Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~O g3/13S07 2 1 ~7 6 ~ 1 ~ ; PCI/US92/11262
A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ~UrOMATICALLY
CONTROLL~G A SPACE
BACKGROUND C)F THE INVENTION
5 1. Field oftheInvention
The present invention includes a system for automatically controlling a space
by integrating the control and function of a plurality of control systems and devices
utilized within the space, by using a principal control system, such as a security
system. These control systems and devices can include an environmental control
10 system, a telecommunicatioDs system, a lightiDg control system, and other electrical
control systems including those ~,vhich control individual electrical or electronic
devices such as appliances, audio devices and video devices. This invention alsoincludes a method of automating the control of a space by integrating the control and
function of the various control systems utilized, through the execution of
15 preprogrammed control modes which correlate to events having to do wi~ the
principal control system, such as security related events, and are executed through the
operation of elements of the security system. l~ese preprogrammed control modes
contain information for the control of the principal control system, such as theKCuri~r system, and the control systems and devices, based on the occurrence of
20 certain control events related to the principal control system, such as events related to
secunty, where a secunty system is the principal control syste~. More particularly,
this invention pertains to building control systems which integrate various control
systems and devices of the types described above, such that any one or all of them can
` be commanded to perform various of the tasks or functions for which they were
25 designed, by the selecdon of a single, preprogrammed control mode. Therefore,building control requiring a plurality of control systems and devices c~n be
accomplished automatically by a single selection made by an operator. Specifically,
this invention relates to a security-event based home automation system of the type
described above that includes a plurality of preprogrammed control modes, which
W093/135~7 1, ~ ? ~ 2 - PCr/US92/1126~
h~ave embedded in them certain control commands for controlling control systems and
devices of the types listed, and which are incorporated so as to permit the execution
of the control steps for all of the systems and devices whoæ function, or functions, is
desired in that particular control mode. The invention can be accessed by a user from
5 within the space to be controlled, or remotely through the use of a
telecommunications interface. The control systems may be separately operable,
although not automated, when uæd without being cormected to the principal control
system, or when the principal control system has failed. Addidonally, the control
modes can be preprogrammed into the system by connecting a programming device to10 the system, or remotely via a telecommunications interface.
2. Description of Re1ated Art
Systems currently exist for automadcally controlling a space by integration of
various systems or subsystems related to the space which is to be controlled. These
include automation systems which cover a broad range of control applications from
15 the control of large commercial buildings, such as muld-story office buildings, to the
- c~ol of residential, small commercial and other buildings.
In the case of large commercial buildings, integration is typically
accomplished using n automation system which incorporates a series of
proglammable controllers, such as programmable digital controllers, each of which
can be fle~ubly configured to control a plurality of control systems within the
building, such~as heating, vcn~tilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; lighting
: ~ :
- control systcms; acccss control systems and security systcms. These programmable
controllers can be programmcd or configured, either æparatcly or in groups, using a
prog~g device, and often arc controlled on a continuous basis through the use
25 ~ of a ccntral computcr system, which may have mastcr programming and centralcontrol rcsponsibilities of all the programmable controllers. These progra nmable
conerollers must be configured for ehe speci~lc system or device to be controlled,
before they can be usefully incorporated into the automation system. Automation
syseems for large systems are generally nQt adaptable to application in smaller
212~19 ~ ` `
,~0 93/13507 Pcr/us92/ll262
buildings, such as residential or small commercial buildings, because the cost of
incorporating the functionality into the programmable controllers in order to make
them flexible enough for a variety of configurations, makes these systems too
expensive to be commercially practicable in smaller buildings. Also, the control logic
S and algorithms applicable for large commercial buildings do not typically apply
directly to the HVAC, lighting, security and other systems found in residential, small
commercial and other buildings, because the equipment used in these systems and use
in buildings is quite different than that used in large buildings. Also,-the control of
large commercial buildings tends to be largely time-based, such that the control10 algorithms are activated based on a particular time of the day. In instances where
event-based activation is utilized, the activation can be based on user input from a
central computer station (e.g. configuring an athletic arena in preparation for an
upcoming athletic event). Event-based activation has also been used in response to a
system-sensed condition, such as a fire alarm, where a programmable controller
15 which senses the alarm condition will report the alarm conditdon to the central
computer stadon, and the cen~al computer statdon will execute instructions to the
I ~ remainder of the system based on the nature of the sensed condidon.
I ~ - In the context of residential, small commerchl and other buildings, a
~; multinlde of so called auton~ed control systems and methods have been both
20 suggested in the literature and actually implemented. These "automated" control
systems bave consisted of several general types, including those in which control of
various systems is integrated through the use of a central processor or computer, such
as a commerchlly available personal computer, and those which perform the
egration through a dedicated central control panel. These systems have not been
25 successful in achieving w;~espread consumer acceptance for a number of reasons,
including limited integration of control systems, cost, and the lack of a simple to
operate approach for the non-gadget oriented user.
ln the past, automation systems for controlling a space have often not
integrated enough of the major systems in residential, small commercial or other~:
Wo 93/13507 ~ 1 ~ 6 2 1 9 4 pcr/us92/l1262
buildings, such as HVAC, security, lighting and electrical device control, or
coordinated them in such a limited way as to not provide enough of a user benefit to
justify the cost, added effort, or both, required to operate these systems. One reason
that broader integration has not generally been accomplished is that the va~ious5 systems found in existing homes or small commercial buildings, or available for use
in new homes, are not constructed to be integrated. No common communications
protocol or common hardware interface method exists among the systems of interest.
Therefore, integration of these systems is very difficult, including being both time
consuming and expensive and, in some cases, the various systems are so dissimilar as
10 tQ be nearly impossible to interconnect them such that their control can be integrated.
Various communication protocols and interface methods have been suggested, but
none have found widespread commercial acceptance by all, or even the majority, of
manufacturers which make control products for these applications. In addition, anumber of these communications protocols and interface methods have suggested an15 interface solution at a device or component level, without providing an overall
solution of the type required to integrate systems which inco~porate these devices or
components into a building-wide integrated system.
ln instances where integration of control devices have been implemented, the
resulting systems have been very expensive, and not affordable for the vast majority
20 of consumers, because they do not provide a common communications protocol orhardw interface. ln addition, because no common communications protocol or
hardware interface exists, the highest degree of integration that has been accomplished
has been to have a central control unit execute individual commands for the various
systems which have been integrated, which commands are executed over transmission
25 media speci~c to the device which is receiving the command, and which is not
connected to other devices. In such systems, each integration of an additional device
typically results in a separate development effort to resolve the communication and
interface issues associated with that specific device, because of the lack of a standard
communication protocol and/or hardware interface.
:
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~ 93/13507 pcr/us92/1l262
The fact that truly integrated solutions have been very difficult and costly to
implement, has led to another general category of solutions which consist essentially
of a central control panel. In these systems, a central control panel is provided which
permits a uær to execute, from the panel, at least some of the functions of various
S control systems located within the building~ Usually, not all of the functionality of
the various control systems can be implemented from the central control panel, but
only some subæt of designated functions. In such systems, the user must actuallyperform the integration by ælecting which of the functions of the various systems he
desires to invoke. Each time one of the systems requires a change, an operator must
o separately consider whether changes to other systems should be implemented as well,
and this process must be repeated every time similar is required, which is a very
- limi~l form of integration, and not really automation.
One of the significant problems-in providing a building automation system
which integrates various control systems, is to define a user interface and method of
15 usîng such a control system wbich first provides integrated and automated control
solulions to an operator in a way which accommodates the operator's requirementswith respect to controlling the building~ Secondly, the control solution must fit, as
nalrlg as possible, the opcralor's ~onnal use of the space such that the operator does
not view the system as a scpu le system to be controlled, but rather a system which is
2~ i ..rl~ed~as part of the ~mal activtty or simplîficadon of the nonnal activity to
vmich an o~ is~ed `whën using`the space~ This problem bas associated
with it co~ep~s of "user ~liness", ~wherein it is neces~uy to provide a user
erface whicb can be readily understood and utilized without the need for separate
uaining or the need to ~nbor a làrge amount of operadon related instrucdons.
25 But the problem is also much deqler than that, în d~at the user interface should also fit
- in to normal activîty, or events, ~encountered when utilizing the space. For example,
: ~ ~
consider the implementatîon of such a system in a home ætting. In such a ætting, to
utilize a user interface which is esæntially a central control station, such as a personal
computer, activity is required which may be outside the scope of normal home
,
Wo g3/13507 Pcr/uss2/1l262
~.126219 -6- ~
activity, such as sleeping, waking, eating, entertaining and other typical home
activities, for some homeowners. For instance, in order to invoke control of thevarious systems related to a homeowner's going to bed for the evening, he or shemust first access the central control station and execute the necessary commands to
S invoke the control functions desired for that activity. In such an example, although
' building automation control is provided through the user interface, it may not fit well
with a homeowner's normal activity patterns when utilizing his or her home.
Therefore, while providing a building integration and automation solution, the
! soludon may not be desirable due to a number of drawbacks principally related to the
user interface and control methodo10gy. Such drawbacks can effect an operator's
willingness to use an automation system. Therefore, the selectbn of a user interface,
~ and methodology for using the user interface, is a cridcal aspect of a building
7 automation system. It is important that the user interface and control methodology
~ match well certain usage patterns desired for the space, and that they require that an
¦ ~ 15 operator adopt no, or very minimal, changes in usage patterns to utilize the system.
:
SUMI~LARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a system which provides for automated control of a
space.~ More specifidly, this invention relates to a system for providing automated
c ontrol of various systems and devices typically found in a space, such as a building.
This invenlion may be par~c= applicability to small commercial bui!dings, homes
and similar buildi~gs. Specifically, the~invention provides a principal control system
~- which is capable of automatically integrating the control and/or function of various
~; - ; syslems and de ~ices typically located within a building.
In a plefened embodiment the present invention comprises a security system
- as the principal control system. The security system has the necessary hardware and
;~ software to integrate the control of other control systems, including the security
system, such as those controlling HVAC, lighting and other electrical systems and
;~ devices, such as entertainment related devices, telecommunications, and other systems
~:
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Wo 93/13507 . PCr/USs2/11262
typically located within a building. The security system has a plurality of direct and
bus-based interconnectioDs, for ærial digital communication with the various control
systems and devices which are to be integrated. The bus-based serial communications
comprises a communication protocol, or code, which permits communication to a
S plurality of devices through a single serial interface.
The invention has a processor means for integrating and coordinating control
instructions to the various systems and devices which are connected to the system.
The invention also includes a plurality of preprogrammed instructions located
in a memory means which is connected to the processor means, which instructions
10 define a plurality of control modes which are used to integrate the control of the
security system and the various control systems and devices which are attached to the
system. These modes de~lne the control instructions necessary to accommodate a
plurality of different control conditions for the space which is to be controlled. These
modes are invoked through the normal operadon of the security system. Thus, in the
15~ preferred embodiment, the system could be characterized as being principallysecu~ity~vent based, in that securtty-related events that occur as a result of an
;~ operator's normal udlizadon of the space trigger the control of both the security
system and the other control systems and devices located within the space. Thesep~gr~ instructions can be stored in the memory means by connecdng a
device to the system direcdy and t~ rring progr~ instrucdons into
tbe manory n~ns for storage, or by remote access via a telecommunicadons
::: :
interface, such as a modem.
The security system can be operated via a plurality of input devices, including
,.
' a security panel, or panels locatcd in one or more locations within the home,
25 tebphones locatcd within tbc bome via a voice module, and remotely from a
- - telephone or similar te1ecommunications device also via the voice module.
A principal object of this invention is to provide a system which integrates andautomates the control systems typically found within a building~ A second object of
the invention is to provide an automation system for controlling a space, which can be
L
w093/l3so7 ` 2 1 ~ 6 2 1 9 PCI/US92/11262
- 8 -
utilized by a user as part of the ordinary utilization of the space, such as by utilizing a
security system without in any way comprising the integrity of the security function.
A third object of the invention is to provide an automatian system for
controlling a space, which interconnects a plurality of devices through the^use of a
S single communication protocol and hudware interface.
A fourth object of the invention is to provide an automation system for
controlling a space, which not only integrates the control of the various control
systems and devices which are attached to it, but which is also capable of receiving
information from said systems and devices which can be further utilized by the
10 automation system and/or provided to an operator, in order to permit the operator to
util;ize such information in making decisions about control of the space.
A principal advantage of the preferred embodiment of the invention, is that
3 ~ integration and automation of the control systems and devices located within the space
througb inputs to the securhy system, allow automated co~ltrol to be accomplished
¦ ~ 15 without lequiring that a user perform an addidonal control-related task, or tasks, in
-~ at for spaces which incorporate security systems, the operation of the security
system is part of the normal pattern of activity of an operator in the usage of the
space.
- Other objects, fe and advantages of the invention may be apparent to one
20 of ordiDary skill in~the art, upon examination of the drawings and detailed description
: ~:
~ of the preferred embodiment.
;:
~r~ R.IEF DESCRIPrION OF TNE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system for automating the
,,
25 control of a space, featuring a security system as a principal control system, a
plurality of control systems, and the interconnections between the security system and
:,
the plurality of control systems.
Figure 2 is a block diagram of the security system of Figure 1, illustrating thegeneral location and interrelation of certain principal elements.
: ~ ,
~0 93/13507 ~12 6 2 L 9 PCr/US92/11262
Figure 3a is a more detailed functional block diagram of the security system of
Figure 2.
Figure 3b is a continuation of the functional block diagram of Figure 3a.
Figure 4 is a front v;ew of the home security panel.
S Figure S is a block diagram of a home security panel showing its
interconnection to the control panel.
Figure 6 is a floor plan of a sample houæ using the inventive system.
Figure 7 is a matrix of modes, statuses and points within the house of Figure
6.
Figure 8 is a flow chart of the method of operation of the inventive system.
,
DETAILED DESCRlPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to Figure 1, an automation system 10 for automatically
controlling a space is illustrated. In a preferred embodiment of the invention as
described herein, automation system 10 would be particularly suitable for
- automatically controlling a building, such as a small commercial building, a home, or
a similar building. Automation system 10 comprises a principal control system 12connected to a plurality of control systems 14. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, principal control system 12 is security system 16 electrically connected to
plurality of control systems 14, including lighting system 18 and thermostat 22.- - - - Olher control systems 14 could be electrically connected to security system 16,
including personal computer system 24, low voltage control system 26, entertainment
system 28, printer system 30, and video system 32, as well as any number of other
systems which might be located in or near the building, and including systems which
; - 25 could be remote from the building and interconnected via telecommunications device
34 or other vise. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a control system 14
which cou~ld be remote from security system 16, could include programming system35. The following describes security system 16, pluralily of control devices 14 and
their interconnection.
wo 93/13507 2 1 2 6 ~? 1 9 - lo - PCI/US92/11262
Referring now to Figure 2, security system 16 includes several principal
elements including control panel 36, interconnections 38, one or more home security
panels (HSP) 40, and plurality of control points 84.
Referring now to Figure 3a and 3b, control panel 36 comprises pro-cessor
means 44 and memory means 46 which are interconnected by address line 48 and data
line 49. In a preferred embodiment, processor means 44 comprises a plurality of
separate processors including main processor 50, data bus processor 52 and control
point processor 54, however, processor means could also be implemented in a single
device. In a preferred embodiment, the three processors are all 8-bit microprocessors
or microcontrollers, and are all intercorlnected via address line 48 and data line 49.
Referring now to Figures 1, 2 and 3a, main processor 50 is the principal data
processing device for automadon system 10. It is capable of providing a pluralitv of
output signals, for transmission to the plurality of control systems 14, in response to
the receipl of a plurality of input signals. Input signals can be provided from systems
1S and devices comprising control systems 14, HSP 40, other systems, and devices
capable of providing input signals 60. Main processor 50 is capable of transmitting
to, and receiving signa1s from, other processors, such as data bus processor 52 and
control point processor 54, and other devices.
Refernng now to Figures 2, 3a and 5t data bus processor 52 controls the
communication of informadon between main processor S0 of security system 16 and
control systems 14, such as thermostat system 22, as well as other devices which are
connected to data bus 62, such as HSP 40. The exchange of information between
data bus processor 52, control systems 14, and devices such as HSP 40,including HSP
processor 41 is accomplished ~uough the use of an encoded (48-8B) data stream
utilizing a code, and a me~od of receiving and transmitting ~e code described in ~e
co-pending application, "A DC Balanced 4B/8B Bina~y Block Code for Digital
Communications", filed herewith, by D. Myers, which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
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O93/13507 - 11 - pcr/us92/1l262
Control point processor 54 is capable of receiving a plurality of inputs from
control points 84, and transmitting the input information to main processor 50 via
address line 48 and data line 49.
As described herein, in addition to processor means 44, control panel 36 also
comprises memory means 46. In a preferred embodiment, memory means 46
comprises a combination including Electrically Prograsmmsable Read Only Memory
(EPROM) 64, Random Access Memory (RAM) 66 and Electrically Erasable
Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) 68. Particularly, memory means 46
is capable of storing a preprograsmmed set of instructions 70 relating to a æt of
control conditions or modes desired within the building, and providing theæ
instructions to main processor 50 via address line 48 and data line 49 in response to a
request made by an operator.
Reterring now to Figures 2 and 3a, having described the elements of control
panel 36, automation system 10 also comprises plurality of interconnections 38 to
lS provide for the connection of plincipal control system 12 and plurality of control
` systems 14. In a preferred embodiment, this arrangement comprises security system
~ 16 interconnected with control systems 14, such as lighting system 18, voice access
f system 20 and thermostat 22, via lighting interconnection 74, voice access
interconnection 76 bus interconnection 78, respectively. In a preferred embodiment,
20 ~ese interconnections are all accomplished via digital data interfaces.
-- Referring now to Figure 3a, lighting interconnection 74 is accomplished via adirect RS232 serial inteRace to main processor 50. Voice access interconnection 76
to main processor 50 is accomplished via address line 48 and data line 49, and
thermostat interconnection is accomplished via a data bus using an RS485 serial
25 interface to data bus processor 52, which is in turn connected via a serial interface to
main processor 50.
Refernng now to Figure 4, security system 16 also comprises HSP 40, which
is now further described. HSP 40 is a man-machine interface (MMI). In a preferred
embodiment, the MMI comprises a touch key-pad 80 and a display 82, such as a
WOs3/13so7 æ1~62i9` -12- Pcr/uss2/ll262
liquid crystal display. Display 82 is capable of identifying for an operator theavailable choices with respect to control of the automation system 10, as well as
displaying certain indications of system status, such as time, date, temperature, and
current mode 82. In one embodiment, touch key-pad 80 has, on the key-pad, a
S combination of numeric keys, arrow symbol keys and word keys to facilitate operator
selections, as discussed further herein, and as shown in Figure 4.
Referring now to Pigure 2, security system 16 also comprises control points
84. Control points 84 include two types of security points, RF points 86 and
hardwire points 88. These control points are of a type well known in the art, such as
10 those utilized in any one of the System 6000 æries æcurity systems manufactured and
sold by Honeywell Inc., such as model 6400, and are interconnected to control panel
~; 36 through control point processor 54, using interconnection methods and materials
known to thoæ of ordinary skill in the art. Tbe exact number of RF points 86 andbardwire points 88 is a function of the capabilities of control point processor 54.
15 Various adapters are known to tbose of ordinary skill in tbe art wbicb can be utilized
to expand tbe rwmber of con~rol points 84 wbich can be attached to control pointprocessor 54. Control point processor 54 is capable of monitoring and exercisingcontrol over individual control points 84, and providing infonnation about any
indhidual control point 84 to main processor 50. Tberefore, this information is
20 available to securiq system 16, and particularb so tbat modes can def~ desired
states of control, sucb as armed, disa~med and on-watch, as furtber described berein,
., ~ .
for elther individual control points, or groups of control points, depending on the
requirements of the particular mode.
- ` Automadon system 10 comprises principal control system 12 and a plurality of.,
2S control systems 14. In a prefe~ed embodiment, automation system 10 comprises
;~ security system 16, the elements of which are described herein, and control systems
14, including lighting system 18, voice access system 20, thermostat system 22, and
programmer system 35, and may also include individual devices such as
telecommunication device 34, which are further discussed below.
~NO 93/13507 21 2 6 ~ 19 p(~/uss2/11262
Lighting system 18 is a commercially available system sold by X-10
Powerhouse, as Model No. CP290, and is of a type known to those of ordinary skill
in the art. Lighting system 18 uses powerline carrier based signal to automatically
switch power on or off to control modules, which can be used in conjunction with5 lights and other electrical appliances and devices. Its use is not limited to lighting
devices ody. For instance, lighting system 18 could be used to control appliances
such as a coffee maker, electric heater, or other devices which can be operated by
on/off switching of AC power. Lighting system 18 is connected to security system16, using lighting interconnection 74, and is capable of receiving a control signal
~ ~ 10 from security system 16. In a preferred embodiment, lighting system 18 is capable of
'~ operation independently of security system 16, in the event that security system 16
ceases to provide control signals æ described above.
Voice access system 20 is shown and described in Figures 1 and 2. Voice
access system 20 incorporates speech synthesizer 90. Speech synthesizer 90 is
15 combinod ~,vith components known to those of ordinary skill in the art to produce a
system which allows n operator to operate security system 16 remotely through the
use of telecommunications device 34, such as a touch tone telephone 34. Voice
access system 20 allows an operator to operate a security system 16 remotely, byselecting the same modes that are available to the operator through HSP 40. Touch
- 20 tone~telephone 34 can be a telephone located in the space to be controlled, such as one
-` mo`re" of tou~i tone telephones locàted in a building, or, touch tone telephone 34
' ~mày be rémote from the space which is to be controlled, such as a cellular telephone
or~telephone located in another building. Voice access module 20 also allows an
oper~uor to raxive certain informadon from various control systems 14 which are
25 - adapted to communicate informadon concerning ~eir status. Voice access system 20
<
also inco~s securiq features which require that an operator enter certain
; passcodes before being able to effect changes to security system 16. ln particular,
passcode entry is required whenever the level of security is to be reduced. Voice
access system 20 also incorporates a voice-based menu scheme wherein voice access
~ .
.
,
Wo 93~13S07 ' 21 2 6 2 I 9 pcr/uss2/11262
- 14-
system 20 describes tO an operator the various ælections which are available, and
provides the operator directions as to how to make a particular selection of choice. In
a preferred embodiment, control may be exerciæd through voice access system 20
over various elements of an automation system 10, such as security system 16,
lighting system 18, and thennostat system 22. Voice access system 20 is connected to
security system 16 as described herein, via voice access interconnection 76.
Thermostat system 22 comprises a thermostat of the type described in U.S.
Patent 4,606,401 to Levine, et al., and U.S. Patent 4,469,274 to Levine, et al.,which are hereby incorporated by reference. Thermostat system 22 comprises a
- 10 communicating thermostat, such as is described in the following copending
applications: "Communicating Thermostat" (U.S. Serial No. 07/811,503) by Ratz, et
al., of even filing date herewith; and "Communicating Thermostat~ ~U.S. Serial No.
07/811,765) b~ Ratz, et al., of even filing date herewith; and "Electronic Time
¦~ Thermostat with a Tempoary Next Period Adjustment Means" (U.S. Serial No.
¦ ~ 15 07/811,501), of even filing date herewith. Thermostat system 22 is capable of
~eiving control signals ftom security system 16, such that the features which are
:. .
available to an opeator from thermostat system 22, such as the availability to def~e
certain set-back and set-up times and temperatures. Thermostat system 22 is alsocapable of being interrupted by security system 16 to define a NOW and NEXT timeand temperature, such tbat the control of security system 16 may allow an operator to,
upon invoca~n of certain modes, define a current control temperature which
J ` - ' ~' co~Tesponds to nNOW"-and a future control time and temperature which correspond
to "NEXT". Tbermostat system 22 is also capable of transmitting status information
-`- to security system 16 regarding the status of the control conditions of thermostat
- 25 - system 22, comprising current setpoints, current time settings and other parameters
~ ~ ~ having to do with the schedule related to certain programmed set-back/set-up
¦ ~ schedules. Thermostat system 22 is connected to security system 16 via bus
interconnection 78.
WO 93/13507 . , ~ . ~ .. . PCI~/US92/11262
- 15-
2~6C) ~
Referring now to Figures 1, 2, 3a and 3b, programmer system 35 may be
utilized to define modes for security system 16, by programming instructions related
to the control of security system 16 and various of control systems 14, into memory
means 46. Programmer system comprises a computer, such as a computer which is
5 capable of executing Disk Operating System (DOS) such as are known to those ofordinary skill in the art, and a program for defining a particular mode. The program
converts certain menu options related to contro1 conditions of the various elements of
automation system 10 to define a particular mode. A plurality of modes can be
defined by the program and can be transferred to memory means 46 using a single
~0 step, or series of steps.
Having described security system 16 and control systems 14, including
lighting control system 18, voice access system 20, thermostat system 22 and
programmer system 35, the functions of these systems together is further describ~d
hereinbelow.
Prior to utilization of security system 16, security system 16 must have
prepmglammod instructions 70 defining the control instmctions necessary to operate
security~ system 16 and control systems 14, stored in memoly means 46. These
preprogr~mmed instructions 70 define certain modes as described herein. This can be
accomplished by con~ing pmgrammer system 35 to security system 16 via a
-modtm, or by con~cdng pro~ammer system 36 directly to security system 16
tbmttgh a se~ial digital interface, such as an RS232 -serial interface. Once
pmg~ r sys em 35 has been connected to security system 16, preprogrammed
instructions 70 can be stored in memory means 46. Once this has been accomplished,
security sysiem 16 is available for use by an operator.
2S In order to operate security system 16, an operator must make a selection of a
mode.l This can be accomplishod in one of several ways. Pirst, selection of a mode
~; can be accomplished by utilizing HSP 40. Secondly, a touchtone telephone 92
located within the building can be utilized. Also, a touch-tone telephone 92 located
outside of the space to be controlled can be used~
:
WOg3/13507 ~ 1 ? ~; 2 1 9 - 16 - Pcr/uss2/ll262
Referring now to Figure 7, once a mode has been selected, main processor 50
will retrieve preprogrammed instruction 70 from memory means 46, corresponding to
the selected mode. Then main processor 50 will execute prep~ogrammed instructions
and provide control signals to control systems 14, for which preprogrammed
instructions 70 have been designated to provide a function in the mode ælected.
During the selection process, preprogrammed instructions 70 may also require
passcode entry from touch-key pad 80 in order to ensure that an operator has
; sufficient authority to implement the mode selected.
Once a mode has been ælected and control signals have been provided to
security system 16 and effected control systems 14, the systems perform their control
functions until a different mode is selected by an operator. This method of operation
centers utilization of automation system 10 on certain security-based events. It is
important to note, however, that control systems 14 may also incorporate time-based
programming. For example, lighting system 18 may have certain time-based programinstructions, such that while lights may be turned on or off intially upon execution of
¦~ ~ a mode, subsequent plognmming instructions within lighting system 18 may direct
subsequent changes to the on/off condition of lights affected at the outset of this
mode, or other lights or app1iances which are capable of being controlled by lighting
system 18. Similarly, thermostat system 22 may exercise time-based program events
~ 20 such as set-back of the tempcrature or set-up of the temperature based on local
- ~ -program instructions~after a particular mode has been initiated. Further discussion
regarding the implementation of modes is set forth hereinbelow
When programmer system 35 accesses system 16 remotely via modem 100
shown in Figure 3b, it is first necessaly to ensure that the call into modem 100 is
~ 25 ~ from programmer 35. In order to ensure this fact, security system 16 incorporates a
-~ ~ methodo!ogy known as the Npizza" principle, wherein when system 16 receives a
telephone call, system 16 does not allow direct access to the calling device. Rather,
security system 16 has resident in memory means 46, a preprogrammed instruction
corresponding to a call-back telephone number. Upon receipt of a call by modem
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100, security system 16, places a call through modem 100 using the telephone number
which has been preprogrammed into memory means 46. In this way, it can be
ensured that access for the purpose of programming security system 16 can only come
from authorized locations. - -
This presents a problem, however, during the initial programming of memory
means 46, as described herein, because one of the items of information that must be
programmed in is the preprogrammed instruction 70 related to the call-back telephone
number. Therefore, initial programming would not normally be possible from a
remote location. However, security system 16 also inco~porates in memory means
46, an authorization code related to the ca11-back feature. The code has associated
with it a set of preprogrammed instructions 70, which instruct security system 16 to
accept telephone calls from remote devices for a predetermined time period, such as
fifteen minutes. Therefore, ~y éntering a predefined passcode at HSP 40, an operator
can cause main processor 50 to retrieve preprogrammed instructions 70 from memory
mams 46, directing that surhy system 16 disable its normal security provisions as
described above, and accept a telephone call through modem 100 directly, withoutrequiring tbat securiq system 16 do a call-back to inidate communication.
¦ Re~ning now to Figure 6, there shown is a sample building incorporating a
home aut~ation system of the present invention. House 1000 is made up of rooms
1001,~1002 and 1003. House 1000 also has four doors 1015a through 1015d, and
three windows, iO20a through~ 1020c. Associated with each door and window is a
sensor 1025~for monitoring the position of the door or window. Also included in the
house are thelmostats 1035a and through 1035c, home security panels (HSP) 1030a
- ~ and 103Qb, securi~ ala~ ntrol panel 1031 and lights 1040a through 1040j. House
1000 also has a swimmillg pool 1100. Lastly, iron 1050 is connected to relay outlet
1055, which is con~rolled by control panel 1031.
Controlpanel1031,asdescribedbefore,controlsthehomesecurity,lighting,
appliance and thermostat controls, although the lighting control system and the
thermostat control system can operate independently of control panel 1031. Changes
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to operation of the thermostat, lighting, appliance and security system can be effected
through entries into security panels 1030a and 1030b. Prestored modes of operation
for all of the systems can be entered at the home security panels.
Referring now to Figure 8, there shown as a plurality of possible modes for
S the controlling of the lighting, security and thermostat systems in House 1000. The
various modes are titled, LEAVE, WAKE, POOL PARTY, WORK, SLEEP, PLAY,
RETURN and OPEN. Note that in the matrix of Figure 8, an X indicates an armed
security point, a P indicates program control of a particular light or thermostat, O
indicates that a particular point is off, a blank space indicates that the point is
unchanged over its previous condition, Y indicates that a point is turned on, and OW
indicates that a point is on watch. A point that is on watch still provides an alarm
indication to the control panel. However, the control panel merely provides an
indication of the point opening within the building rather than sending an alarmindication to, for exampb, the police.
In the LEAVE mode, all access point sensors are armed, while lights 1, 2, 3,
7 and 8 are put into program mode, as are thermostats 1, 2 and 3. Program mode
indicates that a point is not only being controlled by an event, but also by time.
There are a number of programs available for use with a particular point. One
~- ~ program may wait until a predetermined time is reached according to a clock and
` tben initiate some action. Another program may have a point in an on condition for a
rodelelmined time after a mode has been entered, and then turn off. ~Yet another. ~ .
program~ may insure that a point is off regardless of the previous status of the point.
ln the case of lights 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8, each light may be individually programmed to
turn OD or off at a particular time~ The operator may enter a mode at the security
` ~ 25 panel. T~reafter the control panel will send the program to the individual systems~
The individual systems then compare the clock time to the program times, and turn
the lights OD at the times entered by the user. This process is the same for thethermostat, lighting control and appliance control systems as well.
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WO 93i13507 ~ Pcr/uss2/ll262
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The iron 1050 may be turned off ~y controlling the relay in relay outlet 1055
thus insuring that the iron is not left on after the occupant departs.
Thermostat program causes the thermostat to go to a user selected setpoint
when a particular mode is entered. Thermostat setpoint for the LEAVE mode may beS different from the thermostat setpoint for the WAKE mode. The security panel may
request from the operator a return time so that the thermostat setpoint can be adjusted
to the anticipated return time of an occupant.
ln the WAKE mode, windows 1, 2, and 3 remain armed while doors 1, 2, 3
and 4 are disarmed. Lights 1, 2, 6, 8, 9 and 10 are turned off, while lights 3, 4, 5
10 and 7 are turned on. Again, thermostats 1, 2 and 3 may be set to preprogrammed
setpoints. Note that the status of doors 1, 2, 3 and 4 has not changed over the
~; previous period.
The mode entitled POOL PARTY may be useful where the owner of House
1000 desires to have a party around the swimming pool. In this instance, all windows
15 remain armed, as do doors 2 and 3. However, doors 1 and 4 are placed on watch to
`: ~
` allow access to the pool tl~rough the house, while providing only local indication of
the opening of the point. Lights 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 10 are forced on, and providing
lighting to and~ at the swinuni~g pool. Note that lights 2 and 4 remain in the same
~ .
sta~s that they were in prior to entry of the mode POOL PARTY, so that other
20 occup~ras of the house are u~aed by a change in the mode. Lights 6 and 8 are
forced-offto indicate that`no one should enter room 1003. In addition, tbe thermostat
"- seq~ are o~nged, beause it rnay remain desirabb to keep the already-reached
setpoint.
The mode entitled WOR~C arms all access points, and programs lights 1 and 3
25 to turn on at a preselected time. This allows the house to appear occupied even
~- though ~e owner of House 1000 may not have yet arrived back at home. Lights 2, 4,
5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are forced off to save energy. Thermostats 1, 2 and 3 may enter
a programmed setback mode in which temperature during the heating season is
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WO 93il3510i ~ 21 2 6 21 9 - 20 - pcr/us92/1l262
reduced over when the building is occupied and, during the cooling season, increased
over when the building is occupied.
The mode entitled S- l~FR arms all access points and turns off all lights. In
addition, thermostats 1, 2 and 3 have their setpoints modified to a lower temperature
5 during the heating season, and a higher temperature during the cooling season.The mode endtled PLAY could be used, for example, when children are to
play in room 1002, but the parents wants to ensure that there is no playing near the
swimming pool. Door 4 remains in an on watch status. This way, a local indication
of the change in point status occurs. In addition, no changes in light status or10 thermostat status occur in this mode.
The mode entitled RErURN arms doors 1, 2, 3 and 4 while modifying the
thermostat setpoint. This could be used, for example, where a LEAVE mode was
entered prior to leaving the house and the occupant has returned thereafter. Thewindows remain unarmed in case the owner wants to open the windows for
lS ventilalion. Thermostat setpoints of thermostats 1, 2 and 3 can be adjusted using the
p~nst for occupant comfort.
Iastly, the mode entitled OPEN a!lows access through any access point, while
leaving the remainder of the system unaffected.
Figure 9 is a flowchart of the prooess used in the oentral control panel to effect
20 cbanges when a mode has been en~ed at one of the ùser operator panels. After
ald~g ~at~block 12Q5j decision block 1210 asks the questiion whether the mode has
en changed at the operator panel. If not, ~e contlol panel returns to block 1210and waits for a mode change.
If the mode has changed, another decision block, 1215, is reacbed. At
25 decision block 1215, the proccss asks whether a reduction in security is occurring. A
,
~duction in security for tbis process is defined as a point cbanging status from armed
~:,
to on watch, armed to unarmed or on watch to unarmed. If the level of security is
decreaæd, the process requires entry of a valid passcode before the process allows the
changes, as noted in decision block 1216. If no valid passcode is entered, the process
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~WOg3~13S07 ~ 1 2 ~ ~ 1 9 PCr/USg2/11262
returns to block 1210. If a valid passcode is entered, the process moves to block
1220. If no decrease in security occurs, the process goes directly from block 1215 to
block 1220.
At decision block 1220, the control panel asks whether the lighting-system
S requires any changes based on the mode entered. If the answer is yes, block 122S
indicates that the control panel makes the required changes for the selected mode and
returns to the process at block 1230. If no lighting system changes are required, then
the process continues on to block 1230 unimpeded.
At block 1230, the control panel determines whether the mode entered requires
10 any thermostat changes. lf thennostat changes are required, they are initiated at block
123S. Note that this may mean that a program is initiated which causes a temperature
change to the initial mode change, coupled with a later temperature change in
anticipation of reoccupancy of the house. The process then returns to decision block
1240. If no thermostat cbanges are required, the process moves on to decision block
15 1240 unimpeded.
¦;~ At block 1240 the coDtrol panel asks wbether security system changes are
required. If the answer is yes, the control panel makes the required changes at block
1245. If the answer ls no, then the process Dturns to block 1215, delays for a
predetermined time, and starts again.
The foregoing has been a description of a novel and nonobvious system for
: ::
au~nating the control of a space. Tbe inventors do not intend for this description to
be limiting, but instead describe their invention through the following claims.
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