Upgradeable Automation Devices, Systems, Architectures, and Methods
First Claim
1. An automation system comprising:
- a plurality of peripheral devices, each configured to perform at least one function relating to energy consumption in a facility;
an automation controller in communication with the plurality of peripheral devices and providing for the control of the performance of the function by each device based on day, time of day, presence of at least one person within an area in the facility, environmental conditions outside the facility, solar impact within the area, administrator settings including set points, limits, and ranges, and user input consistent with the administrator settings.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-level automation control architecture, methods, and systems are disclosed, which provide enhanced scalability, functionality, and cost effectiveness for energy, access, and control. The systems include various combinations of automation controllers, remote controllers and peripheral devices that are used to provide monitoring and control functionality over the various systems in a structure, such as HVAC, water, lighting, etc. In various embodiments, the automation controller and various peripheral devices are implemented to provide an integrated energy management system for the structure. The system allows the user to manage energy based on the day, time, the presence of people, and the availability of natural lighting and heating, as well as prioritize and participate in demand-response program. The system can be implemented using a remote controller and expanded through the addition of automation controllers, remote controllers, and peripheral devices to enable the system to be tailored to specific user requirements.
192 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An automation system comprising:
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a plurality of peripheral devices, each configured to perform at least one function relating to energy consumption in a facility; an automation controller in communication with the plurality of peripheral devices and providing for the control of the performance of the function by each device based on day, time of day, presence of at least one person within an area in the facility, environmental conditions outside the facility, solar impact within the area, administrator settings including set points, limits, and ranges, and user input consistent with the administrator settings. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. The automation system comprising:
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an automation controller is configured to communicate with at least one peripheral device that perform at least one function relating to energy consumption; and
,at least one peripheral device configured as a plug strip including a power cord for plugging into a power source and a plurality of electrical receptacles controlled at least in part by a common processor and using a common transmitter and receiver to communicate with the automation controller, the peripheral device further being configured to communicate with a computer via a secondary signal type to send power up and power down signals to the computer and for controlling power to the electrical receptacles.
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18. A method of automating functions comprising:
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configuring a plurality of peripheral devices to perform at least one function relating to energy consumption in a facility; providing settings via an automation controller for an area within the facility depending the day, time of day, the presence of a person in the facility in the area, and the presence of a person in the facility and not in the area; and
,controlling the function of the peripheral devices to account for environmental conditions outside the facility and solar impact in the area to maintain the area according to the settings corresponding to the day, time of day, the presence of a person in the facility in the area, and the presence of a person in the facility and not in the area. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification