Establishing proximity detection using 802.11 based networks

• US 8,504,180 B2
• Filed: 06/19/2012
• Issued: 08/06/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 08/21/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Allure Energy Incorporated
• Inventors: Imes, Kevin R., Hollister, James, Cottrell, John Frederick
• Primary Examiner(s): Ali, Mohammad
• Assistant Examiner(s): WHITTINGTON, ANTHONY T
• Application Number:
  US13/526,595
• Publication Number:
  US 20120252430A1
• Time in Patent Office: 413 Days
• Field of Search: 700/276, 700/83, 455/418
• US Class Current: 700/83
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/30 for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/46 Improving electric energy efficiency or saving
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/47 Responding to energy costs
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/523 for displaying temperature data
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/58 using Internet communication
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/61 using timers
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/62 characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/64 using pre-stored data
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2120/00 Control inputs relating to users or occupants
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2130/00 Control inputs relating to environmental factors not covered by group F24F2110/00
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2130/10 Weather information or forecasts
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 15/02 electric
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/02 electric
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2642 Domotique, domestic, home control, automation, smart house
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1917 using digital means
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1919 characterised by the type of controller
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1923 using thermal energy, the cost of which varies in function of time
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0484 for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00 Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00001 : characterised by the display of information or by user interaction, e.g. supervisory control and data acquisition systems [SCADA] or graphical user interfaces [GUI]
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00004 : characterised by the power network being locally controlled
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/0001 : using modification of a parameter of the network power signal
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00017 : using optical fiber
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00028 : involving the use of Internet protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00034 : the elements or equipment being or involving an electric power substation
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/14 : The load or loads being home appliances
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/14 : by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/30 : Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for improving the carbon footprint of the management of residential or tertiary loads, i.e. smart grids as climate change mitigation technology in the buildings sector, including also the last stages of power distribution and the control, monitoring or operating management systems at local level
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/3225 : Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/20 : Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector smart grids supporting the management or operation of end-user stationary applications in general, or like technologies with no associated climate change mitigation effect Y04S20/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 80/10 : Efficient use of energy, e.g. using compressed air or pressurized fluid as energy carrier
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/20 : End-user application control systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/222 : Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/242 : Home appliances
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/244 : the home appliances being or involving heating ventilating and air conditioning [HVAC] units
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 40/121 : using the power network as support for the transmission
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 40/124 : using wired telecommunication networks or data transmission busses
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 40/128 : involving the use of Internet protocol

Abstract

A method includes presenting a set location setting capable of being selected by a user within a graphical user interface (GUI) of a mobile device. The method proceeds by detecting on-site location information of the mobile device in response to a selection of the set location setting and detecting at least one on-site 802.11 based network in communication with the mobile device in response to a selection of the set location setting. The method proceeds by identifying an on-site IP address associated with the at least one on-site 802.11 based network, and then associating both the on-site location information and the on-site IP address with an on-site zone of a site associated with the mobile device. The method proceeds by altering an operating condition of a network device located at the site in response to a location of the mobile device relative to the on-site zone.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

presenting a set location setting within a graphical user interface (GUI) of a mobile device;

detecting a selection of the set-location setting;

detecting on-site location information of the mobile device in response to the selection of the set location setting;

detecting at least one on-site 802.11 based network in communication with the mobile device in response to the selection of the set location setting;

identifying an on-site IP address associated with the at least one on-site 802.11 based network;

associating both the on-site location information and the on-site IP address with an on-site zone of a site associated with the mobile device; and

altering an operating condition of a network device located at the site in response to a location of the mobile device relative to the on-site zone.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

detecting a loss of a signal providing the location information of the mobile device;

scanning for at least one current 802.11 based network in communication with the mobile device during loss of the signal;

identifying a current IP address associated with the current 802.11 based network;

comparing the current IP address to the on-site IP address to determine if the mobile device is located within the on-site zone.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising:

initiating an on-site operating condition of the network device at the site in response to determining that the current IP address matches the on-site IP address during the loss of the signal.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising:

initiating an off-site operating condition of the network device at the site in response to determining that the current IP address does not match the on-site IP address during the loss of the signal.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

storing the on-site location information and the on-site IP address in a memory of the mobile device.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the on-site location information is detected using one of GPS technology, cell-tower triangulation technology, geo-fencing technology, significant change technology, or triangulation technology.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

detecting an operating condition of the network device located at the site; and

displaying an icon within the GUI configured to present the operating condition of the network device disposed at the site.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the network device is a thermostat and the operating condition presented by the icon is a current temperature set-point.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the network device includes one or more of a personal computer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device, a media device, a smart phone, a cellular or mobile phone a smart utility meter, an advanced metering infrastructure, a smart energy device, an energy display device, a home automation controller, an energy hub, a smart energy gateway, a set-top box, a digital media subscriber system, a cable modem, a fiber optic enabled communications device, a media gateway, a home media management system, a network server or storage device, an energy substation, a vehicle charging station, a renewable energy production device, a renewable energy control device, an energy storage management system, a smart appliance, an HVAC system, a water pump, a heat pump, a hot water heater, a thermostat, an energy controller, an irrigation system, a lighting system, an alarm system, a smart power outlet, an energy detection device, a power measurement device, a power measurement unit (PMU), an air handler, a wireless air damper, a humidity control system, a refrigerator system, a washing machine system, a heat and motion sensing device, a smart power outlet, a switch router or a wireless router.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the mobile device includes one of a personal computer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device, a smart phone, a mobile phone and a tablet.

11. An application having machine readable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, the machine readable instructions when executed by a processor comprise the steps of:

display a set location setting within a graphical user interface (GUI) of a mobile device;

detect a selection of the set location setting;

detect on-site location information of the mobile device in response to the selection of the set location setting;

detect at least one on-site 802.11 based network in communication with the mobile device in response to the selection of the set location setting;

identify an on-site IP address associated with the at least one on-site 802.11 based network;

associate both the on-site location information and the on-site IP address with an on-site zone of a site associated with the mobile device; and

alter an operating condition of a network device located at the site in response to a location of the mobile device relative to the on-site zone.

12. The application of claim 11 wherein the machine-readable instructions when executed by a processor further comprise the steps of:

detect a loss of a signal providing the location information of the mobile device;

scan for at least one current 802.11 based network in communication with the mobile device during loss of the signal;

identify a current IP address associated with the current 802.11 based network;

compare the current IP address to the on-site IP address to determine if the mobile device is located within the on-site zone.

13. The application of claim 12 wherein the machine-readable instructions when executed by a processor further comprise the step of:

initiate an on-site operating condition of the network device at the site in response to determining that the current IP address matches the on-site IP address during the loss of the signal.

14. The application of claim 12 wherein the machine-readable instructions when executed by a processor further comprise the step of:

initiate an off-site operating condition of the network device at the site in response to determining that the current IP address does not match the on-site IP address during the loss of the signal.

15. The application of claim 11 wherein the machine-readable instructions when executed by a processor further comprise the step of:

store the on-site location information and the on-site IP address in a computer-readable medium of the mobile device.

16. The application of claim 11 wherein the on-site location information is detected using one of GPS technology, cell-tower triangulation technology, geo-fencing technology, significant change technology, ir triangulation technology.

17. The application of claim of claim 11 wherein the machine-readable instructions when executed by a processor further comprise the steps of:

detect an operating condition of the network device located at the site; and

display an icon within the GUI configured to present the operating condition of the network device disposed at the site.

18. The application of claim 17 wherein the network device is a thermostat and the operating condition presented by the icon is a current temperature set-point.

19. The application of claim 17 wherein the network device includes one or more of a personal computer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device, a media device, a smart phone, a cellular or mobile phone a smart utility meter, an advanced metering infrastructure, a smart energy device, an energy display device, a home automation controller, an energy hub, a smart energy gateway, a set-top box, a digital media subscriber system, a cable modem, a fiber optic enabled communications device, a media gateway, a home media management system, a network server or storage device, an energy substation, a vehicle charging station, a renewable energy production device, a renewable energy control device, an energy storage management system, a smart appliance, an HVAC system, a water pump, a heat pump, a hot water heater, a thermostat, an energy controller, an irrigation system, a lighting system, an alarm system, a smart power outlet, an energy detection device, a power measurement device, a power measurement unit (PMU), an air handler, a wireless air damper, a humidity control system, a refrigerator system, a washing machine system, a heat and motion sensing device, a smart power outlet, a switch router or a wireless router.

20. The application of claim 11 wherein the machine readable instructions are stored on a machine readable medium of one of a personal computer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device, a smart phone, a mobile phone or a tablet.

21. A mobile device comprising:

a processor configured to initiate an on-site operating condition of a network device at the site in response to determining that a current IP address associated with a current 802.11 based network in communication with the mobile device matches an on-site IP address during loss of a signal providing location information of the mobile device;

a graphical user interface configured to display a set location setting;

the processor configured to detect a selection of the set location setting and detect on-site location information of the mobile device in response to the selection of the set-location setting; and

a storage medium configured to store the on-site location information.

22. The mobile device of claim 21 further comprising:

the processor configured to detect at least one on-site 802.11 based network in communication with the mobile device in response to a selection of the set location setting along with on-site IP address associated with the on-site 802.11 based network, and associating the on-site IP address and the on-site location information with an on-site zone; and

the storage medium configured to store the on-site IP address and the on-site location information associated with the on-site zone.

23. The mobile device of claim 22 wherein the processor is further configured to:

detect the loss of the signal providing the location information of the mobile device;

scan for the least one current 802.11 based network and the current IP address in communication with the mobile device during loss of the signal; and

compare the current IP address to the on-site IP address to determine if the mobile device is located within the on-site zone.

24. The mobile device of claim 23 wherein the processor is further configured to:

initiate an off-site operating condition of the network device at the site in response to determining that the network device does not match the on-site IP address during the loss of the signal.

25. The mobile device of claim 21 wherein the on-site location information is detected using one of GPS technology, cell-tower triangulation technology, geo-fencing technology, significant change technology, and triangulation technology.

26. The mobile device of claim 21 further comprising:

the processor configured to detect an operating condition of the network device located at the site; and

the GUI configured to display an icon to present the operating condition of the network device disposed at the site.

27. The mobile device of claim 26 wherein the network device is a thermostat and the operating condition presented by the icon is a current temperature set-point.

28. The mobile device of claim 21 wherein the network device includes one or more of a personal computer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device, a media device, a smart phone, a cellular or mobile phone a smart utility meter, an advanced metering infrastructure, a smart energy device, an energy display device, a home automation controller, an energy hub, a smart energy gateway, a set-top box, a digital media subscriber system, a cable modem, a fiber optic enabled communications device, a media gateway, a home media management system, a network server or storage device, an energy substation, a vehicle charging station, a renewable energy production device, a renewable energy control device, an energy storage management system, a smart appliance, an HVAC system, a water pump, a heat pump, a hot water heater, a thermostat, an energy controller, an irrigation system, a lighting system, an alarm system, a smart power outlet, an energy detection device, a power measurement device, a power measurement unit (PMU), an air handler, a wireless air damper, a humidity control system, a refrigerator system, a washing machine system, a heat and motion sensing device, a smart power outlet, a switch router or a wireless router.

29. The mobile device of claim 21 wherein the mobile device includes one of a personal computer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device, a smart phone, a mobile phone or a tablet.