IL143740A - Comprehensive integrated communication gateway platform for building complex electronic networks - Google Patents

Description

143740 ϊ7·π | 453475 τηκ γ^η rmntip x nmun Vi aa TDV mmxoi wn nnwpn nomst_>7D COMPREHENSIVE INTEGRATED COMMUNICATION GATEWAY PLATFORM FOR BUILDING COMPLEX ELECTRONIC NETWORKS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to building complex communications. More specifically the present invention relates to an integrated communication platform for a gateway for voice, video, data and control over residential and other building complex electronic networks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The dream of a fully-connected home in which appliances, entertainment and Internet devices and plumbing, lighting and security functions are all inter-networked in a central interface has been evolving for several years. Already the technology exists to allow you to program the way the inside and outside lighting reacts, set or disable your home security system, control the thermostat, fetch your email, tape your favorite shows, manage your telephone calls, and many other functions, all from your personal computer (PC), telephone, PALM™ computer or even by voice command.

Soon you'll be able to use a touch screen at the refrigerator door to access recipes on the Internet, and order the needed ingredients from your web-enabled grocer, as well as keeping up with current milk supply. Your children will stop off at the refrigerator to update their schedule on the family calendar while grabbing an after-school snack. You'll phone the tub to have it fill itself while on the way home from work. While relaxing in front of the big-screen television watching a network show, you'll be able to pause the action and switch channels to check to see if the baby's finished his nap. The outside lights will flash to let you know someone's pulling into the driveway. A pleasant tone of your choice will alert you to an incoming phone call, and the television will automatically mute while you handle it.

There are three main types of systems that can be controlled and accessed in a home network. The most obvious is the internetworking of computers and Internet connections in the home for printing and file sharing, as well as messaging between computers and the control of telephone calls. The second area is that of control, dealing with such things as light switches, shutters, dish washers, washing machines, thermostats, dimmers and motion sensors. This area needs special handling since it is generally high cost, low bandwidth, and in need of a stable and reliable connection at all times. The third area includes entertainment devices such as television, video cameras, audio sources and videocassette recorders (VCR's).

Some home automation features are readily available at a surprisingly low cost. Purchase an X-10 controller and some X-10 plug-in modules, and you'll be controlling lamps, coffeemakers, electric blankets, and most any other appliance that uses standard 1 107220-volt electric current from a central unit. The X-10 plug-in modules run off your existing electrical wiring and receive signals through the plugged-in controller at a pre-set "address." If you wanted, for example to control three lamps in your living room simultaneously, you would install X-10 lamp switches, set each lamp to the same address, and then the controller signal would reach each lamp and all would be turned off or on. If each lamp needed separate control, a different address could be set for each. Plug-in modules for appliance operation can be utilized in the same fashion. A timer can also be attached to the controller for remote, unattended operation. Using home control software on your personal computer can allow you to program on-off times for a number of appliances, then download the results into a unit which attaches to the controller that plugs into the wall and transmits signals to the X-10 modules. This type of automation is available from any number of outlets and is easily installed and maintained by the homeowner, all for around $50 - $300, and in some cases even more.

Audio/visual equipment, security systems and other more complex appliances will require additional cabling and the help of a professional installer. The advantage of this type of system is that it allows you to build up a complex home routine based on conditional input, such as the position of the garage door, the temperature outdoors, or the state of the alarm system. Fitting your home with this type of system will cost from $300 - $1000 depending on the level of automation, and even more.

If you think of all the automation features you already have in your home that are present but not centrally connected, a central interface for you to be able to control the total house does not seem like that big of a step. There are several big stumbling blocks that have to be overcome to achieve centralized comprehensive control. First is the way in which appliances connect and inter-connect. Wires are already everywhere. Look behind your computer or entertainment center right now and see all the cords interwoven in a tangle, and then imagine adding to that conglomeration with the cabling necessary for interconnection. Progress is being made in wireless technology and in electrical system and Radio Frequency (RF) networking, but it hasn't quite reached the level of affordability for the average homeowner seeking to automate.

Another stumbling block is standards. Existing standards are CEBus, LonWork, EIB HomePNA and X-10. Appliances, systems, networks and tools are all made by different manufacturers, to their own specifications. Each company hopes to become the standard-bearer. There's no regulation and no incentive for the companies to work together at this point.

A third stumbling block will be educating the consumer as to what can be expected in dealing with home automation. Many people fear networking appliances and 01531599M8-02 2 entertainment devices to a central processing unit due to the possibility of a system crash that will take out everything simultaneously. Failsafe devices, security functions and education about using the system will all have to be put into place before the average person is comfortable with the idea of a totally wired home.

Many home appliances we now have that use heat, and the many others for which heat is either unwanted, as in freezers and air conditioners, or an unnecessary byproduct, such as computers, televisions, can openers and so forth. What if you could connect the heat-users to the heat-producers so that waste heat was used to heat your bath water, for example? And what about the time you waste heating water and adjusting it to just the right temperature for baths, hand washing and cooking? What if your faucets could be programmed to deliver water at exactly the right temperature for every application and for each member of the household? And what if "gray water," the somewhat-used but not contaminated water we use in applications other than toilet-flushing could be filtered and re-used, perhaps to wash the kitchen floor? Thus, it would be desirable to provide a uniform platform for smart home and home automation. Benefits according to each stakeholder are for: Administrative Companies: Cost effective installation and maintenance: There is a need to minimize the dwelling operating costs, e.g. technician work time for installation or maintenance; and Receipt of real-time calls, warnings and indicator signals from all sites into one communication control center: There is no unified prior art capability of inspection and control via one infrastructure, i.e., to maintain surveillance of all the home communication and control devices; Dealers, Installation and Maintenance Companies that provide telecommunication and control solutions: Saving on installation time and saving on stock value: There is a need to minimize the technician numbers who must study and compete with various systems, platforms and infrastructures. In addition, an overabundance of systems causes big amounts of stocks; and Use of real-time error alarms for high diagnostic and self-test levels: Most of the existing infrastructure is based on old technologies, i.e. disabled self-test and diagnostic faults or failure operation; Contractors, Architects, Entrepreneurs and Engineering companies: Attractive features for real estate sale: They desire any tool that creates added value for their apartments to be more attractive for sale; and Upgrade for smart infrastructures: They desire to upgrade the building infrastructure, and even the in-house technology, to smart infrastructure; Telecom, Cellular and Cable Companies for residential gateway solutions: An additional profit center from their facilities: They desire to create added value on their lines that might be connected to the building infrastructure for additional profit, more possibilities of activity; and More activity in the new infrastructure: Due to high standard of living, there is an enormous expected growth in the IP-Phone, Access control, Security system, non-PC intranets and global Internet devices, multiple PC households and LAN markets. In addition, there is a need for remote control through the global Internet to the designated home device via a gateway for which there is a need; and End Users: A cost effective infrastructure and combination of elements: Today there are many infrastructures in home communication, control and security, which are overly expensive; Simultaneous transmission of voice, data and video: In prior art there is no cost effective capability of using several voice and video circuits simultaneously among the residents of a housing complex; Improved human standard of living and comfort in communication, security and control: People are attracted to the option of more 'luxuries' to keep in step with advancing technology and life style improvement, but not at the price of a system today. Today, customers demand high standards in new buildings. Therefore, they desire significant improvements in home automation and control; and Remote control via the Internet and the Bluetooth standard: Prior art lacks the capability of remote control and remote communication. Moreover, residential users desire to connect their communication and control infrastructure to the Internet via PC and cellular phones.

US Pat. No. 6,853,637 (Norrell et al.) discloses a local area network connected to an infrastructure access device that provides the home LAN with access to voice, data and television services. The infrastructure access device includes a gateway to voice over Internet Protocol services, an interface to a data network for data access, a router to multiplex signals from the gateways and the data network and a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) transceiver connected to a gateway device in the customer premises. The gateway device includes a DSL transceiver to communicate over the DSL connecting it to the infrastructure access device to provide the home LAN with high performance communications services without the use of POTS. The DSL transceiver may communicate using a switched carrier modulation scheme to conserve power and reduce crosstalk.

US Pat. No. 6,219,409 (Smith ef al.) discloses a premises gateway is provided with respect to a subscriber's premises and a plurality of different transmission media for connecting to network devices and host systems on a network. The premises gateway. has interchangeable network interface cards and cards for communicating with different nodes on a subscriber's premises using different transmission media and protocols. The nodes are provided with premises network interfaces which operate in conjunction with the premises gateway to allow, for example, devices connected to the same telephone line, but to different telephone wall jacks, to be addressed separately. The premises gateway can communicate analog signals and broadband signals on a twisted pair to the same node. The premises gateway can also be provided at a central office to operate as an Internet protocol gateway US Pat. No. 5,086,385 (Launey ef al.) discloses a system for and a method of providing an expandable home automation controller which supports multiple numbers and multiple different types of data communications with both appliances and subsystems within the home as well as systems external to the home. The system is based upon a central processor, such as a microprocessor-based computer, and is connected by means of a data bus to control the various products and subsystems within a home or commercial building, such as lighting systems, security systems, various sensors, multiple external terminals, as well as to allow for the input of commands by a variety of means such as touchscreens, voice recognition systems, telephones, custom switches or any device capable of providing an input to a computer system. The system functions can be readily controlled by the user utilizing a high resolution graphics display and associated touchscreen interface. 01531599M 8-05 4a I ; SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION ! ;i ' Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide an integrated solution of voice, video, controls and security for building complexes, and to Improve existing home automation gateway platform. i ! It is a further object of present invention to provide a gateway platform for intranet networking gateway for home automation.

It is yet a further object of present invention to provide a gateway platform for a hybrid/ application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chipset enabling access for all nodes in the home and other home appliances or instruments to the Internet.

The present invention relates to a method for a voice, video, control, security and home automation integrated platform based on a unique hardware and embedded real time software and use an Internet Protocol (IP) incorporated with dedicated algorithms. The present invention is based on cost-effective hardware and a chipset and components integrated with embedded real time software with the following components and features: ί Line-Units (LU's) and in some cases a Central Unit (CU). An optional embodiment adds a personal computer (PC) using a Local area Network (LAN) card; ; Hardware handles Voice over IP, IP phone, fast internet, video switching, signals, electrical and access control, security, home device or instrumentation using both local intranet and global Internet; The gateway interfaces between the end user's devices and the residential gateways or HUB's on the smart home and home automation markets; The gateway has open architecture suitable for various applications; * The gateway is an efficient interface for data transmission and depending on its software version operates as a multi-services residential gateway for voice transmission, video, video switching, devices monitor or controller and supports a broadband residential gateway; ί The gateway can be controlled via the Internet, telephone-line, bus technology, cellular, wireless, radio frequency (RF), infra-red (IR), Bluetooth, etc; and i The hardware component is a hybrid/ASIC chipset version enabling access for all nodes in the home by local IP address, and other home appliances or instruments to the Internet.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention with regard to the embodiments thereof, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout, and in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of the chain infrastructure using various line units, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the integration of functional units for telecommunications in a building complex, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of the integration of all video infrastructure elements, as used in the case of video switching in a residential complex, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig.4 is a schematic block diagram of the line unit showing connections to the operating environment, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 5 is a detailed block diagram of the internal and external connections of the line unit and internal blocks, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments described as follows are cited by way of example, and that the present invention is not limited to what is particularly shown and described. Rather, the scope of the present invention, as defined by appended claims, includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described, as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the descriptions, and which are not disclosed in the prior art. 6 Detailed Description Of Exemplary Embodiments Reference is now made to Figure 1 , which is a schematic illustration of the chain infrastructure using various Line Units (LU's), in accordance with' an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The inventive system enables the conversion of a telephone, cellular and intercom system to a private intranet network for the transmission of voice, video, video switching and all electricity control at minimal cost, using the Internet protocol (IP), which has proven to be efficient and economical, and today it is one of the major standards in data communication and the Internet.

All the various units behave as an LU to the infrastructure. The performance of each LU version is according to the dedicated downloaded software from the Central Unit (CU) 1 13 of a personal computer (PC) via the multi-function operation. LU's 11 1 through 118, including CU 1 13 and the PC, are connected in a chain via local area network (LAN) and video lines 140 along the length of the infrastructure lines. The voice passes via the infrastructure as Voice over IP (VoIP), and the Control as Data over IP. In some products, the video channels from cameras at the entrances 135, for example, pass in separated coax or twisted pair wires 125 by means of switching technology from a remote camera to a video switch (RCV) 1 14, and then to each hi-rise building in an apartment complex, for example. The video signal is analog, digital, serial data as USB, etc. In others, the video is transmitted as video over IP, with or without compression.

The system is designed to serve home/office/hostel/hospitals/hotel devices: new buildings; expanded infrastructure of existing building or improved/renovated building sites; telephone/cellular and PABX, intercom, video switching; video conference room; security system, including alarms, gas, fire, burglary, panic; lighting and energy control for on/off, dimming, emergency; heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC); appliances; entertainment and home networking; healthcare instruments; link to any PC and/or phone line.

The floor version LU's 11 1 connect all the apartments on the floor of an apartment house, for example, building A 142 and building B 144. An apartment version LU 112 is dedicated for an individual apartment. A guard version LU 1 15 serves the switchboard 150 for various applications. The public version LU 116 serves as a specific poll address (SPA) for a signaling system 7 (SS7) public police, fire, ambulance, etc., connection. The telecom (broadband) version LU 117 acts as a residential gateway for telecom, cellular phones and cable 120. The Internet version LU 118 acts as a router between the Intranet arena to the Internet WWW, and a conversion table (NAT -Network Address Translation) between the WWW IP addresses to the local IP 01531599\18-05 7 addresses, and vise versa. The application as defined in IU and TU could be upgraded to each LU version.

The router version LU 118 is a router to the Internet 130, providing global remote control of designated home devices. Remote nodes include: audio, alarms, signals; remote enunciator; remote babysitting; remote control for industrial processes; long distant offices; medical services and medical center, clinics; intercom capabilities for overseas families; and long distant access for control and Web surfing purposes.

Control line infrastructure utilizes the existing infrastructure currently installed on most switching systems for the home and in industry as well. When the versions of the line units (LU's) 111 through 118 are small and inexpensive, they can also be integrated into home electrical switches and convert them to smart electronic switches, which can be programmed and controlled. The central unit (CU) 113 version of the LU can be used as an electrical controller, which can be connected to a relay card. The product is used as an efficient and economical alternative for voice transmission of reasonable quality, and for inexpensive ON/OFF control between two distant locations across the world via the existing Internet.

Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the integration of functional units for telecommunications in a building complex, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Integration of LU 110, CU 113 and a PC 205 in a LAN network 210 for telephone 215, video phone 218, cellular and Intercom 222, etc., serves a building complex 200 such as a housing development, hotel/motel, hospital, or school, etc. Building no. 1 201 and building no. 2 202 form building complex 200, for example. Video switching application or video phone 218 receives transmission from the video lines 230. Network 210 also includes joint, complex-wide functions, which multiply over the years, such as the number of security posts, parking lot entrances, back entrances, swimming pools, clubs, gymnasia, etc. For example, two guard stands 221 and 222 are represented in fig. 2 for campus no. 2 202.

CU 113 comprises all that is included in the LU unit, with additional options; such as graphic LCD display and keypad, as in a standard telephone, 4 x 4 or up to 8 x 8.

For the electrical control and home instrument markets, CU 113 throws a switch to activate a relay card (or FET components) which transmit 230VAC/10A, or dimmer components which transmit controlled variable voltage ranging 0-10VDC at low current -controlled by the consumer as required.

PC 205 includes all the functions available in CU 113, and provides: 01531599M8-05 8 Communication with CU 1 13 and all the LU's 1 11 connected in the same internal network; Communication with another PC 205 located in the network, including exchange of updated information; Taking over the master management of another PC 205, after receiving a suitable command, or automatic control if there is no Keep Alive communication with the other PC 205. If there are a number of PCs 205, 'master' PC 205 is defined automatically. This function is also an option for CU 1 13, which can function in the place of another CU 205 or for a LU 1 1 1 , which can function in the place of another LU 111 ; and Operating an announcer system by using a voice card and loudspeakers. Voice intensity, dubbing, siren or extension call is determined during setup. Each extension can be defined with varying priority. The default state is defined during the development stage.

PC 205 software consists of windows applications. It uses inventive methods to integrate all the smart home automation elements in the same platform. The software flexibility enables it to operate in different platforms and configurations, such as the Internet, residential gateways, XDSL, cables, etc.

The LAN components software includes software for handling the information for identifying a state of conflict, arbitrary determination of re-transmission after conflict identification, etc.

In SPIN™ version, the LAN components will comprise an ASIC or hybrid component, particularly for the electrical control and home instrument applications.

The task of every LU 1 1 1 could vary according to the software package selected, via the relevant command or download from CU 1 13 or from the PC 205.

Software downloading is by means of special features from PC 205 in the network or via RS232 communication. Software can be downloaded from any PC using TFTP or WEB browser. ID is via name or location according to the extension name connected to a specific LU 111 , preferences for any LU 1 1 1 , configuration for a number of input connections of switches and output of control lines for every LU 1 11 including preferences.

In the flash programming process during manufacturing, it is attempted to increment the internal IP address of each unit so there is never a situation where there are two identical global IP addresses, because the end destination, such as a global address determined by the international IEEE body, is unknown during installation. An 9 alternative is to add the local IP address in the installation stage. Every device has a unique Ethernet address.

Display of the extension number, which sends information to CU on a LCD screen is an option, including identifying data transferred from PC 205.

The DC or AC voltage inputs are supplied by separate two-wire (2W) lines, via power LAN splitter. Using physical layer access via 2W (PLAT™) technology, these voltage inputs are incorporated on the 2W transmission lines and the voltages are powered from the line to the unit.

The rate of information transmission in the network is 100 MHz , as is common in a LAN network according to a 100-BaseT topology, IEEE802.3 standard, and alternatively 1 Ghz. The connection is accomplished using a simple push connector clamp.

Where a new infrastructure is being laid down, an existing 8W (wires) twisted pair LAN cable is recommended, which is compatible with at least 100 MHz. A category5 (CAT5) cable is good for up to 100MHz, and some cables up to 1 Ghz. In PLAT™ technology, the infrastructure is 2W only.

The network infrastructure is like a tree structure. In a regular telephone call, no more than a single virtual communication option between any two units should be possible, so as not to create a situation of apparent conflict due to variable delay supposedly caused on the line. In conference calls, a special algorithm 's applied for mixture the receiving calls.

In fig. 2 LU 1 10 may be any of the versions of LU 1 1 1 through 1 18 described in fig. 1 hereinabove.

All the system components are inter-connected using an IP according to IEEE Standard 802.3. Accordingly, each unit can transmit information to all the other units simultaneously, as defined in the Setup. It is possible to concurrently communicate between the varying units - i.e. more than one call concurrently.

Speech and video can act as multipoint to multipoint as well.

In some cases some of the components are connected to WAN Network or fiber optic, or thru LAN/WAN interface module In some cases, work definition of the control unit is as follows: The LED installed on each control unit panel indicates the functional status of the unit, with an option of 7 segments or LCD for alarm indication for electrical control and home instrumentation; OFF: The unit is not functioning and is in an OFF state, or in an ON-HOOK state; GREEN: The unit is in an ON state, either transmitting or receiving, or in an OFF-HOOK state. In a control state the LED lights up only if the switching was performed at the remote end (confirmation); RED: The unit identified a state of conflict when in the ON state, or in the OFF-HOOK state; Or The unit identified a DLC-ON transmission state (dynamic Load Control) from the CU or the PC unit when in the OFF state (or in the ON-HOOK state). This is a status in which the system is overloaded (high utilization). The utilization definition - percentage of line efficiency - will be determined at setup or according to the default state. As soon as the load decreases, a DLC-OFF state is indicated and the LED is OFF.

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of the integration of all video infrastructure elements, as used in the case of video switching in a residential complex 300, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Integration of video infrastructure uses coaxial or twisted pair cables in an area of building complex, hotel, hospital, etc. The coaxial cables or twisted pairs for video transmission are connected to the LU, CU or RCV units for switching purposes only, according to the status of the call. The number of simultaneous recipient parties will equal the number of coaxial cables or twisted pair in each building, which is shown as four wires 310 in each building 301 and 302. The coaxial or twisted pair cables come from a remote camera video switch (RCV) 320, such that all cameras from the entire complex reach this switching center. For example, two guard cameras 330, two entry point cameras 340 at the main gates, a parking lot camera 350 and a public place camera 360, such as at a swimming pool are shown.

Fig.4 is a schematic block diagram of the line unit showing connections to the operating environment 400, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 1 1 The LU unit 1 10 is located between the wiring infrastructure 405 and the home devices 410, for example, a standard telephone 412 and/or a video conferencing phone plus video monitor 414, home camera, home I/O 440, PC screen or television (TV) combination. For systems without a telephone connection, but still requiring switching for electrical control and home instrumentation, information transmission is provided without speech.

The principal components in the unit are the microprocessor 41 5, LAN Controller 420, LAN Interface 425, pulse code modulation coder/decoder (PCM CODEC) and subscriber line interface circuits/exchange line interface circuits (SLIC/ELIC) 430 and video distribution component 435.

A PCM CODEC with SLIC components 430 connects between subscriber telephone 412 and LAN controller 420 component that handles digital information and transmits the speech and control codes on an IP protocol through LAN interface 425 to the network infrastructure, or, in the opposite direction when receiving from the network. In the case of connection to the telephone exchange, the ELIC component replaces the SLIC. In the case of a digital telephone, such as integrated services digital network (ISDN) or any XDSL kind, another more suitable CODEC component is selected. In some cases the LAN interface includes functions of bridge, router, etc.

Each unit contains a synchronous dynamic read access memory (SDRAM) and flash memories with microprocessor 415, which include software to manage the inter-component process. Microprocessor 415 is connected also to the various control switches 440, such as speech 442, panic 444 or door-opening switch 446, and controls the switch 450 for opening a door, activating an alarm or turning on a warning light 452, etc.

The video distribution component 435 activates the switch of a coaxial or twisted pair cable entering the appropriate picture from up to 8 call station video line inputs or cameras. Component 460 is controlled from microprocessor 415. In video switching, there is a possibility of simultaneous video transmission from 4 different recipient parties, video lines and cameras, in the same building, according to the number of coaxial cables or twisted pairs in that building. In addition, various recipients can view the same camera.

Fig. 5 is a detailed block diagram ofthe internal and external connections 500 of the line unit and internal blocks, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The core component for LU 1 10 is an XolP processor 510, which combines VoIP, control as data over IP, fax over IP and video over IP, and has the following specifications: Transmission voice over IP (VoIP) and control as data over IP; Video interface for video over IP; 12 Allows direct peer-to-peer communication without using an access point, ensuring minimal round-trip delay; Fax over IP (Fol P) including Group 3 FAX relay, 2400 - 14400bps; Modem tone detector according to ITU standard protocols V.xx: V.21 (duplex 300b/s), V.22 (duplex 1200b/s), V.22bis (duplex 2400b/s), V.23 (600 / 1200b/s), V.26 (2400b/s), V.26bis (half duplex 1200 / 2400b/s), V.27 (4800b/s), V.27bis (2400 / 4800b/s), V.29 (9600b/s), V.32bis (14400b/s), V.33, V.17, T30; and Networking protocol: Transport Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), UDP/I P, SMTP, TFTP, FTP, SIP, MGCP, BOOTP and DHCP; Additional Technical specifications are as follows: On chip RISC CPU 515: Based on ARM technology; 16 / 32 bits on internal bus; and Multi functional processing: Network, MAC 520, Address translation, Application, Serial communication, Home automation protocols, Call, Signals, DSP management 525, DMA controller; Compression: Voice over IP - according to audio coding G.7xx (ITU standards) including zero crossing and adaptive VAD. G.7 (48, 56 or PCM at 64Kbps), G.722 (7Kbps over 48, 56 and 64Kbps), G.723 (32Kbps), G.723.1A (5.3 or 6.3Kbps), G.726 (ADPCM at 16, 24, 32 and 40Kbps), G.728 (LD-CELP at 16Kbps), G.729.AB (CS-ACELP at 8Kbps), and G.731 Video over IP - according to video coding H.261 and H.263 (includes MPEG and JPEG algorithms); and Including combination of bit robbing and variable bit rate (VBR); Encryption: No encryption option, or Multi level security protect data with powerful encryption while maintaining high quality and speed (i.e. up to 128 bits WEP); Bi-directional authentication restricts LAN access to recognized line units via advanced security settings; and 13 ID Hopping. Changing the transmitter/receiver identify in a sequence that is known to the transmitter and receiver only (similar to Frequency Hopping technology); Embedded components: Partial memories of: Flash 592, SDRAM 596, SRAM 594; External memory interface for Flash 592, SDRAM 596, SRAM 594; LCD Controller 598; Embedded DSP 525 for: Acoustic Echo Canceller (full or half duplex) and Simple Echo Canceller according to G.165 / G.168, Jitter correction (adaptive jitter buffer), unique algorithms, DTMF encoder/decoder, dedicated serial communication filter , dedicated broad band filter; Timers & Counters 535/ PLL / Watchdog; Smart power management; JTAG port for debugging and boundary scan; Interrupt controller allows integration into existing Ethernet networks; Dual Media Access Control (MAC) 520 for Infrastructure connectivity - two differential directions (including carrier sensing multiple access with collision detection - CSMA CD); and Quad MAC 520 for PC connectivity - Four PC's simultaneously, allows fast Internet at rate of 64Kbps up to 1 Mbps for each PC (according to the LAN load utilization); Interface with LAN: Broad band transmission 545 of 100Mhz (1 Ghz) via 100 Base-T modules; and According to IEEE 802.1 Ethernet Bridge and IEEE 802.3 and ANSI X3.263 standards for Ethernet and MAC 520 protocol Interface with wireless LAN: According to IEEE 802.11 b, and DSSS transmission type; and Bluetooth; Interface with telecommunication: 14 Including Synchronous Serial Interface (SSI) 530 for serial communication; and Interfaces with telecommunication protocols: Two TDM (PCM) 540 lines for PSTN, ISDN (144Kbps) and HDSL (1.5M or 2Mbps); 4/12 analog lines (POTS) according to ITU-T recommendation Q.552 (for balance and unbalance), and POTS line protection according to K.20 and K.21 ; Broad band interface 545 to: XDSL, e.g. ADSL (8M/640Kbps ITU standard T.413); Cable modem router; and Fiber optic; Accept up to 64 calls simultaneously with cross talk capability; Automatic line impedance matching; Automatic Gain Control (AGC); DTMF detection/generation; Caller ID detection/generation; Tone generation; dial, busy, ring-back, etc.; Three way calling without MCU; Comfort noise generation; and Interface with PCMCIA, 16bits PC card, USB; Video line: Switching video matrix (8 to 4) 555 amongst 4 lines & 4 local cameras (or amongst 8 cameras); Video lines 560: Coax 75ohm or Twisted pair 100ohm; and Connected with 8 Cameras simultaneously; Interface with home automation standards: Serial communication port 565 for home control and interface with Home Automation protocols (as needed): HomePNA (5.5Mbps - 9.5Mbps); HomeRF; LonWorks (610bps to 1.25Mbps, EIA 709); CEBus (10Kbps, EIA 600); Smart house (50Kbps); X-10; EIB; and PLC 590; Serial communication port 565 for Data Services / Synchronization (for PDA interface); Communicates with 4x4 matrix keypad 570 and 8 Keypads simultaneously, including keypad scanner; Communicates with 8/20 Access Readers simultaneously (different technology of readers as; Contact badge, Proximity, RF, Infrared, Magnetic stripe and Biometrics); General purpose I/O 575 to elements of: Access control, Security, Electrical control; Interface with serial UART RS232 (V.24 and V.28 ITU standards) and RS422 (V.1 1 ITU standard); Interface with RS485 585 and DTMF (for any Nurse Call system, Security and Access control elements); Up to 8xN connections for non-dependent external switches. Each one can be programmed separately including the preference and manner of functioning; Note: N is the extension numbers. Usually 4/8 or 2.

Up to 8xN outputs 12VDC or 5VDC switches for connection to control or relay cards. Each one can be programmed separately, including preference and manner of functioning; and Control 8/20 doors, Alarms (NO and NC).

For prior art: The Ethernet LAN infrastructure: Transmit, Receive and Power LAN lines are in twisted pair but separated. I.e. Transmit 2W, Receive 2W and the option of power LAN is operated on two separate 2W or 4W lines (max of 8W, 4 pairs).

By contrast the PLAT™ chip: The main components to separate between transmit and receive data is a telecommunication hybrid (4W to 2W), including common mode choke and filters to reduce noises and cross talk from the line. 16 The main components to separate between data and the power DC are; capacitor array and unique switching power supply. 17

Claims (23)

1. 43740/4 Claims- 1. An intelligent building system for a building complex containing one or more buildings each having a plurality of independent premises on one or more floors, the system comprising: an integrated platform within the building/complex comprising a multi channel video intercom and security alarm for providing home automation, monitoring and telecommunication services! a combined LAN (local area network) and video line for establishing a dynamic allocation of video channels selected from among a plurality of video sources! a multimedia audio/visual system adapted to combine audio conveyed over the LAN and video conveyed via the video line and to aggregate them together in the required line unit! and a respective line unit disposed on each floor of each building in the building complex and coupled to each of the premises on said floor for conveying multimedia data to any other line unit in the building complex! each line unit comprising: at least one end unit in each of said premises on said floor, such that a totality of end units in the building complex operate according to different communication protocols and are adapted to render different types of multimedia data and/or control data to a different utility and to allow for intercommunication between two or more line units in said building complex without any need for participation of an external task manager or gatekeeper or of a public telecommunications network or infrastructure to facilitate intercommunication between two or more line units in the building complex! 18 143740/4 a respective processor for identifying a format of received multimedia or control data and determining to which of said end units to convey the data; at least one common central unit within the building complex coupled to all of the line units for communicating between the line units and an external public communications network; all of said line units being interconnected as a private LAN allowing intercommunication between said line units using a public data communications protocol! and all of said line units being mutually independent and independent of the central unit so at to allow each line unit to operate in standalone mode in the event of a fault in another line unit or in the central unit.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the video line is one or more of the following or a combination thereof a coax line; a twisted pair line! a RF line; and a cable line.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the video line is one or more of the following or a combination thereof an analog line; and a digital line.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the LAN is one or more of the following or a combination thereof a wired LAN; and 19 143740/1 a: wireless LAN.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the video line is one or more of the following or a combination thereof: a wired video line; and a wireless video line.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said utility is associated with access control.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said utility is associated with security.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein said utility is associated with heating, ventilation or air-conditioning.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein said multimedia data includes video.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the building complex is residential.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the building complex is industrial. ;i

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the building complex is academic.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the building complex is a hospital complex. 20 143740/1

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the building complex is a hotel or motel complex.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein said line unit includes a video switch unit coupled to at least two remote cameras.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least two of said line units are interconnected in a daisy chain via the LAN.

17. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least two of said line units are interconnected in a daisy chain via video lines.

18. The system according to claim 1, wherein said multimedia data comprises video over IP (internet protocol) with compression.

19. The system according to claim 1, wherein said multimedia data comprises video over IP without compression.

20. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the external public communications network is the Internet.

21. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the external public communications network is a cellular telephone communications network.

22. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the external public communications network is the PSTN (public switched telephone network). 21 143740/1

23. The system according to claim 1, substantially as described and illustrated. For the Applicants, REINHOLD COHN AND PARTNERS By: 22