Patents by Inventor Geoffrey D. Nass

Geoffrey D. Nass has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9143332
    Abstract: A method of communicating with automation components configured for use within a building automation system is disclosed. The method includes determining a first communication schedule such that the first communication schedule configured to govern an activity schedule for use by an automation component, communicating the first communication schedule to the automation component such that the automation component currently implements a second communication schedule to govern the activity schedule, and adjusting the second communication schedule to equal the communicated first communication schedule such that the activity schedule increases a communication frequency in response to the adjustment. The method may further include defining a duration during which the first communication schedule equals the second communication schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey D. Nass
  • Patent number: 9030315
    Abstract: An automation component configured for wireless communication within a building automation system is disclosed. The automation component includes a communication module having a communication port, and a wireless communication component. The automation component further includes a processor in communication with the communication module, a memory in communication with the processor, the memory configured to store computer readable instructions which are executable by the processor. The computer readable instructions are programmed to receive a component identifier via the communications port, generate a binding request based on the received component identifier, and communicate the binding request via the wireless communication component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Hendrix, Norman R. McFarland, Geoffrey D. Nass, Jeffrey A. Raimo, Pornsak Songkakul
  • Patent number: 9024717
    Abstract: An automation component configured for optimized wireless communication within a building automation system is disclosed. The automation component includes a wireless communications component, a processor in communication with the wireless communications component, a memory in communication with the processor, the memory configured to store computer readable instructions which are executable by the processor. The computer readable instructions being programmed to process at least one communication variable received via the wireless communications component; to optimize a communication or radio transmit power level associated with the wireless communication component, wherein the optimized communication power level is a function of the at least one communication variable; and an adjustment of the communication power level associated with the wireless communication component based on the optimized communication power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Pornsak Songakul, Geoffrey D. Nass, Norman R. McFarland
  • Patent number: 8332819
    Abstract: A method of performing diagnostics on a first hierarchical device operable within a building automation system is disclosed. The method includes compiling application code configured to control the first hierarchical device such that the application code includes a plurality of internal variables, providing a diagnostic module configured to monitor the plurality of internal variables, collecting internal variable diagnostic data related to the monitored plurality of internal variables, uploading the collected internal variable diagnostic data to a second hierarchical device, performing, at the second first hierarchical device, a layered diagnostic analysis on the internal variable diagnostic data, and identifying a first hierarchical device problem based on the analyzed internal variable diagnostic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman R. McFarland, Geoffrey D. Nass, Pornsak Songkakul
  • Patent number: 8264371
    Abstract: An automation component configured for wireless communication within a building automation system includes a wireless communications component, a processor in communication with the wireless communications component, and a memory in communication with the processor. The memory configured to store computer readable instructions which are executable by the processor to process a change-of-value message received via the wireless communications component, generate a change-of-value update in response to the change-of-value message, and communicate the change-of-value update via the wireless communication component. This change-of-value can occur in a polled (pull) fashion, or in a pushed (when it occurs) fashions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman R. McFarland, Geoffrey D. Nass, Pornsak Songkakul
  • Patent number: 8249579
    Abstract: A method for wireless communication within a building automation system is disclosed. The method includes establishing a communication connection between a wireless device and a controller, and communicating an upgrade packet to the wireless device from the controller. The method further includes executing the upgrade packet to upgrade the wireless device or a building automation component connected to the wireless device. A building automation system is further disclosed. The system includes a controller configured to provide a software module, and a wireless transceiver in communication with the controller and configured to communicate the software module. The system further includes a wireless device in communication with the wireless transceiver and configured to receive the software module to upgrade the wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey D. Nass, Norman R. McFarland
  • Patent number: 8023440
    Abstract: Wireless transceivers connect with or in building automation components. The components are bound. Since the transceivers control the access media, the transceivers are likewise bound. The transceiver associated with a component queries the component for the component address. When a request from a controller addressed to the component is received, the transceiver for the component may recognize the component address. In response, the transceiver records the controller transceiver address in the request and transmits a response with the component transceiver address. Other features may assist in binding. For example, the controller transceiver distinguishes between components connected by wire from wireless. Only communications for wireless connections are transmitted. For example, if a binding is not used for an amount of time, the binding is removed. For example, a random or set order is used to avoid or minimize overlapping traffic for the responses for a binding list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey D Nass, William Glaser
  • Publication number: 20090177298
    Abstract: An automation component configured for wireless communication within a building automation system includes a wireless communications component, a processor in communication with the wireless communications component, and a memory in communication with the processor. The memory configured to store computer readable instructions which are executable by the processor to process a change-of-value message received via the wireless communications component, generate a change-of-value update in response to the change-of-value message, and communicate the change-of-value update via the wireless communication component. This change-of-value can occur in a polled (pull) fashion, or in a pushed (when it occurs) fashions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Norman R. McFarland, Geoffrey D. Nass, Pornsak Songkakul
  • Publication number: 20090083416
    Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a method of verifying placement of automation components configured for use within a building automation system is disclosed. The method includes determining a wireless communication channel for use within a building automation system, polling a plurality of automation components deployed within the building automation system, wherein each of the plurality of automation components utilizes the wireless communication channel for communication, determining communication parameters associated with each of the plurality of automation components, and adjusting the deployment of at least one of the plurality of automation components in response to the determined communication parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Geoffrey D. Nass, Pornsak Songkakul, Jeffrey A. Raimo
  • Publication number: 20090082885
    Abstract: A method of communicating with automation components configured for use within a building automation system is disclosed. The method includes determining a first communication schedule such that the first communication schedule configured to govern an activity schedule for use by an automation component, communicating the first communication schedule to the automation component such that the automation component currently implements a second communication schedule to govern the activity schedule, and adjusting the second communication schedule to equal the communicated first communication schedule such that the activity schedule increases a communication frequency in response to the adjustment. The method may further include defining a duration during which the first communication schedule equals the second communication schedule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Geoffrey D. Nass
  • Publication number: 20080276127
    Abstract: A method of performing diagnostics on a first hierarchical device operable within a building automation system is disclosed. The method includes compiling application code configured to control the first hierarchical device such that the application code includes a plurality of internal variables, providing a diagnostic module configured to monitor the plurality of internal variables, collecting internal variable diagnostic data related to the monitored plurality of internal variables, uploading the collected internal variable diagnostic data to a second hierarchical device, performing, at the second first hierarchical device, a layered diagnostic analysis on the internal variable diagnostic data, and identifying a first hierarchical device problem based on the analyzed internal variable diagnostic data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Norman R. McFarland, Geoffrey D. Nass, Pornsak Songkakul
  • Publication number: 20080198036
    Abstract: An automation component configured for optimized wireless communication within a building automation system is disclosed. The automation component includes a wireless communications component, a processor in communication with the wireless communications component, a memory in communication with the processor, the memory configured to store computer readable instructions which are executable by the processor. The computer readable instructions being programmed to process at least one communication variable received via the wireless communications component; to optimize a communication or radio transmit power level associated with the wireless communication component, wherein the optimized communication power level is a function of the at least one communication variable; and an adjustment of the communication power level associated with the wireless communication component based on the optimized communication power level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pornsak Songkakul, Geoffrey D. Nass, Norman R. McFarland
  • Publication number: 20080056722
    Abstract: An automation component configured for wireless communication within a building automation system is disclosed. The automation component includes a communication module having a communication port, and a wireless communication component. The automation component further includes a processor in communication with the communication module, a memory in communication with the processor, the memory configured to store computer readable instructions which are executable by the processor. The computer readable instructions are programmed to receive a component identifier via the communications port, generate a binding request based on the received component identifier, and communicate the binding request via the wireless communication component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: John A. Hendrix, Norman R. McFarland, Geoffrey D. Nass, Jeffrey A. Raimo, Pornsak Songkakul
  • Publication number: 20080057872
    Abstract: An automation component configured for wireless communication within a building automation system is disclosed. The automation component includes a wireless communications component, a processor in communications with the wireless communications component and a memory in communication with the processor, the memory configured to stored computer readable instructions which are executable by the processor. The computer readable instructions are programmed to generate a binding request including a device identifier, broadcast the binding request via the wireless communications component, and establish a binding relationship based on a received response to the binding request. A method for binding an automation component within a building automation system is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Norman R. McFarland, Geoffrey D. Nass, Pornsak Songkakul, Jeffrey A. Raimo, John A. Hendrix
  • Publication number: 20080057931
    Abstract: A method for wireless communication within a building automation system is disclosed. The method includes establishing a communication connection between a wireless device and a controller, and communicating an upgrade packet to the wireless device from the controller. The method further includes executing the upgrade packet to upgrade the wireless device or a building automation component connected to the wireless device. A building automation system is further disclosed. The system includes a controller configured to provide a software module, and a wireless transceiver in communication with the controller and configured to communicate the software module. The system further includes a wireless device in communication with the wireless transceiver and configured to receive the software module to upgrade the wireless device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Geoffrey D. Nass, Norman R. McFarland
  • Patent number: 7155499
    Abstract: A system controller is adapted to be integrated into a control network including a plurality of device controllers that communicate through the network via a network specific communication protocol for controlling a plurality of network devices. The system controller includes an application controller which is adapted to be connected to the network and stores a plurality of system points corresponding to a plurality of system variables relating to the network devices. The application controller is adapted to convert the system points into the corresponding system variables, and the corresponding system variables into the system points. At least one client is connected to the network and in communication with the application controller. The client is adapted to send a command and request a report relating to a select system point to and from the application controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Soemo, Pierre DeSmul, Robert Johnson, Mark Gagner, Geoffrey D. Nass
  • Publication number: 20030074459
    Abstract: A proprietary communication protocol is used in a system controller that includes an application controller and a plurality of applications for controlling a plurality of device controllers on a control network by using data relating to system points that correspond to data variables in the network. The protocol communicates a plurality of predefined messages between the application controller and the applications for instructing the application controller to perform a function relating to a select system point, and for reporting to the applications in response to the instructions. The protocol includes a message identification field for identifying a select message from the plurality of messages; and a protocol identification field for identifying the select message as being transmitted via the proprietary communication protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Soemo, Pierre DeSmul, Mark Gagner, Geoffrey D. Nass
  • Publication number: 20030074433
    Abstract: A system controller is adapted to be integrated into a control network including a plurality of device controllers that communicate through the network via a network specific communication protocol for controlling a plurality of network devices. The system controller includes an application controller which is adapted to be connected to the network and stores a plurality of system points corresponding to a plurality of system variables relating to the network devices. The application controller is adapted to convert the system points into the corresponding system variables, and the corresponding system variables into the system points. At least one client is connected to the network and in communication with the application controller. The client is adapted to send a command and request a report relating to a select system point to and from the application controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Soemo, Pierre DeSmul, Robert Johnson, Mark Gagner, Geoffrey D. Nass
  • Publication number: 20030074460
    Abstract: A proprietary communication protocol communicates data relating to network variables in a LON control network that has a plurality of device controllers for controlling a plurality of network devices and a system controller for controlling the device controllers. The protocol includes a message identification field for communicating one of a plurality of predefined messages and a protocol identification field for identifying the plurality of predefined messages as being communicated via said proprietary communication protocol. The messages include a message for subscribing for notification of changes in a value of at least one select network variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Soemo, Pierre DeSmul, Mark Gagner, Geoffrey D. Nass