MULTIPOINT SENSING SYSTEM

• US 20100294937A1
• Filed: 05/21/2009
• Published: 11/25/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: EnOcean GmbH
• Original Assignee: Liberty Hardware Manufacturing Co (Masco Corporation)
• Inventors: Finch, John Gerard, Xu, Jian
• Granted Patent: US 8,022,367 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 250/340
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/04 by breaking of glass
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/10 by pressure on floors, floor coverings, stair treads, counters, or tills
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1436 with motion detection
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1472 with force or weight detection
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1654 using passive vibration detection systems
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/169 using cable transducer means
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19 using infrared-radiation detection systems G08B13/194 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/191 using pyroelectric sensor means
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/193 using focusing means
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/023 Power management, e.g. system sleep and wake up provisions
• 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: G08B 25/10 using wireless transmission systems G08B25/009 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 26/005 with substations connected in series, e.g. cascade
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 26/006 with substations connected to an individual line, e.g. star configuration
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 26/008 central annunciator means of the sensed conditions, e.g. displaying or registering

Abstract

A self-powered energy harvesting unit/controller receives motion data from one or more self-powered sensors via low power wire. The energy harvesting unit sends signals wirelessly to a system to perform certain functions as a result of received motion signals or the absence of such motion signals.

Claims

1. A multipoint sensing system for sensing a parameter, said system comprising:

a cable,

a sensor connected to said cable, said sensor sensing the parameter,

an energy harvesting controller connected to said cable, said controller harvesting energy and receiving signals from said sensor as to an occurrence of the parameter.

2. A multipoint sensing system for sensing a parameter of claim 1 wherein said controller sends a signal to a remote location as a function of sensing the occurrence of the parameter.

3. A multipoint sensing system for sensing motion, said system comprising:

a cable,

a plurality of PIR sensors each connected by said cable, said sensors sensing the motion

an energy harvesting controller connected to said cable, said controller harvesting energy and receiving signals from said PIR sensors as to an occurrence of motion.

4. An apparatus for sensing a parameter, said apparatus comprising:

at least one powered sensor for sensing said parameter, said sensor providing a first signal as to a state of said sensor as relates to said parameter,

an energy harvesting unit connected said at least one powered sensor, said unit providing power to said sensor, receiving said first signal from said powered sensor, and sending a second signal as to said energy harvesting unit'"'"'s receipt of said first signal.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising:

more than one sensor, any one of said sensors sending said first signal upon an occurrence of said parameter.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said parameter is motion.

7. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said sensor is not addressable.

8. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said sensor only sends a first signal.

9. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said energy housing unit manages power upon an occurrence of said parameter.

10. A method of sensing motion in an area comprising;

connecting at least one sensor to an energy harvester,

placing said sensors in an area to be monitored for a parameter,

receiving data from said sensors as to a sensing of an occurrence of said parameter and

harvesting energy to power said sensor.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising:

wirelessly sending a signal relevant to data received from said sensor to a remote location.

12. The method of claim 10 further comprising:

placing said energy harvester close to an energy source for harvesting energy from said energy source.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein said energy source is a light source.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein said energy source is a thermal source.

15. The method of claim 10 further comprising:

managing said harvested energy.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein energy is not sent to said sensor upon an occurrence of said parameter.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein said energy is not sent to said sensor for a given period of time.