U.S. patent application number 12/126342 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-21 for building illumination apparatus with integrated communications, security and energy management.
This patent application is currently assigned to FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT DEVELOPMENT SERVICE, INC.. Invention is credited to John C. Pederson.
Application Number | 20090129782 12/126342 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39671495 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090129782 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pederson; John C. |
May 21, 2009 |
BUILDING ILLUMINATION APPARATUS WITH INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS,
SECURITY AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Abstract
An LED light and communication system includes one or more
optical transceivers that have a light support having a plurality
of light emitting diodes and one or more photodetectors attached
thereto, and a processor in communication with the light emitting
diodes and the one or more photodetectors. The processor is
constructed and arranged to generate a communication signal. The
one or more optical transceivers are engaged to a lighting fixture
within a building. The one or more optical transceivers are
constructed and arranged to communicate with a name tag.
Inventors: |
Pederson; John C.; (St.
Cloud, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VIDAS, ARRETT & STEINKRAUS, P.A.
SUITE 400, 6640 SHADY OAK ROAD
EDEN PRAIRIE
MN
55344
US
|
Assignee: |
FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT DEVELOPMENT
SERVICE, INC.
Washington
DC
|
Family ID: |
39671495 |
Appl. No.: |
12/126342 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60931611 |
May 24, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
398/135 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 10/11 20130101;
H04B 10/1143 20130101; H04B 10/114 20130101; H04B 10/40 20130101;
H04Q 11/0003 20130101; H04B 3/54 20130101; H04K 3/22 20130101; H04W
4/025 20130101; H05B 47/195 20200101; H04K 2203/22 20130101; H04B
10/00 20130101; H05B 45/10 20200101; H05B 47/19 20200101; H04B
10/1149 20130101; H04B 10/116 20130101; H05B 45/20 20200101; H05B
47/105 20200101; Y02B 20/40 20130101; H04B 10/1141 20130101; H05B
47/115 20200101; H04K 1/10 20130101; G01S 1/70 20130101; G01S
1/7034 20190801; H04B 10/502 20130101; H05B 47/185 20200101; H04K
3/90 20130101; G01S 2201/01 20190801; G01S 1/7038 20190801 |
Class at
Publication: |
398/135 |
International
Class: |
H04B 10/00 20060101
H04B010/00 |
Claims
1. An LED light and communication system comprising: at least one
optical transceiver, the optical transceiver comprising: a light
support having a plurality of light emitting diodes and at least
one photodetector attached thereto; and a processor in
communication with the light emitting diodes and the at least one
photodetector, the processor constructed and arranged to generate a
communication signal, wherein the at least one optical transceiver
is engaged to a lighting fixture within a building, and wherein the
at least one optical transceiver is constructed and arranged to
communicate with a name tag.
2. The LED light and communication system of claim 1, further
comprising a name tag.
3. The LED light and communication system of claim 2, wherein the
name tag comprises at least one optical transceiver.
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. The combination of claim 3, wherein the LED light and
communication system provides both illumination for a room and
communication capabilities.
9. The combination of claim 3, wherein the name tag includes a
unique identifier.
10. The combination of claim 9, wherein the unique identifier is
stored in non-volatile memory.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional patent
application No. 60/931,611, filed May 24, 2007, the disclosure of
which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In some embodiments, the present invention is generally
directed to light emitting diodes (LEDs) and applications thereof.
In particular, some embodiments of the present invention are
directed to using LEDs and power line communication technology to
provide internet access and communication capability to residential
and commercial clientele.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Radiofrequency transmissions may be easily intercepted, in
part because of the fact that RF signals are designed to radiate
signals in all directions. Radiofrequency transmissions are also
regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) which
controls the frequencies that may be used by individuals.
Radiofrequency transmissions are also susceptible to interference
and produce noise.
[0005] In contrast to RF communications, light sources used for
communication are extremely secure due to the fact that they are
focused within a narrow beam, requiring placement of equipment
within the beam itself for interception. Also, because the visible
spectrum is not regulated by the FCC, light sources can be used for
communications purposes without the need of a license. Light
sources are also not susceptible to interference nor do they
produce noise that can interfere with other devices.
[0006] Light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be used as light sources
for data transmission, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,879,263 and
7,046,160, the entire contents of each being expressly incorporated
herein by reference. LEDs have a quick response to "ON" and "OFF"
signals, as compared to the longer warm-up and response times
associated with fluorescent lighting, for example. LEDs are also
efficient in producing light, as measured in lumens per watt.
Recent developments in LED technology, such as high brightness blue
LEDs, which in turn paved the way for white LEDs, have made LEDs a
practical alternative to conventional light sources. As such, LED
technology provides a practical opportunity to combine lighting and
communication. This combination of lighting and communication
allows ubiquitous light sources such as street lights, home
lighting, and office building lighting, for example, to be
converted to, or supplemented with, LED technology to provide for
communications while simultaneously producing light for
illumination purposes.
[0007] Regarding office buildings, building management is a complex
science which incorporates and governs all facets of human,
mechanical and structural systems associated with buildings. As a
result of the complexity, most commercial buildings are managed by
commercial property management companies with great expertise. Both
at the time of construction and throughout the life-cycle of a
building, the interrelationships between people and the mechanical
and structural systems are most desirably evaluated. Where possible
and cost-effective, human interactions with a building and
associated mechanical systems will be optimized, in turn providing
the greatest benefit to both the owners and those who use the
facilities afforded by the building. Noteworthy is the fact that
building users may include both regular occupants such as
individual or commercial tenants, and also transient occupants such
as visitors, guests, or commercial customers.
[0008] Building management includes diverse facets, some which are
simply representations of the building and associated systems and
people, and other facets which are tangible. Exemplary of
representations are accounting or financial monitoring
responsibilities which will including record keeping control and
assurance of financial transactions involving tenants, owners, and
service providers. Exemplary of the physical or tangible
responsibilities are physical development and maintenance,
including identification of need for features, improvements,
maintenance and the assurance of the execution of the same. As is
well understood by those highly versed in building management, the
diverse responsibilities and extent of information required to
manage a building is often quite overwhelming.
[0009] One very important area associated with building management
is lighting or illumination. While often perceived as a simple task
of providing lights, this seemingly simple task has much research
and science behind a well-designed lighting system. This is because
safety, productivity and general well-being of occupants depend
heavily on proper lighting.
[0010] Many factors need considered at the time of construction or
remodeling to facilitate proper lighting design. Intended usage of
a space is important in illumination design consideration, since
this will dictate necessary illumination levels, times and duration
of use, and anticipated cycling of the illumination. In other
words, a supply closet will not ordinarily be designed for
around-the-clock illumination, and may instead be configured to
operate on a switch. The use of appropriate switches helps to
reduce the energy required for a building to function with
occupants, and simultaneously increases the life of many
illumination components such as light sources (light bulbs and
equivalents thereto) since the light sources are only required
intermittently. As another example, a room where movies, slides,
computer or other visual or audio-visual presentations are given,
such as a boardroom or classroom, will preferably have light
controls such as separate switches or switches and dimmer controls
which enable the entire room to be well lit or alternatively
maintain a minimum level of illumination normally opposite to where
the presentation is displayed. This minimum level of illumination
enables occupants sufficient light for note-taking, safe movement
and other important activities, without interfering with the
legibility of a presentation. In yet another example, a primary
work-space such as a desk or kitchen counter will require
illumination that does not cast shadows on the work space while
work is being performed. Complementary illumination, such as
windows or skylights, is also important in design
consideration.
[0011] Nearly all public buildings rely on a great many lamps
positioned throughout the interior of the building, such as along
hall corridors and in each room, and also about the exterior. These
lights have historically been activated manually. Architects are
commonly employed to assist not only with a floor plan of physical
spaces, but also with the proper selection and layout of lighting
to best complement the floor plan and usage of each space within a
building. As may be appreciated, illumination of a space is
determined at the time of production of blueprints, in anticipation
of construction. The illumination that has been chosen for a space
is essentially fixed during building construction. Changes may be
made later, but not without substantial additional expense that
will, for exemplary purposes, often include removal of parts of or
entire walls, with the accompanying disruption of the space. Often
the space is unavailable for use during the entire duration of a
remodeling project.
[0012] Further complicating the issue of illumination is the type
of light bulb that may be most appropriate for a space or location.
Original electric light bulbs were incandescent. With sufficient
electrical energy, which is converted to heat within an
incandescent bulb filament, the filament will emit visible light.
This is similar to a fire, where with enough heat, visible light is
produced. As might also be appreciated though, incandescent bulbs
produce far more heat than light. The color of the light from these
bulbs is also most commonly quite yellow, casting a warm hue at a
color temperature typically in the vicinity of 3,000 degrees
Kelvin. Warm hues are often prized in relaxed settings such as
those of a living room or dining room, more closely resembling
gentle candle light. However, in contrast thereto, work and study
environments are more preferably illuminated with light of more
blue content, more closely resembling daylight with color
temperatures of approximately 6,000 degrees Kelvin. Daylight color
temperatures are not practically obtained using an incandescent
bulb. In addition, these incandescent bulbs have only a few
thousand hour life expectancy, even with more than a century of
improvements, because the extreme temperatures required for the
filament to light also gradually evaporates the filament material.
Finally, the thermal mass of the filament greatly influences how
quickly the filament both illuminates and extinguishes. In spite of
the many limitations, incandescent bulbs are still in fairly
wide-spread use today.
[0013] An alternative to incandescent light bulbs in common use
today is the fluorescent bulb. A fluorescent light bulb uses a
small amount of mercury in vapor state. High voltage electricity is
applied to the mercury gas, causing the gas to ionize and generate
some visible light, but primarily UltraViolet (UV) light. UV light
is harmful to humans, being the component that causes sun burns, so
the UV component of the light must be converted into visible light.
The inside of a fluorescent tube is coated with a phosphorescent
material, which when exposed to ultraviolet light glows in the
visible spectrum. This is similar to many glow-in-the-dark toys and
other devices that incorporate phosphorescent materials. As a
result, the illumination from a fluorescent light will continue for
a significant time, even after electrical power is discontinued,
which for the purposes of the present disclosure will be understood
to be the latent period or latency between the change in power
status and response by the phosphor. As the efficiencies and
brightness of the phosphors has improved, so in many instances have
the delays in illumination and extinguishing, or latency,
increased.
[0014] Through the selection of ones of many different modern
phosphorescent coatings at the time of manufacture, fluorescent
bulbs may manufactured that produce light from different parts of
the spectrum, resulting in manufacturing control of the color
temperature, or hue or warmness of a bulb.
[0015] The use of fluorescent bulbs, even though quite widespread,
is controversial for several reasons. One source states that all
pre-1979 light ballasts emit highly toxic Polychlorinated BiPhenyls
(PCBs). Even if modern ballasts are used, fluorescent bulbs also
contain a small but finite amount of mercury. Even very small
amounts of mercury are sufficient to contaminate a property.
Consequently, both the manufacture and disposal of
mercury-containing fluorescent tubes is hazardous. Fluorescent
lighting has also been alleged to cause chemical reactions in the
brain and body that produce fatigue, depression,
immuno-suppression, and reduced metabolism. Further, while the
phosphor materials may be selected to provide hue or color control,
this hue is fixed at the time of manufacture, and so is not easily
changed to meet changing or differing needs for a given building
space.
[0016] Other gaseous discharge bulbs such as halide, mercury or
sodium vapor lamps have also been devised. Halide, mercury and
sodium vapor lamps operate at higher temperatures and pressures,
and so present undesirably greater fire hazards. In addition, these
bulbs present a possibility of exposure to harmful radiation from
undetected ruptured outer bulbs. Furthermore, mercury and sodium
vapor lamps generally have very poor color-rendition-indices,
meaning the light rendered by these bulbs is quite different from
ordinary daylight, distorting human color perception. Yet another
set of disadvantages has to do with the starting or lighting of
these types of bulbs. Mercury and sodium vapor lamps both exhibit
extremely slow starting times, often measured by many minutes. The
in-rush currents during starting are also commonly large. Many of
the prior art bulbs additionally produce significant and
detrimental noise pollution, commonly in the form of a hum or buzz
at the frequency of the power line alternating current. In some
cases, such as fluorescent lights, ballasts change dimension due to
magnetostrictive forces. Magnetic field leakage from the ballast
may undesirably couple to adjacent conductive or ferromagnetic
materials, resulting in magnetic forces as well. Both types of
forces will generate undesirable sound. Additionally, in some cases
a less-optimal bulb may also produce a buzzing sound.
[0017] When common light bulbs are incorporated into public and
private facilities, the limitations of prior art bulb technologies
often will adversely impact building occupants. As just one
example, in one school the use of full-spectrum lamps in eight
experimental classrooms decreased anxiety, depression, and
inattention in students with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). The
connection between lighting and learning has been conclusively
established by numerous additional studies. Mark Schneider, with
the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities, declares
that ability to perform requires "clean air, good light, and a
quiet, comfortable, and safe learning environment." Unfortunately,
the flaws in much of the existing lighting have been made worse as
buildings have become bigger. The foregoing references to schools
will be understood to be generally applicable to commercial and
manufacturing environments as well, making even the selection of
types of lights and color-rendition-indexes very important, again
depending upon the intended use for a space. Once again, this
selection will be fixed, either at the time of construction when a
particular lighting fixture is installed, or at the time of bulb
installation, either in a new fixture or with bulb
replacements.
[0018] A second very important area associated with building
management is energy management. The concern for energy management
is driven by the expense associated with energy consumed over the
life of a building. Energy management is quite challenging to
design into a building, because many human variables come into play
within different areas within a building structure. Considering the
foregoing discussion of lighting, different occupants will have
different preferences and habits. Some occupants may regularly
forget to turn off lights when a space is no longer being occupied,
thereby wasting electricity and diminishing the useful life of the
light bulbs. In another instance, one occupant may require full
illumination for that occupant to operate efficiently or safely
within a space, while a second occupant might only require a small
amount or local area of illumination. Further complicating the
matter of energy management is the fact that many commercial
establishments may have rates based upon peak usage. A business
with a large number of lights that are controlled with a common
switch may have peak demands large relative to total consumption of
power, simply due to the relatively large amount of power that will
rush in to the circuit. Breaking the circuit into several switches
may not adequately address inrush current, since a user may switch
more than one switch at a time, such as by sliding a hand across
several switches at once. Additionally, during momentary or
short-term power outages, the start-up of electrical devices by the
power company is known to cause many problems, sometimes harming
either customer equipment or power company devices. Control over
inrush current is therefore very desirable, and not economically
viable in the prior art.
[0019] Energy management also includes consideration for
differences in temperature preferred by different occupants or for
different activities. For exemplary purposes, an occupant of a
first office space within a building may prefer a temperature close
to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, while a different occupant in a second
office space may prefer a temperature close to 78 degrees
Fahrenheit. The first and second office spaces may even be the same
office space, just at different times of day. For exemplary
purposes, an employee working in a mail room from 8 a.m. until 4
p.m. may be replaced by a different mail room employee who works
from 4 p.m. until 12 a.m. Heating, Ventilation, and Air
Conditioning (HVAC) demand or need is dependent not only upon the
desired temperature for a particular occupant, but also upon the
number of occupants within a relatively limited space. In other
words, a small room with many people will require more ventilation
and less heating than that same room with only one occupant.
[0020] With careful facility design, considerable electrical and
thermal energy can be saved. Proper management of electrical
resources affects every industry, including both tenants and
building owners. In many instances facility design has been limited
to selection of very simple or basic switches, and thermostats, and
particular lights, all fixed at the time of design, construction or
installation.
[0021] A third very important area associated with building
management is security. Continuing to use a school as but one
example of a public building, a one-room country school fifty years
ago was made up of one teacher who knew well the small number of
pupils. Security consisted of a simple padlock on a wooden door.
The several windows on one side of the room provided light. They
were locked but almost never broken into, for nothing of major
value, even during the Depression, enticed potential thieves.
[0022] Architecture changed as the years passed. Buildings were
enlarged as school populations increased. Students started to
conceal books, outerwear, valuables, and occasionally even weapons
in enclosed lockers. Indoor lighting was required. Eventually as
society became more hazardous, security had to be provided in many
schools in the form of personnel who were required to patrol both
outside and inside schools in order to provide a measure of
safety.
[0023] In many public buildings, including schools, modern security
presently screens a building's occupants to ensure that they belong
or have proper authorization to enter the building. Security must
also check for weapons, drugs, and even explosives. Thus, modern
security personnel are often responsible for property as well as
people. As the types of potential perils increase, so does the need
for personnel, to process occupants through more and more stations.
For exemplary purposes, in schools, airports, court houses, and
other public facilities, one or more guards may check
identification, admission badges or paperwork, while one or more
other guards monitor metal detectors. One or more additional guards
may be monitoring drug sniffing dogs or equipment, or spot checking
bags. Unfortunately, the possibilities of duplication and/or
forgery of credentials, or of hostile powers infiltrating security,
or other criminal methods demonstrate the potential weaknesses of
the present system, which depends upon a large number of security
employees. Motion sensors and other prior art electronic security
measures, while often beneficial, occasionally fail even when used
in combination with security personnel to provide adequate
protection. On the outside of a building, motion sensors may be
activated by strong winds, stray animals, passing vehicles, or
blowing debris. Inside, they operate only for a specific time; a
room's occupant, if not moving about, may suddenly be in the dark
and must re-activate the light by waving or flailing about.
[0024] An increasingly complex, and therefore hazardous, society
requires increasingly extensive patrols and safeguards. Current
security system, which must rely on increasing the numbers of
guards and security devices, are subject to inherent defects and
extraordinary expense, generally rendering them inadequate even
with the best of intention.
[0025] Yet another very important area associated with building
management is guidance control and indication, which impacts
building security, as well as building convenience and efficiency
for occupants. In buildings having many alternative hallways or
paths, such as are commonly found in hospitals and other large
public facilities, directions are often clumsy and difficult for
visitors or emergency personnel to follow. Old-fashioned
directories may be hard to locate or decipher, especially for
non-English speakers or for persons with little or no time, again
such as emergency personnel. Consequently, some buildings provide
color stripes along walls that serve as color coding to guide
visitors to various areas within the building. Unfortunately, the
number of color stripes that may be patterned is quite limited, and
the expense and defacing of appearance associated therewith is
undesirable. Furthermore, such striping does not completely
alleviate confusion, and the color stripes can only serve as
general guides to commonly visited areas.
[0026] The art referred to and/or described above is not intended
to constitute an admission that any patent, publication or other
information referred to herein is "prior art" with respect to this
invention. In addition, this section should not be construed to
mean that a search has been made or that no other pertinent
information as defined in 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.56(a) exists.
[0027] All U.S. patents and applications and all other published
documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
[0028] Without limiting the scope of the invention, a brief summary
of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth
below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the
invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be
found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.
[0029] A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the
specification is provided for the purposes of complying with 37
C.F.R. .sctn. 1.72.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] This application is related to the patent application
entitled "LED Light Communication System," attorney docket number
N53.2-10241-US06, filed contemporaneously herewith, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The present
application is also related to the patent application entitled "LED
Light Dongle Communication System," attorney docket number
N53.2-10241-US07, filed contemporaneously herewith, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Also the present
application is related to the patent application entitled "LED
Light Interior Room and Building Communication System," attorney
docket number N53.2-10241-US09, filed contemporaneously herewith,
which is incorporated by reference herein it its entirety. Further
the present application is also related to the patent application
entitled "LED Light Broad Band Over Power Line Communication
System," attorney docket number N53.2-10241-US10, filed
contemporaneously herewith, which is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety. The present application is also related to
the patent application entitled "LED Light Global Positioning And
Routing Communication System," attorney docket number
N53.2-10241-US11, filed contemporaneously herewith, which is
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0031] Applicant additionally incorporates by reference herein
patent application Ser. No. 10/646,853, filed Aug. 22, 2003, which
claims the benefit of provisional patent application Nos.
60/405,592 and 60/405,379, both filed Aug. 23, 2002, the
disclosures of all three being expressly incorporated herein by
reference. Further, Applicant incorporates by reference herein
patent application Ser. No. 12/032,908, filed Feb. 18, 2008, which
is continuation of patent application Ser. No. 11/433,979, filed
May 15, 2006, which is a continuation of patent application Ser.
No. 11/102,989, filed Apr. 11, 2005, now issued U.S. Pat. No.
7,046,160, which is a division of patent application Ser. No.
09/993,040, filed Nov. 14, 2001, now issued U.S. Pat. No.
6,879,263, which claims the benefit of provisional patent
application No. 60/248,894, filed Nov. 15, 2000, the entire
contents of each being expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
[0032] According to the invention, there is provided a light
emitting diode (LED) signal light and systematic information
transfer through encrypted pulsed light communication system which
may be depicted in several embodiments. In general, the signal
light and pulsed light communication system may be formed of a
single row, single source, or an array of light emitting diode
light sources configured on a light support and in electrical
communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or
other electrical source. The signal light and pulsed light
communication system may provide various light signals, colored
light signals, or combination or patterns of light signals for use
in association with the communication of information. These light
signals may also be encoded. Additionally, the signal light and
pulsed light communication system may be capable of displaying
symbols, characters, or arrows. Rotating and oscillating light
signals may be produced by sequentially illuminating columns of
LED's on a stationary light support in combination with the
provision of variable light intensity from the controller. However,
the signal light and pulsed light communication system may also be
rotated or oscillated via mechanical means. The signal light and
pulsed light communication system may also be easily transportable
and may be conveniently connected to a stand such as a tripod for
electrical coupling to a power supply, battery, or other electrical
source as a remote stand-alone signaling or communication
device.
[0033] The signal light and pulsed light communication system may
be electrically coupled to a controller used to modulate, pulse, or
encode, the light generated from the light sources to provide for
various patterns or types of illumination to transmit messages.
[0034] Individual light supports as a portion of the communication
system may be positioned adjacent to, and/or be in electrical
communication with another light support, through the use of
suitable electrical connections. Alternatively, individual light
supports may be in communication with each other exclusively
through the transmission and receipt of pulsed light signals.
[0035] A plurality of light supports or solitary light sources may
be electrically coupled in either a parallel or series manner to a
controller. The controller is also preferably in electrical
communication with the power supply and the LED's, to regulate or
modulate the light intensity for the LED light sources. The
individual LED's and/or arrays of LED's may be used for
transmission of communication packets formed of light signals.
[0036] The controller for the LED light support may generate and/or
recognize pulsed light signals used to communicate information. The
LED light system may also include a receptor coupled to the
controller, where the receptor is constructed and arranged for
receipt of pulsed LED light signals for conversion to digital
information, and for transfer of the digital information to the
controller for analysis and interpretation. The controller may then
issue a light signal or other communication signal to an individual
to communicate the content of received information transmitted via
a pulsed LED light carrier.
[0037] These and other embodiments which characterize the invention
are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and
forming a part hereof. However, for further understanding of the
invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use,
reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part
hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is
illustrated and described embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the
Communication System.
[0039] FIG. 2A is an environmental view of an alternative
embodiment of the Communication System.
[0040] FIG. 2B is a detailed view of a name tag in an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 2C is a detailed view of an LED light source in any
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of
the Communication System.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of
the Communication System.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of
the Communication System.
[0045] FIG. 6 is an environmental view of an alternative embodiment
of the Communication System.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of
the LED Communication System, depicting light sources in
communication with a broadband over power line service.
[0047] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of
the LED Communication System, depicting an energy management
scheme.
[0048] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of
the LED Communication System, depicting an energy management
scheme.
[0049] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of
the LED Communication System, depicting an energy management
scheme.
[0050] FIG. 11 is a pictorial representation of an alternative
embodiment of the LED Communication System, depicting an exemplary
security screening process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0051] While this invention may be embodied in many different
forms, there are described in detail herein specific preferred
embodiments of the invention. This description is an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments
illustrated.
[0052] For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals
in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise
indicated.
[0053] In each of the embodiments discussed below, the LEDs may be
formed of the same or different colors. The controller may be
configured to select the color of the LEDs to be illuminated
forming the light signal.
[0054] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment 110 of an LED light
and communication system. FIG. 1 shows a server PC 112 connected
via a USB cable 114 to a server optical transceiver (XCVR) 116, and
a client PC 118 connected via a USB cable 120 to a client optical
transceiver 122. The server PC 112 is in communication with a
network 123 via a CAT-5 cable, for example. The server optical XCVR
and the client optical XCVR are substantially similar in at least
one embodiment. An exemplary optical XCVR (or, simply, "XCVR")
circuit includes one or more LEDs 124 for transmission of light and
one or more photodetectors 126 for receiving transmitted light.
LEDs and photodetectors are well known to those of ordinary skill
in the art and, as such, their specific operation will not be
described in detail. The term "photodetector" includes
"photodiodes" and all other devices capable of converting light
into current or voltage. The terms photodetector and photodiode are
used interchangeably hereafter. The use of the term photodiode is
not intended to restrict embodiments of the invention from using
alternative photodetectors that are not specifically mentioned
herein.
[0055] In at least one embodiment, the XCVR circuit may include an
RS232 to USB conversion module. The transmit pin on the USB
conversion module drives the driver electronics for the LEDs. In
some embodiments, the XCVR circuit includes high intensity LEDs. In
some embodiments it may be desirable to use high intensity LEDs to
enhance lighting, to improve data transmission, or both. In at
least one embodiment, a 12 volt DC, 3 amp power supply is
sufficient for powering an array of high intensity LEDs.
[0056] In some embodiments, the XCVR circuit further includes an
amplifier for amplifying the optical signal received by the
photodiode. The output of the amplifier may be fed into level
shifting circuitry to raise the signal to TTL levels, for example.
The signal is then fed into the receive pin of the RS232 to USB
module.
[0057] In some embodiments, a 9V battery can be used to power the
amplifier circuitry. Significant noise is generated by switching
high brightness LEDs on and off at 200 mA and 500 kbps, for
example. Powering the amplifier with a battery can reduce these
noise problems by reducing or removing transients.
[0058] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the LED can
both emit and receive light. In such an embodiment, the LED can act
both as a transmitter or receiver. More information on such
bi-directional LEDs can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,072,587, the
entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
[0059] In at least one embodiment, the optical XCVRs, or circuitry
attached thereto, include modulation circuitry for modulating a
carrier signal with the optical signal. Modulation can be used to
eliminate bias conditions caused by sunlight or other interfering
light sources. Digital modulation can be accomplished by using
phase-shift keying, amplitude-shift keying, frequency-shift keying,
quadrature modulation, or any other digital modulation technique
known by those of ordinary skill. Similarly, such XCVRs can include
demodulation circuitry that extracts the data from the received
signal. Modulation and demodulation techniques for modulating light
signals are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,732,310, 5,245,681, and
6,137,613, the entire contents of each being expressly incorporated
herein by reference.
[0060] It may be desirable in some embodiments to further include
filters or filter circuitry to prevent unwanted light from being
amplified. For example, the optical baseband signal can be
modulated at 100 kHz and then transmitted. The XCVR that receives
the 100 kHz modulated signal can include a filter stage centered at
100 kHz. The filtered 100 kHz signal can then be input into the
amplifier circuitry, thereby preventing amplification of unwanted
signals. In some embodiments, it can be desirable to amplify the
transmitted signal first, and then filter out the baseband
signal.
[0061] Additional information regarding data communication can be
found in International Publication Number WO 99/49435, the entire
contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
[0062] In another embodiment of the present invention, security
badges, ID badges, communications badge, badge, or name tags, these
terms being used interchangeably hereafter, can include optical
XCVRs, as shown in FIG. 2A. The optical XCVR of a user's security
badge 170 communicates with the optical XCVRs 160 that are also
acting as room lighting, hall lighting, or other lighting 161 in a
customer's facility, as shown in FIG. 2A. Of course, the optical
XCVRs can be placed in numerous other locations as lighting
sources. Using the XCVRs as light sources can reduce energy
consumption and simplify communications by reducing the filtering
or modulation complexities necessary to distinguish data signals
from extraneous lighting sources. As shown in FIG. 2A, a user is
shown with a name tag 170 that is broadcasting and receiving data
over an optical link 156 using the XCVR described in FIG. 2A to a
ceiling mounted fixture. Badge 170 is pinned to, affixed with or
otherwise transported by a person, in the embodiment as illustrated
as a replacement for standard security identification badges.
[0063] Badge 170 is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 2B, and
may include features commonly found in standard security
identification badges, including but not limited to such attributes
as a photograph 1100 of the person assigned to the badge, and
indicia such as employee identification or number 1200, name 1220,
and business or entity logos 1240. Business or entity logos 1240,
or other components may integrate anti-counterfeiting technology as
may be available or known for such diverse applications as
passports, driver's licenses, currency and other applications.
Commonly used devices include holograms, watermarks, special
materials or unique threads, and embedded non-alterable electronic,
visible, sonic or other identification codes. An optical
transmitter 1300 and receiver 1320 are most preferably provided and
enable communication over optical communications channel 156. A
microphone, loudspeaker, microphone and speaker combination, or
dual-purpose device 1400 may be provided to integrate an auditory
communication channel between communication badge 170 and nearby
living beings or other animate or inanimate objects. A video camera
1420 may be incorporated to capture video or still pictures. A
video display 1500 may additionally be incorporated into
communication badge 170, permitting information 1520 to be
displayed thereon, which could for exemplary purposes could
comprise either text or graphics.
[0064] Depending upon the intended application for which
communication badge 170 is being designed, to include such ordinary
factors as cost and desired features, and also upon the size of
communication badge 170 and available video resolution within video
display 1500, photograph 1100 may in some cases be eliminated and
replaced entirely by an electronic representation displayed within
video display 1500 either continuously or upon request or polling.
Similarly, indicia such as employee identification or number 1200,
name 1220, and business or entity logos 1240 may also be provided
either as illustrated in FIG. 2B, or in another embodiment solely
upon video display 1500.
[0065] Biometric detectors and systems may be employed within or in
association with communication badge 170. For exemplary purposes,
but not limited solely thereto, a fingerprint reader or other
biometric detector may be incorporated within badge 170. In such
case, periodic or action-driven re-activation may be required to
verify that badge 170 is still in proper possession of the person
assigned therewith. For exemplary purposes, when a particularly
sensitive area is being accessed, or a building first entered, the
security system in accord with an embodiment of the present
invention may communicate through badge 170 to person and require a
fingerprint verification scan. Other biometric indicators may not
require active confirmation, and more than one biometric indicator
may be incorporated herein.
[0066] Communication badge 170 communicates with XCVR 160 in LED
light source 161. LED light source 161, illustrated by magnified
view in FIG. 2C as a body 2050 that incorporates at least one, and
preferably a plurality of LEDs and optical detectors. One or more
photodetectors 2200 may be provided, and may either be broad
spectrum detectors or alternatively color-filtered or sensitive to
only a single color. The detector will be any of the myriad known
in the art, the particular selection which will be determined by
well-known considerations such as sensitivity, reliability,
availability, cost and the like.
[0067] As illustrated, LEDs are in clusters of three. In accord
with the present invention, these LEDs are RGB LEDs, designating
that they include red, blue and green which are the primary
additive colors from which all other colors including white may be
produced. For exemplary purposes only, LED 2100 may generate red
light, commonly of approximately 650 nanometer wavelength, LED 2120
may generate blue light, commonly of approximately 475 nanometer
wavelength, and LED 2140 may generate green light, commonly of
approximately 565 nanometer wavelength. LEDs 2100-2140 may be
discrete components, or may alternatively be integrated onto a
common die and take the physical form of a single LED. Furthermore,
more than one RGB LED may be integrated upon a single die or within
a common package, as may be deemed most appropriate by a
manufacturer. A plurality of RGB LEDs may also be provided upon or
within a single body 2050, as illustrated in FIG. 2C by RGB LEDs
2100', 2120' and 2140'. In practice, there is no limit to the
number of RGB LEDs that may be used, other than physical size and
available space limitations, and thermal dissipation capacity and
power requirement constraints.
[0068] By controlling the relative power applied to each one of the
RGB LEDs 2100-2140, different colors may be produced. This concept
is well-known as the RGB model, and is used today in nearly all
video displays. Color televisions and computer monitors, for
example, incorporate very small red, green and blue (RGB) dots
adjacent to each other. To produce white regions on the screen, all
three RGB dots are illuminated. Black dots are the result of none
of the RGB dots being illuminated. Other colors are produced by
illuminating one or more of the dots at different relative levels,
or alternatively controlling how many closely adjacent dots of one
primary color are fully illuminated relatively to the other two
primary colors.
[0069] Through the use of RGB LEDs, color temperature of an LED
light panel 2000 may be adjusted or controlled, and may be varied
in real time without making any hardware or apparatus changes.
Instead, power applied to the RGB LEDs is adjusted to favor one or
another of the RGB LEDs 2100-2140. Since the light emitted from the
RGB LEDs is approximately full-spectrum light, the color-rendering
index may also be relatively high, particularly when compared to
mercury or sodium vapor lamps, making the light feel very
natural.
[0070] While human eyes are substantially more tolerant of visible
light, and while visible light intensity is readily discerned by
humans, there is some description in the prior art of potential
hazards associated with extreme intensity blue-wavelength
illumination. In an embodiment of the invention, safeguards may be
programmed or designed into the control of RGB LEDs 2100-2140 to
prevent occurrence of conditions that could lead to blue-light
hazard or other safety hazard that might potentially exist.
[0071] While other options exist for producing white light from
LEDs, the use of an RGB LED absent of phosphors is preferred for
most applications of the present invention. Not only is color of
the light easily controlled using well-known RGB technology, but
also by their very nature phosphors tend to slow down the rate at
which an LED may be illuminated and extinguished due to phosphor
latencies. For the purposes of the present invention, where an
optical communications channel 156 is created between XCVR 161 and
one or more communications badges 170, higher data transfer rates
may be obtained with more rapid control of illumination levels.
Consequently, if phosphors are used in the generation of light from
LED light source 161, and if faster data exchange rates through
optical communications channel 156 are desired, these phosphors
will preferably be very fast lighting and extinguishing.
[0072] A variety of physical and electrical configurations are
contemplated herein for LED light source 161. As illustrated in
FIG. 2A, light source 161 may replace a standard fluorescent tube
light fixture. This can be accomplished by replacing the entire
fixture such that ballasts and other devices specific to
fluorescent lighting are replaced. In many cases, this will be the
preferred approach. The fixture may then be wired for any suitable
or desired voltage, and where a voltage or current different from
standard line voltage is used, transformers or power converters or
power supplies may be provided. When a building is either initially
being constructed, or so thoroughly remodeled to provide adequate
replacement of wires, the voltage may be generated in transformers
that may even be provided outside of the occupied space, such as on
the roof, in a utility room, basement or attic. In addition to
other benefit, placement in these locations will further reduce
requirements for air conditioning.
[0073] As efficiencies of light generation by LEDs are now
beginning to surpass fluorescent tubes, such entire replacement is
more economical. However, total replacement of such fixtures is not
the only means contemplated herein. Any lesser degree of
replacement is also considered in alternative embodiments. For
exemplary purposes, the physical reflectors commonly associated
with fluorescent fixtures may be preserved, and the fixture simply
rewired to bypass any ballasts or starter circuitry that might be
present. In this case, line voltage, such as 120 VAC at 60 Hertz in
the United States, may pass through the electrical connector pins.
LED base 2050, in such case, may be designed to insert directly
into a standard fluorescent socket, such as, for exemplary purposes
only and not limited thereto, the standard T8 and T12 sockets used
in the United States. In such case, either RGB LEDs 2100-2140 are
arranged and wired to directly operate from line voltage, or
appropriate electronics will need to be provided directly in LED
base 2050 to provide necessary power conversion. In yet another
conceived alternative embodiment, power conversion may be provided
through switching-type or other power conversion circuitry to
alleviate the need for any rewiring, though in these instances the
power conversion circuitry will need to accommodate the particular
type of ballast already in place.
[0074] Where other types of fixtures already exist, such as
standard incandescent Edison screw bases, LED bulbs may similarly
accommodate the fixture. For incandescent replacement, no rewiring
or removal of ballasts is required, since line voltage is applied
directly to incandescent fixtures. Consequently, appropriate
conversion may in one conceived alternative embodiment simply
involve the replacement of a bulb with no fixture or wiring
alterations.
[0075] For LED light source 161 to replace an existing bulb,
regardless of type, and benefit from the many features enabled in
the preferred embodiment, communications circuitry must also be
provided. This communications circuitry is necessary to properly
illuminate each of the red, green and blue LEDs to desired color,
to transport data through optical communication channel 156.
[0076] In accord with a preferred method of the invention, LEDs are
used to transmit through optical communication channel several
kinds of data, including identity, location, audio and video
information. The use of an optical communications link provides
large available bandwidth, which in turn permits multiple feeds of
personal communication between LED light sources and badges similar
to or in excess of that of cell phones. The optical data is
transferred at rates far in excess of those detectable by the human
eye, and so a person is not able to detect any visible changes as
the data is being transferred. Additionally, because optical
illumination is constrained by opaque objects such as walls, the
location of a badge and associated person can be discerned to a
particular room, hallway or other similar space.
[0077] In contrast, prior art GPS systems and cell phone
triangulation techniques are typically only accurate to one or
several hundred feet. Horizontally, this prior art precision is
adequate for many applications. However, vertically several hundred
feet could encompass twenty floors in an office or apartment
building. The preferred embodiment, capable of precision to a room
or light fixture, therefore has much more exact pinpointing than
hitherto available. It can locate a person immediately, even in a
large area and/or among a large crowd, and can keep track of a
large population simultaneously. As noted, the large bandwidth
permits video signals to be integrated with badge location and
movement, providing the opportunity to create audio-video records
that are fixed in time and location.
[0078] Since location may be relatively precisely discerned,
optical transmitter 1300 or LEDs 2100-2140 of FIG. 2B may in one
embodiment be configured to change color, flash, or otherwise be
visually changed or manipulated to assist with directional
guidance, personnel or intruder identification, energy management,
or to facilitate the meeting and connection of individuals. To
achieve these objectives, a building needs to be wired only for
lights, saving a huge infrastructure of other wires and
fixtures.
[0079] Some embodiments of the name tag 70 XCVR include any or all
of the following devices: a microphone 172, a speaker 174, a
rechargeable battery 176, and a video camera 178, as shown in the
simplified block diagram of FIG. 3. In at least one embodiment, the
microphone is in communication with an analog-to-digital converter
(ADC) (not shown) for converting the analog speech input to a
digital signal. An amplifier circuit 180 can be used to boost the
microphone signal. The signal can be amplified prior to or after
the ADC. In some embodiments, the speaker is communication with a
digital-to-analog converter (DAC) (not shown) for converting the
received digital signal to an analog output. An amplifier circuit
182 can be used to boost the speaker signal. The signal can be
amplified prior to or after the DAC. The processor 184 shown in
FIG. 3 converts the digital signals from the microphone/amplifier
to data packets that can be used for transmission by the optical
XCVR. Similarly, the processor converts the data packets received
by the optical XCVR to audio out signals directed to the speaker.
The processor can convert data packets received from or directed to
the video camera. The term "processor" as used herein refers to a
processor, controller, microprocessor, microcontroller, or any
other device that can execute instructions, perform arithmetic and
logic functions, access and write to memory, interface with
peripheral devices, etc.
[0080] In such an embodiment, the user can use the name tag as a
communication device. Alternatively, the user may use the name tag
to stream music, or video if a display is included. Furthermore,
the optical XCVR can also include non-volatile memory (FLASHRAM,
EEPROM, and EPROM, for example) that can store firmware for the
optical XCVR, as well as text information, audio signals, video
signals, contact information for other users, etc., as is common
with current cell phones. While a hard-drive may be used instead of
these semiconductor-based memory devices, hard-drives may be
impractical in some embodiments based on their size, access times,
as well as their susceptibility to jarring.
[0081] The optical XCVR includes one or more photodetectors 126 for
receiving transmitted LED or other light signals, and one or more
LEDs 124 for transmitting LED signals, as shown in FIG. 3. In some
embodiments, an optical signal amplifier 186 is in communication
with the photodetectors to increase the signal strength of the
received light signals. In at least one embodiment, the LEDs are in
operative communication with an LED power driver 188, ensuring a
constant current source for the LEDs.
[0082] In some embodiments, the name tag may include circuitry that
performs modulation, demodulation, data compression, data
decompression, up converting, down converting, coding,
interleaving, pulse shaping, and other communication and signal
processing techniques, as are known by those of ordinary skill in
the art.
[0083] In at least one embodiment, the name tag of FIG. 2B is
embedded with a unique code, similar in principle to the MAC
address of a computer, for example. Thus, every name tag has a
unique identifier. The name tag broadcasts the unique code at
regular intervals, or irregular intervals if desired. Optical XCVRs
located within the user's building and near the user can then
receive the unique code transmitted by the name tag.
[0084] There are numerous applications of such a design. For
example, in some embodiments, an optical XCVR is engaged to a door
lock. When a user with a name tag approaches a locked door, the
name tag broadcasts the unique code, and an optical XCVR in
communication with the door lock receives the code, and if
acceptable, unlocks or opens the door. A table of acceptable codes
may be stored in a memory device that is in communication with, and
accessible by, the door's optical XCVR. Alternatively, the door's
optical XCVR may transmit a code to a central station which
compares the user's code against a table of approved codes and then
sends a response either allowing or denying access.
[0085] As seen in FIG. 4, the electrical wiring in the hallways
and/or rooms may include BOPL. As such, the name tag may be used to
provide access to the Internet via the optical XCVRs in the
hallways and rooms. A person walking down the hallway may receive a
phone call on their name tag from a person on the other side of the
world as long as the other person was using the Internet to
communicate and knew the unique code of the name tag. Such
communication is possible because the Internet is based upon
transmission of packetized data, a form ideally suited for use with
an optical XCVR.
[0086] FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified block schematic diagram of
an electrical circuit used to couple power and data to one or a
plurality of LED light sources 161. Power, which may be either AC
or DC current is coupled through a power line bridge 150 with data
from a network cable input, for example. The source of the data is
not critical to the operation of the present invention, but may
include various computer outputs such as might, for exemplary
purposes, include control processor output or network connections
such as commonly found on Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area
Networks (WAN) or through the Internet. In accord with one
embodiment, the wiring between power line bridge 150 and LED light
source 161 is shielded by passing through a conduit or the like,
defining a Shielded Broadband-over-Power-Line (S-BPL) connection
that is both resistant to interfering communications and also
produces almost no radiant energy.
[0087] In at least one embodiment, the name tag may be used in
conjunction with the LED lighting in hallways, rooms, etc. to
reduce energy consumption, as shown in FIG. 5. For example, all the
lights in a hallway may have a standby setting such that they are
relatively dim or even off. As a person with a name tag proceeds
down a hallway, the lights in front of the person turn on in
response to a transmitted signal (e.g. the unique code of the name
tag). As the person moves beyond a light, the light returns to its
standby setting of dim/off brightness through a signal communicated
from a XCVR at a sufficiently remote location to include that the
individual has passed, and is no longer present at this particular
location. The presence of an individual proximate to an XCVR may be
determined by either recognition of a signal or through the failure
to continue to recognize a signal or by a proximity calculation as
based on a controller receiving a signal from a remote location
which indicates recognition of a name tag. A proximity is then
calculated where initial or previous XCVR light sources are
extinguished as an individual passes a particular location. In
other embodiments, the lights can gradually become brighter, as a
percentage of full brightness, as a person approaches, and then
gradually dim, as a percentage of full brightness, as a person
moves away based on proximity calculation as earlier described.
[0088] The lights shown in FIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention, will have AC wiring with data carriers such as
S-BPL, and static locations encoded into the system. Thus a person
190 entering a hallway 192 with a communications badge 170 could
use only those lights needed for his travel. As the person
progresses toward a destination, the lights behind may be no longer
needed and so may be programmed to turn off. These lights could
function variably from 10 to 100% as needed, for example. As shown
in FIG. 5, the person 190 is approximately adjacent to light 505
and traveling in the direction shown by arrow 15 towards light 506.
From this position, person 190 might prefer to be able to see into
the branching corridor containing lights 509-511. With appropriate
central computer control and programming which will be readily
understood and achieved by those skilled in the computer arts, the
illumination of these neighboring lights can be increased, to
provide sufficient illumination to ensure the safety of person 190.
Since different persons will have different desires regarding the
extent of adjacent illumination, an embodiment of the present
invention may incorporate custom programming of such features by
individual person 190, or within standard preset selections, such
as "cautious" where a relatively large number of lights are
illuminated adjacent to person 190, or "carefree," where only a
minimum number of lights are illuminated. Again, the level of
illumination may additionally vary with relation to the person, the
geometry of the building space, in accord with personal
preferences, or for other reasons.
[0089] When person 190 has traveled farther, lights 509-511 may be
extinguished, in effect providing a moving "bubble" of illumination
surrounding person. Other lights are automatically shut-off or
dimmed as desired and controlled by program. As FIG. 5 illustrates,
lights within room 20 may similarly be activated and controlled, so
for exemplary purposes as illustrated, light 531 may be at full
intensity, lights 521-530 may be extinguished completely, and light
520 may be operating in a greatly dimmed state, but still providing
adequate lighting to ease person 190.
[0090] The present invention reduces the extent of human
interaction required to control various functions such as light
switches and thermostats, while simultaneously increasing the
capabilities of such controls. Individual or selected groups of
lights may be selectively configured for optimal physiological and
psychological effects and benefits for one or more applications,
and then may be readily reconfigured without changes to physical
structures for diverse applications having different requirements
for optimal physiological and/or psychological effects and
benefits.
[0091] Energy management is not solely limited to total power
consumption. Peak inrush current is also an important factor
monitored by many utility companies. This is the peak power draw of
the power customer, for exemplary purposes within each twenty-four
hour period. By controlling the timing of illumination and other
equipment start-up, electrical draw may be gradually ramped up.
Many devices initially draw more power at start-up than when
operational. So, since each light is individually addressed and
controlled and appliances or machines may similarly be controlled,
the communications afforded by the present invention permit much
smaller banks of devices to be started, allowing those devices to
surge and then settle to lower energy requirements before starting
the next bank of devices. Some devices and machines very quickly
drop down to lower power draw. LED light sources are such a device.
Banks of these may very quickly and sequentially be started. Other
devices, such as electrical compressors found in heat pumps,
refrigeration and air conditioning units, may require much more
time for start-up, before additional devices should be started.
Likewise, the particular order of start-up may be optimized for the
various electrical loads found within a building. All of this is
readily accomplished through simple programming and communication
through preferred LED light sources or equivalents thereto.
[0092] Such embodiments are an improvement over conventional motion
detectors, due to the "smart" nature of the optical XCVRs. Rather
than waiting for a time delay as is the case with motion detectors,
the optical XCVRs (and in some embodiments the optical XCVRs in
conjunction with software) in the lighting fixture recognize
immediately that the person has moved beyond a particular light,
allowing that particular light to be dimmed or turned off. Also,
this smart technology may be used to turn lights on only for people
with the correct code embedded in their name tag. In such an
embodiment, the user can walk into a restricted area, and if not
authorized to be there, the lights would remain off, and if
authorized the lights would turn on. Alternatively, a teacher with
a name tag grading papers in a classroom, for example, may use the
name tag to turn only the lighting near the teacher's desk at full
brightness, while other lighting in the room remains at a dimmer,
more energy efficient, setting.
[0093] In other embodiments of the invention, numbers of occupants
within a space may be used not only for anticipating illumination,
but also to control operation of other appliances and machinery
within the building. Exemplary of this, but not limited thereto,
are water and space heaters and coolers, and all other electrical
or electrically controllable devices.
[0094] In some embodiments, the name tag may be used to assist
emergency personnel. For example, if a person with a name tag had
an incapacitating emergency condition while walking along a hallway
in a building with optical XCVRs, as in the embodiments described
above, the hallway lighting can be modified to direct emergency
workers directly to the injured person. The lights can be made to
flash, change color, or form directional arrows, or sequential
directional indicators, or otherwise signify to the emergency
personnel the quickest path to the person.
[0095] In addition to energy management, some embodiment of the
present invention are directed towards security and detection of
intruders. In the event of an intruder, the present preferred
apparatus may be used to detect and locate the intruder. Since the
building is dark, in many cases an intruder will rely upon a
flashlight to move through the building. Most preferably, the XCVR
will detect this unidentified light source. Optionally, an attempt
will be made through the XCVR to communicate with the unidentified
light source. A failure to communicate will indicate an intruder or
unauthorized access. In such case, since the location of XCVR is
known precisely, the location of the intruder is also known.
Further, even as the intruder moves about, so the intruder will be
tracked by virtue of the light emitting from the intruder's
flashlight. When emergency personnel are called to the building,
lights may be used to guide the emergency personnel to the exact
location of the intruder. The emergency personnel may not be
limited to police. As may by now be apparent, ambulance workers as
well as police would appreciate flashing directional lights because
quicker access to an emergency scene could potentially save lives.
This custom guidance system can include red, white or other
suitably colored or illuminated lights which may be steady or
flashing for emergency situations. Corridor lights and/or
individual communication badges may be equipped to flash, directing
emergency personnel to a desired location or person.
[0096] In a further embodiment of the invention, communication
badge may communicate with prior art screening equipment, such a
metal detectors, x-ray machines, drug and explosives sniffers, and
other such hardware. A building employing the present invention may
incorporate multiple safety features. Instead of relying on several
security guards at several stations to read badges and monitor each
station, a proximity detector may first detect whether a person is
passing through the entrance. If so, the adjacent LED light source
will query for an appropriate or legitimate communications badge.
Even if detected, if a badge has been duplicated, preferred logging
and verification through software will instantly identify that the
first person is already in the building. Consequently, the
presently entering person and person already in the building can
both be located, and the intruder identified. As discussed herein
above, biometrics may additionally be incorporated, and for
exemplary purposes a fingerprint scan or the like may be required
to verify identity prior to passing through proximity/badge
detector.
[0097] Once a valid badge has been detected, a person will continue
through as many additional security checks as may be deemed
appropriate, such as a metal detector and drug/explosive sniffer.
Rather than requiring the traditional operator for each station, a
single guard will in accordance with the present teachings often be
adequate, so long as appropriate back-up is available on short
notice. Because this energy management system requires far fewer
human monitors, it provides additional cost saving. A guard would
be needed primarily to respond if an alarm were present without
having to identify several situations. A guard might be stationed
only near a metal detector, for example, without having to monitor
other stations. In addition, a more accurate inventory of persons,
other assets, or substances in a building becomes possible. An
important safety feature, however, is the greater reliability of
electronics over personal vigilance.
[0098] The present invention also has the capacity to provide low
power communications for energy management, emergency back-up,
security and special applications utilizing alternative power
sources such as batteries or solar cells. Since each individual LED
light source may be separately controlled, unnecessary lights may
be extinguished in an emergency. Remaining lights may be used to
signal emergency routes which may be emergency exits, predetermined
shelter such as in the event of a tornado, safe locations
potentially determined in real time in the event of an intruder or
other hazard. The remaining lights may also or alternatively be
used to maintain nominal communications channels within the
building. The signals in such instance may be unable to be carried
through power lines, and so may alternatively be implemented
through a repeater function from one light to the next to travel
entirely through a chain of LED light source.
[0099] In accordance with another alternative embodiment of the
present invention, building lighting may be modulated with time and
date stamps or the like. Video recordings made within the space of
modulated illumination will have an optical watermark automatically
embedded therein. The embedding of such identifiable signals
ensures the integrity of video recordings made under these
lights.
[0100] Building management in accord with another embodiment of the
invention further includes automated secured access control to
apparatus such as doors, drawers, electronic computer operations,
cars, thermostats, and any other devices that may be electronically
controlled. By means of LED communication, the location of
unauthorized devices as well as persons can be tracked or polled by
the system. Doors, either locked or unlocked, can be manipulated in
response to the location or movement of these devices or
persons.
[0101] If audio and/or video is additionally enabled, either
through communications badges or separate wall-mounted devices, the
video can be used to capture the last-known conditions of a user or
an area. This can be important in the event a disaster strikes that
results in significant destruction of property or life.
[0102] An intelligent audio/visual observation and identification
database system may also be coupled to sensors as disposed about a
building. The system may then build a database with respect to
temperature sensors within specific locations, pressure sensors,
motion detectors, communications badges, phone number identifiers,
sound transducers, and/or smoke or fire detectors. Recorded data as
received from various sensors may be used to build a database for
normal parameters and environmental conditions for specific zones
of a structure for individual periods of time and dates. A computer
may continuously receive readings/data from remote sensors for
comparison to the pre-stored or learned data to identify
discrepancies therebetween. In addition, filtering, flagging and
threshold procedures may be implemented to indicate a threshold
discrepancy to signal an officer to initiate an investigation. The
reassignment of priorities and the storage and recognition of the
assigned priorities occurs at the computer to automatically
recalibrate the assignment of points or flags for further
comparison to a profile prior to the triggering of a signal
representative of a threshold discrepancy.
[0103] The intelligent audio/visual observation and identification
database system may also be coupled to various infrared or
ultraviolet sensors, in addition to the optical sensors
incorporated directly into LED light source, and used for
security/surveillance within a structure to assist in the early
identification of an unauthorized individual within a security zone
or the presence of an intruder without knowledge of the
intruder.
[0104] The intelligent audio/visual observation and identification
database system as coupled to sensors and/or building control
systems for a building which may be based upon audio, temperature,
motion, pressure, phone number identifiers, smoke detectors, fire
detectors and fire alarms is based upon automatic storage,
retrieval and comparison of observed/measured data to prerecorded
data, in further comparison to the threshold profile parameters to
automatically generate a signal to a surveillance, security, or law
enforcement officer.
[0105] Security zones which may use intelligent video/audio
observation and identification database system may include, but are
not necessarily limited to, areas such as airports, embassies,
hospitals, schools, government buildings, commercial buildings,
power plants, chemical plants, garages, and/or any other location
for which the monitoring of vehicle or individual traffic and/or
security is desirable.
[0106] An intelligent observation and identification database
system may be arranged to learn the expected times for arrival and
departure of individuals 10 and vehicles from various zones. Each
time an individual or vehicle enters or exits a security zone, the
system may record in the database the time and location of the
arrival or exit. Thus, over time, the system may learn the expected
arrival and departure times based upon the average of predetermined
times, such as normal shift times. Thus, if a vehicle of an
individual attempts to enter or exit a zone at a time other than
the learned expected time of entry or exit, the system may alert
security personnel to initiate an investigation.
[0107] If a low level tracking priority is assigned to the vehicle
or individual, tracking may be accomplished by recording the
location and time for each instance when the system identifies the
vehicle or individual. Thus, a low level tracking priority may
normally generate a log of when and where a vehicle or individual
was seen. Over time, the system may learn typical paths, times and
zones where specific vehicles and individuals spend their time. The
system may then issue an alert when a vehicle or individual
deviates from their normal path. For example, if a person normally
may be found on the second floor, and they occasionally pass
through first floor but have never gone to the fourth floor, then
the system may alert security personnel if the person is identified
by the system on the fourth floor.
[0108] Thus, the intelligent audio/visual observation and
identification database system may be coupled to the operational
systems for a building, such as locking systems for doors, lighting
systems, air conditioning systems, and/or heating systems.
[0109] Another embodiment of the present invention incorporates
guidance and communications systems. For exemplary purposes,
consider the situation where a visitor wishes to meet with a
regular building occupant. The visitor may be guided through any
suitable color or intensity pattern such as but not limited to
flashing patterns, color changes or the like in LED light source or
other similar fixtures to the location or person they seek.
Further, once within the same building space, the person being
sought out may further be made conspicuous by similar changes in
color or intensity pattern within the sought-person's communication
badge, for exemplary purposes either within video display 1500 or
optical transmitter 1300, as shown in FIG. 2B. Once again, such
system control using the RGB LEDs of the present invention is
simply a matter of software control.
[0110] In those embodiments where audio signaling or communications
are enabled, and owing to the exact room position detection
afforded by the present invention, location specific access
intelligence may also be incorporated. As but one example, if a
doctor is in a surgical room, the pager may remain silent. Once the
doctor exits surgery, then the pager may be reactivated. This
control may be automatic, simply incorporated into the programming
of the system. As another example, students may use the preferred
communication badge for communications similar to cellular
telephones, including text messaging, voice communications, web
access, and so forth.
[0111] However, upon entering a classroom, communications might in
one embodiment then be disabled, ensuring the students are not
distracted with unauthorized activities. In addition to the
foregoing, audio and video communications are possible in accord
with light communications in locations and environments where
cellular or radio communications may be impossible, forbidden, or
unreliable, extending existing communications systems.
[0112] The name tag embodiment need not be restricted to use by
people. The name tag embodiment may be associated with cars, for
example. In such an embodiment, the car 205 includes a tag (not
shown) that broadcasts a unique code that may either turn street
lights 154 on or increase the brightness of dimly lit street
lights, as shown in FIG. 6, similar to the hallway or room lights
described above. There are numerous other embodiments. For example,
such a device may be used to indicate that a car is authorized to
enter a restricted area. Or, such a device may be used to pay tolls
on highways or pay fees at a parking garage by uniquely identifying
the vehicle and the account to be charged. Alternatively, such
device may be used to open garage doors.
[0113] As stated above, the LEDs may be bi-directional. In at least
one embodiment, the optical XCVR is comprised of bi-directional
LEDs. In such an embodiment, the optical XCVR is constructed and
arranged such that at least one of the bi-directional LEDs allows
parallel transmitting and receiving of light signals.
[0114] Within the disclosure provided herein, the term "processor"
refers to a processor, controller, microprocessor, microcontroller,
mainframe computer or server, or any other device that can execute
instructions, perform arithmetic and logic functions, access and
write to memory, interface with peripheral devices, etc.
[0115] As described herein each, optical XCVR may also include
non-volatile memory (FLASHRAM, EEPROM, and EPROM, for example) that
may store firmware for the optical XCVR, as well as text
information, audio signals, video signals, contact information for
other users, etc., as is common with current cell phones.
[0116] In some embodiments, an optical signal amplifier is in
communication with the photodiodes to increase the signal strength
of the received light signals. In at least one embodiment, the LEDs
are in operative communication with an LED power driver, ensuring a
constant current source for the LEDs.
[0117] In some embodiments, the XCVRs and XCVRs within a name tag
may include circuitry that performs modulation, demodulation, data
compression, data decompression, up converting, down converting,
coding, interleaving, pulse shaping, and other communication and
signal processing techniques, as are known by those of ordinary
skill in the art.
[0118] In at least one embodiment, the name tag of FIG. 2B is
embedded with a unique code, similar in principle to the MAC
address of a computer, for example. Thus, every name tag has a
unique identifier. The XCVR broadcasts the unique code at regular
intervals, or irregular intervals if desired. Optical XCVRs located
within the user's building and near the user may then receive the
unique code transmitted by the name tag.
[0119] In one embodiment the optical XCVRs of a communication
system security badge or name tag may be used as an integral
portion of an intelligent or artificially intelligent security and
identification database system as utilized within a particular
defined security zone or zones. In this embodiment the security
badge or name tag may be used to track the entry, exit and location
of individuals, and to identify acceptable profile parameters for
individuals within the security zone.
[0120] In one embodiment the optical XCVRs of a user's security
badge or name tag communicate with the optical XCVRs. The optical
XCVRs may be placed in numerous locations as lighting sources. As
shown in FIG. 3, a user is shown with a name tag that is
broadcasting and receiving data over an optical link using the XCVR
described in FIG. 1 to a ceiling mounted fixture. The XCVR as
integral to a ceiling mounted or other type of light fixture may in
turn be in direct communication with a computer, processor,
microprocessor, mainframe computer or server, and/or other
computing device as earlier described through the use of wire,
cable, optically via pulsed light communication, over a Broad Band
Power Line system or over any other type of communication
system.
[0121] In one embodiment the intelligent security and database
system may be utilized to flag discrepancies related to information
accessible and processed from a stored and accumulated continuously
evolving database of information, in order to centrally warn
security, surveillance, and/or law enforcement officers as to the
existence of a condition warranting further investigation.
[0122] In one embodiment the intelligent security and
identification database system will search and/or screen all
security badges or name tags for individuals entering into a
security zone to identify information such as the name, employment
position, employment location, expected hours of employment,
security clearance for the employee, and expected paths of travel
of the employee within a facility.
[0123] In one embodiment the intelligent security and
identification database system will record the time, date, and
place of entry of an individual having a security badge or name tag
into, and out of, a secured zone. In this embodiment, the recorded
information may be compared in real time to previously recorded
conduct or parameters for the individual security badge or name
tag, to automatically identify discrepancies. Discrepancies which
exceed a pre-programmed threshold may be brought to the attention
of security personnel.
[0124] In one embodiment the accumulation and storage of
information of the type identified above, will occur within
continuously updated and evolving files, to create a database for
future reference, to enable law enforcement, surveillance, and/or
security officers to implement profile searches to identify classes
of individuals warranting further investigation.
[0125] In one embodiment a law enforcement, surveillance, and/or
security officer, desiring to identify individuals within a
security zone having inadequate clearance, would access the
accumulated database to inquire as to the identity and location of
all individuals within a security zone. Upon receipt of this
inquiry the processor, mainframe computer or server, associated
with the intelligent security and identification database system
may then compare the identified individuals present within the
applicable security zone, to the security clearance assigned to
each individual, to identify the presence of an individual having
inadequate security clearance.
[0126] In one embodiment this process is accomplished by the
individual security badge or name tag optical XCVR continuously
transmitting a pulsed light communication signal for receipt by a
series of optical XCVRs integral to a series of lighting sources,
or ceiling mounted light fixtures, within a building structure. The
individual security badge or name tag would transmit through pulsed
light communication information as previously identified as related
to an individual's identity, employment occupation, security
clearance, and/or primary employment location. In this embodiment,
the pulsed light communication signal could be sequentially
detected, received, and tracked by a plurality of XCVRs which are
in continuous communication with the system processor.
[0127] In one embodiment a series of XCVRs are in communication
with the system processor, mainframe computer or server, through
sequential transmission and receipt of pulsed light communication
signals.
[0128] In one embodiment the series of XCVRs are in communication
with the system processor, mainframe computer or server, through
the Broad Band Over Power Line Communication System as previously
described herein.
[0129] In one embodiment the series of XCVRs are in communication
with the system processor, mainframe computer or server through the
use of cable, wire, or other communication media.
[0130] In one embodiment, an individual security badge or name tag
may be assigned a number which is transmitted within the
communication signal to the system processor, mainframe computer or
server.
[0131] In one embodiment the system processor will continuously
record and store in real time the received pulsed light
communication signals for individual security badges or name tags
in one or more system databases, one or more subsystem databases,
or individuals specific databases, in order to establish normal
routine parameters for designated locations or areas within a
facility. The system processor may be programmed to compare
previously stored data representative of normal routine parameters
for a designated location within a facility, to the real time
observed data for the designated location. The system processor
preferably includes threshold software which may be used to
identify any standard deviations from normal activity occurring
within the designated location.
[0132] In one embodiment the system processor, mainframe computer
or server may compare individual specific information with
information concerning a designated location, as well as
information about employees and/or supervisors in order to assist
in a threshold analysis for indication of a warning or
investigation signal or flag. For example, if an employee is
tracked as accompanying a supervisor into an area where clearance
is required, and the supervisor is identified as having the
appropriate clearance, and the supervisor is identified as having
authority to escort an employee not having a designated level of
clearance within a particular zone, then a threshold for
identification of required investigative action may not be met.
[0133] In one embodiment the system processor, mainframe computer
or server may identify individual specific pulsed light
communication signals received from a location outside of an
established or normal routine, and outside of a set level of
deviation, for triggering of a investigation advisory. An
investigation advisory would issue for a specific location and
individual within a zone or facility.
[0134] In one embodiment the communication system may also be used
at a check point. Information transmitted from a security badge at
a checkpoint could also include motor vehicle information, make,
model, and/or license plate information for the particular
employee. At a facility check point retrieved information could be
displayed on a monitor. The database may also include a photo of
the individual associated with the security badge, where all
available information could be reviewed by a security office prior
to entry by into a security zone.
[0135] In one embodiment each evolving database and/or mainframe
database may be capable of being continuously updated to include
data saved by the communication system. Software is preferably
loaded onto the computer for creation of files representative of
individuals. Access software may be used to communicate with
internal databases or external or remote databases, and comparison
software may be used to review data as related to the external
and/or internal databases.
[0136] In one embodiment, sensitivity software is also used to
establish thresholds and to issue/trigger investigation signals,
which may be displayed on the output device or monitor, and
category software may be used to divide data within individual
files. In addition, any other software as desired by security
and/or law enforcement personnel may be utilized.
[0137] In one embodiment, the computer may implement either
standard or customized queries or searches for defined profiles
related to individuals within the accumulated database for the
security zone. Upon identification of individuals which satisfy the
profile criteria, a communication signal will be generated to
advise law enforcement, surveillance, or security zone officers as
to the status and location of the individuals under investigation.
The relative location of targeted individuals may be identified by
proximity to one or more XCVRs as integral to lighting structures.
It is anticipated that each XCVR will have a coded or digitized
identification number which corresponds to a specific location
within an overall communication/security plan for a facility. It is
anticipated that each transmission of a communication pulsed light
signal will include a code representative of the originating XCVR.
Optionally additional intermediate XCVRs may add a communication
pulsed light signal code representative of the transmitting
XCVR.
[0138] In one embodiment, the computer may initiate an inquiry to
locate the identification code corresponding to a particular
individual. In this embodiment, the computer 22 would transmit a
signal outwardly through the optically connected XCVRs to request
identification of a particular individual identification code. In
one embodiment the inquiry may be global, or may be limited to
specific periods of time or other specific conditions such as
location. In one embodiment each individual XCVR upon receipt of
the command inquiry may forward by pulsed light signals the
individual identification codes of all individuals within a
particular location, because individual identity codes are being
continuously transmitted by each individual security badge. In one
embodiment the individual security badge under investigation may
beep or generate another signal to advise the individual that he or
she needs to contact a central switchboard for transfer to another
individual or for receipt of a message.
[0139] In one embodiment the evolving database and/or mainframe
database may be coupled to additional identification apparatus or
systems including but not limited to facial recognition,
fingerprint recognition, palm print recognition, voice print
recognition, eye scan, and/or signature recognition devices/systems
which may be coupled to the input devices for recording of data to
be stored within the system for analysis and display of a
monitor.
[0140] In one embodiment the communication system including the
XCVR may be incorporated into a hand held or portable unit. In some
embodiments the portable unit may be clipped onto a belt. In other
embodiments the communication system may be incorporated into a
device such as a cellular telephone. In this embodiment the
communication system may be transported by a security officer or
other designated employee within a facility.
[0141] In one embodiment the evolving database and/or mainframe
database may include timing and other software which may be used to
identify whether or not a security badge has been stationary for an
excessive duration of time, which in turn would trigger an
investigation signal or a communication signal to the stationary
security badge to request an update for the status of the
individual. The failure of a security badge to move relative to one
or more XCVRs may indicate that a security badge has been removed
by an individual and placed on a surface. Alternatively, the
failure of a security badge to move relative to one or more XCVRs
may indicate the existence of a medical problem requiring immediate
attention.
[0142] In one embodiment the evolving database and/or mainframe
database may illuminate a pathway on sequential XCVRs
representative of the shortest route to a specific location to
assist emergency personnel.
[0143] In one embodiment the evolving database and/or mainframe
database may include probabilistic analysis software which may be
used to assist in the establishment of threshold levels for issuing
a warning or investigation signal. In addition the evolving
database and/or mainframe database may include Principle Component
Analysis (PCA) software and Eigenvector or Eigenspace decomposition
analysis software to assist in the establishment of thresholds.
[0144] In one embodiment upon the detection of any threshold
discrepancies related to an individual or security badge, the
computer for the communication system may issue a flag to a
security officer to investigate the individual or security badge.
The communication system may thereby provide enhanced safety to the
security zone functioning as a proactive automatic screening
system.
[0145] In one embodiment the communication system may utilize
security badges in areas such as airports, embassies, hospitals,
schools, government buildings, commercial buildings, power plants,
chemical plants, garages, and/or any other location for which the
monitoring of an individual is desired.
[0146] In one embodiment the evolving database and/or mainframe
database may learn the expected times for arrival and departure of
particular individuals with respect to various zones. Each time an
individual enters or exits a security zone, the evolving database
and/or mainframe database may record in the database the time and
location of the arrival or exit. Thus, over time, the communication
system may learn the expected arrival and departure times based
upon the average of a predetermined number of instances, or by the
most common of a range of predetermined times, such as normal shift
times. Thus, if an individual attempts to enter or exit a zone at a
time other than the learned expected time of entry or exit, the
evolving database and/or mainframe database may alert security
personnel to initiate an investigation.
[0147] In one embodiment the evolving database and/or mainframe
database may be programmed to assign a point system or flag upon
the recognition of certain data and/or profile characteristics
relative to an individual wearing a security badge. In one
embodiment the computer will record and/or track the number of
points or flags assigned to a particular individual. When a certain
number of flags and/or points have been assigned, then the computer
will emit or issue a signal to an officer, which may be ranked
against other tasks in order of importance. The computer may store
any information or data collected pertaining to the task, as well
as the instruction for the task itself in the database.
[0148] Over time, in one embodiment the communication system may
learn typical paths, times and areas where specific individuals
spend their time. The communication system may then issue an alert
when an individual deviates from an authorized area into an
unauthorized zone. For example, if a person normally may be found
on second floor, and the person occasionally passes through first
floor, but have never gone to the fourth floor, then the
communication system may alert security personnel if the person is
identified as being present on fourth floor. The presence of the
individual will be detected on the fourth floor due to the
continuous emission of a signal as generated from the security
badge, and as detected by an XCVR have a location address
identified as being on the fourth floor. The XCVR detecting the
pulsed light signal form the security badge issues a transmission
for passage through a number of optically connected XCVRs for
processing and storage at the evolving database and/or mainframe
database of the processor.
[0149] In one embodiment, if a high level tracking priority is
assigned to an individual, then continuous active tracking via
software analysis of signals received by and as generated from a
plurality of XCVRs is desirable. As such, the system may
continually pinpoint the zone, and even the exact location of a
person 56 within the zone.
[0150] In one embodiment, the evolving database and/or mainframe
database may learn and recognize repetitive patterns within the
accumulated database. Therefore, the computer may assess a low
query priority to repetitive and/or regular patterns, and implement
a more expedited search related to non-regular pattern data as
stored within the accumulated database. Any parameters may be
selected for the recognition of patterns within a security zone
dependent upon individual environmental conditions and customized
needs at each independent security zone. For example, six days of
repetitive actions may be required to establish a regular pattern
of conduct within a first security zone 50 where two months of
repetitive conduct may be required to establish a regular pattern
within a second security zone.
[0151] In one embodiment, during pattern learning, the computer
sensitivity may be established by the initial creation of a file
and/or data pertaining to an individual. Next, the input of a
desired amount of data representative of repeated actions may be
required. The number or amount of data may represent repetitive
occurrences. The occurrences may be required to be within a certain
classification, such as all within a certain zone, or all within a
certain period of time during the day, such as between 3 and 4
o'clock p.m. The computer may then calculate a mean value based
upon the recorded data. Alternatively, the recorded data may be
divided into more than one segment and a mean may be calculated for
each desired segment. The computer will generally continue to store
data, and therefore update the pattern, as detected by the XCVRs.
The computer is preferably designed to recalculate a mean for the
data following each additional data entry. The computer may include
sensitivity trigger software which as earlier described will
identify a desired threshold deviation from the calculated mean,
which may be more or less than one standard deviation from the
calculated mean. Alternatively, the sensitivity trigger may be
established at a certain percentage for deviation from the
calculated mean. The computer continually compares the observed
occurrence information to the calculated mean data to determine if
investigation signals are required to be communicated to law
enforcement and/or security officers. In this respect, the computer
is engaged in updating activities becomes smarter and more
efficient in analyzing risk situations over time.
[0152] In one embodiment the communication system is preferably
proactive and is continuously screening and comparing data being
input from the XCVRs for comparison to the previously stored
records within the accumulated database.
[0153] In addition to being directed to the embodiments described
above and claimed below, the present invention is further directed
to embodiments having different combinations of the features
described above and claimed below. As such, the invention is also
directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination
of the dependent features claimed below.
[0154] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes
thereof, and it is, therefore, desired that the present embodiment
be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive,
reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the
foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.
[0155] Further, the particular features presented in the dependent
claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the
scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized
as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other
possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For
instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim
which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a
multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all
antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple
dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction
(e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should be
alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In
jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are
restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also
taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim
format which creates a dependency from a prior
antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in
such dependent claim below.
[0156] This completes the description of the preferred and
alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art
may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment
described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed
by the claims attached hereto.
[0157] The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not
exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and
alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. The various
elements shown in the individual figures and described above may be
combined or modified for combination as desired. All these
alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the
scope of the claims where the term "comprising" means "including,
but not limited to".
* * * * *