Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
HINGE SENSOR FOR BARRIER
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] This paragraph is intentionally blank.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Advancements
in media delivery systems and media-related technologies
continue to increase at a rapid pace. Increasing demand for media has
influenced the
advances made to media-related technologies. Computer systems have
increasingly become
an integral part of the media-related technologies. Computer systems may be
used to carry
out several media-related functions. The wide-spread access to media has been
accelerated
by the increased use of computer networks, including the Internet and cloud
networking.
[0003] Many
homes and businesses use one or more computer networks to
generate, deliver, and receive data and information between the various
computers connected
to computer networks. Users of computer technologies continue to demand
increased access
to information and an increase in the efficiency of these technologies.
Improving the
efficiency of computer technologies is desirable to those who use and rely on
computers.
[0004] With
the wide-spread use of computers and mobile devices has come an
increased presence of home/business automation and security products.
Advancements in
mobile devices allow users to monitor and/or control an aspect of a home or
business. As
automation and security products expand to encompass other systems and
functionality in the
home and/or businesses, opportunities exist for more accurately monitoring a
property and
providing functionality in response.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0005]
Methods and systems are described for determining a direction of
movement through an opening such as a doorway. The direction of movement
information
may indicate whether a person or other object is moving into or out of an area
such as a room
or building (also referred to as ingress and egress). In the context of an
automation and/or
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security system, determining that a person has left the room or building may
prompt certain
automated functions such as turning off lighting, controlling a thermostat
setting, operating
an appliance, sounding an alarm, generating a notice, or arming a security
feature. The
systems and method disclosed herein may utilize motion detection data from one
or more
motion sensors in combination with door operation data from one or more hinge
sensors. The
hinge sensor may detect movement of a barrier that controls access through the
opening (e.g.,
movement of a door from a closed position to an open position). The motion
sensor may
determine movement on one or both sides of the barrier. The timing between
when the
motion is detected and when the door movement is detected may be used to
determine a
direction of movement of a person through the opening.
100061
According to at least one embodiment, a method for determining a
direction of passage through an opening that is controlled by a barrier is
disclosed. The
method includes detecting with a hinge sensor a closed position for the
barrier, the hinge
sensor being mounted to a hinge of the barrier, determining with the hinge
sensor when the
barrier changes position from the closed position to an open position,
detecting with at least
one motion sensor motion of an object in proximity to the opening, and
determining a
direction of movement of the object through the opening based on whether the
motion is
detected before or after detecting the change in position of the barrier.
100071
In one example, the method may further include wirelessly transmitting
data concerning the direction of movement of the object through the opening.
The hinge
sensor may include a rotatable portion and a fixed portion, and the method may
further
include fixing a position of the fixed portion relative to the hinge, and
rotatably mounting the
rotatable portion to the fixed portion, wherein the rotatable portion is
arranged in contact with
and movable by the barrier. The hinge sensor may include the at least one
motion sensor.
The at least one motion sensor may be mounted to the barrier. The at least one
motion sensor
may be mounted to a wall or door frame adjacent to the opening. The at least
one motion
sensor may include a first motion sensor positioned on an exit side of the
opening and a
second motion sensor positioned on an entry side of the opening. The method
may further
include determining with the hinge sensor a movement of the barrier between
one open
position and another open position. The method may include determining with
the hinge
sensor a direction of movement of the barrier from the closed position toward
the open
position, or from the open position toward the closed position. Determining a
direction of
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movement of the object through the opening may include determining that the
object passes
through the opening in a first direction when motion is detected prior to
detecting movement
of the barrier, and determining that the object passes through the opening in
a second
direction when motion is detected after detecting movement of the barrier.
100081 Another
embodiment is directed to a sensor assembly for use with a
barrier. The sensor assembly includes a hinge sensor mounted to a hinge of the
barrier and
operable to determine movement of the barrier, and at least one motion sensor
operable to
detect motion of an object in proximity to an opening controlled by the
barrier. The sensor
assembly is operable to determine a direction the object passes through the
opening based on
when the motion is detected relative to when movement of the barrier is
detected.
100091
In one example, the hinge sensor may be mounted to a hinge pin of the
hinge. The hinge sensor may include a first portion that maintains a fixed
position relative to
the barrier and a second portion that moves relative to the barrier, and the
hinge sensor may
determine movement of the barrier based on at least one of a relative position
between the
first and second portions and a change in position of the second portion. The
sensor
assembly may include a wireless transmitter configured to transmit data
concerning the
determined direction of movement of the object through the opening. The at
least one motion
sensor may be mounted to the hinge. The at least one motion sensor may include
a plurality
of motion sensors configured to be arranged at different locations relative to
the opening.
100101 A further
embodiment relates to a direction of movement detecting
assembly. The assembly includes a hinge sensor mounted to a hinge of a barrier
that is
operable to detect movement of the barrier relative to an opening, at least
one motion sensor
operable to detect motion of an object through or adjacent to the opening, and
a controller
that receives barrier movement data from the hinge sensor and motion data from
the at least
one motion sensor and determines a direction of motion of the object through
the barrier
based at least in part on when the motion is detected relative to when
movement of the barrier
is detected.
100111
In one example, the controller may be located remotely from the hinge
sensor and at least one motion sensor, and the assembly further includes a
transceiver
operable to wirelessly transmit the barrier movement data and the motion data
to the
controller. The hinge sensor may include a fixed portion and a moveable
portion, and
movement of the moveable portion relative to the fixed portion may indicate
movement of
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the barrier relative to the opening. The at least one motion sensor may
include a passive
infrared sensor.
[0012]
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical
advantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that the detailed
description that
follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be
described
hereinafter. The conception and specific examples disclosed may be readily
utilized as a
basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same
purposes of the
present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the
spirit and scope of
the appended claims. Features which are believed to be characteristic of the
concepts
disclosed herein, both as to their organization and method of operation,
together with
associated advantages will be better understood from the following description
when
considered in connection with the accompanying figures. Each of the figures is
provided for
the purpose of illustration and description only, and not as a definition of
the limits of the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] A
further understanding of the nature and advantages of the embodiments
may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended
figures, similar
components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various
components of
the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash
and a second
label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first
reference label is
used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the
similar components
having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference
label.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is perspective view of a door assembly having a door and a hinge
assembly in which the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a
top view of the door assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the door in
a closed position;
[0016]
FIG. 3 is a top view of the door assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the door in
an open position;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the hinge assembly shown in
FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 5 is
an exploded perspective view of the hinge assembly shown in
FIG. 1;
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[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a door assembly having a
door and a hinge
assembly in which the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a top view of the door assembly shown in FIG. 6
with the door in
a closed position;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a top view of the door assembly shown in FIG. 6 with the
door in
an open position;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the hinge assembly shown in
FIG. 6;
[0023] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge
assembly shown in
FIG. 6;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a top view of the door assembly shown in FIG. 1 in a
closed
position, and the door assembly including a plurality of motion sensors;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a top view of the door assembly shown in FIG. 11
with the door
in an open position;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an environment in which the
present systems
and methods may be implemented;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of another environment in which
the present
systems and methods may be implemented;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of another environment in which
the present
systems and methods may be implemented;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a sensor module;
[0030] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram showing steps of an example method
in
accordance with the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a flow diagram showing steps of another example
method in
accordance with the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram showing steps of another example method in
accordance with the present disclosure; and
[0033] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a computer system suitable for
implementing
the systems and methods of FIGS. 1-19.
[0034] While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to
various
modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by
way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the
exemplary
embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular
forms disclosed.
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Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling
within the scope of the appended claims.
BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
100351 The systems
and methods described herein relate to home automation and
home security, and related security systems and automation for use in
commercial and
business settings. As used herein, the phrase "home automation system" may
refer to a
system that includes automation features alone, security features alone, a
combination of
automation and security features, or a combination of automation, security and
other features.
While the phrase "home automation system" is used throughout to describe a
system or
components of a system or environment in which aspects of the present
disclosure are
described, such an automation system and its related features (whether
automation and/or
security features) may be generally applicable to other properties such as
businesses and
commercial properties as well as systems that are used in indoor and outdoor
settings.
[0036] The systems
and methods described herein relate generally to monitoring
operation and/or movement of a barrier, such as a door or window. Among other
functions,
home automation systems typically monitor and control access through barriers
such as doors
and windows. There are number of challenges related to determining if
operation of or entry
through a barrier is authorized. Data related to operation of a barrier may be
used for a
variety of purposes. For example, determining whether operation of or entry
through a
barrier is authorized may influence whether 1) an alarm is avoided when an
authorized person
operates or passes through a barrier, or 2) an alarm is properly generated
when an
unauthorized person operates or passes through the barrier.
100371
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to systems, methods and
related devices for determining whether a door, window or other barrier is
operated, such as
when a person enters or exists a building. One or more sensors may be used to
determine
such access. For example, one or more hinge sensors may be mounted to a hinge
of the
barrier. The hinge sensors may determine movement of the barrier (e.g.,
movement from a
closed position to an open position, or movement from one open position to
another open
position). The hinge sensors may include, for example, a potentiometer, an
electrostatic
sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, or a magnetic sensor.
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[0038]
Additionally, another sensor, such as a motion sensor, may be used to
confirm that the barrier is moved and/or that an object, such as a person, has
moved through
the opening (e.g., doorway) associated with the barrier. The additional sensor
may be
positioned at a location spaced apart from the hinge sensor (e.g., at location
remote from the
hinge sensor but within a room to which the barrier provides access).
Additionally, or
alternatively, the additional sensor is carried in the same housing as the
hinge sensor. The
additional sensor may be a different type of sensor than the type of sensor
used for the hinge
sensor.
[0039]
The hinge sensor may be integrated into a single housing. The hinge
sensor may be mounted directly to a hinge of the barrier, such as to a hinge
pin of the hinge.
A portion of the hinge sensor may contact the barrier prior to and/or during
opening of the
barrier. The hinge sensor may include a transmitter and/or a transceiver that
wirelessly
communicates with a monitoring system, such as a home automation system.
[0040]
The ability to determine whether the barrier is open or closed and/or
whether a person or object passes through a barrier may be one of many factors
used to
determine use of a building (whether authorized or unauthorized) and/or a
pattern of behavior
for at least some users of the building. The opening and/or closing function
may be
associated with a particular person. For example, a person may carry a device
that identifies
who he/she is (e.g., authentication), and associates the barrier opening with
that person. The
device may be a cell phone, fob, or other device that is programmable with
user identification
information. Information about the barrier opening event may be communicated
to a home
automation system for use in determining patterns of behavior, as well as
predict activities
associated with the building that may occur in the future. Further,
information about the
barrier opening may be used to control, for example, whether a handle of the
barrier remains
locked or is automatically unlocked. The automated control of the barrier may
be overridden
based on various factors such as, for example, the person operating the
barrier, the time of
day, or the type of barrier.
[0041]
As mentioned above, another aspect of the present disclosure relates to use
of motion detection in proximity to a barrier and the associated opening
controlled by the
barrier, may be used in conjunction with operation of the door to determine a
direction of
movement of a person through the opening. For example, detecting motion on one
side of the
barrier followed by detected movement of the barrier by the hinge sensor may
indicate that
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the person is passing through the opening in a first direction. Detecting
motion on the same
side of the barrier after detecting movement of the barrier by the hinge
sensor may indicate
that the person is passing through the opening in a second, opposite
direction.
[0042]
FIGS. 1-3 show a door assembly 100 having a door 105, and a hinge
assembly 110. Referring first to FIG. 1, the door 105 includes inside and
outside surfaces
115, 120, and an end surface 125. Hinge assembly 110 includes a hinge 130 and
a hinge
sensor 135. The hinge assembly 110 is mounted to the door 105 with the hinge
130 mounted
directly to door 105 and hinge sensor 135 mounted to hinge 130.
[0043]
Hinge 130 includes first and second hinge plates 140, 145 that are
connected to each other with a hinge pin 150. The first and second hinge
plates 140, 145
pivot or rotate relative to each other about the hinge pin 150. The first
hinge plate 140 is
connected directly to door 105 (e.g., to end surface 125). The second hinge
plate 145 is
mounted to a support structure such as a door frame 205 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0044]
Hinge sensor 135 includes a mounting bracket 155, a housing 160, and a
movable member 165. Mounting bracket 155 connects hinge sensor 135 to hinge
130.
Mounting bracket 155 may extend from housing 160. Mounting bracket 155 may
include an
aperture or opening through which hinge pin 150 extends so that a portion of
mounting
bracket 155 is captured between a head portion of hinge pin 150 and a surface
of one of first
and second hinge plates 140, 145 (see FIG. 1).
[0045] Housing 160
may be interposed between mounting bracket 155 and
movable member 165. Housing 160 may include a hollow interior (not shown)
configured to
house at least one power supply such as a battery. Housing 160 may also be
configured to
house other components such as, for example, a sensor, a transceiver, a
magnet, a processor,
memory, or the like. Housing 160 and mounting bracket 155 may maintain a fixed
position
relative to each other and to hinge 130.
[0046]
Housing 160 may have any desired shape and size. In one example,
housing 160 has a generally cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section,
as shown in FIGS.
1-3. Housing 160 may include a mounting structure such as a low friction
surface, an axle, a
recess, or other feature sized and arranged for interfacing with movable
member 165.
[0047] Movable
member 165 may extend from at least one of mounting bracket
155 and housing 160. Movable member 165 may be movable relative to housing
160. In at
least one example, movable member 165 rotates about a longitudinal axis of
hinge pin 150.
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Relative movement between movable member 165 and housing 160 may be detected
and
measured as part of determining an open state and/or an open position of door
105. Data
from hinge sensor 135 may be translated wirelessly to a remotely located
controller. The
controller may be part of, for example, a home automation system.
[0048] Referring
to FIG. 2, door assembly 100 is shown with door 105 in a closed
position relative to door frame 205. Door frame 205 includes an inner surface
210, an outer
surface 230, and an inside surface 215. First hinge plate 140 is mounted to
end surface 125
of door 105. Second hinge plate 145 is mounted to inside surface 215 of door
frame 205.
Movable member 165 is arranged in contact with inner surface 210 of door frame
205. In
other arrangements, movable member 165 may be arranged in contact with inside
surface 115
of door 105 rather than a surface of door frame 205.
[0049]
As door 105 is moved from a closed position shown in FIG. 2 to the open
position shown in FIG. 3, the movable member 165 rotates relative to housing
160. The
relative movement between movable member 165 and housing 160 and/or the
absolute
position of movable member 165 relative to another feature of hinge assembly
110 (e.g., first
hinge plate 140, mounting bracket 155, a magnet or other reference feature
mounted to, for
example, housing 160) may be measured by a sensor feature of hinge sensor 135.
Hinge
sensor 135 may determine an angular position of movable member 165 by a change
in
angular position, a distance of separation, or a change in separation distance
between
movable member 165 and other features of hinge assembly 110. The measured
values
corresponding to a position of movable member 165 may be converted into
information
related to a position of door 105 relative to door frame 205 (i.e., an open or
closed position,
or a rotated position of the door in any of an infinite number of open
positions).
[0050]
FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the hinge assembly 110 in further detail. FIG. 4
shows a sensor 405 included with the movable member 165. Alternatively, sensor
405 may
be mounted to housing 160. Sensor 405 may include any of a number of sensors
including,
for example, a passive or active infrared (IR) sensor, a potentiometer, or
other type of
positioning sensor. In one embodiment, sensor 405 may include a motion sensor.
Sensor 405
may be configured to determine relative motion between any of door 105, hinge
assembly
110, and door frame 205. Sensor 405 may be operable to detect motion in one or
more living
spaced associated with door assembly 100, such as motion in or around door
105. In some
embodiments, multiple sensors 405 may be included with hinge assembly 110,
wherein at
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least one of the sensors 405 is a motion sensor configured to detect motion in
or close
proximity to door 105 and/or a room or other living space for which door 105
control access.
[0051]
FIG. 4 also shows a transceiver 410 associated with housing 160.
Alternatively, transceiver 410 may be mounted to movable member 165.
Transceiver 410
may provide wireless communication with a remote source such as, for example,
a controller
of a home automation system. In some arrangements, transceiver 410 may be
configured as a
transmitter only, while in other arrangements transceiver 410 may be capable
of both
transmitting and receiving data wirelessly. Two-way communications with hinge
assembly
110 may have advantages in some scenarios such as, for example, providing
software
updates, confirming functionality, or running maintenance testing from a
remote location.
[0052]
FIG. 5 shows a battery 505 that is received in housing 160. Battery 505
may provide power for operation of sensor 405, transceiver 410, and other
electronic
components of hinge sensor 135.
[0053]
Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, door assembly 100 may further include
one or more motion sensors 220. Motion sensor 220 may provide an independent
determination of movement separately from operation of hinge sensor 135. For
example,
motion sensor 220 may be positioned on door frame 205 such as along inner
surface 210
opposite a location where door 105 is mounted to inside surface 215 of door
frame 205.
Motion sensor 220 may operate to identify motion that occurs in or around a
doorway 225
(also referred to as a door or barrier opening 225) defined by door frame 205,
or motion in
close proximity to door 105. In some arrangements, motion sensor 220 may be
positioned on
an opposite side of door frame 205 (e.g., along outer surface 230 as shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3).
In other arrangements, motion sensor 220 may be mounted to hinge assembly 110,
or be part
of hinge sensor 135 (e.g., be arranged at the location of sensor 405 or
transceiver 410 shown
in FIGS. 4 and 5). Motion sensor 220 and hinge sensor 135 may be integrated or
combined
as a single assembly that is mounted to door 105 and/or hinge 130. In one
embodiment,
multiple motions sensors 220 are used, wherein one or more motions sensors may
be
positioned at various locations in a living space such as mounted to door
frame 205, mounted
to hinge sensor 135, or positioned at another location spaced away from door
assembly 100.
[0054] The data
collected by motion sensor 220 may be used in combination with
data from hinge sensor 135 related to an open state and/or open position of
door 105. In one
example, hinge sensor 135 may provide data that indicates the door 105 has
moved from the
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closed position shown in FIG. 2 to an open position sufficient to permit a
person to pass
through the doorway 225. The motion sensor 220 may identify motion occurring
on the inner
surface 210 side of door frame 205 before or after hinge sensor 135. The
detected motion
may confirm opening or closing of the door 105. The motion detected by motion
sensor 220
may confirm that a person or other object has passed through the doorway. This
additional
data point of detected motion may be advantageous as compared to other
scenarios in which
only the open or closed state of the door is detected. In at least some
situations, a door may
open inadvertently (e.g., if not properly latched) and the motion sensor 220
may confirm that
no object moved through the doorway, which confirms that the movement of the
door may
have been inadvertent.
[0055]
Motion sensor 220 may be positioned at any location relative to door 105
and/or hinge assembly 110. FIGS. 2 and 3 show motion sensor 220 mounted to
door frame
205. In other examples, motion sensor 220 may be positioned on a ceiling, on
an opposite
wall, along an overhead portion of a door frame or on the floor. Motion sensor
220 may be
integrated into an appliance such as, for example, a light fixture, light
switch, speaker or
microphone, or control panel.
[0056]
FIGS. 6-8 illustrate another example door assembly 100-a. FIG. 6 shows
door assembly 100-a including door 105 and hinge assembly 110-a. Hinge
assembly 110-a
includes hinge 130 and a hinge sensor 135-a. Hinge sensor 135-a includes
mounting bracket
155, housing 160, movable member 165, and fixed arm 605. Movable member 165
and fixed
arm 605 may both be mounted to housing 160. Movable member 165 may be movable
relative to mounting bracket 155, housing 160, and/or fixed arm 605. Fixed arm
605 may be
fixed relative to mounting bracket 155 and housing 160. In some embodiments,
movable
member 165 and fixed arm 605 may be switched in position on housing 160. In
other
embodiments, movable member 165 and fixed arm 605 may be positioned at other
locations
on housing 160, such as at opposite ends of housing 160. Relative movement
between
movable member 165 and fixed arm 605 may be detected and/or measured as part
of
determining an open state and/or open position of door 105.
[0057]
FIGS. 7 and 8 show hinge assembly 110-a mounted to door 105 and door
frame 205. Movable member 165 is arranged in contact with inner surface 210 of
door frame
205. Fixed arm 605 is arranged in contact with inside surface 115 of door 105.
As the door
105 is moved from a closed position shown in FIG. 7 to an open position shown
in FIG. 8,
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the movable member 165 is rotated relative to fixed arm 605. Movement of
movable
member 165 relative to fixed arm 605 may be measured as, for example, a change
in angle,
an absolute angle, a change in distance, or an absolute distance.
[0058]
The movable member 165 of door assemblies 100, 100-a may be biased
into contact with door frame 205 and/or door 105. The biasing force may be
applied by one
or more springs that apply a torque force that maintains contact between
movable member
165 and the door frame 205 and/or door 105 depending on the arrangement of the
hinge
sensor 135.
[0059]
FIGS. 9 and 10 show the hinge assembly 110-a in further detail. Hinge
assembly 110-a includes sensor 405, transceiver 410, and battery 505, which
may be carried
by any one of the mounting bracket 155, housing 160, movable member 165, and
fixed arm
605. In some arrangements, sensor 405, transceiver 410, and battery 505 may
each be carried
by a separate component of hinge assembly 110-a. Hinge assembly 110-a may also
include a
reference member 905 carried by, for example, fixed arm 605 or some other
component of
hinge assembly 110-a for use as a reference for sensor 405. Hinge assembly 110-
a may
include additional or fewer components as compared to those shown in FIGS. 9
and 10. For
example, hinge assembly 110-a may include a plurality of sensors, a processor,
memory, and
other electronic and/or mechanical components.
[0060]
The embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-10 are directed to hinge assemblies
that are used with doors. Doors are just one type of barrier used to control
access to an
opening (e.g., doorway) of a building or other structure. The hinge assemblies
disclosed
herein may be used with other types of barriers such as windows.
[0061]
The hinge sensors shown with reference to FIGS. 1-3 are mounted to a
hinge using a hinge pin. In other examples, the hinge sensor is mounted to the
hinge using
other structures and/or features such as, for example, an interface between
the first and
second hinge plates 140, 145, a separate bracket mounted directly to either
one of the first
and second hinge plates 140, 145, or the like.
[0062]
The hinge sensors and hinge assemblies disclosed herein may be used in
combination with other features of a barrier. For example, a drive mechanism
may be
mounted to a barrier to apply a force that opens or closes the barrier. The
operation of the
drive may be controlled at least in part based on feedback from the hinge
sensor. For
example, the hinge sensor may indicate that the barrier is arranged at a 45
open position
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relative to a closed position, Alternatively, the open position of the door
may be defined as a
percentage (e.g., 25% open) or a distance (e.g., 18 inches open). A user may
provide input
for opening the door to a position of 900, which may be carried out by
operating the drive to
further open the door. In another example, the hinge sensor may indicate that
the barrier is in
any open position. The drive may be operated to close the barrier based on,
for example, a
time of day, a weather condition, or some other parameter measured
automatically by a home
automation system or controlled manually by a user. The barrier may be
confirmed closed by
further feedback from the hinge sensor, a motion sensor, or other feature of
the home
automation system.
[0063] FIGS. 11
and 12 show a door assembly 100-b with a plurality of motion
sensors 220. The door assembly 100-b may include any combination of the motion
sensors
220 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, including a single one of the motion sensors
220. For
example, door assembly 100-b may include motion sensors 220-a, 220-b
positioned on inner
and outer surfaces 210, 230, respectively, adjacent to door opening 225. In
other
embodiments, motion sensors 220-c, 220-d are positioned on inside and outside
surfaces 115,
120, respectively, of door 105. In still further embodiments, a motion sensor
220-e may be
housed in or otherwise carried by hinge assembly 110, such as on a hinge
sensor 135-b.
Some embodiments may include a motion sensor 2204 positioned on a light
fixture 1105 or
other device or component that is positioned in proximity to the door opening,
or in any
location that permits detection of motion adjacent to or through the door
opening 225.
[0064]
The detection of motion by one or more of motion sensors 220 shown in
any of FIGS. 1-12 may be used to determine a direction of motion of an object
passing
through the door opening. In one embodiment, the motion detected by one or
more of motion
sensors 220 may be used in combination with detected movement of door 105 by
hinge
sensor 135. The timing or sequence of when the motion is detected relative to
when the door
movement is detected may indicate the direction of movement of the object
through the door
opening. Referring to FIG, 12, if motion sensor 220-b, 220-d, and/or 220-f
detects motion
within a predetermined time period before hinge sensor 135-b detects movement
of door 105,
it is likely that an object is moving through the door opening in direction A
(e.g., entering a
living space; also referred to as ingress). If motion sensors 220-b, 220-d
and/or 220-f detect
motion within a predetermined time period after hinge sensor 135-b detection
movement of
door 105, it is likely that an object is moving through the door opening in
direction B (e.g.,
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existing a living space; also referred to as egress). The reverse timing may
apply when using
motion sensors 220-a, 220-c and/or 220-e.
[0065]
In some embodiments, two or more motion sensors 220 may be used to
provide increased certainty about the direction of movement for the object
passing through
the door opening. For example, motion detection by one of motion sensors 220-
a, 220-c,
220-e within a predetermined time before hinge sensor 135-b detects movement
of door 105
in combination with motion detection by one of motion sensors 220-b, 220-e,
220-f within a
predetermined time after hinge sensor 135-b detects movement of door 105 may
provide
increased assurance of the object moving through the door opening in direction
B.
[0066] The motions
sensors 220 may be arranged and/or configured to detect
certain types of motion (e.g., swinging movement of door 105), detect specific
sized objects
(e.g., objects of a minimum height such as a person verses a pet), and/or
ignore movement of
specified objects (e.g., movement of door 105 or other objects known to not
pass through the
door opening). The motions sensors 220 may operate in conjunction with other
types of
sensors (e.g., infrared sensors) to confirm that the object being detected is
a living object. In
one example, the motion detection may be coupled with detected operation of a
door handle,
door locking mechanism, or door opening/closing mechanism to provide
additional
confirmation of the original position of the object or activity of the object
associated with the
door movement occurring.
[0067] FIG. 13 is
a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an environment
1300 in which the present systems and methods may be implemented. In some
embodiments,
the systems and methods described herein may be performed on or using a hinge
sensor 135-
c that communicates with a controller 1305 via a network 1310. Controller 1305
includes a
sensor module 1315. Hinge sensor 135-c may generate and transmit information
concerning
an open state and/or position of a barrier such as a door or window with which
the hinge
sensor 135-c is operated. The sensor signals and/or other information
generated by hinge
sensor 135-c may be transmitted over network 1310 to controller 1305. Sensor
module 1315
may determine, at least in part using the information received from hinge
sensor 135-c, an
operation state and/or position of the barrier. The network 1310 provides
communication via,
for example, a wired or wireless connection.
[0068]
Hinge sensor 135-c may include one or more sensors and operate to
determine at least one operational parameter or characteristic of a barrier
(e.g., as described
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above with reference to FIGS. 1-10). For example, hinge sensor 135-c may
determine
whether a barrier (e.g., a door or window of a building) is in a closed state
or in an open state.
In another example, hinge sensor 135-c may indicate an open position of a
barrier or a change
in position of an open barrier (e.g., a change between a 30 rotated position
and a 90 rotated
position when a closed position is at 0 ).
[0069]
In examples where hinge sensor 135-c includes a plurality of different
sensors, one sensor may provide one set of information related to the barrier
(e.g., an open or
closed state of the barrier) and another sensor may indicate a rotated or
other open position of
the barrier relative to the closed position. The combination of information
provided by the
various sensors may be utilized by the sensor module 1315 to determine an
operation state or
position of the barrier. In another example, an additional sensor may
determine motion of the
barrier itself or other objects that pass through or are in close proximity to
the opening
controlled by the barrier. For example, a motion sensor (e.g., motion sensor
220 described
with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3) may be part of or associated with hinge
sensor 135-c. The
various sensors and functionality of hinge sensor 135-c may help determine
from which side
a barrier is opened (e.g., on an interior side or an exterior side of the
barrier), or whether an
object has passed through the opening whose access is controlled by the
barrier. Information
related to which side of a barrier the barrier is being operated and/or
whether an object passes
through the opening controlled by the barrier may be helpful in deducing other
types of
information, patterns, occupant locations, etc., that may be used to provide
other features and
functionality related to, for example, the barrier itself and/or a home
automation system
within which the controller 1305, network 1310, and hinge sensor 135-c
operate.
[0070]
In some examples, environment 1300 represents at least a portion of a
home automation system. The controller 1305 may be part of, for example, a
control panel of
the home automation system. The hinge sensor 135-c may be associated with a
barrier that
provides an access point into a home (e.g., a door or window). Network 1310
may include or
be part of a wireless network, a wired network, or some combination thereof.
[0071]
FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of an
environment 1400 in which the present systems and methods may be implemented.
The
environment 1400 may include network 1310, sensor module 1315, and hinge
sensor 135-c,
which may be examples of the same numbered features described above with
reference to
environment 1300. The environment 1400 may also include a motion sensor 220-g.
The
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motion sensor 220-g may be one example of any one of the motion sensors 220
described
with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 7, 8, 11 and 12. Sensor module 1315 may be
operated on the
controller 1305 described with reference to FIG. 13, the hinge sensor 135-c,
motion sensor
220-g, a remotely located device such as a control panel of an automation
and/or security
system, or the like.
[0072]
The sensor module 1315 may receive data from hinge sensor 135-c related
to movement of a barrier such as door 105 described with reference to FIGS. 1-
12. The
sensor module 1315 may also receive data from motion sensor 220-g related to
objects
moving through or in close proximity to an opening that is controlled by the
barrier. In at
least some embodiments, a direction of movement of an object through the
opening may be
determined using both the barrier movement data from hinge sensor 135-c and
the motion
detection data from motion sensor 220-g. The timing of when the motion is
detected by
motion sensor 220-g relative to when the barrier movement is detected by hinge
sensor 135-c
may indicate what side of the barrier the object (e.g., person) is located on
either before or
after the door opens.
[0073]
The barrier movement detected by hinge sensor 135-c may include first
determining a start position for the barrier. The start position may be a
confirmed closed
position and the detected movement may be movement from the closed position
toward some
open position. In another example, the start position is a partially open
position that is not
sufficiently open for a person to pass through the opening, and the detected
movement is
toward a more open position.
100741
The motion detection may occur on either an outer or inner side of the
barrier. The location of the motion sensor 220-g may influence whether
detected motion
occurring before or after detection movement of the barrier indicating a
person ingressing or
egressing the opening. The motion detection may have increased relevance to
a
determination of direction of movement of a person through the opening if the
detected
motion occurs within a predetermined time period of when the barrier movement
is detected.
In one example, the predetermined time period is in the range of about 0.01
seconds to 2
seconds, and more particularly in the range of about 0.1 seconds to about 1
second.
Typically, motion detected outside of the predetermined time period can be
ignored.
100751
Referring now to FIG. 15, in some embodiments, an environment 1500
may include the components of environments 1300, 1400 described above, and may
further
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include the sensor module 1315 as part of a hinge sensor 135-c. Environment
1500 may also
include a device 1505 to which the controller 1305-a belongs. In some
examples, device
1505 includes, for example, a control panel of a home automation system, a
back end server
or a central station of the home automation system. Environment 1500 may also
include an
alarm 1510, an application 1515, and a sensor 1520. Hinge sensor 135-c may
additionally
include transceiver 410.
100761
Device 1505 may include, for example, a control panel of the home
automation system. Alternatively, device 1505 may be a portable electronic
device
including, for example, a touch screen display. Device 1505 may be in
communication with
one or more sensors such as hinge sensor 135-c via network 1310. Additionally,
or
alternatively, device 1505 may be in communication with other types of sensors
such as, for
example, sensor 1520. Device 1505 may also be in communication with alarm 1510
and
application 1515.
100771
Controller 1305-a may include at least some processing or logic capability
and provide communication with at least some of the sensors with which device
1505
communicates (e.g., hinge sensor 135-c).
100781
Alarm 1510 may provide a text message, an audible sound, lights, or the
like that provide communication with one or more users on the property being
monitored by a
home automation system. Alarm 1510 may provide communications with a remote
device or
system related to a condition of the property being monitored. Alarm 1510 may
be integrated
into device 1505. Alarm 1510 may operate in response to data received from
hinge sensor
135-c such as, for example, an unauthorized opening or closing of a barrier.
100791
Application 1515 may allow a user to control (either directly or via, for
example, controller 1305-a) an aspect of the monitored property, including a
security, energy
management, locking or unlocking of a barrier, checking the status of a
barrier, locating a
user or item, controlling lighting, thermostats, or cameras, receiving
notifications regarding a
current status or anomaly associated with a home, office, place of business,
and the like. In
some configurations, application 1515 may enable hinge sensor 135-c to
interface with
device 1505 and utilize a user interface to display automation, security,
and/or energy
management content on a display, user interface, mobile computing device, or
other feature
of environment 1500 and/or device 1505. Application 1515, via a user
interface, may allow
users to control aspects of their home, office, and/or other type of property.
Further,
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application 1515 may be installed on a mobile computing device in order to
allow a user to
interface with functions of the components shown in environment 1500 (e.g.,
hinge sensor
135-c), such as components of a home automation and/or home security system.
[0080]
Sensor 1520 may represent one or more separate sensors or a combination
of two or more sensors in a single sensor device. For example, sensor 1520 may
represent
one or more camera sensors and one or more motion sensors connected to
environment 1500.
Additionally, or alternatively, sensor 1520 may represent a combination sensor
such as both a
camera sensor and a motion sensor integrated into the same sensor device.
Additionally, or
alternatively, sensor 1520 may be integrated into a home appliance or a
fixture such as a light
bulb fixture and/or the hinge sensor 135-c. Sensor 1520 may include an
accelerometer to
enable sensor 1520 to detect a movement.
Sensor 1520 may include a wireless
communication device that enables sensor 1520 to send and receive data and/or
information
to and from one or more devices in environment 1500 (e.g., such as a
controller 1305-a).
Additionally, or alternatively, sensor 1520 may include a GPS sensor to enable
sensor 1520
to track a location of sensor 1520. Sensor 1520 may include a proximity sensor
to enable
sensor 1520 to detect proximity of a user relative to a predetermined distance
from a dwelling
(e.g., a geo fence or barrier). Sensor 1520 may include one or more security
detection
sensors such as, for example, a glass break sensor, a motion detection sensor,
or both.
Additionally, or alternatively, sensor 1520 may include a smoke detection
sensor, a carbon
monoxide sensor, or both. In at least some examples, sensor 1520 may detect
the presence of
a user within a dwelling or entryway into a home monitored by components of
environment
1500, performing certain functions (e.g., opening a door or window), or
speaking a voice
command. Sensor 1520 may be integrated into or used in place of either one of
hinge sensor
135-c and other sensors associated with the property being monitored by a home
automation
system of environment 1500. Sensor 1520 may include motion sensor 220
described above
with reference to FIGS. 2-3 and 7-8.
[0081]
Network 1310 may include cloud networks, local area networks (LAN),
wide area networks (WAN), virtual private networks (VPN), wireless networks
(using
802.11, for example), and/or cellular networks (using 3G or LTE, for example),
etc. In some
embodiments, the network 1310 may include the intemet.
[0082]
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a sensor module 1315-a. Sensor
module 1315-a may be one example of the sensor module 1315 shown in FIGS. 13-
15.
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Sensor module 1315-a may include a position module 1605, a communication
module 1610,
a notification module 1615, and a motion module 1620. Position module 1605 may
operate
to receive information about a position of a barrier as received from, for
example, a hinge
sensor 135 of FIGS. 1-12. Position module 1605 may determine from data
received from the
hinge sensor an open or closed state of the barrier, a relative position of
the barrier to a
reference point (e.g., a closed state of the barrier), or a direction of
change in position of the
barrier, or an absolute amount of change in position of the barrier.
[0083]
Communication module 1610 may provide communication to and from
hinge sensor 135. In at least some examples, communication module 1610 may
receive
communications via, for example, transceiver 410 of hinge sensor 135 (e.g.,
see description
of FIGS. 5 and 10). Communication module 1610 may deliver data to hinge sensor
135 such
as, for example, instructions, software patches, and maintenance data. The
information
received from hinge sensor 135 via communication module 1610 may be provided
to position
module 1605.
[0084]
Notification module 1615 may use position information provided by
position module 1605 and determine whether the state of the barrier or other
information
provided by hinge sensor 135 should be communicated to another device or a
user. For
example, notification module 1615 may send notice to alarm 1510 to generate an
audible,
visual or other type of alarm based on an open or closed state or open
position of the barrier
as determined using hinge sensor 135. Notification module 1615 may push
notifications to a
user via, for example, text messages, emails, or the like via, for example, a
control panel of
the home automation system, a computing device such as a desktop, laptop,
notebook, or
handheld computing device, or the like.
[0085]
Motion module 1620 may receive data from other sensors such as, for
example, motion sensor 220 shown in FIGS. 2-3 and 7-8. Motion module 1320 may
correlate
the position information provided by hinge sensor 135 with motion information
from motion
sensor 220. The notification module 1615 may receive both position and motion
data from
position module 1605 and motion module 1620, respectively, as part of
determining whether
a notification should be generated and transmitted.
[0086] FIG. 17 is
a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 1700
for determining an open state of a barrier. In some configurations, the method
1700 may be
implemented by the sensor module 1315 shown in FIGS. 13-16. In other examples,
method
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1700 may be performed generally by controller 1305 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14,
hinge sensor
135-c shown in FIG. 13, or even more generally by the environments 1300, 1400,
1500
shown in FIGS. 13-15, respectively, or other components described with
reference to FIGS.
1-15.
[0087] At block
1705, the method 1700 includes confirming a first position for
the barrier, wherein the barrier has at least one hinge and a hinge sensor
mounted to the at
least one hinge. Block 1710 includes determining with the hinge sensor when
the barrier
changes position from the first position to a second position. At block 1715
of method 1700,
the method includes wirelessly transmitting data concerning the change in
barrier position.
[0088] Method 1700
may also include determining movement of the barrier with
a motion sensor. The motion sensor may be part of the hinge sensor. The motion
sensor may
determine movement of an object passing through an opening that is controlled
by the barrier.
The hinge sensor may include a rotatable portion and a fixed portion, and the
method may
include fixing a position of the fixed portion relative to the hinge, and
rotatably mounting the
rotatable portion to the fixed portion such that the rotatable portion is
arranged in contact
with and movable by the barrier. The hinge sensor may include a motion sensor
mounted to
the fixed portion of the hinge sensor. The method 1700 may include determining
with the
motion sensor when an object moves through an opening that is controlled by
the barrier.
The first position may be a closed position and the second position may be an
open position.
The first position may be a first open position and the second position may be
a second open
position. The method 1700 may include determining at least one of the first
and second
positions.
[0089]
FIG. 18 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 1800
for determining direction of passage through an opening controlled by a
barrier. In some
configurations, the method 1800 may be implemented by the sensor module 1315
shown in
FIGS. 13-16. In other examples, method 1800 may be performed generally by
controller
1305 shown in FIG. 13, hinge sensor 135-c shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, or even
more
generally by the environments 1300, 1400, 1500 shown in FIGS. 13-15,
respectively, or other
components described with reference to FIGS. 1-15.
[0090] At block
1805, the method 1800 includes detecting with a hinge sensor a
closed position for the barrier, wherein the hinge sensor is mounted to a
hinge of the barrier.
The block 1810 includes determining with the hinge sensor when the barrier
changes position
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from the closed position to an open position. The block 1815 includes
detecting with at least
one motion sensor motion of an object in proximity to the opening. At block
1820, the
method 1800 includes determining a direction of movement of the object through
the opening
based on whether the motion is detected before or after detecting the change
in position of the
barrier. The method 1800 may also include combining the hinge sensor in a
common
housing with the at least one motion sensor, mounting the at least one motion
sensor to the
barrier, mounting the at least one motion sensor to a wall or door frame
adjacent to the
opening, positioning a first motion sensor on an exit side of the opening and
a second motion
sensor on an entry side of the opening, determining with the hinge sensor
movement of the
barrier between one open position and another open position, and/or
determining with the
hinge sensor a direction of movement of the barrier from the closed position
toward the open
position or from the open position toward the closed position. Determining a
direction of
movement of the object through the opening may include determining that the
object passes
through the opening in a first direction when motion is detected prior to
detecting movement
of the barrier, and determining that the object passes through the opening in
a second
direction when motion is detected after detecting movement of the barrier.
[0091]
Thus, the method 1800 may provide for determining a direction of
movement of a person through a door opening or other passageway. The direction
of motion
data may be transmitted to a controller of an automation and/or security
system (e.g., a
control panel) as part of providing an automation and/or security function of
the system. It
should be noted that the method 1800 is just one implementation and that the
operations of
the method 1800 may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other
implementations
are possible. The steps of method 1800, alone or in any combination, may be
used in
connection with any of the other methods and system functions described
herein.
[0092] FIG. 19 is
a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 1900
for determining direction of passage through an opening controlled by a
barrier. In some
configurations, the method 1900 may be implemented by the sensor module 1315
shown in
FIGS. 13-16. In other examples, the method 1900 may be performed generally by
controller
1305 shown in FIG. 13, hinge sensor 135-c shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, or even
more
generally by the environments 1300, 1400, 1500 shown in FIGS. 13-15,
respectively, or other
components described with reference to FIGS. 1-15.
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[0093]
At block 1905, the method 1900 includes determining movement of a
barrier, wherein the barrier controls access through an opening. Block 1910
includes
detecting motion of an object through or adjacent to the opening. Block 1915
includes determining movement of the object through the opening in a first
direction
if motion is detected before movement of the barrier is detected. At block
1920,
method 1900 includes determining movement of the object through the opening in
a
second direction if motion is detected after movement of the barrier is
detected.
[0094]
Thus, the method 1900 may provide for determining a direction of
movement of a person or other object through a door opening or other
passageway of a
building or property. The direction of motion data may be transmitted to a
controller of an
automation and/or security system (e.g., a control panel) as part of providing
an automation
and/or security function of the system. It should be noted that the method
1900 is just one
implementation and that the operations of the method 1900 may be rearranged or
otherwise
modified such that other implementations are possible. The steps of method
1900, alone or in
any combination, may be used in connection with any of the other methods and
system
functions described herein.
[0095]
FIG. 20 depicts a block diagram of a controller 2000 suitable for
implementing the present systems and methods. The controller 2000 may be an
example of
the controller 1305 illustrated in FIGS. 13-15. In one configuration,
controller 2000 includes
a bus 2005 which interconnects major subsystems of controller 2000, such as a
central
processor 2010, a system memory 2015 (typically RAM, but which may also
include ROM,
flash RAM, or the like), an input/output controller 2020, an external audio
device, such as a
speaker system 2025 via an audio output interface 2030, an external device,
such as a display
screen 2035 via display adapter 2040, an input device 2045 (e.g., remote
control device
interfaced with an input controller 2050), multiple USB devices 2065
(interfaced with a USB
controller 2070), and a storage interface 2080. Also included are at least one
sensor 2055
connected to bus 2005 through a sensor controller 2060 and a network interface
2085
(coupled directly to bus 2005).
[0096]
Bus 2005 allows data communication between central processor 2010 and
system memory 2015, which may include read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory
(neither shown), and random access memory (RAM) (not shown), as previously
noted. The
RAM is generally the main memory into which the operating system and
application
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programs are loaded. The ROM or flash memory can contain, among other code,
the Basic
Input-Output system (BIOS) which controls basic hardware operation such as the
interaction
with peripheral components or devices. For example, a sensor module 1315-b to
implement
the present systems and methods may be stored within the system memory 2015.
The sensor
module 1315-b may be an example of the sensor module 1315 illustrated in FIGS.
13-16.
Applications (e.g., application 1515) resident with controller 2000 are
generally stored on and
accessed via a non-transitory computer readable medium, such as a hard disk
drive (e.g.,
fixed disk 2075) or other storage medium. Additionally, applications can be in
the form of
electronic signals modulated in accordance with the application and data
communication
technology when accessed via interface 2085.
100971
Storage interface 2080, as with the other storage interfaces of controller
2000, can connect to a standard computer readable medium for storage and/or
retrieval of
information, such as a fixed disk drive 2075. Fixed disk drive 2075 may be a
part of
controller 2000 or may be separate and accessed through other interface
systems. Network
interface 2085 may provide a direct connection to a remote server via a direct
network link to
the Internet via a POP (point of presence). Network interface 2085 may provide
such
connection using wireless techniques, including digital cellular telephone
connection,
Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) connection, digital satellite data
connection, or the like.
In some embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., motion sensor, smoke sensor,
glass break
sensor, door sensor, window sensor, carbon monoxide sensor, and the like)
connect to
controller 2000 wirelessly via network interface 2085.
100981
Many other devices or subsystems (not shown) may be connected in a
similar manner (e.g., entertainment system, computing device, remote cameras,
wireless key
fob, wall mounted user interface device, cell radio module, battery, alarm
siren, door lock,
lighting system, thermostat, home appliance monitor, utility equipment
monitor, and so on).
Conversely, all of the devices shown in FIG. 20 need not be present to
practice the present
systems and methods. The devices and subsystems can be interconnected in
different ways
from that shown in FIG. 20. The aspect of some operations of a system such as
that shown in
FIG. 20 are readily known in the art and are not discussed in detail in this
application. Code
to implement the present disclosure can be stored in a non-transitory computer-
readable
medium such as one or more of system memory 2015 or fixed disk 2075. The
operating
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system provided on controller 2000 may be i0S , ANDROID , MS-dOS*, MS-
WINDOWS , OS/2 , UNIX , LINUX , or another known operating system.
[0099]
Moreover, regarding the signals described herein, those skilled in the art
will recognize that a signal can be directly transmitted from a first block to
a second block, or
a signal can be modified (e.g., amplified, attenuated, delayed, latched,
buffered, inverted,
filtered, or otherwise modified) between the blocks. Although the signals of
the above
described embodiment are characterized as transmitted from one block to the
next, other
embodiments of the present systems and methods may include modified signals in
place of
such directly transmitted signals as long as the informational and/or
functional aspect of the
signal is transmitted between blocks. To some extent, a signal input at a
second block can be
conceptualized as a second signal derived from a first signal output from a
first block due to
physical limitations of the circuitry involved (e.g., there will inevitably be
some attenuation
and delay). Therefore, as used herein, a second signal derived from a first
signal includes the
first signal or any modifications to the first signal, whether due to circuit
limitations or due to
passage through other circuit elements which do not change the informational
and/or final
functional aspect of the first signal.
[0100]
While the foregoing disclosure sets forth various embodiments using
specific block diagrams, flowcharts, and examples, each block diagram
component, flowchart
step, operation, and/or component described and/or illustrated herein may be
implemented,
individually and/or collectively, using a wide range of hardware, software, or
firmware (or
any combination thereof) configurations. In addition, any disclosure of
components
contained within other components should be considered exemplary in nature
since many
other architectures can be implemented to achieve the same functionality.
[0101]
The process parameters and sequence of steps described and/or illustrated
herein are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired. For
example, while
the steps illustrated and/or described herein may be shown or discussed in a
particular order,
these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated
or discussed. The
various exemplary methods described and/or illustrated herein may also omit
one or more of
the steps described or illustrated herein or include additional steps in
addition to those
disclosed.
[0102]
Furthermore, while various embodiments have been described and/or
illustrated herein in the context of fully functional computing systems, one
or more of these
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exemplary embodiments may be distributed as a program product in a variety of
forms,
regardless of the particular type of computer-readable media used to actually
carry out the
distribution. The embodiments disclosed herein may also be implemented using
software
modules that perform certain tasks. These software modules may include script,
batch, or
other executable files that may be stored on a computer-readable storage
medium or in a
computing system. In some embodiments, these software modules may configure a
computing system to perform one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0103]
The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described
with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions
above are not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms
disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The
embodiments
were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the
present systems and
methods and their practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in
the art to best
utilize the present systems and methods and various embodiments with various
modifications
as may be suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0104]
Unless otherwise noted, the terms "a" or "an," as used in the specification
and claims, are to be construed as meaning "at least one of." In addition, for
ease of use, the
words "including" and "having," as used in the specification and claims, are
interchangeable
with and have the same meaning as the word "comprising." In addition, the term
"based on"
as used in the specification and the claims is to be construed as meaning
"based at least
upon."
