U.S. patent application number 15/083121 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-21 for sensor having an integrated zigbee.rtm. device for communication with zigbee.rtm. enabled appliances to control and monitor zigbee.rtm. enabled appliances.
The applicant listed for this patent is Asoka USA Corporation. Invention is credited to Dan CASTELLANO, Eric GRUBEL, Mingyao XIA.
Application Number | 20160212576 15/083121 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47259723 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160212576 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
XIA; Mingyao ; et
al. |
July 21, 2016 |
SENSOR HAVING AN INTEGRATED ZIGBEE.RTM. DEVICE FOR COMMUNICATION
WITH ZIGBEE.RTM. ENABLED APPLIANCES TO CONTROL AND MONITOR
ZIGBEE.RTM. ENABLED APPLIANCES
Abstract
A sensor device integrates ZigBee.RTM. technology into power
switch device to provide monitoring and control of power usage, as
well as operational control of connected devices. The sensor device
uses a power line communication (PLC) network to transfer collected
data and to provide remote control capability to connected
appliances. The sensor device, in conjunction with a master switch
device, a communication enabled switching device, and the power
switch device, provides an integrated home environment for
communication, streaming media, monitoring, and remote control of
power usage, as well as remote operational monitoring and control
of connected appliances in the home.
Inventors: |
XIA; Mingyao; (Shenzhen,
CN) ; GRUBEL; Eric; (Thousand Oaks, CA) ;
CASTELLANO; Dan; (Cupertino, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Asoka USA Corporation |
San Ramon |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47259723 |
Appl. No.: |
15/083121 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14167858 |
Jan 29, 2014 |
9300359 |
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15083121 |
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13197623 |
Aug 3, 2011 |
8644166 |
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14167858 |
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|
13153194 |
Jun 3, 2011 |
8364326 |
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13197623 |
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13032454 |
Feb 22, 2011 |
8755946 |
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13153194 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 52/0219 20130101;
H02J 13/00007 20200101; Y02B 90/20 20130101; Y02D 70/162 20180101;
H04B 3/54 20130101; H04B 2203/5458 20130101; H04L 63/0428 20130101;
H02J 13/00028 20200101; Y04S 40/121 20130101; Y02D 30/70 20200801;
Y02B 90/2615 20130101; Y04S 40/146 20130101; H04B 2203/5454
20130101; H02J 3/14 20130101; H02J 13/00004 20200101; Y02B 90/2692
20130101; H02J 13/0082 20130101; H04W 4/80 20180201; H04B 2203/5408
20130101; H02J 2310/14 20200101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/00 20060101
H04W004/00; H04L 29/06 20060101 H04L029/06; H04B 3/54 20060101
H04B003/54 |
Claims
1. A method implemented by a sensor including a processor, the
method comprising: establishing a power line communication (PLC)
network over an AC power distribution line between the sensor and
one or more networked devices; collecting power usage information
for a connected associated ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled
appliance; executing a power management regimen for the ZigBee.RTM.
technology enabled appliance; and coordinating wireless
communication over a wireless link with the ZigBee.RTM. technology
enabled appliance, including any of transferring information over
the wireless link to the ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled appliance
based on information received over the PLC network, and
transferring information over the PLC network based on information
received over the wireless link from the ZigBee.RTM. technology
enabled appliance.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving operational
information from the ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled appliance over
the wireless link.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: transmitting the
received operational information over the PLC network.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: encrypting and
modulating the collected power usage information; and sending the
encrypted and modulated collected power usage information over the
AC power distribution line.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: encrypting and
modulating the information received over the wireless link from the
ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled appliance; wherein the information
transferred over the PLC network is encrypted and modulated.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: decrypting and
modulating information received over the AC distribution line;
wherein the information transferred over the wireless link to the
ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled appliance is decrypted and
modulated.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the information transferred over
the wireless link to the ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled appliance
includes any of command instructions and control instructions.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured for any
of narrowband communication and broadband communication over the
PLC network.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured for any
of remote monitoring and remote control of the ZigBee.RTM.
technology enabled appliance.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the ZigBee.RTM. technology
enabled appliance includes any of a water meter, a temperature
controller, a light controller, a security apparatus, a smart
appliance, and a gas meter.
11. A system, comprising: a sensor including a processor; and a
power line communication (PLC) network established over an AC power
distribution line between the sensor and one or more networked
devices wherein the sensor includes instructions for implementing
with the processor, a method comprising: collecting power usage
information for a connected associated Zig Bee.RTM. technology
enabled appliance; executing a power management regimen for the
ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled appliance; and coordinating wireless
communication over a wireless link with the ZigBee.RTM. technology
enabled appliance, including any of transferring information over
the wireless link to the ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled appliance
based on information received over the PLC network, and
transferring information over the PLC network based on information
received over the wireless link from the ZigBee.RTM. technology
enabled appliance.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor includes
instructions for receiving operational information from the
ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled appliance over the wireless
link.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the sensor includes
instructions for transmitting the received operational information
over the PLC network.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor includes
instructions for encrypting and modulating the collected power
usage information, and sending the encrypted and modulated
collected power usage information over the AC power distribution
line.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor includes
instructions for encrypting and modulating the information received
over the wireless link from the ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled
appliance, wherein the information transferred over the PLC network
is encrypted and modulated.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor includes
instructions for decrypting and modulating information received
over the AC distribution line, wherein the information transferred
over the wireless link to the ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled
appliance is decrypted and modulated.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein the information transferred
over the wireless link to the ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled
appliance includes any of command instructions and control
instructions.
18. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor is configured for
any of narrowband communication and broadband communication over
the PLC network.
19. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor is configured for
any of remote monitoring and remote control of the ZigBee.RTM.
technology enabled appliance.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the ZigBee.RTM. technology
enabled appliance includes any of a water meter, a temperature
controller, a light controller, a security apparatus, a smart
appliance, and a gas meter.
21. A sensor, comprising: a processor; a mechanism for establishing
a power line communication (PLC) network between the sensor and
other networked devices; a mechanism for collecting power usage
information for a connected associated ZigBee.RTM. technology
enabled appliance; a mechanism for executing a power management
regimen for the ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled appliance; a
mechanism for establishing a wireless communication link with the
ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled appliance, for any of transferring
information over the wireless link to the ZigBee.RTM. technology
enabled appliance based on information received over the PLC
network, and transferring information over the PLC network based on
information received over the wireless link from the ZigBee.RTM.
technology enabled appliance.
22. The sensor of claim 21, wherein the processor includes
instructions for receiving operational information from the
ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled appliance over the wireless
link.
23. The sensor of claim 22, wherein the processor includes
instructions for transmitting the received operational information
over the PLC network.
24. The sensor of claim 21, wherein the processor includes
instructions for encrypting and modulating the collected power
usage information, and sending the encrypted and modulated
collected power usage information over the AC power distribution
line.
25. The sensor of claim 21, wherein the processor includes
instructions for encrypting and modulating the information received
over the wireless link from the ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled
appliance, wherein the information transferred over the PLC network
is encrypted and modulated.
26. The sensor of claim 21, wherein the processor includes
instructions for decrypting and modulating information received
over the AC distribution line, wherein the information transferred
over the wireless link to the ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled
appliance is decrypted and modulated.
27. The sensor of claim 21, wherein the information transferred
over the wireless link to the ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled
appliance includes any of command instructions and control
instructions.
28. The sensor of claim 21, wherein the sensor is configured for
any of narrowband communication and broadband communication over
the PLC network.
29. The sensor of claim 21, wherein the processor includes
instructions for any of remote monitoring and remote control of the
ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled appliance.
30. The sensor of claim 29, wherein the ZigBee.RTM. technology
enabled appliance includes any of a water meter, a temperature
controller, a light controller, a security apparatus, a smart
appliance, and a gas meter.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/167,858, filed 29 Jan. 2014, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/197,623, filed 3 Aug. 2011, which was
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,644,166 on 4 Feb. 2014, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/153,194, filed
3 Jun. 2011, which was issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,364,326 on 29 Jan.
2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.
13/032,454, filed 22 Feb. 2011, which are each incorporated herein
in its entirety by this reference thereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The invention relates to interfacing ZigBee.RTM. technology
with power line networking that is enabled for communication and
media streaming for remote monitoring and control of utilities such
as power, gas, and water. More particularly, the invention relates
to a sensor having an integrated Zigbee.RTM. device for
communication with Zigbee.RTM. enabled appliances to control and
monitor Zigbee.RTM. enabled appliances.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] Communications via power lines has been known from early in
the 20.sup.th century. Due to its higher costs and other
limitations for extending connectivity, the use of power line
communication (PLC) systems has been limited to local area networks
(LANs) within homes or offices or, at best, within apartment
complexes.
[0006] PLC has also found a limited number of applications where
other types of communication methods do not provide the security
and remote connectivity, such as for power line control
applications. Basic devices for connecting to the power line for
communication and power supply have been designed and used to
provide service within LANs. Due to more efficient competing
technologies, the infrastructure for PLC never developed to make it
a mainstream technology. As a result, more advanced devices for
communication using the PLC technology also were never
developed.
[0007] It is advantageous to identify applications where PLC
technology can be optimally used and to develop devices and systems
to cater to such applications. One such application that is
emerging is in connection with the collection of information and
the provision of remote control capability for appliances to reduce
the carbon footprint of the home. If this emerging application can
simultaneously provide a local area network capability that caters
to the needs of communication and streaming media delivery within a
home or office, it would be an optimum application for PLC
technology. While this is a promising application for the future
growth and development of PLC technology, it is still necessary to
develop and implement suitable sensor units and systems to meet the
needs of this technology and to bring forth its full potential.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] ZigBee.RTM. smart energy (www.zigbee.org/) is the world's
leading standard for interoperable products that monitor, control,
inform, and automate the delivery, control, and use of energy and
water. It helps create greener homes by giving consumers the
information and automation capability needed to reduce their
consumption easily and save money. These products also make it easy
for utilities and governments to deploy smart grid solutions that
are secure, easy to install, and consumer-friendly. A presently
preferred embodiment of the invention combines the residential
power monitoring and control capability established using a PLC
network with an integrated ZigBee.RTM. device to provide a powerful
tool for integrated power and operational control of connected
appliances in the home or office.
[0009] An embodiment of the invention provides a method and
apparatus for monitoring and control of power usage, as well as
operational control of connected devices. A sensor device
integrates ZigBee.RTM. technology into the power switch device. The
sensor device allows collection and control of the power usage,
monitors utilities usage, and controls operation of connected
in-home appliances enabled with ZigBee.RTM. technology.
[0010] In an embodiment, the sensor device uses the PLC network in
the home to transfer collected data and to provide remote control
capability to connected appliances. The sensor device, in
conjunction with a master switch device, a communication enabled
switching device, and the power switch device, provides an
integrated home environment for communication, streaming media,
monitoring, and remote control of power usage, as well as remote
operational monitoring and control of connected appliances in the
home.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block schematic diagram of a power switch unit
(SW) having broadband information transfer capability;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the collection and
transmission of information of power usage of appliance and status
of a power plug of an SW unit;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing remote control of the power in
a power plug of an SW unit;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a block schematic diagram of an integrated SW with
a ZigBee.RTM. enabled (Z-SW) for appliance monitoring, control, and
connectivity according to the invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a block schematic diagram showing a group of
appliances whose operation can be monitored and controlled using
ZigBee.RTM. technology according to the invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the collection and
transmission operation of operational information using ZigBee.RTM.
devices on Z-SW from a connected ZigBee.RTM. enabled appliance
according to the invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control operation using the
Z-SW according to the invention; and
[0018] FIG. 8 is a block schematic diagram showing a typical PLC
network with connected units, some of which are ZigBee.RTM.
technology enabled using Z-SW according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] ZigBee.RTM. smart energy (www.zigbee.org/) is the world's
leading standard for interoperable products that monitor, control,
inform, and automate the delivery, control, and use of energy and
water. It helps create greener homes by giving consumers the
information and automation capability needed to reduce their
consumption easily and save money. These products also make it easy
for utilities and governments to deploy smart grid solutions that
are secure, easy to install, and consumer-friendly. A presently
preferred embodiment of the invention combines the residential
power monitoring and control capability established using a PLC
network with an integrated ZigBee.RTM. device to provide a powerful
tool for integrated power and operational control of connected
appliances in the home or office.
[0020] An embodiment of the invention provides a method and
apparatus for monitoring and control of power usage, as well as
operational control of connected devices.
[0021] A sensor device integrates ZigBee.RTM. technology into the
power switch device. The sensor device allows collection and
control of the power usage, monitors utilities usage, and controls
operation of connected in-home appliances enabled with ZigBee.RTM.
technology.
[0022] In an embodiment, the sensor device uses the PLC network in
the home to transfer collected data and to provide remote control
capability to connected appliances. The sensor device, in
conjunction with a master switch device, a communication enabled
switching device, and the power switch device, provides an
integrated home environment for communication, streaming media,
monitoring, and remote control of power usage, as well as remote
operational monitoring and control of connected appliances in the
home.
[0023] A new sensor device, which integrates ZigBee.RTM. technology
into the power switch (SW) device is disclosed. The herein
disclosed integrated ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled power switch
(Z-SW) device allows collection and control of the power usage by,
and operational control of, connected in-home appliances that have
been enabled with ZigBee.RTM. technology. The Z-SW device uses the
PLC network in the home or office to transfer collected data and to
provide remote control capability for power switching, as well as
for operation of an appliance connected to the Z-SW device. A Z-SW
device, working in conjunction with a master switch (MST) device, a
communication enabled switching (ETH) device, and the power switch
(SW) device, enables an integrated home environment for
communication, streaming media, monitoring, and remote control of
power usage, as well as remote operational monitoring with control
of the connected appliance in the home or office. Those skilled in
the art will appreciate that, while the home and office are
discussed herein with regard to application of the herein disclosed
invention, other environments may be serviced by the invention as
well, and the invention is not limited to only home and office
applications.
[0024] The development of green technologies and the need for
monitoring and control of the carbon footprint of homes and offices
has created a need to assess power usage patterns and the magnitude
of usage remotely, and to supervise and control the power used by
individual appliances remotely. It is advantageous for the consumer
to monitor and control power use on a micro level. Providing the
proper tools, such as the SW and Z-SW, allows the consumer to
exercise the necessary constraints and controls on power use. It is
also necessary to monitor the usage pattern and collect data on a
macro level to develop policies that are beneficial to the overall
reduction of the carbon foot print at the home and office level, as
well as on a national level. Empowering the individual and the
society to exercise the necessary controls by monitoring and
controlling the power usage is an area where the PLC and control
can be effectively and optimally used.
[0025] An embodiment of the invention, by combining ZigBee.RTM.
technology into the power switch (SW) device enables the operation
of ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled intelligent appliances connected
to the Z-SW to be controlled via a wireless connection established
by the built in ZigBee.RTM. device. Further, ZigBee.RTM. technology
integration into a Z-SW enables monitoring of water, gas,
air-conditioning, and security systems within the home or office
through the in-built communication channel of the Z-SW. The
operational control and monitoring information collected by the
built-in ZigBee.RTM. functionality is combined with the power
usage, monitoring, and control enabled by the SW for connected
appliances. This information is transmitted over the in-home PLC
network efficiently for any compilation or action required. This
above capability is established in addition to the PLC LAN
capability made available by use of the communication enabled power
monitoring and control device (ETH) and the master unit (MST)
described previously in the patent application Ser. No. 13/032,454,
which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by this
reference thereto.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a block schematic diagram of the SW unit 100
without the integrated ZigBee.RTM. device. This arrangement allows
an appliance in the home or office to be connected to a power
supply through the SW device. The SW device provides for the
monitoring of power consumption, with the capability for remote
control of the power flow to the connected appliance via the
Internet. The SW unit 100 has a power plug 103 that is connected to
the AC power distribution lines 101 through a power meter and relay
104. The relay in the power meter and relay module 104 provides the
capability to switch on or switch off the supply to the power plug
103 remotely. It also allows for controlling the power supplied to
the plug when a power control module is included in the power meter
and relay module 104. The power meter in the power meter and relay
module 104 monitors the power usage by the appliances connected to
the power plug. The power meter and relay module 104 is connected
via bi-directional communication links 106 to a microcontroller
(MCU) 107, for example a microcontroller similar to an Intel.RTM.
8051. The microcontroller accepts the information on power usage
and compiles it prior to transfer to the broadband communication
module 109. The power meter in the power meter and relay module 104
continuously monitors the flow of power to the power plug 103 and
feeds the information to the MCU 107 through the communication
links 106. The power usage information is compiled by the MCU 107
and sent to a broadband communication module 109 via communication
links 108 connected to a UART enabled port on the communication
module 109.
[0027] In FIG. 1, the communication module 109 modulates the
received information to a communication data stream for
transmission over a broadband communication frequency band that is
typically used for PLC over the AC power distribution lines within
a local area network (LAN). The typical broadband used for PLC
communication band in the 2 to 30 MHz range provides an up to 200
Mbps data rate. The communication module 109 sends out the
modulated data stream over broadband connection 110 to a coupler
filter 111 which is connected to the AC power distribution lines
101 by power line connections 112. The coupler filter acts as a
bi-directional high pass filter to filter out power line frequency
from the communication module. The broadband communication module
109 also demodulates the communication stream received over the AC
power distribution lines 101 to provide command and control
instructions for power control to the MCU 107. The MCU 107
interprets any received command and control instructions and
instructs the power meter and relay module 104, thus controlling
the power flow to the power plug 103.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a flowchart 2000 showing the operation of the SW
100 as it collects and transmits power usage and power plug 103
status information when an appliance is connected to the power plug
103.
[0029] An appliance, such as but not limited to, a refrigerator, a
washer, or an oven, is connected to the power plug 103 (S2001).
[0030] The power plug 103 is enabled when the relay in the power
meter and relay module 104 is closed (relay enabled). Power flows
from the AC power distribution lines 101 supplying the home or
office to the appliance through the power meter and relay module
104 and the noise filter (S2002).
[0031] The power meter and relay module 104 monitors the power
usage of the appliance by checking the power flow through the power
meter and relay module 104 and the plug 103 (S2003).
[0032] The power usage information and the on state or off state of
the relay and, hence, power connection are collected by the power
meter in the power meter and relay unit 104 (S2004).
[0033] This collected information on the status of the power
connection is passed on to an MCU 107 for compilation and
consolidation (S2005).
[0034] The MCU 107 caches the received information. The MCU 107
compiles and consolidates the cached information making it ready
for transfer to an MST (S2006).
[0035] The prepared information, ready for transfer to a master
unit (MST) connected on the power distribution lines 101, is
forwarded with the address of the MST to a communication module 109
(S2007).
[0036] The communication module 109 receives the information and
address of an addressee from the MCU 107. The MCU 107 encrypts the
information and combines the encrypted information with the address
provided (S2008).
[0037] This encrypted information and address are then modulated by
the communication module 109. The broadband modulation frequency
band used and the type of modulation are as defined in the
description of the SW (S2009).
[0038] The communication module 109 then sends this modulated
information stream onto the AC power distribution lines 101 for
transmission to the MST through a coupler filter 111. The filter
blocks unwanted frequencies from entering and impacting the
operation of the communication module 109 (S2010).
[0039] FIG. 3 is a flowchart 3000 showing the operation of a SW 100
unit while providing for remote control of the power flow to an
appliance that is connected to the power plug 103. Any information
or status changes due to a remote command and control stream are
sent back over AC power distribution lines 101 as described in FIG.
3.
[0040] The command and control input stream modulated by the
correct transmission frequency to control the status and power flow
through the SW 100 remotely is delivered over the AC power
distribution lines 101 (S3001).
[0041] The command and control input stream is passed to the
communication module 109 of connected SW 100 through the coupler
filter module 111. The communication module 109 demodulates the
received command control input stream (S3002).
[0042] The addressee of the received demodulated input stream is
checked and, if found to be of the specific SW 100, the demodulated
input stream is accepted by the SW 100 for further processing by
the communication module 109 (S3003).
[0043] The demodulated command and control stream is decrypted in
the communication module 109 to extract the associated command and
control inputs for the SW 100 (S3004).
[0044] The extracted command and control inputs are passed to the
MCU 107 for caching and interpretation (S3005).
[0045] The MCU 107 caches the inputs received and interprets them
to generate a set of instructions for execution by the power meter
and relay module 104. The interpreted instructions include
instructions to enable the power flow to the power plug by engaging
the relay and to disable the power flow to the power plug by
disengaging the relay. If the power meter and relay 104 include
power control circuitry, then specific control instructions are
provided to the connected appliance on power input (S3006).
[0046] The generated instructions are sent to the power meter and
relay module 104 of the SW (S3007).
[0047] The power meter and relay module 104 receives the
instructions sent by the MCU 107 for power flow control to the
connected appliance (S3008). The power meter and relay module 104
acknowledges the instructions from the MCU 107 and executes the
instructions received to enable, disable, or otherwise control the
power flow to the appliance connected to the power plug 103
(S3009).
[0048] The status of the relay and the power usage of the connected
power plug 103 are updated on the power meter and relay module 104,
and updated power usage and relay status is sent to the MCU 107 for
communication back to the initiating remote site (S3010).
[0049] FIG. 4 is a block schematic diagram of the Z-SW 400 unit
with an integrated ZigBee.RTM. device 410. This arrangement allows
an appliance in the home or office to be connected to the power
supply and PLC link through the Z-SW 400 unit which incorporate a
ZigBee.RTM. device 410. The Z-SW 400 device monitors power
consumption and provides a capability for remote control via the
Internet of the power flow to the connected appliance. The
ZigBee.RTM. device 410 also provides operational control and
monitoring through the wireless connection to ZigBee.RTM.
technology enabled appliances.
[0050] The Z-SW unit 400 has a power plug 103 that is connected to
the AC power distribution lines 101 through a power meter and relay
module 104. The relay in the power meter and relay module 104
provides the capability to switch on or switch off the supply to
the power plug 103 remotely. It also allows for controlling the
power supplied to the plug when a power control module is included
in the power meter and relay module 104. The power meter in the
power meter and relay module 104 monitors the power used by the
appliances connected to the power plug 103. The power meter and
relay module 104 is connected via bi-directional communication
links 106 to a microcontroller (MCU) 107, which can be a
microcontroller that is similar to an Intel.RTM. 8051. The MCU 107
accepts the information on the power usage from the power meter and
relay module 104 and compiles it prior to transfer to the broadband
communication module 109. The power meter in the power meter and
relay module 104 continuously monitors the flow of power to the
power plug 103 and feeds the information to the MCU 107 through the
communication links 106. The power usage information is compiled by
the MCU 107 and sent to a broadband communication module 109 via
communication links 108 that are connected to a UART enabled port
on the communication module 109, thus enabling the compiled data to
be transmitted out.
[0051] The operational commands for the ZigBee.RTM. device 410 of
the Z-SW 400 are received over the power line and received by the
broadband communication module 109 as a data stream. The data
stream is demodulated, decrypted, and the resulting data are
provided to the MCU 107 over the communication links 109 via the
UART enabled port. The MCU 107 converts the data into instructions
and passes them on to the ZigBee.RTM. device 410 via the
bidirectional port 411 over the link 412. Based on received
instructions, the ZigBee.RTM. device 410 sends out commands to a
ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled appliance that is connected to the
Z-SW 400. The Zigbee.RTM. device executes operational commands, for
example reading meters, changing temperature settings, etc. The
response after the command has been executed is sent back to the
ZigBee.RTM. device 410 by the ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled
appliance. The Zigbee.RTM. device then converts the response to an
information format and passes it on to the MCU 107 via the
bidirectional link 412 through the port 411. The MCU collects the
information and forwards it, with the address to be responded to,
to the broadband communication module 109 via communication links
108 connected to the UART enabled port on the communication module
109.
[0052] In FIG. 4, the communication module 109 modulates the
received information to a communication data stream for
transmission over a broadband communication frequency band that is
typically used for PLC over the AC power distribution lines within
a LAN. The typical broadband used for PLC communication band in the
2 to 30 MHz range provides an up to 200 Mbps data rate. The
communication module 109 sends out the modulated data stream over
broadband connection 110 to a coupler filter 111 which is connected
to the AC power distribution lines 101 by power line connections
112. The coupler filter is a bi-directional high pass filter that
filters out power line frequency from the communication module. The
broadband communication module 109 also demodulates the
communication stream received over the AC power distribution lines
101 to provide the command and control instructions for power
control and operational control to the MCU 107. The MCU 107
interprets any received command and control instructions to the
power meter and instructs the power meter and relay module 104 to
control the power flow to the power plug 103 accordingly. The MCU
107 also interprets any operational command and instructions for
the ZigBee.RTM. device 410 and passes these to the ZigBee.RTM.
device 410 to be directed to the ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled
connected appliances.
[0053] FIG. 5 is a block schematic diagram that shows typical
applications where a ZigBee.RTM. technology can provide operational
status and control capability within a home or office environment.
These applications can include, for example, the monitoring of gas,
water, and power usage by providing remote read capability for the
utilities, monitoring of security apparatus within the premises,
temperature monitoring and control capability, monitoring and
control of light fixtures, and monitoring of ZigBee.RTM. technology
enabled smart appliances within the home.
[0054] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram 6000 showing the incoming
operational status handling for the ZigBee.RTM. device 410 of the
Z-SW 400. This operation of the Z-SW 400 is in addition to the
power monitoring and control operation of the standard SW unit 100
shown in FIG. 1.
[0055] The ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled appliance is connected to
the power by plugging it into the power plug 103 of the Z-SW 400
unit (S6001).
[0056] The built in ZigBee.RTM. device 410 on the Z-SW 400 turns
on, monitors, and controls the power flow into the ZigBee.RTM.
technology enabled appliance (S6002).
[0057] The ZigBee.RTM. device 410 on the Z-SW 400 is linked to the
ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled connected appliance to establish
communication and connection between the Z-SW and the ZigBee.RTM.
technology enabled appliance (S6003).
[0058] Operational information and status of the ZigBee.RTM.
technology enabled appliance is collected and communicated to the
Z-SW 400 through a communication link established between the
ZigBee.RTM. device 410 on the Z-SW 400 and the ZigBee.RTM.
technology enabled appliance (S6004).
[0059] The received information is passed to the MCU 107 for
processing by the ZigBee.RTM. device 410 via the communication link
connected to the bi-directional port (S6005).
[0060] The MCU 107 caches the information received from the
ZigBee.RTM. device 410 and converts it into the necessary format,
including an address for onward transmission to the master unit
over the power line (S6006).
[0061] The MCU 107 then sends the prepared information with the
forwarding addresses to the broadband communication module 109 of
the Z-SW 400 over the link 108 connected to the UART on the
communication module 109 (S6007).
[0062] The communication module 109 encrypts the received
information for security where needed (S6008).
[0063] The encrypted data is modulated and sent via the coupler
filter 111 to the power line network 101 for delivery to the MST
for necessary action, including onward transmission to the
addressee over the Internet where necessary (S6009).
[0064] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the handling of the remote
operational control instructions sent to a connected ZigBee.RTM.
technology enabled appliance connected to a Z-SW 400 unit for power
monitoring and control, as well as for operational control.
[0065] Remote commands and a control stream is received from the
MST unit over the AC power distribution lines 101 by the
communication module 109 of the Z-SW 400 through the coupler filter
module 111 (S7001).
[0066] The communication module 109 checks the address to verify
that the Z-SW 400 is the intended recipient of the data steam and
accepts the command and control instruction stream (S7002).
[0067] The communication module 109 of the Z-SW 400 demodulates the
received data stream to extract the command and control
instructions (S7003).
[0068] The communication module 109 further decrypts the command
and control instructions to extract the information (S7004).
[0069] The extracted information is sent by the communication
module 109 to the MCU 109 on the Z-SW 400 via the link connected
between a bidirectional communication port on the MCU 109 and the
UART on the communication module 111 (S7005).
[0070] The MCU 109 receives the information stream and interprets
the command and control instructions contained therein. It prepares
the operational instructions for transmission to the integrated
ZigBee.RTM. device 410. (S7006).
[0071] The operational instructions are sent to the integrated
ZigBee.RTM. device 410 of the Z-SW 400 through the bi-directional
port 411 and the communication link 412 (S7007).
[0072] The operational instructions are sent by the integrated
ZigBee.RTM. device 410 addressed to the ZigBee.RTM. technology
enabled connected appliance using pre-established wireless
connection (S7008).
[0073] The operational instructions sent are received by the
addressee ZigBee.RTM. enabled device on the connected appliance and
provide the necessary inputs to the appliance to change or modify
the operational status of the connected appliance (S7009).
[0074] The resultant operation status is updated and transmitted
back to the integrated ZigBee.RTM. device 410 on the Z-SW 400 for
transmission back to the originator of the command and control
instruction stream through the power line and Internet as necessary
(S7010).
[0075] Typical Connection for the Units Within the Home or
Office
[0076] FIG. 8 is a block schematic diagram 800 showing powered
management and communication connectivity using the four types of
units of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The SW units are
used where the requirement is for power connection capability with
monitoring and control of power, but without the need to connect a
communication device into the PLC LAN.
[0077] The Z-SW units allow for power monitoring and control, as
well as operational control of the ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled
appliances. The Z-SW can also be used to connect directly to
ZigBee.RTM. technology enabled metering devices for monitoring
usage, such as gas use and water use.
[0078] The ETH devices provide the ability to have a communication
device connections to the PLC LAN, while providing a power plug or
power source which can be monitored and controlled.
[0079] Multiple SW, Z-SW, and ETH units can be used to establish
the power monitoring and control for the home appliances and
provide connectivity for data communication on the PLC LAN
level.
[0080] The use of a single MST provides the capability to establish
a WAN gateway, thus enabling the PLC LAN to communicate with the
outside world in view of various security and connection rules. The
MST is also used as a collection and compilation point for power
monitoring, where the power usage within the home with connected
SW, Z-SW, and ETH units is received and compiled. Because there is
connectivity with control capability on each SW, Z-SW, and ETH
unit, the power delivery through each of these SW, Z-SW, and ETH
units can be monitored and controlled from any of the communication
devices connected to the PLC LAN. Further, this collected
information on any of the power plugs can be accessed from the WAN
using connected communication devices to monitor the status and
provide remote control commands through the WAN gateway. This
capability is controlled by the permissions, authorizations, and
security rules established for connection into the PLC LAN through
the MST.
[0081] The MST also acts as a collection and compilation point for
the operational status of the ZigBee.RTM. enabled appliances. This
enables the user to have complete information concerning the impact
of various operational decisions on the operation and working of
the ZigBee.RTM. enabled appliances over specific periods for
budgeting and control purposes.
[0082] Because communication connections to the outside world and
within the PLC LAN are all broadband enabled, the system can
provide steaming media capability within the PLC LAN. It can also
access and enable streaming media delivery to display devices
connected using ETH units through the WAN gateway.
[0083] To facilitate macro level collection and compilation of
power usage information, the collected power monitoring and usage
information is transmitted over the
[0084] WAN gateway to one or more central power usage collection
units. These units collect the data for analysis and to provide
input to the public bodies for use in making policy decisions on
greenhouse gas reduction requirements, etc.
[0085] Although the invention is described herein with reference to
the preferred embodiment, one skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that other applications may be substituted for those set
forth herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. Accordingly, the invention should only be
limited by the Claims included below.
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