Upgradeable automation devices, systems, architectures, and methods
First Claim
1. An automation system comprising:
- at least one peripheral device that performs a function and is configured as a translator device in an area to receive and convert wireless signals in a Zigbee message to a wired signal by inserting the Zigbee message into a RS-485 stream, and to send the wired signal over a wire to another translator device in another area that is configured to receive and convert the wired signal from the wire back into the wireless signal by recreating the Zigbee message from the RS-485 stream and wirelessly transmit the Zigbee message to at least one other peripheral device to support communication between an automation controller and the at least one other peripheral device;
the automation controller being configured to send and receive information regarding the function to and from the peripheral devices and communicate signals wirelessly with the peripheral devices; and
,a remote controller configured to provide a signal to at least one peripheral device to initiate an association process between the peripheral device and the automation controller.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
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.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. An automation system comprising:
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at least one peripheral device that performs a function and is configured as a translator device in an area to receive and convert wireless signals in a Zigbee message to a wired signal by inserting the Zigbee message into a RS-485 stream, and to send the wired signal over a wire to another translator device in another area that is configured to receive and convert the wired signal from the wire back into the wireless signal by recreating the Zigbee message from the RS-485 stream and wirelessly transmit the Zigbee message to at least one other peripheral device to support communication between an automation controller and the at least one other peripheral device; the automation controller being configured to send and receive information regarding the function to and from the peripheral devices and communicate signals wirelessly with the peripheral devices; and
,a remote controller configured to provide a signal to at least one peripheral device to initiate an association process between the peripheral device and the automation controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An automation system, comprising:
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an automation controller configured to send and receive information wirelessly to a plurality of peripheral devices that perform a function;
whereinat least one peripheral device is configured as a translator device that receives a Zigbee message wirelessly, inserts the Zigbee message into a RS-485 stream, sends the RS-485 stream as a wired signal over a wire to another peripheral device configured as a translator device in another area that receives the wired signal and recreates the Zigbee message from the RS-485 stream and wirelessly transmits the Zigbee message to at least one other peripheral device to support communication between the automation controller and at least one other peripheral device.
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12. A method of communicating in an automation system comprising:
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configuring an automation controller to send and receive information wirelessly to a plurality of peripheral devices that perform a function; providing a peripheral device configured as a translator device to; receive a message wirelessly in Zigbee format from the automation controller, insert the message into a wired signal in RS-485 format, send the wired signal over a wire to another area; and
,receiving the wired signal with another peripheral device configured as a translator device configured to; recreate the message in Zigbee format from the wired signal, and, transmit the message wirelessly to at least one other peripheral device to support communication between the automation controller and at least one other peripheral device. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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Specification