Wireless environmental data capture system and method for mesh networking

• US 10,194,119 B1
• Filed: 11/03/2017
• Issued: 01/29/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 10/29/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Original Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics LLC (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Inventors: Renkis, Martin A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rao, Anand S
• Application Number:
  US15/803,661
• Publication Number:
  US 20190012890A1
• Time in Patent Office: 452 Days
• Field of Search: 348142-160
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 7/246 using feature-based methods, e.g. the tracking of corners or segments
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19641 Multiple cameras having overlapping views on a single scene
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19656 Network used to communicate with a camera, e.g. WAN, LAN, Internet
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1966 Wireless systems, other than telephone systems, used to communicate with a camera
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19669 Event triggers storage or change of storage policy
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19682 Graphic User Interface [GUI] presenting system data to the user, e.g. information on a screen helping a user interacting with an alarm system
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19693 using multiple video sources viewed on a single or compound screen
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19695 Arrangements wherein non-video detectors start video recording or forwarding but do not generate an alarm themselves
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/009 Signalling of the alarm condition to a substation whose identity is signalled to a central station, e.g. relaying alarm signals in order to extend communication range
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/80 Wireless network architectures or network communication protocols for wireless network security H04W12/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/01 Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/10 in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network software deployment G06F8/60; multiprogramming arrangements G06F9/46
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/125 involving control of end-device applications over a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/631 Graphical user interfaces [GUI] specially adapted for controlling image capture or setting capture parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/661 Transmitting camera control signals through networks, e.g. control via the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/77 between a recording apparatus and a television camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/188 Capturing isolated or intermittent images triggered by the occurrence of a predetermined event, e.g. an object reaching a predetermined position signal generation from motion picture films H04N5/253
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/02 Protecting privacy or anonymity, e.g. protecting personally identifiable information [PII]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/033 : of the user plane, e.g. user's traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/70 : Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/15 : Setup of multiple wireless link connections
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/005 : Discovery of network devices, e.g. terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 : Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/20145 : Means for directing air flow, e.g. ducts, deflectors, plenum or guides
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/20172 : Fan mounting or fan specifications
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/20209 : Thermal management, e.g. fan control

Abstract

A mesh network-based environmental data capture system and method for providing communication between a base system having at least one wireless input capture device ICD(s) and other ICD(s), wherein the ICD(s) are capable of smart cross-communication with each other and remote access to their inputs via a server computer, including the steps of providing this base system; at least one user accessing the ICDs and inputs remotely via a user interface through a remote server computer and/or electronic device communicating with it, for providing a secure surveillance system with extended inputs range and wireless smart cross-communication for monitoring a target environment.

Claims

1. A system for wireless communication, comprising:

one or more processors; and

memory encoded with one or more computer programs that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to;

wirelessly communicate with a plurality of input capture devices via at least a first wireless mesh network, wherein a first one of the plurality of input capture devices includes a camera and a second one of the plurality of input capture devices is configured to detect one or more of a temperature, a motion, a moisture, a sound, and a presence of one or more chemicals;

control, via the first wireless mesh network, at least one of a setting or a functionality of a first subset of the plurality of input capture devices;

directly communicate with a second subset of the plurality of input capture devices,

wherein each of the second subset of the plurality of input capture devices has one or more sensors for independently acquiring environmental data,

wherein each of the second subset of the plurality of input capture devices is operable for wireless cross-communication directly with one or more input capture devices of the first subset of the plurality of input capture devices or the second subset of the plurality of input capture devices, independent of a remote control device, thereby forming at least a portion of the first wireless mesh network, and

wherein at least one input capture device of the second subset of the plurality of input capture devices is operable to transmit inputs from one input capture device of the plurality of input capture devices to another input capture device of the plurality of input capture devices, thereby extending a maximum operating radio range of the first wireless mesh network;

receive, via a second communication network, data from the remote control device for controlling one or more of the plurality of input capture devices, wherein the first wireless mesh network operates independently from operation of the second communication network;

activate a trigger event or alarm based, at least in part, on receiving an indication of a detection or lack of detection of an input by at least one input capture device of the plurality of input capture devices, wherein the trigger event or alarm causes a notification to be sent for delivery to the remote device; and

control, via the first wireless mesh network, one or more devices based on environmental data acquired by one or more of the plurality of input capture devices.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein

activating the trigger event or alarm comprises sending a notification of the trigger event or alarm using one or more of an SMS message or email,

the one or more computer programs further cause the one or more processors to make available to the remote control device, via at least the second communication network, one or more images received from an input capture device of the second subset.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the control, via the first wireless mesh network, of the at least one of a setting or a functionality of the first subset of the input capture devices is independent of control by the remote control device, via the second communication network.

4. A system for wireless communication, comprising:

one or more processors; and

memory encoded with one or more computer programs that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to;

wirelessly communicate with a plurality of input capture devices via at least a first wireless mesh network;

control at least one of a setting or a functionality of a first subset of the plurality of input capture devices, independent of a control by a remote control device via at least a second communication network; and

directly communicate with a second subset of the plurality of input capture devices, wherein each of the second subset of input capture devices has one or more sensors for independently capturing environmental data and wherein each of the second subset of input capture devices is operable for wireless cross-communication directly with one or more input capture devices of the first subset and/or the second subset, independent of the remote control device, for forming at least a portion of the first wireless mesh network.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the remote control device is a mobile phone, PDA, or laptop computer.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the second communication network includes at least a cellular network or wired network.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein the first wireless mesh network operates independently from operation or failure of the second communication network.

8. The system of claim 4, wherein the one or more computer programs further cause the one or more processors to make available to the remote control device, via at least the second communication network, one or more images received from an input capture device of the second subset.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more images are portions of video captured by the input capture device of the second subset.

10. The system of claim 4, wherein the first subset and the second subset include at least one common input capture device.

11. The system of claim 4, wherein the one or more computer program further cause the one or more processors to, in response to receiving a request to access environmental data captured by one or more input capture devices of the second subset, authenticate the remote control device and/or operator of the remote control device for accessing the environmental data.

12. The system of claim 4, wherein the one ore more computer programs further cause the one or more processors to receive data from the remote control device for controlling at least one of the plurality of input capture devices.

13. The system of claim 4, wherein at least one of the plurality of input capture devices is a camera and wherein, when the camera detects motion, an alarm is triggered and a notification that the alarm was triggered is sent for delivery to the remote control device.

14. The system of claim 4, wherein at least one input capture device of the second subset is operable to transmit inputs from a first input capture device of the plurality of input capture devices to a second input capture device of the plurality of input capture devices, for extending a maximum operating radio range of the first wireless mesh network.

15. A method, comprising:

controlling, via a first wireless mesh network, at least one of a setting or a functionality of a plurality of wireless input capture devices, independent of control by a remote control device via at least a second communication network;

directly communicating with at least one of the wireless input capture devices, wherein the at least one wireless input capture device includes one or more sensors for independently detecting and recording inputs, a processor, a memory, and a transmitter/receiver;

identifying a first input capture device, a second input capture device, and an intermediate input capture device of the wireless input capture devices, wherein the first input capture device and the second input capture device are configured to communicate with each other via a communication path of the first wireless mesh network, the communication path established through the intermediate input capture device;

receiving from the remote control device a request for input data; and

in response to the request for input data, sending at least a portion of the input data captured independently by the first input capture device or the second input capture device for viewing via the remote control device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein one or more of the wireless input capture devices are further configured to detect one or more of a temperature, a moisture, a sound, and a presence of one or more chemicals.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the wireless input capture devices are configured to extend the usable radio range of the first wireless mesh network beyond the radio range associated with any individual one of the wireless input capture devices.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the wireless input capture devices are configured to detect a plurality of motion, presence, or sound and wherein the wireless input capture devices are each configured as wireless communication range extenders.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the second communication network includes at least a cellular network or wired network.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising, in response to the request for input data, authenticating the remote control device and/or an operator of the remote control device for accessing the input data.

21. The method of claim 15, further comprising receiving data from the remote control device for controlling at least one of the wireless input capture devices.

22. The method of claim 15, further comprising activating a trigger event or alarm based, at least in part, on receiving an indication of a detection or lack of detection of an input by at least one wireless input capture device.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein activating the trigger event or alarm comprises sending a notification of the trigger event or alarm using one or more of an SMS message and email.

24. A non-transitory computer-readable medium encoded with one or more computer programs that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform actions comprising:

wirelessly communicating with at least one of a plurality of input capture devices via at least a first wireless mesh network;

controlling at least one of a setting or a functionality of a first subset of the plurality of input capture devices, independent of control by a remote control device that is configured to communicate with at least one of the first subset of input capture devices via at least a second communication network; and

directly communicating with a second subset of the plurality of the plurality of input capture devices, wherein each of the second subset of input capture devices has one or more sensors for independently capturing environmental data and wherein each of the second subset of input capture devices is operable for wireless cross-communication directly with one or more input capture devices of the first subset and/or the second subset, independent of the remote control device, for forming at least a portion of the first wireless mesh network.

25. The computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein the first wireless mesh network is configured to operate independent of a failure in the second communication network.

26. The computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein the second communication network includes at least a cellular network or wired network.

27. The computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein the content further causes the one or more processors to make available to the remote control device, via at least the second communication network, one or more images received from an input capture device of the second subset.

28. The computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein the one or more images are portions of video captured by the input capture device of the second subset.

29. The computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein the first subset and the second subset include at least one common input capture device.

30. The computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein the one or more computer programs further cause the one or more processors to

in response to receiving a request to access environmental data captured by one or more input capture devices of the second subset, authenticate the remote control device and/or operator of the remote control device for accessing the environmental data;

and

receive data from the remote control device for controlling at least one of the plurality of input capture devices.