U.S. patent application number 14/597648 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-16 for cyber life electronic networking and commerce operating exchange.
The applicant listed for this patent is John C. Pederson. Invention is credited to John C. Pederson.
Application Number | 20150198941 14/597648 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53521307 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150198941 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pederson; John C. |
July 16, 2015 |
Cyber Life Electronic Networking and Commerce Operating
Exchange
Abstract
A cyber-life electronic commerce and system control device is
disclosed having a three dimensional or other image of an area
stored on a server. An operating exchange interfaces with the image
to enable an individual to manipulate virtual control elements
within the operating exchange. A visible light embedded
communication system is used as the backbone to communicate
commands from the operating exchange to a building operating system
control item in order to alter the setting or status of a building
operating system. The operating exchange may also be used by a
consumer to virtually explore a cyber-retail location and to engage
in commercial activities.
Inventors: |
Pederson; John C.; (Merritt
Island, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pederson; John C. |
Merritt Island |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53521307 |
Appl. No.: |
14/597648 |
Filed: |
January 15, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61927663 |
Jan 15, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/275 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/011 20130101;
G06F 3/013 20130101; G06F 1/163 20130101; G06F 3/014 20130101; G06Q
30/00 20130101; H04L 12/282 20130101; G06F 3/012 20130101; G06F
3/0325 20130101; G06F 3/017 20130101; G06F 3/0304 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G05B 15/02 20060101
G05B015/02; H04L 12/28 20060101 H04L012/28; G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00 |
Claims
1. A control device comprising: a server, said server comprising an
image of an area and an operating exchange, said operating exchange
comprising at least one control element; an interface device in
communication with the operating exchange and said at least one
control element; and at least one building system, said at least
one building system comprising at least one control item, said at
least one control item being in communication with said operating
exchange, wherein at least one command is communicated from said
interface device to said operating exchange, and wherein said
operating exchange communicates said at least one command to said
at least one control item modifying a setting or status for said at
least one building system.
2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein said interface
device is a camera.
3. The control device according to claim 1, said interface device
comprising transceiver glasses.
4. The control device according to claim 1, said interface device
comprising sensors.
5. The control device according to claim 1, said image comprising a
three dimensional image.
6. The control device according to claim 1, said server comprising
recognition software.
7. The control device according to claim 6, said recognition
software being selected from the group consisting of
gesture-recognition, posture-recognition, eye movement recognition,
hand movement recognition, facial recognition, voice recognition,
motion recognition, image recognition and head movement recognition
in any combination.
8. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a
visible light embedded communication network, said visible light
embedded communication network comprising at least one light
emitting diode light fixture comprising at least one light emitting
diode, at least one photodetector, and at least one controller
constructed and arranged to provide light in the visible spectrum,
said light in the visible spectrum comprising pulses of light
occurring at a frequency which is not detectable by the unaided
eyes of an individual, said pulses of light comprising at least one
embedded communication or said command.
9. The control device according to claim 8, said at least one light
emitting diode light fixture comprising at least one microphone and
at least one speaker.
10. The control device according to claim 8, further comprising at
least one facility control unit in communication with and disposed
between said at least one light emitting diode light fixture and
said server.
11. The control device according to claim 10, said server
comprising at least one unique identifier.
12. The control device according to claim 11, said at least one
control item comprising a unique identifier.
13. The control device according to claim 12, said at least one
light emitting diode light fixture comprising a unique
identifier.
14. The control device according to claim 13, said at least one
light emitting diode and said at least one photodetector each
comprising a unique identifier.
15. The control device according to claim 14, said at least one
controller comprising a unique identifier.
16. The control device according to claim 15, said at least one
facility control unit comprising a unique identifier.
17. The control device according to claim 16, said interface device
comprising a unique identifier.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional application
No. 61/927663 filed Jan. 15, 2014, the entire contents of which is
expressly Incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The subject matter of this application is also related to
application Ser. No. 14/597518 filed Jan. 15, 2015, the entire
contents of which is Incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the past, individuals have been required to physically
walk to a building system control device to alter a building system
status. Two examples of building system control devices may be
light switches and/or a thermostat. In many cases a building system
is electrically coupled to a building system control device by
wires.
[0004] In some modern structures, the control of a building system
may be provided by an on-site computer, provided that a user may
identify the current location of the electronic file for the
control of the building system on the facility computer or
server.
[0005] In the past it has been difficult for individuals to locate
a building system control device, because either the building
system and/or the building system control device has been stored
within folders, sub-folders, and/or individual files on a facility
computer system. In these instances, extensive time and
expenditures have been required in the training of individuals to
access and manipulate building system control items. In addition,
cultural, educational and language barriers have made training
problematic and costly in some instances.
[0006] In the past, individuals have been required to be physically
present in a building or at a retail location to engage in the
control of a building system or engage in commercial activities.
Alternatively, in order to engage in commerce, an individual was
required to use an electronic device to visit a website to browse
or search for pictorial images or descriptions of items for
purchase. An individual was required to use an actuator such as a
mouse or button to select items for purchase. The individual was
then required to type or enter electronic payment information to
complete a transaction.
[0007] It has not been known to provide a user-friendly system to
engage in building system control management, or to improve
commerce, through the provision of an operating exchange having an
operating system in communication with a visible light embedded
communication system.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a
cyber-life electronic commerce and system control device having an
operating exchange which is used in conjunction with a visible
light embedded communication system to regulate and manage controls
for building operating systems as well as to improve a purchaser's
on-line electronic retail commerce experience.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In some embodiments, a computer server is provided, the
server having a stored three dimensional image of a building,
structure, area, or retail location. In some embodiments a
computer/server is in communication with an visible light embedded
communication system and/or a system control device. In some
embodiments an operating exchange and operating system is provided
where the operating system is stored on the server which interacts
with the stored three dimensional images of a structure/retail
location in order to provide to an individual an interface to a
building operating system control device and/or items within a
retail location. In some embodiments the interface is in
communication with the operating exchange and at least one control
item for a building operating system or at least one item within a
three dimensional representation of a retail location.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1A is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of
the invention where an individual is interfacing with an operating
exchange in communication with a visible light communication system
to engage in electronic commerce activities.
[0011] FIG. 1B is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of
the invention where an individual interfacing with the operating
exchange has selected and is about to enter into a virtual retail
location as depicted in FIG. 1A.
[0012] FIG. 2A is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of
the invention where an individual interfacing with the operating
exchange is virtually moving down an Isle of a virtual retail
location as depicted in FIG. 1B.
[0013] FIG. 2B is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of
the invention where an individual interfacing with the operating
exchange has selected a virtual item from the virtual Isle of FIG.
2A and is proceeding to a customer service location of FIG. 2C.
[0014] FIG. 2C is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of
the invention where an individual interfacing with the operating
exchange is communicating with a customer service representative at
a customer service location to complete and an electronic
commercial transaction.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of
the invention where an individual is interfacing with an operating
exchange for a structure.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of
the invention where an individual interfacing with the operating
exchange is virtually entering into a structure.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of
the invention where an individual interfacing with the operating
exchange is virtually moving down a hallway of a structure as
depicted in FIG. 4.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of
the invention where an individual interfacing with the operating
exchange is virtually entering into an office along the virtual
hallway of FIG. 5, within the structure.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of
the invention where an individual interfacing with the operating
exchange is virtually accessing a control element access panel of a
building operating system within a virtual office of FIG. 6.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of
the invention of an LED light fixture of a visible light embedded
communication system including a camera, microphone, and LED light
panel.
[0021] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of one embodiment of an
interface for communication with one embodiment of an operating
exchange.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a visible
light communication system.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of
an interface for an operating exchange in communication with a
visible light embedded communication system.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a data
packet used with a communication within a visible light embedded
communication system.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of one alternative embodiment of
the invention.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of one alternative embodiment of
the invention.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of one alternative embodiment of
the invention.
[0028] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of one alternative embodiment of
the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] In some embodiments, a building, structure or facility 12,
includes a plurality of building operating systems 14, example of
which include but are not necessarily limited to light systems,
intercom or public address systems, fire alarm systems, HVAC
systems, elevator control systems, security systems, and plumbing
systems to name a few. In some embodiments, each building operating
system 14 may include a building operating system control item 16
which may be used to control or regulate the applicable building
operating system 14.
[0030] In some embodiments, building operating system control items
16 are centrally located and in other embodiments the building
operating system control items 16 are located adjacent to the
respective building operating system 14. In some embodiments one or
more building operating system control items 16 may be electrically
connected and in communication with a facility
computer/server/controller through the use of wires 70.
[0031] In alternative embodiments, a building structure or facility
12 may include a plurality of LED light fixtures 18, where each LED
light fixture 18 is constructed and arranged and/or adjusted to
engage in visible light embedded communication activities to
provide visible light communication. A more complete description of
visible light embedded communications is disclosed in United States
Patent Numbers and patent application Ser. Nos. 14/557705;
14/546223; 14/546218; 14/537470; 14/290152; 14/288917; 14/270670;
14/227375; 14/208129; 14/208125; 14/208103; 14/208090; 14/207955;
14/207934; 14/050765; 13/706864; 61/927663; 61/927638; U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,879,263; 7,046,160; 7,439,847; 7,902,978; 8,188,861;
8,188,878; 8,188,879; 8,330,599; 8,331,790; 8,542,096; 8,543,505;
8,571,411; 8,593,299; 8,687,965; 8,744,267; 8,751,390; 8,886,045;
8,890,655; 8,890,773; and 8,902,076, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by references in their entireties.
[0032] In some embodiments, one or more building operating control
items 16 include or are connected to a light emitting diode 20,
photodetector or photodivide 22, and/or a controller 24, in any
combination. The building operating control items 16 may also be
connected, coupled or engaged to motors, valves, or the mechanical
or electrical devices which may be operated by electrical signals
to change the status and or the setting of a building operating
system control item 16.
[0033] In some embodiments, not all of the control items 16 are
required to include LED communication devices, and some control
items 16 will be in direct communication with a building operating
system 14 via wires 70. In alternative embodiments, a control item
16 may be wired, where the wire extends to an intermediate pulsed
light communication hub 26. The intermediate pulsed light
communication hub 26 includes a unique location identifier 28,
controller 24, photodetector(s) 22 and LED's 20 and is adapted to
receive pulsed light communication signals which alternatively may
be referenced to as visible light embedded communication signals.
The controller 24 of the pulsed light communication hub 26
processes received pulsed light communication signals for
conversion into electrical signals, to be passed over the wire 70
to a particular control item 16, to change the status of the
control item 16 and building operating system 14.
[0034] In some embodiments, each LED light fixture 18, LED dongle
device 30, and each control item 16 includes processors/controllers
24, LED's 20, and photodetectors 22 to generate and/or receive
visible light embedded communications within a pulsed light
communication system. The embedded pulsed light signals may
communicate information as to the status of a LED light fixture 18,
dongle 30 or control item 16. In some embodiments, each control
item 16 of a building operating system 14, such as a lighting
system, heating system, security system, monitoring system,
metering system, recording system, speaker system, elevator system
to name a few, either has an integral LED photodetector 22 and/or
controller 24 and LED's 20 for embedded pulsed light
communications. Alternatively an operating system 14 or control
item 16 may be retro-fitted to include an LED communication device
such as a dongle device 30 to receive embedded pulsed LED light
communication signals from an LED light fixture 18, and to generate
and communicate embedded pulsed LED light signals for receipt by an
LED light fixture 18 to provide information in response to a status
inquiry.
[0035] In some embodiments, each control item 16 may include
sensors, meters, controllers/processors 24, photodetectors 22, and
LED's 20 to receive and to generate embedded pulsed light
communication signals to a facility control unit 32. In some
embodiments, each control item 16 may function to be electrically
connected to, and in communication with, motors, devices, servo
motors, valves solenoids, or other mechanical or electronic devices
which are used to alter the status of a building operating system
14 or control item 16 such as a door lock, a thermostat, a light
switch 34, an elevator control, a speaker 36, a microphone 38
and/or a monitor to name a few. It should be noted that the
identified elements for the control items 16, building operating
systems 14, system elements, or other identifiers herein are not
intended to be exhaustive, and should be interpreted as expansive
and are not intended to be limiting as to the specific elements or
types of elements as identified herein.
[0036] In some embodiments, the facility control unit 32 and/or
each control item 16 includes a processor/controller 24 which
includes a security protocol to restrict activation or a change of
status until such time as the security protocol has been satisfied.
A security protocol may be communicated directly through embedded
pulsed LED light communication signals or through an intermediate
embedded pulsed LED light communication hub 26, or via an
electrical signal passed over a wire 70. In some embodiments a
change of status for a higher security clearance control item 16
will require additional security verification or security protocols
as included with an embedded pulsed LED light communication signal
and will automatically generate a security communication to a
remote server 72 or facility control unit 32 as a security warning
to another individual.
[0037] In some embodiments, the processor/controller 24 in
communication with each control item 16 receives control signals,
activation signals, or change of status signals which were
generated from a facility control unit 32, or other remotely
located control server 72, or other system server. In some
embodiments, the processor/controller 24 is in communication with
each control item 16 which may generate a device or operational
status signal to be received by a facility control unit 32,
remotely located control server 72, or other system server. The
device or operational status signal in some embodiments is
generated and transmitted by embedded pulsed LED light
communication signals, as described herein or as incorporated by
reference herein.
[0038] In other embodiments, functions such as microphones 38 and
speakers 36 may be regulated if equipped with an embedded pulsed
light communication interface such as a dongle device 30.
[0039] In some embodiments, a facility control unit 32 and/or
remote server 72 may include a or webpage. The webpage may have
access to drawings, diagrams and/or blueprints of a structure 12,
where an operating exchange 44 on a facility control unit 32
permits an individual to manipulate building operating systems 14
and control items 16 within a building 12. In some embodiments, the
webpage functions as the interface to enable the
activation/deactivation or manipulation of a building operating
system 14. In some embodiments, an individual may focus on a
desired location on a drawing, diagram and/or blueprint of a
building 12 in order to access a building operating system control
item 16 to toggle or manipulate the control item 16 to a desired
setting. The drawing, diagram, and/or blueprint of the building 12
may include reference to any number of switches and/or controls for
building operating systems 14.
[0040] In some embodiments, the switches and/or controls for a
building operating system 14 may include sensors, meters or other
electrical or mechanical setting devices to communicate feedback as
to the current status of a system setting, for the building
operating system 14.
[0041] In some embodiments, the drawings, diagrams and/or
blueprints of a building 12 as included in a facility control unit
32 or remote server 72, may include markers/identifiers, such as
rectangles or other shapes, which represent LED light fixtures 18
or groups of LED light fixtures 18 or other systems or system
control items 16.
[0042] In some embodiments, the facility control unit 32 and/or
remote server 72 may also include indicators as to operational
performance such as the volume of electricity being used, or the
setting of a building operating system 14, such as operation at a
maximum level, as opposed to operation at a normal operational
parameter.
[0043] In some embodiments, a map, drawing, diagram, blueprint or
other two dimensional or three dimensional image may be made of a
building 12, complex, or other geographic area. The map, drawing,
diagram, blueprint, two dimensional or three dimensional image of
the building 12, complex or geographic area may be used as an
overlay in a software application for an operating exchange 44 for
a facility control unit 32 or remotely located control server
72.
[0044] In other embodiments, 3-D or laser imaging equipment may be
utilized to form a virtual 3-D model for a building 12, complex or
geographic area. In some embodiments, in a matter of hours, an
individual using laser imaging equipment may walk through and scan
an entire structure 12, mapping out all of the hallways 46, rooms
48, doorways 50, lights 52, light switches 34, thermostats,
monitors, cameras 54, microphones 38, speakers 36, fire alarms, and
smoke detectors, to name a few, and in doing so, form a
three-dimensional walk through model for a structure 12 or other
geographic area.
[0045] Following scanning in some embodiments, the 3D
representation of the building may be partially transparent or a
skeleton view, where elements such light fixtures 52, light
switches 34, or control items 16 are visible. In alternative
embodiments, the laser imaging of a building 12 may be in color or
mono-chrome. In other embodiments, the operating exchange 44 may
assign various colors to designated portions of the virtual
cyber-building. For example, hallways 46 may all be designated in a
color such as beige and all of the rooms 48 may be designated by
the color green.
[0046] In some embodiments, the appearance of the space within a
virtual cyber-building may be smaller or larger in appearance than
the actual space of the structure 12.
[0047] In at least one embodiment, an operating exchange 44 is
utilized in association with a visible light embedded communication
system or a pulsed light communication system, using LED embedded
pulsed light communication signals generated from LED light
fixtures 18. In some embodiments the operating exchange 44 is
incorporated into the infrastructure of a building or facility
control unit 32 or remote server 72 in communication with LED light
fixtures 18 and building operating systems 14. In some embodiments
the operating exchange 44 includes a software operating system
performing the features and functions as identified herein.
[0048] In some embodiments, the operating exchange 44 is used to
control all of the LED light fixtures 18 and building operating
systems 14 within a structure or building 12. In some embodiments,
the operating exchange 44 may be in communication with more or less
than all of the LED light fixtures 18 or operating systems 14 for a
building 12.
[0049] In at least one embodiment, the operating exchange 44
includes indicators which function to communicate the setting
and/or operational status of one or more building operating systems
14 such as LED light fixtures 18, or other building systems, such
as a thermostat.
[0050] In at least one embodiment, the operating exchange 44
includes indicators for the color, or color setting, for light
generated by the LED's 20 within the LED light fixtures 18. In some
embodiments, the color of the LED's 20 within the LED light
fixtures 18 may vary between individual and/or groups of LED's 20
and/or LED light fixtures 18.
[0051] In some embodiments, the use of embedded pulsed light
communications to control the building operating systems 14 through
an interface with an operating exchange 44 of a cyber-building
replaces a building network based on radio frequency or a WIFI
system. Networks based on radio frequency or WIFI may become
saturated, loosing speed or dropping signals, especially if a
number of people in a specific area are using a common network.
[0052] In at least one embodiment, the operating exchange 44 is
constructed and arranged to simulate or represent real life actions
for control of a building operating system 14 in order to
facilitate ease of use, and eliminate costly training and
specialized education for designated individuals. In at least one
embodiment, the operating exchange 44 will not utilize commands,
command lines, file location, or sub-file memorization by an
individual in order to control or regulate a building operating
system 14.
[0053] In some embodiments, the operating exchange 44 and the
virtual cyber-building may include cyber display signs and/or cyber
directional markers to facilitate the recognition of a
cyber-location and/or the identification of the location for a
control element access panel 58 for a user within a virtual
cyber-building.
[0054] In some embodiments, a cyber-sign or display may facilitate
access to an instruction or to a control item 16 which is otherwise
not immediately available, one example of which may be a critical
function item which under normal operation is not subject to
adjustment, or alternatively to a security item.
[0055] In some embodiments, an individual may use the operating
exchange 44 within a virtual cyber-building to test different
operating systems 14, or may adjust the status of different
operating systems 14, an example of which would be fire alarms,
camera systems, audio systems, HVAC systems, intercom systems,
elevator systems, telephone systems, and/or security systems to
name a few. It should be noted that the building operating systems
14 identified herein have been provided for purposes of
illustration and are not exhaustive of the types of systems which
may be controlled through the operating exchange 44 of a virtual
cyber-building. It should also be noted that in some embodiments,
the above and other types of operating systems 14 are integrated
into a network, and that at least one type of backbone for a
network is the embedded pulsed light communication system as
described herein or as incorporated by reference.
[0056] In some embodiments, scheduling and programming of building
operating systems 14 may take into consideration variables such as
daylight savings time, temperature settings based on the time of
year, and other variables considered during the operation of a
building, the above examples not being limiting in this regard.
[0057] In some embodiments, a network may be provided through the
use of a remote server 72. The backbone for the remote access to
the operating exchange 44 may be an embedded pulsed light
communication network, where embedded pulsed light communication
signals are transmitted through free space. One example of a
visible light embedded communication system may be a series of
street lights, or other adjacent light sources, for sequential
transmission of information or data embedded in a pulsed LED light
signal, until such time as the pulsed LED light signal arrives at
the desired destination.
[0058] In some embodiments, an individual may speak any language or
have any educational background or training, and may be able to
immediately and intuitively operate the operating exchange 44 for
the embedded LED pulsed light and communication system and building
operating systems 14. In some embodiments, the operating exchange
44 is not dependent on culture or gender or knowledge of an
individual.
[0059] In some embodiments, the operating exchange 44 and an
interface device 60 do not require significant training, and
eliminate the need for an individual to know the location of
controller commands on a computer, whether located in files or
sub-files in a building operating system 14. The operating exchange
44 and the interface device 60 enable a user to engage in known
life activities, such as walking to a desired location within a
virtual 3-D image for a desired operating system 14 in order to
implement system status modifications. For example, an individual
desiring to modify the status of an elevator will virtually walk up
to the elevator in a cyber building and pull open the control
element access panel 58 or port to retrieve or to manipulate a
virtual control element 62 within the control element access panel
58. A command may then be processed by the operating system for the
operating exchange 44 which may generate an embedded pulsed light
communication from an LED light fixture 18 adjacent to a physical
elevator control panel, where the pulsed light communication signal
is received by a photodetector 22 and processor/controller 24
integral, attached to, or in communication with the physical
elevator controls to modify a status setting. Alternatively, the
command may be communicated by pulsed light communication signals
to an intermediate pulsed light communication hub 26 where the
embedded pulsed light signal is processed, and in turn is
communicated to the elevator control panel over a wire 70 to alter
or modify the status of the building elevator system.
[0060] In at least one embodiment, a user is not required to know
where an instruction, interface, or control item 16 is located, and
the user is only required to be able to recognize a virtual
building system control element 62 and know where the building
system control element 62 is located relative to the operating
system 14 within a cyber-building. To operate an elevator, an
individual will walk up to the elevator in the cyber-building and
access the control element access panel 58 and the virtual control
element 62. Alternatively, to operate a furnace or boiler, an
individual will walk to the furnace or boiler in the cyber-building
and access the control element access panel 58 and virtual control
elements 62.
[0061] In some embodiments, the architecture of the operating
exchange 44, the operating systems software, and the virtual
cyber-building are sufficiently simplistic where an individual
without explanation or training may modify, operate, and/or control
building systems 14 through the seamless backbone of the embedded
pulsed light communication networks or systems.
[0062] In some embodiments, the operating exchange 44 will be
language neutral and include images for the virtual control
elements 62, such as clocks to represent timing functions, and
buttons or switches for lights, or rectangles having an image of
fire for a fire alarm, to name a few of the many examples
available. Therefore, in some embodiments, the operating exchange
44 is not required to be modified for use with other languages
unless images or symbols are not readily recognized from a cultural
perspective.
[0063] In some embodiments, each building utilizing LED light
fixtures 18 of an embedded pulsed light communication system may
include a map representing the location of each of the LED light
fixture 18 where each LED light fixture 18 includes a unique
identifier 28 similar to a MAC address, standard internet protocol
identifier, the GPSRS Global Positioning System Routing System as
more fully described in the above referenced commonly owned patents
and patent applications which are incorporated by reference herein
in their entirety, or other types of identifiers.
[0064] In some embodiments, each virtual control element 62,
switch, activation device, keypad, button or dial, to name a few,
may include a unique identifier 28. In addition, each photodetector
22, LED lighting element 20, a dongle device 30, sensor, monitor,
or other devices used to establish communication within an embedded
pulsed light communication system may include a unique identifier
28.
[0065] In some embodiments, each LED dongle device 30, and each
virtual control element 62 may include a unique identifier 28 which
may be, or may be similar to the GPSRS location address, MAC
address, or an alpha-numeric, or numeric identifier to precisely
locate the virtual control element 62 relative to the map, diagram,
drawings, image, 2D model, 3-D model and/or blueprint of a
structure 12 as included within a facility control unit 32 or
remote server 72.
[0066] In some embodiments, within the virtual image of the
building 12 within the software operating system of the operating
exchange 44, the control element access panel 58 or port may be a
virtual drawer 64 or virtual access door which when opened exposes
a virtual shelf.
[0067] In some embodiments, an individual using the interface
device 60 may enter the virtual building 12, walk to a designated
location such as to a light switch, and open a control element
access panel 58 or port by sliding open a drawer 64 or opening an
access door to view the virtual contents of the drawer 64 or
shelf.
[0068] In some embodiments, inside the drawer 64 or on the shelf
will be located a plurality of virtual control elements 62, which
would appear in any shape as desired, such as a clock 66 used for
setting a timing schedule to activate or deactivate the control
item 16 such as a light switch 34. Another example of a virtual
control element 62 could be a calendar 68 which could be used for
scheduling the activation or deactivation of a control item 16 on a
certain date, such as shutting off lights on a Friday evening at
7:30 pm and turning the lights on at 6:00 am on a Monday
morning.
[0069] In some embodiments an individual may use a central or
single virtual control element 62 such as a tablet computing device
to control any number of control items 16 to manipulate a setting
for a building operating system 14.
[0070] In other embodiments, a single or central control element
such as a cellular phone, tablet computing device, laptop computer
or other portable electronic device may include a dongle interface
30 for use in manipulation of the status of a virtual control
element 62 or control item 16 of a building operating system 14. In
some embodiments, an individual transporting a portable electronic
device may walk up to a building operating system 14 to activate
the portable electronic device, or software application on the
portable electronic device, to initiate the control item 16 to
alter the setting or status of the building operating system 14. In
this embodiment, the dongle device 30 may communicate directly with
the control item 16 through visible light embedded communication
signals. Alternatively, the dongle device 30 may transmit a visible
light embedded communication signal to an LED light fixture 18
which in turn may communicate the visible light embedded
communication command to a photodetector 22, on or in communication
with, the control item 16, to alter a building operating system 14
setting. In some embodiments, the electronic device functioning as
the signal or central control element may be remotely located
relative to the control item 16 and communicate a desired command
to a building operating system 14 through a dongle device 30 into
an LED visible light embedded communication system or network.
[0071] In other embodiments, when an individual is using the
operating exchange 44 to enter a virtual cyber-building 12, an
individual may grasp a virtual control element 62, such as a
virtual representation of a calendar, and the individual may walk
in the virtual cyber building to a virtual operating system 14 such
as an elevator. The operating system software will recognize the
presence of the individual proximate to the elevator. The
individual may then manipulate the virtual control element 62, such
as the calendar 68 to adjust a setting, such as disengaging the
elevator on a Saturday and scheduling the reactivation of the
elevator on a Monday morning. The operating system software of the
operating exchange 44 recognizes the adjustment of a building
operating system 14 and implements the authorized commands for
activation of the building operating system control item 16 at the
appropriate dates and/or times.
[0072] In other embodiments, the virtual control element 62 may be
a universal element and may include a number of different functions
such as a calendar, clock, switch, dial, and/or color palette to
name a few. In this embodiment an individual may be able to
virtually walk in a cyber-building 12 from one operating system 14
to another and to use the universal virtual control element to
alter the status and/or settings for any number of building
operating systems 14.
[0073] In some embodiments, the control items 16 and/or virtual
control elements 62 are restricted to operations or functions
available only at a specific control element access panels 58 for a
building system 14. For example control items 16 and/or virtual
control elements 62 related to a control element access panel 58 or
port for a light switch, would be exclusively interfaced with the
building lighting system, and would not include control items 16
and/or virtual control elements 62 directed to the air circulation
or air conditioning. Control items 16 and/or virtual control
elements 62 for the air circulation/conditioning/cooling system
would be located in a control element access panel 58 or port
proximate to an air condition unit, which in the virtual 3-D image
for the building 12 may be located on a roof or mechanical room or
area.
[0074] The manipulation of the virtual control element 62 within
the virtual 3-D image of the building modifies the building
operating system 14 to accommodate the selected settings. At the
selected or appropriate time, which could be simultaneously, the
building operating system 14 on the facility control unit 32 will
signal a change in status to a control item 16, either through a
signal transmitted over a wired electrical connection 70 or by
initiating the transmission of a pulsed LED light signal through an
LED light fixture 18 to be received by a photodetector 22 at or in
communication with the control item 16. The control item 16 will
then implement the status change such as turning on or off a
particular light fixture 18. It should be noted that this
identified process is equally applicable to other building systems
as identified herein, including HVAC, fire, camera, speaker,
microphone, security, as well as all other types of building
operating systems 14 which may be regulated by an individual.
[0075] In some embodiments, dependent on the building system 14 to
be operated, the area or space within the control element access
panel 58 will be enlarged, and the number of virtual control
elements 62 accessible through the control element access panel 58
will be increased. For example, a drawer 64 as the control element
access panel 58 for a light fixture may be smaller and include
fewer virtual control elements 62 as compared to the drawer 64 for
the control element access panel 58 for an HVAC system. In some
embodiments, the appearance of the control items 16 and/or virtual
control elements 62 is selected to as closely as possible represent
the function to be regulated. For example, a calendar 68 may be
selected to represent the function of date scheduling. In another
example, a watch or clock 68 may be selected to represent a timing
function. In another example, a thermometer may be selected to
represent a temperature setting. Numerous additional alternatives
are available. In at least one embedment, the appearance of the
control items 16 and/or virtual control elements 62 is selected to
minimize confusion to an operator or user. In some embodiments, a
control element access panel 58 may include multiple shelves or
drawers and/or virtual control elements 62 which may be placed
according to an anticipated frequency of use, where certain virtual
control elements 62 are located behind other virtual control
elements 62 in a subordinate location. In some embodiments, a
control element access panel 58 may include multiple shelves or
drawers and/or virtual control elements 62, where one or more
shelves or virtual control elements 62 may have a restricted access
indicator requiring entry of an additional security clearance prior
to a status change for a building system 14.
[0076] In other embodiments, a control element access panel 58 may
include a virtual control element 62 which itself is another
sub-control element access panel including sub-control items.
[0077] In some embodiments, a virtual cyber-building for a
structure such as a school will include numerous control element
access panels 58, for example, a control element access panel 58 at
the front door, the office, the principal's office, the custodian
office, the mechanical room, and the lunchroom. Each of the control
element access panels 58 at a different location may include
virtual control elements 62 used to manipulate different systems,
or functions. In some embodiments, a building 12 may include
security cameras 54 which may be manipulated through a control
element access panel 58 located at a security station within a
virtual cyber-building by modification of the camera control
item.
[0078] In some embodiments, the virtual control elements 62 within
the control element access ports 58 may be 3-D pictorial
application, or applications as used on a smart phone, tablet
device or other electronic device.
[0079] In some embodiments, a virtual control element 62, such as a
calendar 68, regulates days of operation; a stopwatch regulates
hours of operation; a video camera regulates areas of recording
images; an elevator control panel regulates default settings or
operation of the elevator; a thermometer regulates temperature;
and/or a fire alarm box regulates operational status such as a fire
alarm. In some embodiments, the same or different virtual control
elements 62 may be located on a virtual computer within the virtual
cyber-building for activation and/or modification by an individual
using an interface device 60. In some embodiments, the virtual
control elements 62 may be displayed on a large video screen within
an operating exchange 44.
[0080] In some embodiments the operating system software for the
operating exchange 44, including the virtual 3-D image model, may
be accessed by an interface device 60 which may be pulsed light
transceiver glasses 74, virtual reality glasses, motion detectors
or sensors, or manual controllers such as toggles or joy sticks,
which are in communication with a display device. The interface
device 60 may be used to access the operating exchange 44 in a
manner similar to a videogame controller and display on a monitor,
image projector screen or television.
[0081] In some embodiments, an individual using an interface device
60 may be required to satisfy logon, password and/or other security
protocols, in order to access the building virtual 3-D image/map
within the operating exchange 44. An individual using an interface
device 60 may then either observe or modify the operational
settings and/or status of the building systems 14 which are in some
embodiments communicated to the fixture control unit or controller
24 by pulsed LED light communication signals. Status or setting
changes are integrated into the operating exchange 44 and virtual
3-D image/map for the building. In some embodiments, a user using
the interface device 60 may either remotely or virtually observe,
modify, or enter into the virtual 3-D building map/model as a walk
through, or may select a specific area of the virtual 3-D building
map/model for observation or manipulation.
[0082] In some embodiments, the use of the interface device 60
enables a user to virtually enter into a previous imaged building
12 in a manner similar to a video game, and observe the actual
building systems 14 and control items 16 for a building.
[0083] In some embodiments, during use of the interface device 60
the control element access panel 58 having the virtual control
elements 62, such as a light switch, may be located on a virtual
wall. Each virtual control item 16 may include a unique identifier
28 which is used to specifically change the status of a particular
building operating system.
[0084] In some embodiments, an individual may use one or more
interface devices 60 such as LED light transceiver glasses 74
and/or motion sensors, and may walk through a cyber-buildingl2, to
a particular geographic location to access a virtual control
element 62. Movement through the cyber-building may in some
embodiments occur with body gestures, posture-recognition, eye
movements, or hand movements by an individual using a motion
detector/sensor device such as virtual reality gloves or hand
movement sensors. In addition, in some embodiments, a user may
proceed through a cyber-building by using voice commands as
recognized by voice recognition software or a combination of any of
the above identified interface devices, including hand controllers,
joy sticks, key pad directional elements, toggles, buttons, voice
commands, gestures, or movements.
[0085] In other embodiments, camera(s) 54, which may be located on
an LED light fixture 18, record images for processing by the
operating system software including the voice, gesture, motion
recognition software feature to name a few, where the voice,
gesture and/or motion by an individual functions as the interface
device in substitution for glasses or sensors as mentioned
herein.
[0086] In some embodiments, an individual may use an interface
device 60 such as visible light transceiver glasses 74 or other
interface devices 60 while present at a remote location. The
individual may pass through any required security protocols to
logon to an operating exchange program 44 for a facility control
unit 32 having a cyber-building 3-D virtual image. The individual
may then make a gesture, eye movement, posture change, head
movement, voice command, or other instruction, which is detected by
the visible light transceiver glasses 74, other interface device(s)
60, and/or camera 54 and is translated into pulsed light
communication signals which are communicated to an LED light
fixture 18 as a portion of a pulsed light communication system. The
pulsed light communication system may be connected to a broadband
over power line system or directly to a remote control server 72.
The remote control server 72 will receive the pulsed light
communication signal such as a movement command and process the
pulsed light communication signal to pass the command signal (which
may occur over the internet) to the facility control unit 32 and/or
the operating exchange 44 for the cyber-building. The individual
using the interface device 60 may then walk through the
cyber-building to a control element access panel 58 to modify the
status of a virtual control element 62. Simultaneously, a reverse
communication may be generated back from the operating system 14 to
the facility control unit 32 (which may occur over the internet)
back to the control server 72. The control server 72 then may
activate an LED light fixture 18 to generate pulsed light
communication signals for receipt by the visible light transceiver
glasses or interface device 60 for transmission onto a display as
used by the operator to confirm that a status change for an
operating system 14 has occurred.
[0087] In some embodiments, a user of an operating exchange 44 for
a cyber-building may employ the use of controllers, which are
similar to appearance to a known video controllers, including a joy
stick, as an interface device 60. Manipulation of buttons or the
joy stick may facilitate an individual's movement down hallways 42,
through common spaces, through offices, into elevators, or into
other areas within the cyber-building to name a few. The
manipulation of the controller enables an individual to move
forward or backward, or to either side within a cyber-building.
[0088] In other embodiments, a key pad or a tablet electronic
device may include keys or pressure sensitive areas to function as
a interface device 60 for movement within the operating exchange 44
for the cyber-building. In some embodiments, any device which
functions in a manner similar to a video controller may be used to
facilitate movement within the virtual cyber-building.
[0089] In at least one embodiment, the control of one or more of
the building systems 14 of a virtual cyber-building may be
accomplished as simply as putting on a set of visible light
transceiver glasses 74 and walking through the front door of the
virtual cyber-building.
[0090] In some embodiments, the interface device 60 in
communication with the operating exchange 44 enables a user to
virtually access and/or control 3-D representations of visible
surfaces, area controls, accessible information displays, and
establish a desired orientation within a virtual
cyber-building.
[0091] In some embodiments, the use of the interface device 60 in
association with the operating exchange 44 provides sensory input
to an individual which in turn improves an individual's memory as
to the location of virtual control elements 62 and operation of the
systems 14 of a building 12. In addition, a person using the
interface device 60 in association with the operating exchange 44
will know the location of control items 16 which will be proximate
to the building systems 14 to be controlled or modified. The use of
the interface device 60 in association with the operating exchange
44 provides a much more natural interface with the systems 14 of a
building.
[0092] In at least one embodiment, a user using an interface device
60 will view a very detailed image of a virtual control element 62
such as a calendar or light switch. In some embodiments, a virtual
control element 62 may in fact be a virtual 3-D computer as a
"living icon". An individual may access the virtual computer to
regulate the systems 14 of a building 12.
[0093] In at least one additional embodiment, an individual wearing
an interface device 60 for integration with the operating exchange
44 may virtually enter any hallway 46 or other building area, an
example of which could be a gymnasium, within the virtual
cyber-building and adjust a temperature or light setting for the
selected area or hallway 46, including the use of an on-off timing
feature, hot or cool temperature, and color setting for the lights
within the selected area. In at least one embodiment, the facility
control unit 32 and the operating exchange 44 will perform the
necessary interpolations and/or calculations to generate the
desired commands to regulate the number of power supply's, or to
issue commands to one or more LED light fixtures 18 or other
electronic devices over a pulsed light communication network. The
processed commands include the unique identifiers 28 as assigned to
each control item 16 and pulsed light communication system element
within the building or structure. The operating exchange 44 will
also determine if more than one, or a plurality of, control items
16 are required to be activated in order to implement the received
command. An example would be to activate more than one, or a
plurality of power supplies, or a plurality of LED light fixtures
18.
[0094] In some embodiments, the virtual interaction through the
interface device 60 to the operating exchange 44 is designed to
promote and maximize associated realities between the actual
physical status of a building system 14 and the virtual
cyber-building control elements 62.
[0095] In some embodiments, an individual may either access the
operating exchange 44 at the actual building in an on-site setting,
or alternatively, may remotely obtain access to the operating
exchange 44 through a network such as the internet. If remote
access is desired then security access, as well as logon protocols
may be required.
[0096] In some embodiments, movement within a cyber-building may
occur through body gestures, eye movements, posture recognition,
voice recognition, body motion, head movements, and/or other types
of recognition. The body, posture or other types of recognition may
occur through the use of sensors attached to an individual. In an
alternative embodiment, an LED light fixture 18 may include a
camera 54 or other sensing device where the camera 54 will
recognize the body, posture or other type of movement, and the
controller 24 in communication with the camera 54 will convert the
body, posture or other type of movement into a signal which may be
passed to the operating exchange 44 for the facility control unit
32. In addition to visible light embedded communication the signals
may be transmitted over a broadband over power line system, over
the internet, or over a wired connection. In some embodiments, eye
movements may be recognized through the use of cameras 54 or other
sensors as incorporated into visible light transceiver glasses 74.
The eye movement will be recorded and transmitted from the LED's as
pulsed light communication signals from the frame of the visible
light transceiver glasses 74 to at least one LED light fixture 18,
where the pulsed light communication signal will be received and
processed by the controller 24, for communication to the operating
exchange 44 for the cyber building. In an alternative embodiment,
an LED light fixture 18 having a camera 54 may recognize eye
movement to process and communicate actions associated with the eye
movement in a manner similar to that of the body or posture
gestures. In some embodiments, movement within a cyber-building may
alternatively occur by movements of an individual's head, such as a
head tilt forward or a head tilt backward, or associated with
movements of an individual's hands as recognized by one or more
cameras 54 on an LED light fixture 18 or by motion sensors on an
individual's hands, head or other body parts. In some embodiments
particular types of hand gestures will be associated with specific
control commands. For example an individual may approach a wall or
a cyber-decal on a wall, and make a specific type of hand motion or
gesture in the virtual space which will correspond to a specific
command or function for manipulation of a control item 16. The
operating exchange 44 will recognize the specific hand motion or
gesture and issue the corresponding command to the control item
16.
[0097] In other embodiments, an individual may make a gesture, eye
movement, posture change, head movement, voice command, or other
movement, motion or instruction which is detected by the camera 54
and/or microphone 38 which may be located on an LED light fixture
18. In this embodiment, an individual's actions replace the use of
an interface device 60. An individual's motions, sounds or actions
as detected by the camera 54 and/or microphone 38 or other sensor
are translated by the controller 24 into electrical signals which
may be communicated as visible light embedded communication signals
to another optical transceiver, or over a broadband over power line
system/network. The additional optical transceivers and/or
broadband over power line features may be elements of a pulsed
light communication system or network. The signals representing the
individual's motions, sounds, or action may then be communicated to
the remote server 72, facility control unit 32, and/or the
operating exchange 44, which in turn will process the signal into
commands within the virtual cyber-building. An individual may then
walk through the cyber-building to a control element access panel
58 to modify the status or setting for a virtual control element
62. In some embodiments the signals communicated to the remote
sensor 72, facility control unit 32 and/or operating exchange 44
may occur over the internet or by broad band over power line.
[0098] In an alternative embodiment, motion sensors may be
incorporated into a set or pair of visible light transceiver
glasses 74 which may record head or body movement. In addition, a
set of visible light transceiver glasses 74 may include motion
sensors and cameras 54 to recognize movement and/or sense movement
or recognize or sense eye movement as commands within the operating
exchange 44 for a cyber-building. In some embodiments, the control
items 16 and/or virtual control elements 62 may be activated by
posture, gestures, motion, eye movement, manipulation of
alpha-numeric keys, and/or voice recognition to name a few
activation and control options.
[0099] In some embodiments, an LED light fixture 18 includes a
camera 54 and a controller/processor 24 including facial
recognition software, voice recognition software, image recognition
software, posture recognition software, and movement recognition
software to name a few.
[0100] In some embodiments the facial recognition, voice
recognition, or other recognition software in communication with
the operating exchange 44 may obviate or satisfy security protocols
associated with access to and/or control of building operating
system control items 16 and/or virtual control elements 62. The
facial recognition, voice recognition, or other recognition as
recorded by the camera 54 and/or microphone 38 may enhance access
to the operating exchange 44 by eliminating the need for logon or
password entries.
[0101] In some embodiments a camera 54 will provide a dynamic real
time recognition and/or recording of an environment, individuals
within an environment, or objects in an environment, for
translation and incorporation into a real time cyber representation
of a structure or environment.
[0102] In some embodiments, the real time and/or dynamic
representation of individuals in a cyber environment will assist in
rescue, firefighting or law enforcement activities. In this
embodiment, the camera 54 interfaces with the operating exchange 44
which includes a 2-D or 3-D representation of an environment, or a
map to a cyber location. The camera 54 records images which are
processed by the controller 24 and communicated by visible light
embedded communications or over a broad band over power line to a
facility control unit 32 or remote server 72. The information
recorded by the camera 54 may then be matched to a previously
scanned image and meshed into, or super imposed on, the previously
stored 2-D or 3-D cyber representation of the environment to
provide a dynamic or real time cyber image of the individuals and
objects within the environment. The operating exchange 44 and
camera 54 may be used to continuously update, periodically update,
or instantaneously update the previously stored 2-D or 3-D cyber
representation of the environment to provide a dynamic fluid image
of a cyber-environment for a user.
[0103] In some embodiments, the mapping of an environment includes
the identification of objects and the positioning of objects with
an environment for representation in a virtual cyber environment.
This mapping may be sufficiently specific to record all objects
within an environment including the identification of objects
within drawers or in cabinets. In some embodiments, the camera 54
provides a dynamic or living representation of an environment,
where the operating exchange 44 and the operating system software
receives update images which may relocate the position of objects
within the virtual cyber representation of an environment, to be
consistent with the visual recordings within the subject
environment. For example, a camera 54 may record an item being
moved from a drawer to a cabinet. In at least one embodiment, the
operating exchange 44 and/or the operating system software will
relocate the scanned image, and alter the location of the scanned
image to a current location with a cyber environment. In some
embodiments an individual may be able to identify the current
location of the cyber object by issuance of a voice inquiry
processed by voice recognition or by other movement or actions.
[0104] In some embodiments, the motion, gesture, eye movement, head
movement, and/or voice recognition software, to name a few, as in
communication with a visible light embedded communication system
communicates signals/commands as previously recorded by a camera 54
and/or microphone 38. The recognition software may be in
communication with the operating exchange 44 as located on either
the facility control unit 32 and/or a remote server 72. The signals
from the recognition software may be passed to a destination
through visible light embedded communications and/or over a broad
band over power line system. In some embodiments, the signals from
the recognition software may be incorporated into, become, or may
be piggy-backed onto a WIFI, cellular and/or satellite
transmission.
[0105] In some embodiments the destination of signals for the
recognition software may be electrical or mechanical devices which
may be operated through electronic controls. The electrical or
mechanical devise include, but are not necessarily limited to
devices such as robotic equipment, robots, drones, planes,
automobiles, fork lifts, conveyers, molds, manufacturing equipment
to name a few. In this embodiment, an individual may access an
operating exchange 44 for entry into a cyber environment which may
include controls for any type of electronic or mechanical device, a
few types of which have been identified herein. A camera 54 on an
LED light fixture 18 may then record images of an individual and/or
a microphone 38 may record sounds for processing by the operating
system software. The recorded images and/or sounds may then be
processed by the recognition software for communication to the
controls for the mechanical and/or electrical devices.
[0106] An individual may then be operating the mechanical or
electronic device within the cyber environment where the visible
light embedded communication system provides the backbone for the
actual device controllers. In this embodiment, the cyber-life
electronic commerce and system control device may be used in any
number of fields including but not limited to manufacturing,
communication, education, medicine, and commerce to name a few. In
this embodiment, the camera 54 allows visualization of cyber
objects and even visual magnification of cyber objects to provide
vision assistance to an individual controlling remote or robotic
functions. A physician may utilize any number of these features if
desired to assist in a treatment procedure or robotic operation for
a patient. An individual may also fly an aircraft or drone within a
cyber environment where movements, gestures, and/or sounds are
recorded and communicated at least partially over a visible light
embedded communication system/network. In some embodiments command
signals initially within a visible light embedded communication
system may be super imposed or piggy-backed onto other
communication networks.
[0107] In some embodiments recorded gestures, motion and/or sounds
are converted to visible light embedded communication signals by
controller 24 of an LED light fixture 18. The visible light
embedded communication may then be transmitted to an adjacent LED
light fixture 18 by broadband over power line or by visible light
embedded communications.
[0108] In some embodiments if an object which is the destination of
the visible light embedded communication includes an optical
transceiver and controller, then visible light embedded
communication signals may be used to communicate the control
commands. If an object which is the destination of the visible
light embedded communication does not include an optical
transceiver and controller, then the visible light embedded
communication signals may only be partially transmitted to the
objects, where conventional signal communication techniques may be
used for the last mile transmission.
[0109] In some embodiments, the security associated with the remote
control of objects is improved through the use of visible light
embedded communications regardless as to the inclusion of the use
of an operating exchange 44 in association with a virtual cyber
environment. Security is improved due to the inclusion or
sequential inclusion of unique identifiers 28 which may be added to
a data packet 210 as the data packet 210 moves from one component
of a visible light embedded communication system to another
component. In some embodiments the unique identifier 28 may include
GPSRS information, a MAC address, a standard internet protocol
identifier or another type of identifier. Therefore, a series or a
collection of unique or sequential identifiers 28 form a portion of
a data packet 210 which in some embodiments may be a command packet
for operation or control of a device. The authenticity of the
series or collection of unique identifiers 28 may be easily
verified as a portion of security protocol to verify a command
communication.
[0110] In some embodiments, an individual such as a teacher may
walk into a room having an LED light fixture 18 and the camera 54
will record an image of the teacher. The facial recognition
software or image recognition software will match the recorded
image to stored images. If recognition is established then a
controller 24, facility control unite 32, and/or a remote server 72
may activate one or more of the LED light fixtures 18 or computers,
or other electronic devices in one or more areas. Alternatively,
all of the lights and electronic devices may be activated by the
generation of illumination comprising visible light embedded
communication signals. In other embodiments, the LED light fixture
18 may include motion detectors which will automatically activate
illumination upon detection of motion within a designated area. It
should also be noted that electronic devices as located within a
room or area may be adapted to receive, process and/or generate
visible light embedded communication signals through the use of an
LED dongle device 30. LED dongle device 30 as connected to
electronic devices may be configured to transition from an inactive
to an active status upon receipt of a pulsed LED light
communication signal.
[0111] In some embodiments, the movement, posture, or gesture
recognition software on the controller 24, facility control unit 32
and/or the remote server 72 may process a gesture or posture change
as recorded by a camera 54 to activate one or more LED's 20 or to
alter or to provide a desired color of illumination whether warm,
cool, yellow, white or another desired visible color. In addition,
gestures, posture changes, or movements as recorded by the camera
54 and as processed by the controller 24, fixture control unit 32
and/or remote server 72 may change brightness of illumination
emitted from the LED's 20. In some alternative embodiments, an
individual such as a teacher may use visible light transceiver
glasses 74 to access an operating exchange 44 for a classroom. The
teacher may open a control element access panel 58 and select a
light color setting from a pallet of available colors included on a
virtual control element 62 such as an artist's pallet, or another
image including a plurality of colors.
[0112] In some embodiments, a space or area may be simultaneously
occupied by an individual and manipulated as a virtual cyber space
through an operating exchange 44 and use of an interface device 60
such as visible light transceiver glasses 74, camera 54, or other
controller. A teacher may also in the middle of a lesson alter the
environmental characteristics of a classroom through manipulation
of a virtual cyber classroom according to the embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0113] In some embodiments, upon the confirmation of the identity
of the teacher by the facial recognition software, the facility
control unit 32 may activate pre-programmed settings for automatic
illumination of the LED lights 20 from the LED light fixture 18 to
provide illumination over the teacher's desk. The camera 54 may
also record the image of students in a classroom and the facility
control unit 32 and/or controller 24 of the LED light fixture 18
may process the images of the students in the facial recognition
software to confirm identity of the students, and may signal the
LED light fixtures 18 within classroom to provide additional
illumination. The facial recognition software on the controller 24,
facility control unit 32 and/or remote server 74 may also be
programmed to provide a security or warning signal if an individual
in a classroom or other secure area is not recognized by the facial
recognition software. In some embodiments, the lights or settings
for a classroom may include personalized settings activated
following facial recognition authorization.
[0114] In some embodiments, the camera 54 located in a classroom or
school is in communication with a controller 24, facility control
unit 32 and/or remote server 72, which in turn may include facial
and/or voice recognition software. In at least one embodiment, if
an individual is unrecognized, and a security threshold is
triggered, then the remote server 72, facility control unit 32
and/or controller 24 may issue a visible light embedded
communication signal to be received by an optical transceiver
integral to or in communication with one, a plurality, or all of
the door locks for one, a plurality, or all of the classrooms or
other areas within a school. In real time any number of doors of a
school may be locked in a security situation.
[0115] In some embodiments, an individual may access an operating
exchange 44 to identify in real time, the location of students,
teachers, staff or other individuals within a school. Real time
location and/or tracking of a missing student may therefore be
provided through the use of the visible light embedded
communication system described herein.
[0116] In at least one embodiment, a user of the LED light fixtures
18 and pulsed light communication system may be referred to as a
hosting customer. A hosting customer, in some embodiments, may have
a 3-D laser scan performed at a business location. The scanned 3-D
image of a customer business may be stored on a control server 72
or facility control unit 32 which may include a premise site
webpage. The premise site may be a retail business, a school, a
building or an airport terminal to name a few examples. The premise
site 3-D image or map may be accessed remotely by an individual
authorized to receive the 3-D image, or by the general public, at
the discretion of the host customer. Alternatively, access to the
premise site may be regulated by security codes, encryption
software or hardware, logon or password criteria.
[0117] In some embodiments, an entire mall may be scanned into a
3-D image and loaded into a control server 72 or facility control
unit 32 as a premise site. In some embodiments, one or more or all
of the retail locations within a mall may also be scanned into a
3-D image and loaded into a control server 72 or facility control
unit 32 as a portion of a composite premise site, or as an
independent premise site. The creation of a 3-D scanned image of a
retail location and the use of the operating exchange 44 as
described herein may significantly improve a customer's sales
experience.
[0118] In some embodiments each retail location is a subscriber to
the pulsed light communication services as identified or as
incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, the control
server 72 or the facility control unit 32 includes the operating
exchange 44 as earlier described to establish a virtual cyber
retail location which may include one or more virtual cyber retail
outlets.
[0119] In some embodiments, a user may use a camera 54 of an LED
light fixture 18 or an interface device 60 to access the operating
exchange 44 for the virtual retail cyber outlet, and may walk
through the virtual retail cyber outlet using movements, posture,
gestures, eye movement, head movement or other actions as earlier
described. A display of the virtual retail cyber location or
virtual retail cyber outlet may be displayed on an individual's
computer, lap top, television, tablet, smart phone or other
electronic device. An individual using an interface device 60 such
as visible light transceiver glasses 74 may walk through and access
the virtual retail cyber outlet in a manner as previously described
as related to the control of systems of a building.
[0120] In some embodiments, in a virtual retail cyber location an
individual may be able to view retail items 82 available for
purchase from a remote location through use of the interface device
60 and operating exchange 44 as integrated into the pulsed light
communication network and fixtures. In addition, an individual user
may visualize in the virtual retail cyber location features such as
hallways 46, isles 80, common areas holding kiosks, or other areas.
In each virtual retailer cyber outlet, a customer service station
78 may also be provided having a virtual cash register.
[0121] In some embodiments, the premise site and the 3-D model of
the virtual retail cyber outlet enables a user to virtually,
through the camera 54 or interface device 60 and operating exchange
44, to select items 82 for purchase, and to approach a customer
service station 78 to complete a transaction for an item 82. In at
least one embodiment, the use of the pulsed light communication
system and network enables a user to communicate in real time with
a retail sales associate. In at least one embodiment real time
communication with a sales associate may occur through the
microphone 38 and speakers 36 engaged to the LED light fixture 18
and/or the voice recognition software of the operating exchange 44.
It is anticipated that the real time communication will occur at
speeds in excess to that available through the use of cellular
telephones. In addition, it is anticipated that the quality of the
oral communication will also exceed the quality available through
the use of cellular telephones and occur in real time.
[0122] In at least one embodiment, a sales associate may be
receiving information from a terminal or computer, or alternatively
may be wearing another interface device 60, or may be receiving
communications from speakers 36 and/or microphones 38 of an LED
light fixture 18 or LED dongle device 30 to communicate in real
time with a customer.
[0123] In at least one embodiment, payment authorization for a
virtual cyber transaction may occur through the exchange of
information, by entry of data into a payment program, by scanning
or any other payment option that may be available for electronic
payment processing.
[0124] In some embodiments, the operating exchange 44 for the
virtual retail cyber outlet will utilize the backbone and
architecture of the LED pulsed light communication system as
described and as incorporated by reference herein.
[0125] In some embodiments, a camera 54 as integral to a LED light
fixture 18 may record an image of a customer, and a sales
association in real time, for display to the other individual
during a sale or exchange. Both a customer and a sales
representative may be using an interface device 60 during a virtual
cyber sales or exchange event. In some embodiments, the use by a
customer and by a sales associate of an interface device 60 for
access to an operating exchange 44 may occur without significant
training to a customer. The live interface between a customer and a
sales representative through the operating exchange 44 allows the
customer to inquire about variables such as sizing for a particular
brand or if an item will satisfy a customer's needs. The operating
exchange 44 surpasses the know internet sales techniques of
selecting an image from a screen and clicking a mouse. In some
embodiments, the use of the camera 54 or interface device 60 in
associate with the operating exchange 44 facilitates customer
satisfaction by improving the opportunity for a customer to
interact and to communicate inquiries to a sales associate in order
to effectively select correct items for purchase.
[0126] In some embodiments, a supplemental 3-D scanned area may be
added as an overlay or additional area to a previously scanned 3-D
image of a virtual retail cyber outlet. The supplemental area may
be an additional retail area such as a "back room" providing access
to items for sale where an actual physical room at a retail
location is not available.
[0127] In some embodiments, the 3-D image of the virtual back rooms
may be formed by a temporary 3-D scan of an area, or at a remote
location, which may be available from a retail chain or other
retail location.
[0128] In addition, in some embodiments the 3-D image of the
virtual retail cyber outlet is not required to physically include
all sizes and all options for a selected item, and the selection
and purchase of an item may be communicated to a central processing
location to extract a particular size or color of an item from a
larger inventory for shipment to a customer.
[0129] In some embodiments, the 3-D scan of a premise site is not
restricted to a retail location but may include any location such
as a skyscraper, museum, art gallery, work place, etc.
[0130] In some embodiments, a 3-D scan of a premise site may be
stored in common objects or groups, and may be accessed by an
individual using a camera 54 or an interface device 60 and
operating exchange 44 in a manner similar to an individual
retrieving a volume of a series. Groups of common or related
premise sites may be combined into a collection which may have the
appearance of a volume of a set. The user may select the desired
group of premise sites within the selected volume and then retrieve
an individual premise site to virtually explore through the
interface device 44. In some embodiments, the selection of a
particular premise site may include additional information
available in electronic format such as movies, books, music, to
name a few examples, which may be transmitted/communicated
electronically via the visible light embedded communication signals
to an individual using an operating exchange 44.
[0131] In at least one embodiment as may be seen in FIG. 1A an
individual is wearing a user interface device 60 such as visible
light transceiver glasses 74 and motion sensitive gloves. The
individual in FIG. 1A is accessing the operating exchange 44
through the user interface devices 60. In FIG. 1B the individual is
moving to enter into a premise site for a virtual retail cyber
location such as a hardware store having LED pulsed light fixtures
18 and visible light embedded communication capabilities. As may be
seen in FIG. 2A the individual in the virtual retail cyber location
is walking down an isle 80 browsing for desired goods. In FIG. 2C
the individual has retrieved an item 82 and has moved in the
virtual cyber location to present the item 82 to a customer service
employee for purchase as depicted in FIG. 2C. In FIG. 2C the
customer service employee is in communication with the individual
in real time through the use of visible light embedded
communication signals to complete a transaction as earlier
described.
[0132] In at least one embodiment as may be seen in FIG. 3 an
individual is wearing a user interface device 60 such as visible
light transceiver glasses 74 and motion sensitive gloves. The
individual in FIG. 3 is accessing the operating exchange 44 for a
building 12 through the user interface devices 60. In FIG. 4 the
individual is moving to enter into a premise site for a virtual
cyber office location having LED pulsed light fixtures 18 and
visible light embedded communication capabilities. As may be seen
in FIG. 5 the individual in the virtual cyber office location is
walking down a hallway 46. In FIG. 6 the individual has entered
into a virtual office and in FIG. 7 the individual has moved to a
virtual light switch and a control element access panel 58 as
adjacent to the virtual light switch. As may be seen from FIG. 7
the individual has virtually opened the control element access
panel 58 in order to manipulate one of the virtual control elements
62 depicted as a clock or a calendar as earlier described. As
depicted in FIGS. 3 through 7, an individual through the user
interface devices 60, and the operation exchange 44 for a
cyber-location, may in real time alter the status of a remote
building function, through a virtual presence and manipulation of a
virtual control element 62 as disposed in a control element access
panel 58.
[0133] FIG. 10 depicts a block diagram for an embodiment 110 of an
LED light and communication system including Visible Light
Communication Transceiver Glasses 118. FIG. 10 shows a server PC
112 connected via a USB cable 114 to a server optical transceiver
(XCVR) 116, and a set of Visible Light Communication Transceiver
Glasses 118 having an optical transceiver. The server PC 112 may be
in communication with a network 123 via a CAT-5 cable, for example.
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. 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 herein. 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.
[0134] In at least one embodiment, the XCVR circuit may include an
RS232 to USB conversion module. The transmit pin on the USB
conversion module may drive 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 one or more high intensity LEDs.
[0135] In some embodiments, the XCVR circuit further includes an
amplifier for amplifying the optical signal received by the
photodiodes. The output of the amplifier may be fed into level
shifting circuitry to raise the signal to TTL levels, for example.
The signal may be fed into the receive pin of the RS232 to USB
module.
[0136] 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 may reduce these
noise problems by reducing or removing transients.
[0137] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the LED can
both emit and receive light. In such an embodiment, the LED may 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.
[0138] In some embodiments a data packet 210 may include GPSRS
location header bits that include the packet's destination address
156 in GPSRS or other coordinates. The data packet may further
include GPSRS location trailer bits that include the packet's
origin address 166 in GPSRS coordinates. The data packet may
further include the address in GPSRS coordinates of the overhead
optical XCVR that most recently transmitted the packet 158 (the
last known transmission address, or LTA). The data packet further
includes the data 162 to be transmitted, and may include any other
bits of information determined to be necessary for successful
transmission of data, such as error detection bits. (FIG. 12)
Alternatively, another type of identifier may be used such as a
[0139] MAC address, standard internet protocol identifier or other
identifier.
[0140] Routing data packets from one location to another location
can be accomplished using GPSRS location information tags data
packets having a geographic location or a cyber location. Such an
embodiment eliminates the need for any later geographic or other
location translation because a data packet starts with geographic
or other source and destination information. This simplifies
locating the destination of the data packet.
[0141] In some embodiments, each data packet is assigned a GPSRS
origin/destination address or other unique identifier as it passes
through the network infrastructure. The data packet is always
searching for the next closest GPSRS address location. Each
stationary (or static) optical XCVR 116, and some dynamic optical
XCVRs, within a network will be designated with a GPSRS location
number. As a data packet passes through the network, it is routed
by the optical XCVRs, with their internal processors, to the next
physically closer optical XCVR within the network. If another
optical XCVR is within receiving range, or is connected with
another form of communication medium, that optical XCVR receives
the data packet. The optical XCVR's internal processor compares its
internal GPSRS location address (ILA) to the data packet's GPSRS
destination address and the optical XCVR's last known transmission
address (LTA) stored within the data packet. If the ILA code is
closer to the data packet destination address than the LTA code
stored within the data packet, the optical XCVR's processor inserts
its ILA code into the data packet as the new LTA code and then
repeats transmission of the entire data packet with the updated LTA
code.
[0142] The network continues this process until the data packet
reaches the destination optical XCVR 116 which then transmits the
data packet, at which point the data packet is projected or
otherwise communicated to an individual. If a piece of the
infrastructure is missing, the packet will be rerouted to the next
nearest optical XCVR 116 and continue until it finds the shortest
pathway through the network to the destination address.
[0143] Furthermore, the data may be communicated in a mesh-fashion,
where each XCVR lamp directly communicates with adjacent XCVR lamps
and does not require central communications or processing. As a
result, with little if any infrastructure required, other than
visible light encapsulated communication illumination and
appropriate processors and programming for each XCVR lamp, signals
may be quickly and directly routed from origin to destination.
[0144] This means that each user on the network may declare one or
more static positions and also may have a dynamic position. A
static address may be a home, an office, etc. When a user leaves
their static address location to move through the network
infrastructure, the user then becomes dynamic. The network may
track the user as the user passes optical XCVRs 116, similar to
that of cell phones in relation to cell phone towers, and provide a
dynamic address location. If a data packet begins with a
destination address that is the user's static address, the network
may update the packet with the user's new dynamic address and
reroute the packet accordingly, in a scheme similar to that of
cellular phones.
[0145] In some embodiments, the memory of a user's optical XCVR
stores the unique code, the static GPSRS location address, or both,
of another user's optical XCVR in its "phone book", like a cell
phone. In at least one embodiment, a device may include a display,
also like a cell phone, that allows a first user to find a second
user's information and initiate communication with the second
user.
[0146] In at least one first alternative embodiment a control
device includes a server, the server having an image of an area and
an operating exchange, the operating exchange having at least one
control element; an interface device is in communication with the
operating exchange and at least one control element; and at least
one building system, where the at least one building system has at
least one control item, the at least one control item being in
communication with the operating exchange, wherein at least one
command is communicated from the interface device to the operating
exchange, and wherein the operating exchange communicates the at
least one command to the at least one control item modifying a
setting or status for the at least one building system.
[0147] In at least one second alternative embodiment according to
the first alternative embodiment the interface device is a
camera.
[0148] In at least one third alternative embodiment according to
the first alternative embodiment the interface device is
transceiver glasses.
[0149] In at least one fourth alternative embodiment according to
the first alternative embodiment the interface device includes
sensors.
[0150] In at least one fifth alternative embodiment according to
the first alternative embodiment the image is a three dimensional
image.
[0151] In at least one sixth alternative embodiment according to
the first alternative embodiment the server has recognition
software.
[0152] In at least one seventh alternative embodiment according to
the sixth alternative embodiment the recognition software is
selected from the group consisting of gesture-recognition,
posture-recognition, eye movement recognition, item recognition,
hand movement recognition, facial recognition, voice recognition,
motion recognition and head movement recognition software in any
combination.
[0153] In at least one eighth alternative embodiment according to
the first alternative embodiment the control device includes a
visible light embedded communication network, the visible light
embedded communication network having at least one light emitting
diode light fixture having at least one light emitting diode, at
least one photodetector, and at least one controller constructed
and arranged to provide light in the visible spectrum, the light in
the visible spectrum having pulses of light occurring at a
frequency which is not detectable by the unaided eyes of an
individual, the pulses of light including at least one embedded
communication or the command.
[0154] In at least one ninth alternative embodiment according to
the eighth alternative embodiment the at least one light emitting
diode light fixture has at least one microphone and at least one
speaker.
[0155] In at least one tenth alternative embodiment according to
the eighth alternative embodiment the device further includes at
least one facility control unit in communication with and disposed
between the at least one light emitting diode light fixture and the
server.
[0156] In at least one eleventh alternative embodiment according to
the tenth alternative embodiment the server has at least one unique
identifier.
[0157] In at least one twelfth alternative embodiment according to
the eleventh alternative embodiment the at least one control item
has at least one unique identifier.
[0158] In at least one thirteenth alternative embodiment according
to the twelfth alternative embodiment the at least one light
emitting diode light fixture has at least one unique
identifier.
[0159] In at least one fourteenth alternative embodiment according
to the thirteenth alternative embodiment, the at least one light
emitting diode and the at least one photodetector each have at
least one unique identifier.
[0160] In at least one fifteenth alternative embodiment according
to the fourteenth alternative embodiment the at least one
controller has at least one unique identifier.
[0161] In at least one sixteenth alternative embodiment according
to the fifteenth alternative embodiment the at least one facility
control unit has at least one unique identifier.
[0162] In at least one seventeenth alternative embodiment according
to the sixteenth alternative embodiment the interface device has at
least one unique identifier.
[0163] 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.
[0164] 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".
* * * * *