Methods, systems, and apparatus for the monitoring, controlling, and communicating of electronic devices

• US 9,793,952 B1
• Filed: 01/11/2017
• Issued: 10/17/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 07/22/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Crius Technology Group Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Crius Technology Group, LLC
• Inventors: Bogdanovich, Phillip
• Primary Examiner(s): Phu, Phuong
• Application Number:
  US15/404,174
• Time in Patent Office: 279 Days
• Field of Search: 375219, 375220, 375222, 375257, 375258, 307 18, 307 52, 455402, 455 411, 455 412
• CPC Class Codes: C07C 209/60 by condensation or addition reactions, e.g. Mannich reaction, addition of ammonia or amines to alkenes or to alkynes or addition of compounds containing an active hydrogen atom to Schiff's bases, quinone imines, or aziranes
• CPC Class Codes: C07C 211/61 with at least one of the condensed ring systems formed by three or more rings
• CPC Class Codes: C07C 217/80 having amino groups and etherified hydroxy groups bound to carbon atoms of non-condensed six-membered aromatic rings
• CPC Class Codes: C07C 2601/14 The ring being saturated
• CPC Class Codes: C07C 2603/18 Fluorenes; Hydrogenated fluorenes
• CPC Class Codes: C07C 2603/26 Phenanthrenes; Hydrogenated phenanthrenes
• CPC Class Codes: C07C 2603/52 containing five condensed rings
• CPC Class Codes: C07C 2603/54 containing more than five condensed rings
• CPC Class Codes: C07C 2603/94 containing "free" spiro atoms
• CPC Class Codes: C07C 2603/97 containing five-membered rings
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 209/86 with only hydrogen atoms, hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon radicals, directly attached to carbon atoms of the ring system
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 209/94 containing carbocyclic rings other than six-membered
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 213/06 containing only hydrogen and carbon atoms in addition to the ring nitrogen atom
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 213/16 containing only one pyridine ring
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 219/02 with only hydrogen, hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon radicals, directly attached to carbon atoms of the ring system
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 221/08 Aza-anthracenes
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 223/26 having a double bond between positions 10 and 11
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 265/38 [b, e]-condensed with two six-membered rings
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 279/22 with carbon atoms directly attached to the ring nitrogen atom
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 307/91 Dibenzofurans; Hydrogenated dibenzofurans
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 307/93 : condensed with a ring other than six-membered
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 311/80 : Dibenzopyrans; Hydrogenated dibenzopyrans
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 333/76 : Dibenzothiophenes
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 405/04 : directly linked by a ring-member-to-ring-member bond
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 405/12 : linked by a chain containing hetero atoms as chain links
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 407/12 : linked by a chain containing hetero atoms as chain links
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 471/06 : Peri-condensed systems
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 487/04 : Ortho-condensed systems
• CPC Class Codes: C09B 19/00 : Oxazine dyes
• CPC Class Codes: C09B 21/00 : Thiazine dyes
• CPC Class Codes: C09B 57/008 : Triarylamine dyes containing no other chromophores
• CPC Class Codes: C09B 69/008 : Dyes containing a substituent, which contains a silicium atom
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 11/06 : containing organic luminescent materials
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 2211/1007 : Non-condensed systems
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 2211/1011 : Condensed systems
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 2211/1014 : bridged by heteroatoms, e.g. N, P, Si or B
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 2211/1029 : containing one nitrogen atom as the heteroatom
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 2211/1088 : containing oxygen as the only heteroatom
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 2211/1092 : containing sulfur as the only heteroatom
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/54 : Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/56 : Circuits for coupling, blocking, or by-passing of signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2816 : Controlling appliance services of a home automation network by calling their functionalities arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station; in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom H04Q9/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/40 : Bus networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/2843 : Mains power line
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0833 : for reduction of network energy consumption
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/00 : Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/08 : Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/80 : Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/105 : in response to determined parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/115 : by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/175 : by remote control
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/18 : via data-bus transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/185 : via power line carrier transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/19 : via wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 50/11 : characterised by the electroluminescent [EL] layers
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 50/15 : Hole transporting layers
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 50/17 : Carrier injection layers
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 50/18 : Carrier blocking layers
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 85/615 : Polycyclic condensed aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g. anthracene
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 85/626 : containing more than one polycyclic condensed aromatic rings, e.g. bis-anthracene
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 85/633 : comprising polycyclic condensed aromatic hydrocarbons as substituents on the nitrogen atom
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 85/636 : comprising heteroaromatic hydrocarbons as substituents on the nitrogen atom
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 85/6572 : comprising only nitrogen in the heteroaromatic polycondensed ring system, e.g. phenanthroline or carbazole
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 85/6574 : comprising only oxygen in the heteroaromatic polycondensed ring system, e.g. cumarine dyes
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 85/6576 : comprising only sulfur in the heteroaromatic polycondensed ring system, e.g. benzothiophene
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 : Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/549 : Organic PV cells

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatus for monitoring and controlling electronic devices through the use of wired and wireless protocols. The systems and apparatuses may monitor their environment for signals from electronic devices. They may then take and disambiguate the signals that are received from the devices in their environment in order to identify said devices and associate control signals with them. The systems and apparatuses may then use communication means to send control signals to the identified electronic devices. Input and output transmission means for the systems and apparatuses may include, but are not limited to, powerline communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and 6LoWPAN. Signal processing and device identification may be done onboard the device, or may be done at a remote location. Multiple apparatuses or systems may be connected together into networks, including mesh networks, in order to make for a more robust architecture.

Claims

1. An apparatus for controlling a plurality of electronic devices through a power line, the apparatus comprising:

a powernet control unit, the powernet control unit (PCU) comprising;

a PCU memory unit coupled to the at least one PCU processor, PCU code being stored on the PCU memory unit;

a communication port, the communication port being configured to monitor signals associated with the electronic devices and to send control signals to the electronic devices via one or more communication protocols; and

a PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless module;

a communication cube (CC) comprising;

a CC processor;

a CC memory unit coupled to the CC processor, CC code being stored on the CC memory unit;

a CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module coupled to the CC processor; and

a control clamp coupled to the CC processor, the control clamp comprising;

a non-conductive blade;

a first conductive blade, the first conductive blade being offset from the non-conductive blade, wherein the first conductive blade is coupled to the CC processor; and

a second conductive blade, the second conductive blade being offset from the non-conductive blade and on an opposite side of the non-conductive blade from the first conductive blade, wherein the second conductive blade is coupled to the CC processor;

wherein the first conductive blade and the second conductive blade are configured to splice into a power line and redirect power from the power line through the CC and to the plurality of electronic devices, wherein the non-conductive blade is configured to sever the power line and disrupt power through the power line, the first conductive blade and the second conductive blade being configured to splice into the power line substantially simultaneously with the non-conductive blade severing the power line, thereby providing electrical power and signals from the power line to the CC while continuously providing power from the power line to the plurality of electronic devices;

the PCU code, when executed by the PCU processor, configured to;

establish a PCU power line communication link to the PCU;

communicate with the CC through the PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless module and the CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module; and

communicate with a PCU/CC dashboard application;

the CC code, when executed by the CC processor, configured to;

communicate with the PCU through the PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless module and the CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module; and

monitor and control at least one of the plurality of electronic devices through the control clamp.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, the PCU further comprising a GPS module coupled to the PCU processor.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, the PCU further comprising a PCU internal battery.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communication port comprises at least one of:

Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and a cellular network radio.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless module comprises at least one of:

Bluetooth, 6LoWPan, and ZigBee.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a local server and a mobile device connected to the communication gateway and configured to communicate with the PCU through the communication gateway.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a remote server and a mobile device connected to the communication gateway and configured to communicate with the PCU through the communication gateway.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CC comprises an RFID module coupled to the CC processor and a Bluetooth module coupled to the CC processor.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the CC is configured to operate as an RFID/Bluetooth beacon.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CC comprises a CC internal battery.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module comprises at least one of:

Bluetooth, 6LoWPan, and ZigBee.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CC comprises at least one monitor sensor coupled to the CC processor.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control camp further comprises an insulated tube, at least part of the non-conductive blade, at least part of the first conductive blade, and at least part of the second conductive blade being positioned in the insulated tube.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the control camp further comprises a contact pad positioned with a first portion of the contact pad inside of the insulated tube, and a second portion of the contact pad outside of the insulated tube, wherein the first portion of the contact pad is electrically connected to at least one of the conductive blades, and wherein the second portion of the contact pad is electrically connected to the CC.

13. An apparatus for controlling a plurality of electronic devices through a power line, the apparatus comprising:

a powernet control communication cube, the powernet control communication cube (PCCC) comprising;

at least one processor;

a memory coupled to the at least one processor, PCCC code being stored in the memory;

a communication port coupled to the at least one processor;

a control clamp coupled to the at least one processor, the control clamp comprising;

a non-conductive blade;

a first conductive blade, the first conductive blade being offset from the non-conductive blade, wherein the first conductive blade is coupled to the at least one processor; and

a second conductive blade, the second conductive blade being offset from the non-conductive blade and on an opposite side of the non-conductive blade from the first conductive blade, wherein the second conductive blade is coupled to the at least one processor;

wherein the first conductive blade and the second conductive blade are configured to splice into a power line and redirect power from the power line through the PCCC and to the plurality of electronic devices, wherein the non-conductive blade is configured to sever the power line and disrupt power through the power line, the first conductive blade and the second conductive blade being configured to splice into the power line substantially simultaneously with the non-conductive blade severing the power line, thereby providing electrical power from the power line to the PCCC while continuously providing power from the power line to the plurality of electronic devices

the PCCC code, when executed by the at least one processor, configured to;

establish a power line communication link to the PCCC;

communicate with a PCCC dashboard application; and

monitor and control at least one of the plurality of electronic devices through the control clamp.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, the PCCC further comprising a GPS module.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, the PCCC further comprising an internal battery.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the communication port comprises at least one of:

Wi-Fi, PLC, Ethernet, ZigBee, 6LoWPan, and Bluetooth.

19. A device for controlling one or more electronic devices through a power line, comprising:

a processor;

a non-transitory memory coupled to the processor, the non-transitory memory being configured to store computer program instructions;

a control clamp coupled to the processor, the control clamp comprising;

a non-conductive blade;

a first conductive blade, the first conductive blade being offset from the non-conductive blade, wherein the first conductive blade is coupled to the at least one processor; and

a second conductive blade, the second conductive blade being offset from the non-conductive blade and on an opposite side of the non-conductive blade from the first conductive blade, wherein the second conductive blade is coupled to the at least one processor;

wherein the first conductive blade and the second conductive blade are configured to splice into a power line and redirect power from the power line through the device and to one or more electronic devices coupled to the power line, wherein the non-conductive blade is configured to sever the power line and disrupt power through the power line, the first conductive blade and the second conductive blade being configured to splice into the power line substantially simultaneously with the non-conductive blade severing the power line, thereby providing electrical power from the power line to the device while continuously providing power from the power line to one or more of the electronic devices;

the processor being configured to execute the computer program instructions to cause the device to monitor and control at least one of the plurality of electronic devices through the control clamp.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the processor is configured to execute the computer program instructions to cause the device to:

establish a power line communication link to the device; and

communicate with a remote device used to control the device.