of dollars of lost production resulted.

[0004] Typically, the power grid system in North America is capable of supplying sufficient power to homes and businesses on an overall basis, except at perhaps very peak periods; however, there are inevitably times when power generation capacity is not at its maximum, due to electrical grid system breakdown, maintenance issues or poor capacity planning. In this event, it is necessary that power consumption by homes and businesses be reduced so as to not further exacerbate the problem of an insufficient availability of electrical power; however, there is not a sufficiently effective system in place for alerting users of power to such a problem, so as to help minimize electrical power consumption. The only known ways for a person to find out about such a power grid problem is to call the a power utility directly or to happen to hear of such a power grid problem on the news broadcast on television, radio, or over the Internet.

(0005] Further, during the correction of such power grid failures, it is absolutely essential that power consumption by homes and businesses not be at full demand.
2 _ [0006) Additionally, in a similar vein of municipal services mass notification, it is common during hot dry weather for water utilities to place a watering ban in effect a period of time in order to conserve water. Although announcements over television and radio news and in newspapers are generally effective, it is common for a significant percentage of individuals to not be aware of a watering ban, especially if the watering ban continually changes dates. Municipalities have had to resort to fines in some cases to protect the common good.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication and warning system for alerting homes and businesses of utilities, services, situations or events that are selectively monitored.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a low cost, mass communication and warning system for alerting homes and businesses of utilities, services, situations or events that are selectively monitored, which system is readily useable by the public at large.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a low cost, mass communication and warning system for alerting homes and businesses of impending electrical power grid problems.

[00010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a low cost, mass communication and warning system for alerting homes and businesses of impending water utility problems.
SUi~lARY OF THE INVENTION

[00011] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel receiving unit for use in a communication and warning system, particularly for municipal utilities. The receiving unit comprises means for receiving a digitally encoded signal transmitted from a central control station and relating to the status of a public utility, means for decoding the digitally encoded signal, and means for displaying the status of the utility based on the digitally encoded signal.

[00012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel method of providing a communication and warning system, particularly for municipal utilities. The method comprises the steps of: providing receiving units to the general public; receiving input at a central control station from a utility company relating to the status of a pubic utility; creating a digitally encoded signal relating to the input;

, CA 02485551 2004-11-03 transmitting the digitally encoded signal for receipt by the receiving units; decoding the digitally encoded signal; and, displaying the status of the utility based on the digitally encoded signal.

[00013] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel communication and warning system, particularly for municipal utilities. The system comprises receiving units for use by the general public. A central control station is provided for receiving input from a utility company relating to the status of a public utility, creating a digitally encoded signal relating to the input, and transmitting the digitally encoded signal for receipt by the receiving units. The receiving units decode the digitally encoded signal and display the status of the utility based on the digitally encoded signal.

[00014] Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly described herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00015] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the communication and warning system according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization, and use, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[00016] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a first preferred embodiment of the radio frequency based (pager, AM, FM) communication and warning system according to the present invention;

[00017] Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of a second preferred embodiment of the electrical line communication and warning system according to the present invention;

. CA 02485551 2004-11-03 [00018] Figure 3 is a front perspective view from above of a wall receptacle mounted receiving unit that is part of the communication and warning system according to the present invention;

[00019] Figure 4 is a perspective view from the back of the receiving unit of Figure 3;

[00020] Figure 5A is an alternative embodiment of the receiving unit configured for use in Australia;

[00021] Figure 5B is an alternative embodiment of the receiving unit configured for use in Continental Europe;

[00022] Figure 5C is an alternative embodiment of the receiving unit configured for use in the United Kingdom;

[00023] Figure 6A is a computer printout from the computer server software controlling the distribution of digital data to the receiving units, wherein all areas are showing a normal status of "green";

[00024] Figure 6B is a computer printout similar to Figure 6A, but showing an industrial area in a city, having a "yellow" status;
and [00025] Figure 6C is a computer printout similar to Figure 6B, but showing the same industrial area of the city having a "red"
status and the surrounding city and a neighbouring city having "yellow" status, while a distant town still has "green" status;

[00026] Figure 7A is a simplified map of a large geographical area, showing nine separate regions;

[00027] Figure 7B is a simplified map of a portion of the map shown in Figure 7A, showing mainly one of the nine separate regions divided into eight separate sub-regions; and, [00028] Figure 7C is a simplified map of a portion of the map shown in Figure 7B, showing mainly one of the eight separate sub-regions divided into nine separate areas.

[00029] Advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.
g DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TI3E PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EI~ODIMENTS

[00030] Referring to Figures 1 through 7C of the drawings, it will be noted that Figure 1 illustrates the first preferred embodiment of the communication and warning system of the present invention, and Figure 2 illustrate the second preferred embodiment of the communication and warning system of the present invention;
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a receiving unit that can be used with either the first preferred embodiment or the second preferred embodiment of the communication and warning system of the present invention depending on the specific configuration of the receiving unit; Figures 5A through 5C each illustrate an alternative embodiment receiving unit; Figures 6A through 6C show charts relevant to both the first and second preferred embodiments of the communication and warning system of the present invention; and Figures 7A through 7C show maps relevant to both the first and second preferred embodiments of the communication and warning system of the present invention.

[00031] Reference will now be made to Figure l, which shows the first preferred embodiment of the communication and warning system according to present invention, as indicated by the general reference numeral 20. The system 20 comprises a central control station 30, under the control of a computer that receives input from a public utility, such as the power utility company as to the status of the electrical power grid in each defined region, sub-region or area (see Figures 7A through 7C). The status that is transmitted may be one of "Normal", "Warning", or "Critical".
"Normal" status indicates that the electrical power grid is in its normal state wherein there is more than adequate electrical power available to meet the anticipated demand. "Warning" status indicates that the electrical power grid is a state wherein there is enough electrical power available to meet the anticipated demand, but it is above a threshold percentage that is considered acceptable. Voluntary conservation efforts by homes and businesses would thereby be called for. "Critical" status indicates that the electrical power consumption is about to surpass the generating capacity of the electrical power grid, due to one or both of excessive demand and insufficient generating capacity.
[00032 This information is used to create a digitally encoded signal related to the input received from the utility company, and is transmitted as a digitally encoded signal from the central control station 30 through a radio frequency (RF) antenna 32. This signal is received by a large number of receiving units 40, preferably at least one receiving unit in each home and business.
The receiving units 40 are provided to the general public either by being sold through retail outlets or provided by a government agency. The receiving unit 40 has means for decoding the digitally encoded signal, namely a radio frequency decoder 44 having its input connected to a means for receiving the digitally encoded signal, namely an antenna 46 in order to receive the RF signal.
The output 48 of the RF decoder 44 is connected to the input 52 of a microprocessor 50 that takes the signal and decodes, or in other words, extracts the digital information from the signal. Since all receiving units 40 accept the digital RF signal packet or signature almost simultaneously, the required action of an individual receiving unit 40 is determined from the decoding of that message based upon a serialized identity decoding the required command request.
[00033] Each receiving unit 40 also comprises means for displaying the status of the utility, based on the digitally encoded signal. In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the means for displaying the status of the utility comprises a green light emitting diode 54, a blue light emitting diode 55, a yellow light emitting diode 56, a red light emitting diode 58, and a warning buzzard 59. If the digital signal is "Normal", which is typically the case, then the microprocessor 50 illuminates. The green light emitting diode 54 on the receiving unit 40. If the digital signal is "Warning", then the microprocessor 50 illuminates the yellow light emitting diode 56 on the receiving unit 40. If the digital signal is "Critical", thus indicating a possible pending power failure, then the microprocessor 50 illuminates the red light emitting diode 58 on the receiving unit 40. It is also possible to flash the red light emitting diode 58 in order to gain person's attention. Further, during a "Critical" signal, the warning buzzer 59 is optionally sounded, as controlled by the microprocessor 50.
[00034] The central control station 30 also receives supplemental input from a second utility company, which might be any one of a variety of other utility companies and services, such as the water utility company. A second digitally encoded signal related to the supplemental input, is created. The status of water availability in defined regions, sub-regions and areas can be gathered and transmitted for receipt by the receiving units 40. A blue light emitting diode 55 is mounted could be used on the receiving unit 40 to indicate that a watering ban is in effect. The receiving unit 40 decodes the second digitally encoded signal. If a city or municipality is divided into perhaps ten regions, a watering ban might be in effect for five of those regions for a period of time and alternatingly a watering ban might be in effect for the other five of those regions for a subsequent period of time. The blue light emitting diode 55 on the appropriate receiving units 40 would be illuminated thus displaying the status of the second utility.

[00035] In the first preferred embodiment, the receiving unit 40 has circuitry built into it that is analogous to a pager, and all of the receiving units 40 in a particular unit are programmed to be responsive to the same telephone number, in an analogous manner to pagers that are part of a nationally based or even internationally based pager system. In this manner, one call can reach several hundred thousand, or several and provide them with the appropriate command code . The code that is transmitted to the pagers would include a header having a generic identifier (to be recognized by all receiving units that receive the transmission), a regional identifier, or identifiers, (as discussed in greater detail subsequently) stored in the database identifying all of the receiving units 40 currently in use with that region, and a specific identifier based on the serial number of each receiving unit 40 and stored in the database.
[00036] In order to verify that the receiving unit 40 is in proper working order and has received the most recent digitally encoded signal, the most recent signal is transmitted on a regular periodic basis (perhaps every fifteen minutes or so).
[00037] The receiving unit 40 is shown separately in Figures 3 and 4. In Figure 3, the receiving unit 40 is shown plugged into . CA 02485551 2004-11-03 a conventional electrical outlet, from which the receiving unit 40 draws its electrical power. As can be seen in Figure 3, the white light emitting diode 53 is on, thus indicating the unit is powered.
Further, the green light emitting diode 54 is illuminated, thus indicating a "normal" status for the portion of the electrical power grid that the receiving unit 40 is located.
[00038] In addition to the actual status of the power grid in a specific geographic location, the digital signal transmitted from the central control station 30 also must identify the specific geographic area that the receiving unit is located in, as can be seen in Figures 7A and 7B. Figure 7A is a large scale map showing over 800,000 square miles of a populated region sectioned off into nine separate regions. Figure 7B shows Region No. O1 sectioned off into eight sub-regions (0101 through 0108), and Figure 7C shows sub-region 0101 sectioned off into nine areas (010101 through 010109). In order to appropriately signal all of the receiving units in region O1 as shown in Figure 7A, the code of 019999 along with the appropriate single digit code for either "normal", "warning", or "critical" would be sent in a secure encrypted manner. The O1 indicates the region, the first 99 indicates all sub-regions in the indicated region, and the second 99 indicates all areas in the sub-regions . In order to appropriately signal any receiving unit in the 0101 region/sub-region as shown in Figure 7B, . CA 02485551 2004-11-03 the digital code 010199 along with the appropriate single digit code for either "normal", "warning", or "critical" would be transmitted. The first Ol indicates the region, the second O1 indicates the sub-region, and the 99 indicates the area. In order to signal a small area, perhaps a substantially industrial area that might consume a significant electrical power, such as region/sub-region/area 010101 in Figure 7C, the code 010101 along with the appropriate single digit code for either "normal", "warning", or "critical", would be transmitted. The first O1 indicates the region, the second O1 indicates the sub-region, and the third Ol indicates the area. As such, the appropriate light on the receiving unit would be lit by the micro-processor in each receiving unit in the specified region, sub-region and area.
[00039] Reference will now be made to Figure 2, which shows a second preferred embodiment of the communication and warning system according to the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 220. The second preferred embodiment system 220 is similar to the first preferred embodiment 20, except that the signal from the control centre 230 is transmitted through the power lines 232 and is received directly through the electrical wiring 234 of the home or office that the receiving unit 240 is located in. The signal is fed into a decoder 242 that extracts it from the high power (120/240) VAC power, and passes the decoded digital signal onto the microprocessor 250. The microprocessor 250 handles the incoming digital signal on the same manner as that described above for the first preferred embodiment system 20.
[00040] The receiving unit, as shown separately in Figures 3 and 4, is preferably sold with a key code digitally encoded into non-volatile memory. The digital key code could be entered into the non-volatile memory during production, or alternatively could be written to the memory upon sale of the receiving unit to an end user, with the end user providing postal code or ZIP code of the location where the receiving unit is to be plugged in. This postal code could be compared to a relational database in the central office (where the control station is housed) by way of the Internet, and the appropriate code could be downloaded to a computer that the receiving unit is temporarily is plugged into.
Alternatively, the purchaser could provide this information over the Internet or via a physical product card.
[00041] The receiving unit also has a software security feature to prevent false alarms. A series of data encryption keys are embedded in the receiving units. Each time a legitimate state change occurs, the data encryption keys are cycled.

, CA 02485551 2004-11-03 [00042] Reference will now be made to Figures 6A through 6C, which are computer printouts from the computer controlling the distribution of digital data to the receiving units. In Figure 6A, all areas are showing a normal status of "green". In Figure 6B, three areas are showing a normal status of "green" and an industrial area in a city is showing a warning status of "yellow".
In Figure 6C, the same industrial area of the city is showing a status of "red" and the surrounding city and a neighbouring city are showing a status of "yellow", while a distant town still has a status of "green". It can therefore be seen that one of the uses of the present invention is to report "rolling blackouts" that typically occur when electrical power grids are in crisis and are being brought back fully on line.
(00043] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that the receiving unit could be readily integrated into an otherwise conventional electrical outlet or any other electrical appliance, with three light emitting diodes (green, yellow, red) being displayed at the exterior of the outlet.
[00044] An additional light emitting diode, perhaps another colour, could be added to indicate that power will be knowingly shut off in an area. Also, the receiving unit could have as the means for displaying the status of the utility, a small . CA 02485551 2004-11-03 alphanumeric display that could be used to display messages such as "Problem expected between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m." or "Power will be shut off between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.". The alphanumeric display could also be used to display information about the price of electricity ay any point in time. In this manner, an end user can readily decide to use an appliance or a piece of machinery when electricity prices are less expensive, such as during a non-peak period. Further, a web-based broadcast system or e-mail could be used as part of the present invention to provide information regarding electrical power grid problems.
[00045] The alphanumeric display could also display messages related to other utilities and services. For instance, a message such as "A watering ban is in effect" could be sent to homes and businesses in an affected area.
[00046] In another alternative embodiment, it is envisioned that in the event that the receiving unit is integrated into an electrical outlet or device, the embedded unit could also be shut off remotely by the power utility company. Preferably, these would be "low priority" electrical outlets that would have devices such as toasters, lights, stereos, and so on plugged into them. Such devices can be turned off with no negative consequences. Other outlets that would not be shut off by the power utility company would have more essential appliances, such as refrigerators and computers, plugged into them.
(00047] In yet another alternative embodiment, it is also envisioned that the receiving unit could have a reset button that returns its status to "green". This feature would be used when the receiving unit is first plugged in or anytime when power to the unit is restored.
[00048] It is also envisioned that an end user could program a receiving unit by interfacing it with a personal computer through an appropriate computer compatible data port, such as a serial or USB port, and go into a master website having a map of all of the power grid areas. The user would simply click on the appropriate area and the appropriate code would be written to the receiving unit. Further, an alternative embodiment receiving unit could be permanently connected to a personal computer through a port, such as a serial or USB port, and programmed in the manner as described above. A digital signal could be transmitted through the Internet from the control centre.
[00049] In another alternative embodiment, it is contemplated that the receiving unit could also additionally incorporate transmission circuitry for transmitting a digital signal, either an ~

RF signal or a signal over the power grid. Even in the event that the power grid experiences a power failure, a battery powered receiving unit would permit transmission of the loss of power through the power grid to the electric company.
[00050] It is also contemplated that the receiving unit could be programmable so as to receive key codes from an appropriately programmed microcomputer for storage in the receiving unit. Each key code would represent a selected utility, service, situation or event to be monitored, or the specific conditions used to monitor the selected utility, service, situation or event. For instance, an end user could monitor weather and receive warnings when severe winds are expected or when severe smog is present. This feature would typically require a subscription to a service provider who would collect and redistribute the information through the Internet. The receiving unit could also present instructions of what to do in the event of an emergency, if it was equipped with an alpha-numeric display. As such this system has a role in disaster or terrorism notification and control.
[00051] It is also contemplated that the receiving unit 30 could be configured to be remotely polled such that its present state could be monitored via a website or via email from a remote computer. The receiving unit 30 could also be tested in an analogous manner by means of sending a known key code from a computer, such as a microcomputer, to the receiving unit 30. The resulting display would then be compared to the known key code.
[00052] It is further contemplated that in the embodiment of the present invention wherein transmission circuitry for transmitting a digital signal is incorporated into the receiving unit, the receiving unit could be installed at an traffic intersection and could report a power outage at the intersection.
[00053] Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those who are knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (37)

1. A receiving unit for use in a communication and warning system, particularly for municipal utilities, said receiving unit comprising:
means for receiving a digitally encoded signal transmitted from a central control station and relating to the status of a public utility;
means for decoding said digitally encoded signal; and, means for displaying the status of said utility based on said digitally encoded signal.

2. The receiving unit of claim 1, wherein said means for displaying the status of said utility comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

3. The receiving unit of claim 1, wherein said means for displaying the status of said utility comprises an alphanumeric display.

4. The receiving unit of claim 1, wherein said means for receiving a digitally encoded signal comprises a computer compatible data port.

5. The receiving unit of claim 1, wherein said means for decoding the digitally encoded signal comprises a radio frequency decoder.

6. A method of providing a communication and warning system, particularly for municipal utilities, said method comprising the steps of:
providing receiving units to the general public;
receiving input at a central control station from a utility company relating to the status of a public utility;
creating a digitally encoded signal relating to said input;
transmitting said digitally encoded signal for receipt by said receiving units;
decoding said digitally encoded signal; and, displaying the status of said utility based on said digitally encoded signal.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said utility company comprises an electrical utility company.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said public utility comprises an electrical power grid.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the status of said public utility is chosen from the group of normal, warning, and critical.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of transmitting said digitally encoded signal is performed by a radio frequency transmitter.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of transmitting said digitally encoded signal is performed via the Internet.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of transmitting said digitally encoded signal is performed via a power grid.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the geographic location related to said status of said public utility is identified.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein said status of said public utility comprises a header.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein said status of said public utility comprises a regional identifier.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein said status of said public utility comprises a specific identifier.

17. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of repeating the step of transmitting said digitally encoded signal on a regular periodic basis.

18. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
receiving supplemental input at a central control station from a second utility company as to the status of a second public utility;
creating a second digitally encoded signal relating to said supplemental input;
transmitting said second digitally encoded signal for receipt by said receiving unit;

decoding said second digitally encoded signal; and displaying the status of said second utility based on said second digitally encoded signal.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein said second utility company comprises a water utility company.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein said second public utility comprises a water utility.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein said digitally encoded signal includes information related to geographic regions, sub-regions and areas.

22. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting from at least of one of the said receiving units, a signal pertaining to the status of said utility back to said central control station.

23. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of turning off electrical devices connected to said electrical power grid upon the receipt of an appropriate digitally encoded signal as to the status of said utility.

24. A communication and warning system, particularly for municipal utilities, said system comprising:
receiving units for use by the general public;
a central control station for receiving input from a utility company relating to the status of a public utility, creating a digitally encoded signal relating to said input, and transmitting said digitally encoded signal for receipt by said receiving units;
wherein said receiving units decode said digitally encoded signal and display the status of said utility based on said digitally encoded signal.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein said utility company comprises an electrical utility company.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein said public utility comprises an electrical power grid.

27. The system of claim 24, wherein the status of said public utility is chosen from the group of normal, warning, and critical.

28. The system of claim 24, wherein said digitally encoded signal is transmitted by a radio frequency transmitter.

29. The system of claim 24, wherein said digitally encoded signal is transmitted via the Internet.

30. The system of claim 24, wherein said digitally encoded signal is transmitted via a power grid.

31. The system of claim 24, wherein the geographic location related to said status of said public utility is identified.

32. The system of claim 24, wherein said status of said public utility comprises a header.

33. The system of claim 24, wherein said status of said public utility comprises a regional identifier.

34. The system of claim 24, wherein said status of said public utility comprises a specific identifier.

35. The system of claim 24, wherein said digitally encoded signal is transmitted on a regular periodic basis.

36. The system of claim 24, wherein said digitally encoded signal includes information related to geographic regions, sub-regions and areas.

37. The system of claim 24, wherein at least of one of the said receiving units transmit a signal pertaining to the status of said utility back to said central control station.