Methods and systems for automating the control of objects within a defined human environment
First Claim
1. A system for controlling the operation of a plurality of objects within a defined human environment, the system comprising:
- a central processing unit, the processing unit having a memory storage device and a real time clock;
a plurality of condition sensors, the sensors providing condition data about the defined human environment to the central processing unit;
at least one local data input device, the local device allowing a user of the system to provide data to the central processing unit;
at least one remote data input device, the remote device allowing a user of the system to provide data to the central processing unit;
a plurality of controller devices for the controlled operation of the plurality of objects within the defined human environment, the controller devices operable by the central processing unit.
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Abstract
Methods and systems are described for the automation of a human living environment such as a home, an apartment, a workplace, or a vehicle. The methods and systems are directed to the control of various groups of objects within the human living environments according to defined criteria and defined object groupings, in a manner that establishes operational themes and scenarios within the environment. The methods and systems utilize devices for characterizing the environment (sensors), making decisions about actions appropriate in the environment (processors), and effecting actions and activities within the environment (switches, controls and actuators). The automation operates on multiple levels including; responsive safety functionality, one time action functionality, sporadically initiated timed action functionality, and periodically scheduled action functionality. The systems integrate with off-site information and action routing services that increase the decision making ability of the individuals within the environment.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A system for controlling the operation of a plurality of objects within a defined human environment, the system comprising:
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a central processing unit, the processing unit having a memory storage device and a real time clock;
a plurality of condition sensors, the sensors providing condition data about the defined human environment to the central processing unit;
at least one local data input device, the local device allowing a user of the system to provide data to the central processing unit;
at least one remote data input device, the remote device allowing a user of the system to provide data to the central processing unit;
a plurality of controller devices for the controlled operation of the plurality of objects within the defined human environment, the controller devices operable by the central processing unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for operating a defined human environment automation system, the method comprising the controlled operation of a plurality of objects within the defined human environment, the system comprising a central processing unit and a plurality of controller devices associated with the plurality of objects within the defined human environment, the method comprising the steps of:
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defining at least one operational state capable of being established within at least a portion of the defined human environment, the at least one operational state generally characterized by an activity or activities to be carried out in the portion of the defined human environment;
organizing the plurality of objects within the defined human environment into functional groups based on pre-defined association criteria derived from the at least one operational state;
selecting and establishing one of the operational states within the defined human environment by providing control commands from the central processing unit to the plurality of controller devices, and thereby to the plurality of objects within one or more of the functional groups. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method for operating a defined human environment automation system, the method comprising the controlled operation of a plurality of objects within the defined human environment, the system comprising a central processing unit and a plurality of controller devices associated with the plurality of objects within the defined human environment, the method comprising the steps of:
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selecting and establishing one of a plurality of operational states within the defined human environment by providing control commands from the central processing unit to the plurality of controller devices, and thereby to the plurality of objects within one or more of the functional groups;
providing access and connection to remote processing systems to transmit and receive information and to effect activities outside the defined human environment that connect with actions and activities within the defined human environment. - View Dependent Claims (26)
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Specification