Abstract: A distributed control system, comprising a data network with a plurality of controller nodes that maintain and share their internal states with one another. The controller nodes can be luminaires that are capable of controlling the ambient lighting within a building area. There are one or more ambient light sensors within the data network for sensing and reporting the ambient light level. The controller luminaire nodes are members of a defined group of nodes that share, with one another, information for synchronizing their internal states, based in part on the ambient light levels that the one or more sensors are reporting. Meanwhile, each luminaire node also continually updates its own internal state based on the synchronization data received from the other nodes.

Abstract: A commissioning system and method that applies a design configuration, representative of a building automation and control system, to a mesh network of network-capable devices. A cloud-based server system works in concert with an installing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to apply the relevant configuration of scenarios and spaces, as defined in the design configuration during a design phase, to each mesh node in the mesh network. The commissioning system first transforms the defined scenarios and spaces, which essentially represent a logical configuration of the building automation and control system, into a network-centric configuration. Then, the system decomposes the network-centric configuration into a physical configuration of each mesh node, resulting in a set of parameters for each mesh node.

Abstract: A commissioning system and method that applies a design configuration, representative of a building automation and control system, to a mesh network of network-capable devices. A cloud-based server system works in concert with an installing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to apply the relevant configuration of scenarios and spaces, as defined in the design configuration during a design phase, to each mesh node in the mesh network. The commissioning system first transforms the defined scenarios and spaces, which essentially represent a logical configuration of the building automation and control system, into a network-centric configuration. Then, the system decomposes the network-centric configuration into a physical configuration of each mesh node, resulting in a set of parameters for each mesh node.

Abstract: A system and method involving actor nodes within a building that is being controlled, to be subscribed to a set of addresses, including one or more addresses that are representative of one or more respective spaces within the building being controlled. Such addresses are referred to as “space addresses.” Each of the actor nodes acts upon received data packets only if a space address is received along with the data packets and the actor node has been subscribed to the space address. Concurrently, one or more sensor nodes in the system are configurable to transmit the one or more space addresses and the data packets. A user device in the system receives commands from a user via a user interface and transmits a set of signals such that the actor nodes are subscribed to the appropriate space addresses and the sensor nodes are configured to transmit the space addresses.

Abstract: A sensor and control platform includes a smart wall plate and a variety of optional sensor/control elements that removably couple to and interact and communicate with the smart wall plate to enhance the functionality and power of a premises automation system. The smart wall plate contains a plurality of sensors, a microprocessor control unit, and a wireless transceiver. The optional sensor/control elements can be a control dial, a monitoring device, or a camera. The smart wall plate can dictate the functionality of the optional sensor/control elements or the optional sensor/control elements can alter the functionality of the smart wall plate.

Abstract: A commissioning system and method that applies a design configuration, representative of a building automation and control system, to a mesh network of network-capable devices. A cloud-based server system works in concert with an installing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to apply the relevant configuration of scenarios and spaces, as defined in the design configuration during a design phase, to each mesh node in the mesh network. The commissioning system first transforms the defined scenarios and spaces, which essentially represent a logical configuration of the building automation and control system, into a network-centric configuration. Then, the system decomposes the network-centric configuration into a physical configuration of each mesh node, resulting in a set of parameters for each mesh node. The commissioning system then transmits the set of parameters, including one or more group addresses, to the applicable mesh node, for each affected mesh node in the network.

Abstract: A system and method involving actor nodes within a building that is being controlled, to be subscribed to a set of addresses, including one or more addresses that are representative of one or more respective spaces within the building being controlled. Such addresses are referred to as “space addresses.” Each of the actor nodes acts upon received data packets only if a space address is received along with the data packets and the actor node has been subscribed to the space address. Concurrently, one or more sensor nodes in the system are configurable to transmit the one or more space addresses and the data packets. A user device in the system receives commands from a user via a user interface and transmits a set of signals such that the actor nodes are subscribed to the appropriate space addresses and the sensor nodes are configured to transmit the space addresses.

Abstract: An automation system that does not require any of the source node devices transmitting packets of information to have knowledge of the recipients of those packets. The automation system comprises sensor nodes and actor nodes. The sensor nodes transmit information via a wireless network based on conditions that are sensed by the sensors, such as a button being pushed, motion being detected, or the current ambient light level. The actor nodes detect the information that is transmitted over the wireless network and control their device functions, such as lighting and climate control, based on the information detected. In particular, the actor nodes monitor the network for packets that contain information that is relevant to each node, such as one or more sensor node source addresses previously configured to be of interest to each actor node and which are used in the decision-making that is performed by each actor node.

Abstract: A motorized system that allows for calibration by a user, and that features circuit protection and detection of motor stoppage. A motorized window-blind system is an example of such a system and is disclosed herein. In particular, a circuit is featured that comprises a TRIAC, or “triode for alternating current,” and TVS diodes, or “transient-voltage-suppression diodes,” providing voltage protection to various types of motor-related electronic components. A controller is disclosed that features measurement of voltage that is induced on a secondary winding of a motor, in order to detect certain events that occur during the operation of the motor. A calibration method is also disclosed that can account for one or both of the protection circuit and event-detecting controller. The calibration method accounts for human interaction and, in doing so, is intended toward making a calibration process of a motorized household system less prone to human error.

Abstract: A motorized system that allows for calibration by a user, and that features circuit protection and detection of motor stoppage. A motorized window-blind system is an example of such a system and is disclosed herein. In particular, a circuit is featured that comprises a TRIAC, or “triode for alternating current,” and TVS diodes, or “transient-voltage-suppression diodes,” providing voltage protection to various types of motor-related electronic components. A controller is disclosed that features measurement of voltage that is induced on a secondary winding of a motor, in order to detect certain events that occur during the operation of the motor. A calibration method is also disclosed that can account for one or both of the protection circuit and event-detecting controller. The calibration method accounts for human interaction and, in doing so, is intended toward making a calibration process of a motorized household system less prone to human error.

Abstract: A system of luminaires, which are connected to one another within a mesh network, and which interoperate in accordance with the disclosed method. Each luminaire in the mesh network is capable of originating a notification message whenever one of a predefined set of state changes is detected by the luminaire's controller. Also, a given type of state change might correlate to more than one type of event having occurred. For example, a particular type of state change can be attributed to any of i) a sensing of occupancy in the vicinity of the luminaire, ii) manual actuation of a light switch, iii) a timer going off, and iv) an external command being received. The luminaire's controller is also capable of receiving and processing notification messages originated by other luminaires, and of relaying, to other luminaires in the mesh network, information from received notification messages.

Abstract: The product unit disclosed herein has identification data that are stored internally in memory. This stored identification data can be viewed as the product unit's “digital nameplate,” in that the data can represent the product unit's identifier, brand, and so on. Each data set is digitally signed while on the production line by using an encryption technique. The digitally signed data set is then written into the product unit's memory where it can be used for verification. A first digitally-signed data set can be used to control the use of one or more software modules that are provided by a software owner. The data that are undergoing signature contain at least one globally-unique identifier, which can be used to identify cloning attempts. Additionally, more than one digital signature can be used, in order to protect and control the use of features other than the software, such as the product brand.

Abstract: A monitoring device for use in an automation system, such as for a home, warehouse, or any type of structure. The monitoring device includes sensors, a processor, and a transmitter. Using its sensors, the monitoring device is capable of acquiring data about itself and/or its environment. That data is used by the monitoring device and/or a central controller to generate a request for an actor, such as lighting, an HVAC system, motorized drapes, a home entertainment system, other home systems, or appliances, to change its state.

Abstract: A consumable-goods reordering system in which a system controller has access to the signals transmitted by each smart appliance relevant to the environment being monitored, such as a home. Each appliance monitors a particular physical condition that is related to the appliance's usage of a consumable good, senses changes in the condition being monitored, and reports states of the condition. Meanwhile, the system controller memorizes and maintains the states of various processing events, such as when an appliance reported a particular state of the monitored condition. By considering the information reported by the multiple smart appliances, as well as by accounting for the states corresponding to the various events, the system controller is able to continually update a representation of the state of the monitored environment. Having such context awareness enables the system controller to generate intelligently various reorder messages for transmission to the various suppliers of the consumables.

Abstract: An automation system that does not require any of the source node devices transmitting packets of information to have knowledge of the recipients of those packets. The automation system comprises sensor nodes and actor nodes. The sensor nodes transmit information via a wireless network based on conditions that are sensed by the sensors, such as a button being pushed, motion being detected, or the current ambient light level. The actor nodes detect the information that is transmitted over the wireless network and control their device functions, such as lighting and climate control, based on the information detected. In particular, the actor nodes monitor the network for packets that contain information that is relevant to each node, such as one or more sensor node source addresses previously configured to be of interest to each actor node and which are used in the decision-making that is performed by each actor node.

Abstract: A consumable-goods reordering system in which a system controller has access to the signals transmitted by each smart appliance relevant to the environment being monitored, such as a home. Each appliance monitors a particular physical condition that is related to the appliance's usage of a consumable good, senses changes in the condition being monitored, and reports states of the condition. Meanwhile, the system controller memorizes and maintains the states of various processing events, such as when an appliance reported a particular state of the monitored condition. By considering the information reported by the multiple smart appliances, as well as by accounting for the states corresponding to the various events, the system controller is able to continually update a representation of the state of the monitored environment. Having such context awareness enables the system controller to generate intelligently various reorder messages for transmission to the various suppliers of the consumables.

Abstract: A motorized system that allows for calibration by a user, and that features circuit protection and detection of motor stoppage. A motorized window-blind system is an example of such a system and is disclosed herein. In particular, a circuit is featured that comprises a TRIAC, or “triode for alternating current,” and TVS diodes, or “transient-voltage-suppression diodes,” providing voltage protection to various types of motor-related electronic components. A controller is disclosed that features measurement of voltage that is induced on a secondary winding of a motor, in order to detect certain events that occur during the operation of the motor. A calibration method is also disclosed that can account for one or both of the protection circuit and event-detecting controller. The calibration method accounts for human interaction and, in doing so, is intended toward making a calibration process of a motorized household system less prone to human error.

Abstract: An automation system without any of the devices in the system being required to have knowledge of each other or of the topology of the network. The automation system comprises sensor nodes and actor nodes. The sensor nodes transmit information via a wireless network based on changes that are sensed by the sensors, such as a button being pushed or motion being detected. The actor nodes detect the information that is transmitted over the wireless network and control appliance functions based on the information detected. After the sensor and actor nodes are initialized, the sensor nodes transmit packets into the network based on changes that are detected in their environment. Meanwhile, the actor nodes monitor the network for packets that contain information of scenes that are relevant to each node. Based on the information contained in each such packet, the node acts on the information by controlling its appliance function.

Abstract: A motorized system that allows for calibration by a user, and that features circuit protection and detection of motor stoppage. A motorized window-blind system is an example of such a system and is disclosed herein. In particular, a circuit is featured that comprises a TRIAC, or “triode for alternating current,” and TVS diodes, or “transient-voltage-suppression diodes,” providing voltage protection to various types of motor-related electronic components. A controller is disclosed that features measurement of voltage that is induced on a secondary winding of a motor, in order to detect certain events that occur during the operation of the motor. A calibration method is also disclosed that can account for one or both of the protection circuit and event-detecting controller. The calibration method accounts for human interaction and, in doing so, is intended toward making a calibration process of a motorized household system less prone to human error.

Abstract: An automation system is disclosed in which a system controller has access to the signals transmitted by each sensor device that is relevant to the environment being controlled. Each sensor device monitors a particular physical condition, senses changes in the condition being monitored, and reports states of the condition, which is made available to the system controller. Meanwhile, the system controller memorizes and maintains the states of various processing events, such as when a sensor device reported a particular state of the condition that the sensor monitors. By considering the information reported by the various and multiple sensor devices, as well as by accounting for the memorized states corresponding to the various events, the system controller is able to generate and continually update a representation of the state of the controlled environment. Having such context awareness enables the design and implementation of sophisticated reasoning logic and conditional logic.