EP0853777A4 - DEVICE FOR OPERATING CONTROL OF DEVICES, SUPPLY SYSTEMS AND SERVICES WITHIN A BUILDING - Google Patents
DEVICE FOR OPERATING CONTROL OF DEVICES, SUPPLY SYSTEMS AND SERVICES WITHIN A BUILDINGInfo
- Publication number
- EP0853777A4 EP0853777A4 EP96933677A EP96933677A EP0853777A4 EP 0853777 A4 EP0853777 A4 EP 0853777A4 EP 96933677 A EP96933677 A EP 96933677A EP 96933677 A EP96933677 A EP 96933677A EP 0853777 A4 EP0853777 A4 EP 0853777A4
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- instructions
- building
- microcontroller
- information
- communications
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D4/00—Tariff metering apparatus
- G01D4/002—Remote reading of utility meters
- G01D4/004—Remote reading of utility meters to a fixed location
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- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
- G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
- G05B19/04—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
- G05B19/042—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
- G05B19/0421—Multiprocessor system
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
- H02J13/00002—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by monitoring
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
- H02J13/00004—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by the power network being locally controlled
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
- H02J13/00006—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment
- H02J13/00016—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment using a wired telecommunication network or a data transmission bus
- H02J13/00017—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment using a wired telecommunication network or a data transmission bus using optical fiber
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
- H02J13/00032—Systems characterised by the controlled or operated power network elements or equipment, the power network elements or equipment not otherwise provided for
- H02J13/00034—Systems characterised by the controlled or operated power network elements or equipment, the power network elements or equipment not otherwise provided for the elements or equipment being or involving an electric power substation
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B3/00—Line transmission systems
- H04B3/54—Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B3/00—Line transmission systems
- H04B3/54—Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
- H04B3/546—Combination of signalling, telemetering, protection
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
- H04L12/2816—Controlling appliance services of a home automation network by calling their functionalities
- H04L12/282—Controlling appliance services of a home automation network by calling their functionalities based on user interaction within the home
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
- H04L12/2823—Reporting information sensed by appliance or service execution status of appliance services in a home automation network
- H04L12/2827—Reporting to a device within the home network; wherein the reception of the information reported automatically triggers the execution of a home appliance functionality
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M11/00—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
- H04M11/007—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems with remote control systems
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q1/00—Details of selecting apparatus or arrangements
- H04Q1/02—Constructional details
- H04Q1/028—Subscriber network interface devices
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q1/00—Details of selecting apparatus or arrangements
- H04Q1/02—Constructional details
- H04Q1/03—Power distribution arrangements
- H04Q1/032—Power distribution arrangements power failure protection
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- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/20—Pc systems
- G05B2219/22—Pc multi processor system
- G05B2219/2231—Master slave
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- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/20—Pc systems
- G05B2219/24—Pc safety
- G05B2219/24155—Load, enter program if device acknowledges received password, security signal
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- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/20—Pc systems
- G05B2219/25—Pc structure of the system
- G05B2219/25011—Domotique, I-O bus, home automation, building automation
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- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/20—Pc systems
- G05B2219/25—Pc structure of the system
- G05B2219/25187—Transmission of signals, medium, ultrasonic, radio
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- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/20—Pc systems
- G05B2219/25—Pc structure of the system
- G05B2219/25192—Infrared
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- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/20—Pc systems
- G05B2219/26—Pc applications
- G05B2219/2642—Domotique, domestic, home control, automation, smart house
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
- H02J13/00006—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment
- H02J13/00028—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment involving the use of Internet protocols
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J2310/00—The network for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by its spatial reach or by the load
- H02J2310/10—The network having a local or delimited stationary reach
- H02J2310/12—The local stationary network supplying a household or a building
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to line transmission systems
- H04B2203/54—Aspects of powerline communications not already covered by H04B3/54 and its subgroups
- H04B2203/5429—Applications for powerline communications
- H04B2203/5437—Wired telephone
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to line transmission systems
- H04B2203/54—Aspects of powerline communications not already covered by H04B3/54 and its subgroups
- H04B2203/5429—Applications for powerline communications
- H04B2203/545—Audio/video application, e.g. interphone
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
- H04L2012/284—Home automation networks characterised by the type of medium used
- H04L2012/2841—Wireless
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
- H04L2012/284—Home automation networks characterised by the type of medium used
- H04L2012/2843—Mains power line
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
- H04L2012/284—Home automation networks characterised by the type of medium used
- H04L2012/2845—Telephone line
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
- H04L2012/2847—Home automation networks characterised by the type of home appliance used
- H04L2012/285—Generic home appliances, e.g. refrigerators
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2201/00—Constructional details of selecting arrangements
- H04Q2201/80—Constructional details of selecting arrangements in specific systems
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02B90/20—Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
- Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
- Y04S40/00—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them
- Y04S40/12—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them characterised by data transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated electrical equipment
- Y04S40/121—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them characterised by data transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated electrical equipment using the power network as support for the transmission
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
- Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
- Y04S40/00—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them
- Y04S40/12—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them characterised by data transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated electrical equipment
- Y04S40/124—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them characterised by data transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated electrical equipment using wired telecommunication networks or data transmission busses
Definitions
- TITLE DEVICE FOR THE OPERATION OF APPLIANCES, UTILITIES AND SERVICES WITHIN A BUILDING Technical Field
- the present invention relates to a device and method for the control and operation of appliances, utilities and services within a building. More particularly the present invention provides for such control and operation through one or more means of signal input to a building and output from a building.
- the present invention additionally provides a means whereby one or more providers of services and goods may supply information and goods directly to a building or offer a range of information for use within the building.
- US Patent No 4847782 discloses an energy management system which provides signals to a plurality of subscriber units over alternative links (for example, cable television, telephone, radio). A transponder in each unit responds to the signals by providing corresponding signals on the in-house electricity network. However communications links are not used in parallel.
- US Patent No. 44442319 discloses a central control means for controlling electrical apparatus via an in-house electricity network/ Control is in the form of timed on/off commands which can be changed remotely via telephone. There is no disclosure of multiple links and multiple accessibility.
- US Patent No. 4602340 discloses a system for distributing information control and monitoring systems within a building. However there is not open accessibility and no multiple means of communication.
- An object of the present invention is the provision of an open access system (in the sense of being non-proprietary, but is secure at the end use point)-incorporating a microcontroller, for delivery of a plurality of types of information and orders for the operation of equipment and appliances within or about the building and for other uses; the delivery means of such information and instructions being possible by two or more alternative means (or split between two or more means) of delivery to the building and one said delivery means being capable of being independent of the supply of power to a building.
- a further object of the invention is the provision of such a system whereby no additional cabling or lines are needed with a building or to a building for the implementation of the invention.
- the present invention provides a device for installation in a building said device being capable of connection to a plurality of communications media
- said device includes: a microcontroller means; memory means; software instructions; one or more interface circuits each of which allows connection to a communications medium; wherein said device is capable of receiving and sending control instructions and information via one or more of said communications media such that said device can control, monitor and/or operate electrical and electronic circuitry within and about said building and return instructions and information via one or more communications media; and said control instructions are based in said software instructions and on remote information and remote instructions received by said circuitry; and said remote information and remote instructions are receivable only from a user input means and from one or more master microprocessors means which are remote from said building.
- said communications media include at least one of the following: power lines to said building; telecommunications lines to said building; other cable lines means (for example, co-axial cables, fibre optic cables); broadcast signals on the electromagnetic spectrum (for example, infra-red, broadcast signals capable of receipt by a television aerial or satellite receiving dish, wireless transmission, FM signals); or any combinations thereof.
- At least one communication medium is cabling to an interactive appliance (user input means).
- instructions and information transmitted to the microcontroller are capable of being forwarded by two separate means, especially if the transmission is a vital one, for example information may be forwarded in an encoded form via a power line carrier and the decryption key forwarded by broadcast signal receivable (for example) by a television aerial on said building.
- the end user means is one that only the end user has control of (for example it is encoded in a manner like the use of a personal identification number for use with automatic teller machines) and may be selected from the following: alphanumeric key pad (for example, forming part of the security system of a building); numeric keypad; home computer; interactive television set; remote directions via a modem; or any combination thereof.
- the information and instructions transmitted to said microcontroller may be selected from a plurality of sources, for example a variety of utilities may provide information and user options, retailers of goods and services may provide information and remote buying access, appliances within the building may be remotely controlled, based on pre-determined constraints as to their operation, alternatively energy use may be stopped and started based on pre-determined constraints; remote meter reading of one or more utilities may be effected; or any combination thereof either singly or simultaneously.
- sources for example a variety of utilities may provide information and user options, retailers of goods and services may provide information and remote buying access, appliances within the building may be remotely controlled, based on pre-determined constraints as to their operation, alternatively energy use may be stopped and started based on pre-determined constraints; remote meter reading of one or more utilities may be effected; or any combination thereof either singly or simultaneously.
- the present invention further provides a method for enabling, controlling and/or monitoring the remote control of electrical and electronic circuitry in and about a building and for enabling and controlling information flow into and out of said building, said method including the steps of: providing the device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims installed in said building; providing programming instructions for said microcontroller and said master microprocessor such that said microcontroller operates on instructions contained therein and received only from said master microprocessor or from said user input means, said instructions for said master microprocessor including instructions to always forward a protocol with communicated instructions; providing said device with instructions and infoimation on protocols against which all incoming instructions and protocols are to be checked prior to the device acting in accordance with the incoming instructions; and wherein any information and instructions forwarded by said master microprocessor to said microcontroller may be receivable from any source provided that any protocols received with said instructions are compatible with those held in said device and said master microcontroller.
- Fig. 1 shows a schematic layout of a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- Fig. 2 shows the physical layout of a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 shows a schematic layout of the software architecture of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Mode for Carrying out the Invention
- a servicing device 2 is thereshown and is connected to a number of appliances or communications pathways, each of which utilise a different communications format or media.
- the above described servicing device 2, appliances and systems are those located in or about a building and on the premises of the end user.
- a building is, for example, a domestic house.
- the servicing device 2 principally consists of a core platform 3 which comprises a microcontroller and associated circuitry 7 together with memory and associated software 30, and which is connected to a plurality of media pathways via media specific interfaces.
- the servicing device 2 effectively forms a communications switchboard with which the following apparatus or systems of communication may interact, either with one another or with applications contained within the memory 30 of the servicing device 2: telephone lines 21 ; television broadcast receiver 22; power lines 23; personal computer
- the servicing device 2 may also be configured to include a serial bus 27 which interfaces with similar equipment to that of serial bus 26, but which utilises encoded signals on the existing in-house power network.
- the servicing device 2 also contains the capability to connect with other apparatus or systems of communication 28, for example radio or infra-red links and fibre optic cables.
- the servicing device 2 can operate using one or more of these communications pathways so that it can utilise existing media such as telephone lines 21 and power lines 23 without the need for additional wiring. It can however be easily expanded later, to inco ⁇ orate other pathways or apparatus such as television broadcast 22 or a personal computer 24, as they become available.
- the servicing device 2 can be used for controlling in-house appliances such as hot water cylinders, kitchen ovens, space heaters, alarm systems (none shown) both from within or remote from the premises and includes any appliance capable of control by electrical circuitry, in it's simplest form, a servicing device 2 user terminal is in the form of one or more wall-mounted LCD display and key pad units 8 connected onto a serial bus 26 and/or 27. The or each unit 8 could be replaced or complimented with the use of a personal computer 24.
- in-house appliances such as hot water cylinders, kitchen ovens, space heaters, alarm systems (none shown) both from within or remote from the premises and includes any appliance capable of control by electrical circuitry
- a servicing device 2 user terminal is in the form of one or more wall-mounted LCD display and key pad units 8 connected onto a serial bus 26 and/or 27.
- the or each unit 8 could be replaced or complimented with the use of a personal computer 24.
- Examples of the way the servicing device 2 could be used include: checking from a remote personal computer 24 as to whether the oven had been turned off; switching a particular heater on prior to arriving on the premises; a security company checking the burglar alarm status of the premises; automatically switching on and off particular heaters at pre-determined times; the electric utility signalling the servicing device 2 by the television broadcast receiver 22, in the event of a power failure, to keep heavy electrical usage items such as the hot water cylinder off, for a predetermined time after the reconnection of power.
- the servicing device 2 is continuously operative and dedicated to the management of appliances and communications within the building. To maintain commercial viability, the servicing device 2 preferably utilised a 16 bit microcontroller 7 and 256K of RAM 30 and 256K of ROM.
- the servicing device 2 is not restricted to the control of apparatus however, and can in addition be used as a transparent link between different media pathways.
- an "intelligent" hot water cylinder monitor could route an electric energy pricing enquiry from a serial bus 26 or 27 through the servicing device 2 to the electric utility via the telephone lines 21.
- the electric utility might send this infomiation periodically over one or more of the communication pathways, for example the television broadcast receiver 22 or the power line modem 23; this information could then be routed by the servicing device 2 to the hot water cylinder monitor on the serial bus 26 or 27.
- Media specific interfaces can include the following: a modem interface 11 for connection to the telephone lines 21 ; a data broadcast receiver 12 for connection to the television broadcast receiver 22; a power line carrier (PLC) modem interface 13 for connection to the power lines 23; a serial RS232 interface 14 for connection to the personal computer 24; a serial RS485 interface 15 for connection to the set top box 25; an interface programme and serial bus driver 16 for connection to the hardwired serial bus 26; a combined PLC modem and interface program 17 for the PLC serial bus 27.
- the servicing device 2 also has the capacity to include additional interfaces 18 to other types of media pathways such as satellite, radio or infra-red links 28.
- the interfaces are each designed to be compatible with the manner of data communication appropriate to each communications media.
- a LON bus works particularly well for the above mentioned serial buses 26 and 27, and that a Microprocessor Interface Program or MIP works particularly well for the above mentioned interface programs 16 and 17.
- MIP Microprocessor Interface Program
- the circuitry for each of the above mentioned MSIs is mounted on a card (11-18) which plugs into one of the platform 3 expansion slots as shown.
- the servicing device 2 is thus easily expandable in response to additional communication media or appliances becoming available within the premises.
- the servicing device 2 circuitry is installed in an enclosure 6 which is mounted onto or within a wall at or inside the premises. The enclosure 6 would normally remain locked in a closed position such that it is only accessible to the overall servicing device system operator, for example the local electric utility company.
- a battery pack 4 ensures that the servicing device 2 remains operative for some time after a power failure, which allows it to act on the power failure by, for example, alerting the electric utility company and the security company via the telephone lines 21.
- a connection pod 5 facilitates the physical connection of the different media types and their associated cables to the servicing device 2.
- a schematic of the software architecture of the servicing device 2 is thereshown and includes: connections to the above mentioned MSIs (11-16); a non-volatile initialisation software layer 43; random access memory (RAM) 30 which further includes: one or more communications protocol stacks (CPSs) 31-36 comparable with the number of different types of media communications to the servicing device 2; a communications link layer 40; a data base 41 ; a real-time operating system 42 which includes multitasking capabilities; and various application tasks 44-49.
- the CPSs and tasks are not limited in number to those shown.
- the servicing device 2 is constrained by this software to operate in a manner which maintains the overall integrity of the system by filtering out erroneous, spurious or "illegal" communications, such that all "legal" communication conform to a defined set of protocols.
- This set defines the way nodes or elements within the system are addressed and messages or data transmissions are sent or received.
- Nodes include: devices to which the servicing device 2 is attached such as a meter reader circuit on a serial bus 26 or 27; a remote personal computer terminal of known type; areas of the servicing device 2 memory such as the data base 41 or an application task 44-49.
- the advantage of this system is that a node does not need to know the physical location of another node, this is transparently taken care of by the servicing device 2.
- a CPS (31-36) is allocated to each type of media pathway and provides a gateway between the particular data formats associated with each MSI (11-16) and the common servicing device 2 data format used by the link layer 40 for communication between the CPSs (31-36), the application tasks (44-49), the data base 41 and the real-time operating system 42.
- Each CPS (31-36) provides data transfer speed conversion, data packet sequencing, error detection, destination/origin routing information and data format conversion functions such that only legitimate transmissions are allowed.
- Nodes on different media pathways can transparently pass messages to one another or to an application task (44-49) contained within the servicing device 2 memory. They can also write data to the data base 41 in a manner constrained by the servicing device 2 and the particular task (44-49) such that while the data base 41 is open for this use (writing data), it is not possible to write data except as constrained by the servicing device 2.
- a gas utility company may utilise a task 44 which periodically reads an electronic gas meter and stores this information in the data base
- the utility company can then access this information via, for example, the telephone lines 21 , the modem interface 11 and the CPS 31, for billing purposes.
- Data may be downloaded onto the servicing device 2 by the servicing device system operator by any of the communications media routes available. If the data 11 is of a particularly vital or confidential nature, or may effect changes to the configuration of the servicing device 2, this transfer of data may be implemented by splitting the down load over two or more media routes such that data on one media pathway decodes data from another.
- the capacity of the servicing device 2 can be greatly extended by the use of a back office system (BOS) operated by the servicing device 2 system operator.
- BOS back office system
- a transparent link to this node provides the servicing device with access to far greater information and processing capacity. It also increases the communications linking capacity of the servicing device 2 by effectively providing another route to the servicing device 2 via the BOS.
- the BOS can also be used as an interface between the servicing device 2 and other service or information providers.
- the servicing device 2 can act as a monitoring and control device for appliances; information about the status of these appliances can be processed and acted on, or passed onto other service providers via the BOS.
- the BOS can also provide secure communications links with the servicing device 2 and the other providers using any of the aforementioned communications media.
- the servicing device 2 may be used in combination with more than one BOS. The following is a non-exhaustive list of the possible functions of the servicing device: automatic meter reading; remote information access to and from other service providers; local appliance control; automatic appliance failure detection; and remote control in-home communication switchboard.
- service providers need not be only other utility providers, but service provides in all fields, for example, banking services, etc.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
- Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ28017995 | 1995-10-06 | ||
NZ28017995 | 1995-10-06 | ||
PCT/NZ1996/000110 WO1997013186A1 (en) | 1995-10-06 | 1996-10-04 | Device for the operation of appliances, utilities and services within a building |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0853777A1 EP0853777A1 (en) | 1998-07-22 |
EP0853777A4 true EP0853777A4 (en) | 2000-04-19 |
Family
ID=19925498
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP96933677A Withdrawn EP0853777A4 (en) | 1995-10-06 | 1996-10-04 | DEVICE FOR OPERATING CONTROL OF DEVICES, SUPPLY SYSTEMS AND SERVICES WITHIN A BUILDING |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0853777A4 (no) |
CN (1) | CN1202253A (no) |
AU (1) | AU711008B2 (no) |
NO (1) | NO981541L (no) |
WO (1) | WO1997013186A1 (no) |
ZA (1) | ZA968426B (no) |
Families Citing this family (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
IT1315618B1 (it) * | 2000-03-20 | 2003-03-14 | Merloni Termosanitari Spa | Sistema per l'assistenza e la gestione remote di apparecchi domesticidi varia tipologia alimentati elettricamente da rete, in particolare |
KR100372021B1 (ko) | 2000-08-02 | 2003-02-25 | 주식회사 젤라인 | 개방형 전력량계 |
EP1598714B1 (en) * | 2000-12-13 | 2016-09-28 | LG Electronics Inc. | Apparatus and method for remotely controlling household appliances |
ITMI20010636A1 (it) * | 2001-03-26 | 2002-09-26 | Bticino Spa | Dispositivo elettronico di interazione con impianti di automazione domestica |
ITRM20010689A1 (it) * | 2001-11-21 | 2003-05-21 | Enel It S P A | Sistema di trasmissione dati e metodo informatizzato di gestione di tale sistema. |
JP2005520389A (ja) * | 2002-03-12 | 2005-07-07 | コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エレクトロニクス エヌ ヴィ | ネットワーク用の結合モジュール |
US20050177627A1 (en) * | 2002-03-12 | 2005-08-11 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Server for standby management in a network |
CN1954303B (zh) * | 2004-05-17 | 2010-05-05 | 智行科技有限公司 | 通过模式匹配的自适应学习方法 |
ES2278526B1 (es) * | 2005-12-19 | 2008-07-16 | K-Lon Control, S.A. | Metodo y sistema de gestion de instalaciones electricas. |
CN101470427B (zh) * | 2007-12-27 | 2012-07-18 | 新动力(北京)建筑科技有限公司 | 基于无线定位的楼宇自动化控制系统和方法 |
ITVR20090031A1 (it) * | 2009-03-17 | 2010-09-18 | Equadro S R L | Sistema modulare di controllo e/o comunicazione remoto tramite onde convogliate nella rete elettrica |
CN102677699A (zh) * | 2012-05-31 | 2012-09-19 | 开平百事通计算机工程有限公司 | 一种两线制井盖连接器 |
US9353956B2 (en) | 2013-08-12 | 2016-05-31 | Lawrence Halff | Hot water recirculation system technologies |
US10036572B1 (en) | 2013-08-12 | 2018-07-31 | Lawrence Halff | Hot water recirculation system technologies |
US9989265B2 (en) | 2013-08-12 | 2018-06-05 | Lawrence Halff | Hot water recirculation system technologies |
WO2017115108A1 (en) * | 2015-12-29 | 2017-07-06 | Equadro S.R.L. | Series of modules for the control and/or communication by means of waves conveyed in the power grid |
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US4551832A (en) * | 1983-12-02 | 1985-11-05 | United Technologies Corporation | Telephone based control system |
GB2212949A (en) * | 1987-11-26 | 1989-08-02 | Stonecrest Limited | Energy management system |
CH676398A5 (en) * | 1989-08-30 | 1991-01-15 | Landis & Gyr Betriebs Ag | Cordless transmission system for information between equipment - uses remote transmission between items in building and telephone network |
Family Cites Families (8)
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US4206444A (en) * | 1979-01-02 | 1980-06-03 | Honeywell Information Systems Inc. | Remote power controller utilizing communication lines |
JPS6334382Y2 (no) * | 1980-08-08 | 1988-09-12 | ||
US4497031A (en) * | 1982-07-26 | 1985-01-29 | Johnson Service Company | Direct digital control apparatus for automated monitoring and control of building systems |
DE3236812A1 (de) * | 1982-10-05 | 1984-04-05 | Standard Elektrik Lorenz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart | Fernwirksystem |
US4818970A (en) * | 1987-08-13 | 1989-04-04 | Gpac, Inc. | Fire condition detection and control system for air moving and filtering units |
DE68924161T2 (de) * | 1988-05-04 | 1996-02-01 | Vogel Peter S | Fernsteuerung. |
NL9100354A (nl) * | 1991-02-27 | 1992-09-16 | Philips Nv | Systeem voor het instellen van omgevingsparameters. |
SE9401874L (sv) * | 1994-05-31 | 1995-12-01 | Edstroem Komponent Ab | Anordning och förfarande för radiostyrning av ett kopplingsorgan |
-
1996
- 1996-10-04 EP EP96933677A patent/EP0853777A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1996-10-04 WO PCT/NZ1996/000110 patent/WO1997013186A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1996-10-04 AU AU72312/96A patent/AU711008B2/en not_active Expired
- 1996-10-04 CN CN96198217A patent/CN1202253A/zh active Pending
- 1996-10-07 ZA ZA968426A patent/ZA968426B/xx unknown
-
1998
- 1998-04-03 NO NO981541A patent/NO981541L/no not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4551832A (en) * | 1983-12-02 | 1985-11-05 | United Technologies Corporation | Telephone based control system |
GB2212949A (en) * | 1987-11-26 | 1989-08-02 | Stonecrest Limited | Energy management system |
CH676398A5 (en) * | 1989-08-30 | 1991-01-15 | Landis & Gyr Betriebs Ag | Cordless transmission system for information between equipment - uses remote transmission between items in building and telephone network |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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See also references of WO9713186A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0853777A1 (en) | 1998-07-22 |
AU7231296A (en) | 1997-04-28 |
NO981541D0 (no) | 1998-04-03 |
WO1997013186A1 (en) | 1997-04-10 |
ZA968426B (en) | 1997-05-02 |
AU711008B2 (en) | 1999-10-07 |
NO981541L (no) | 1998-06-02 |
CN1202253A (zh) | 1998-12-16 |
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