U.S. patent application number 15/400686 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-04 for system of living.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mark Kit Jiun Chan. Invention is credited to Mark Kit Jiun Chan.
Application Number | 20170124824 15/400686 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53777345 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170124824 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chan; Mark Kit Jiun |
May 4, 2017 |
SYSTEM OF LIVING
Abstract
A system and method used for monitoring conditions in a space
through characterizing detected occupants with properties in
accordance with time, location and tracked traversal path. The
intruder as a detected occupant is distinguished from the tenant,
property management staff, and visitor. The system triggers an
alert indicative of a condition by sending signals and messages to
selected devices or systems as receiving nodes. A condition, such
as collected sensor data incompliant to a threshold, is detected
and an alert is triggered. A user carried mobile device such as the
cellular phone, elevator control system operative in a building are
possible receiving nodes of a triggered alert for a detected
condition.
Inventors: |
Chan; Mark Kit Jiun; (Hong
Kong, CN) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Chan; Mark Kit Jiun |
Hong Kong |
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CN |
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|
Family ID: |
53777345 |
Appl. No.: |
15/400686 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14616852 |
Feb 9, 2015 |
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15400686 |
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61937661 |
Feb 10, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 4/70 20180201; H04W
4/021 20130101; H04W 4/029 20180201; G08B 25/14 20130101; H04W
12/00503 20190101; H04W 12/08 20130101; G07C 9/00 20130101; G07C
9/28 20200101; G08B 21/22 20130101; H04W 4/33 20180201; G08B 13/00
20130101; H04L 67/12 20130101; H04W 68/005 20130101; G08B 29/188
20130101; H04L 63/107 20130101; H04W 12/00502 20190101; G08B 25/008
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G08B 13/22 20060101
G08B013/22; G08B 21/22 20060101 G08B021/22; H04W 4/04 20060101
H04W004/04 |
Claims
1.-20. (canceled)
21. A method, comprising: (i) determining whether a space is
unoccupied or occupied; (ii) determining whether a proximity of a
user mobile device, or user identification entity from the space,
the user mobile device, or user identification entity are related
to the space; (iii) determining operative states of communicatively
linked devices pertaining to the space; (iv) receiving data or
signals comprising environmental attributes pertaining to the
space; and (v) adjusting the operative states of the
communicatively linked devices based at least in part on whether
the space is unoccupied or occupied.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein determining whether
said space is unoccupied or occupied, comprises at least one of:
(i) receiving signals from a communicatively linked door sensor
pertaining to opening/closing of an entry door of said space; (ii)
receiving signals from a communicatively linked occupancy sensor
pertaining to occupancy of said space; (iii) determining that said
space is unoccupied, and determining the proximity of a user mobile
device, or user identification entity from said space; and (iv)
determining that said space is occupied, and determining the
proximity of a user mobile device, or user identification entity
from said space.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein determining the proximity of a
user mobile device, or user identification entity from said space,
comprises at least one of: (i) determining a user is located within
a proximity threshold, comprises upon detecting occupancy in said
space, receiving within a time threshold through short-range
wireless pairing data or signals pertaining to a user mobile
device, or user identification entity; (ii) determining a user is
located within a proximity threshold, further comprises upon
detecting occupancy in said space during a visit time period,
receiving within a time threshold through short-range wireless
signals data or signals pertaining to a visitor mobile device, or
visitor identification entity; and (iii) determining a user is not
located within a proximity threshold, comprises upon detecting
occupancy in said space, not receiving within a time threshold
through short-range wireless pairing data or signals pertaining to
a user mobile device, or user identification entity; or, upon
detecting occupancy in said space during a visit time period, not
receiving within a time threshold through short-range wireless
signals data or signals pertaining to any one or combination of:
said user mobile device, user identification entity, visitor mobile
device, or visitor identification entity.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprises: (i) determining said
user is located within a proximity threshold, by determining that
at least one said user mobile device pertinent user time log is
within a preconfigured threshold; or (ii) determining said user is
not located within a proximity threshold, by determining that a
smallest said user mobile device pertinent user time log is beyond
said preconfigured threshold.
25. The method according to claim 21, wherein determining the
operative states of the communicatively linked devices comprises
receiving signals from said devices.
26. The method of claim 21, wherein adjusting the operative states
of the communicatively linked devices, comprises: (i) sending
occupancy information to a communicatively linked alarm apparatus
for operating an alarm operation in an armed mode, when said space
is unoccupied; or, (ii) sending the occupancy information to the
communicatively linked alarm apparatus for operating an alarm
operation in a disarmed mode, when said space is occupied, and when
a user is located within a proximity threshold; or, (iii) sending
the occupancy information to the communicatively linked alarm
apparatus for triggering an alert, when said space is occupied, and
when a user is not located within a proximity threshold.
27. The method of claim 24, wherein said user mobile device
pertinent user time log comprises any one or combination of: (i)
geo-location data; (ii) lead time period between the present time
and projected time of a user arriving at said space; or, (iii)
projected user arrival time pertaining to user arriving at said
space.
28. The method of claim 21, wherein adjusting the operative states
of the communicatively linked devices, further comprises: (i)
changing the operative state of the communicatively linked devices
to the operative state, or non-operative state, under an armed mode
of an alarm operation pertaining to said space; or (ii) changing
the operative state of the communicatively linked devices to the
operative state, or non-operative state, under a disarmed mode of
an alarm operation pertaining to said space; (iii) changing the
operative state of a communicatively linked door lock to the locked
state, under an armed mode of an alarm operation pertaining to said
space; or, (iv) changing the operative state of a communicatively
linked door lock to the unlocked state, under a disarmed mode of an
alarm operation pertaining to said space.
29. The method of claim 21, wherein receiving data or signals
comprises receiving environmental attribute data or signals from
any one or combination of: gas or smoke sensor, temperature sensor,
heated water temperature sensor, heated water volume sensor, or
humidity sensor.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein said environmental attributes
include any one or combination of: particulate reading, indoor
temperature, heated water temperature, heated water volume, or
humidity.
31. The method of claim 21, wherein adjusting the operative states
of the communicatively linked devices, further comprises: (i)
sending a setback attribute reading to a communicatively linked
environmental attribute means for controlling the operative setting
of an environmental attribute at a setback level under an armed
mode of an alarm operation pertaining to said space; (ii) sending a
setpoint attribute reading to a communicatively linked
environmental attribute means for controlling the operative setting
of an environmental attribute at a setpoint level upon a projected
user arrival time under an armed mode of an alarm operation
pertaining to said space; or, (iii) sending the setpoint attribute
reading to a communicatively linked environmental attribute means
for controlling the operative setting of an environmental attribute
at the setpoint level under a disarmed mode of an alarm operation
pertaining to said space.
32. The method of claim 22, wherein the door sensor includes door
sensing means, and electronic door locks.
33. The method of claim 22, wherein the occupancy sensor includes
image capturing sensors, ultrasonic transducers, and passive
infrared sensors.
34. The method of claim 21, wherein the devices include any
apparatuses operating in the operative state and non-operative
state, including but not limited to lighting systems, power relays
for power connection to devices, or a door of a safe.
35. The method of claim 26, wherein the alarm apparatus, comprises:
(i) a processor mounted device located at said space; or, (ii) a
processor mounted device located at a network node; (iii)
communicatively connected to a communications network; (iv)
possessing the capacity to receive, process and reroute preferred
data and signals pertaining to said space; (v) operating an alarm
operation in an armed mode or disarmed mode; or (vi) triggering an
alert.
36. The method of claim 31, wherein the environmental attribute
means includes the climate systems, water heating systems, or
humidifiers.
37. The method of claim 29, wherein said alarm apparatus triggering
an alert comprises any one or combination of: (i) sending a message
to any one or combination of receiving nodes, including a user
mobile device, administrator or staff managing said space, and
wherein the message including: a signal, an instant communication
message, an Email, an automatic telephone voice, or a multimedia
message; (ii) activating a siren; or, (iii) recording a triggered
alert in a communicatively linked memory.
38. A system for operating an alarm, comprising: at least one
sensor that determines whether a space is unoccupied or occupied or
that determines whether a user mobile device is proximate, or a
user identification entity is in the space, or whether the user
mobile device or user identification entity are related to the
space; and a controller that monitors communicatively linked
devices pertaining to the space, receives data or signals
comprising environmental attributes pertaining to the space, and
adjusts operative states of communicatively linked devices based at
least in part on whether the space is unoccupied or occupied.
39. The system according to claim 38 wherein the at least one
sensor includes at least one of a door sensor pertaining to
opening/closing of an entry door of said space, a communicatively
linked occupancy sensor pertaining to occupancy of said space, and
a sensor that determines a proximity of a user mobile device, or
user identification entity from said space, whereby the at least
one sensor sends data to the controller regarding same whereby the
controller determines whether the space is unoccupied or
occupied.
40. The system of claim 38 further comprising a communicatively
linked alarm apparatus for operating an alarm operation in an armed
mode when said controller determines the space is unoccupied; or
operating the alarm operation in a disarmed mode, when the
controller determines the space is occupied, and a user is located
within a proximity threshold; or, the alarm apparatus triggers an
alert when the controller determines the space is occupied, and a
user is not located within a proximity threshold.
41. The system of claim 38, further comprising any one or
combination of a gas sensor, smoke sensor, temperature sensor,
water temperature sensor, water volume sensor, or humidity sensor
that send data or signals to the controller.
42. The system of claim 41, wherein said environmental attributes
include any one or combination of a sensor that monitors
particulate reading, indoor temperature, water temperature, water
volume, or humidity.
43. The system of claim 40, wherein the controller includes a
transmitter for adjusting the operative states of communicatively
linked devices, the transmitter sending a setback attribute reading
to a communicatively linked environmental attribute means for
controlling the operative setting of an environmental attribute at
a setback level under in armed mode of the alarm apparatus
pertaining to the space; or the transmitter sending a setpoint
attribute reading to a communicatively linked environmental
attribute means for controlling the operative setting of an
environmental attribute at a setpoint level upon a projected user
arrival time under an armed mode of the alarm apparatus pertaining
to the space; or the transmitter sending the setpoint attribute
reading to a communicatively linked environmental attribute means
for controlling the operative setting of an environmental attribute
at the setpoint level under a disarmed mode of the alarm apparatus
pertaining to the space.
44. The system of claim 39 wherein the door sensor includes door
sensing means and electronic door locks.
45. The system of claim 39 wherein the occupancy sensor includes at
least one of an image capturing sensor, an ultrasonic transducer,
and a passive infrared sensor.
46. The system of claim 38 wherein the communicatively linked
devices include apparatuses having an operative state and a
non-operative state.
47. The system of claim 46 wherein the apparatuses include at least
one of a lighting system, a power relay, or a door of a safe.
48. The system of claim 40 wherein the alarm apparatus includes a
processor mounted device located at the space or a processor
mounted device located at a network node where the processor is
communicatively connected to a communications network whereby the
processor receives, processes, and reroutes preferred data and
signals pertaining to the space, operates the alarm apparatus in an
armed mode, disarmed mode, or triggers an alert.
49. The system of claim 38 wherein the environmental attribute
includes a climate system, a water heating system, or a humidifier.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a system and methods to
respond to monitored conditions in a living space ("space") as a
unitary and independent complex: a tenant unit, a building. The
related users may be the tenant, management staff, visitor,
intruder. The tenant is identified through an identification entity
with short-range wireless communicative capacities; or a user
carried mobile device ("user mobility")--such as digital cellular
systems, personal communications systems ("PCS"), enhanced
specialized mobile radios ("ESMRs"), radio frequency ("RF") based
tracking systems (Bluetooth, WiFi, ZigBee). A digital device
("staff digital device") is carried by management staff servicing a
user's space: a house, a building. A processing system processes
signals/data received from at least one: monitoring device, user
mobile device, staff digital device and a plurality of beacons.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A space typically undergoes dynamic daily residing tenant
("user as inhabitant") activities, comprising departing, returning
and staying within. Other users of the environment include
management staff and visitors. Prevention of intruders trespassing
entails user activated alarm system, closed-circuit television
("CCTV") monitoring and patrolling by management staff.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0003] The present disclosure relates to methods that generate and
send signals/data when a detected condition is beyond a state
level; under some conditions, alerts are sent to selected receiving
nodes upon detection of occupancy, also, the system correspondingly
limits elevator use.
Technical Problem
[0004] Monitoring systems are mostly related to alarm systems,
which commonly have unresolved problems with false alarms triggered
by animals and heedless users. In converse, the alarm is dependent
on user activation and is otherwise unreactive to actual intrusion.
The CCTV is incapable of alerting property management staff with
possible security incidents--it is commonly for recording. The
outcome is ineffective assurance of alert sending prior to and
during intrusion of a space. An intruder also conveniently uses the
elevator and endangers safety of tenants in different building
territories. What remains an unresolved problem is to have in place
a system to ensure sheer authorized entry into the monitored space
without triggering false alarms.
[0005] The space inhabitant needs some conditions within a space at
a "comfortable" state. Selected systems allow data display on the
user's mobility: adjustment of those conditions demand manual
input. It would be ideal to automate adjustment of those monitored
conditions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Solution to Problem
[0006] The present invention provides a system and methods to
monitor conditions in a space, respond when a condition is
detected. One condition is detected intrusion, whereas a system
response is to trigger an alert. Another exemplary condition is
indoor temperature, the system response allows automated regulation
at an intended state through a state system.
[0007] To counter connectivity disablement, the system encompasses
a pulser to send signals/data to the cloud based processing system
in accordance with a preconfigured address and frequency. When
signal disruption from the system in the space to the processing
system occurs, the processing system determines to alert designated
parties. The system alert is through the send of messages upon or
prior to an incident of possible intrusion and trespassing to
selected devices, including the user mobility and client
computer.
[0008] The system has a learning capability to project the arrival
time of user as inhabitant at the space; when the user mobility is
at other locations, questions are prompted for understanding those
locations. The system will exclude the possibility of false alarm
if projected user arrival time is beyond the concurrent time of
occupancy detection during an activated alarm operation. The
operation also involves preventing the detected intruder from using
the elevator for escape.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0009] Monitoring of the space entails identification of the
occupancy status within and the environment around it. The
invention involves automated activation and deactivation of an
alarm operation--commonplace systems require manual input.
[0010] The space conditions are monitored through a slew of
sensors, encompassing camera (for video), microphone (for audio),
passive infrared sensor (to detect motion), and climate sensors,
such as carbon monoxide sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor
and others. Contemporaneous signals/data are collected by a
monitoring device ("gateway") for processing with the processing
unit; or sent for processing to a cloud-based processing system,
comprising an application server and memory with a database.
[0011] The conditions of a monitored space may be maintained at a
desired state through sending gateway output, as well as,
processing system output, comprising signals/data to other devices
or systems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS p The drawings constitute to
embodiments of the present invention and serve to depict the
apparatuses infrastructure and operating principles.
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a building under surveillance of the
system.
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts the system triggering an alert for send to
targeted users in an alarm operation within a building.
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts system correspondence with user at a distant
location.
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts the infrastructure of the system.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a flow chart demonstrating a method for an alarm
operation.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a flow chart demonstrating a method for an alarm
operation in a building on basis of time based path tracking.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT
[0018] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed in
detail below. While specific exemplary embodiments are discussed,
it should be understood that they serve illustration purposes
only.
Time and Location Based Monitoring and Alarm Operation
[0019] As depicted in FIG. 1, building 100 is installed with
elevator system 110, elevator cars 113-1 and 113-2 commute between
ground floor level 101-0 and a plurality of floor levels
101--including floor level 101-2. Elevator doors 112-2-1 and
112-2-2 are disposed at floor level 101-2.
[0020] Gateway 168 is configured to receive signals/data
transmitted by a plurality of encompassed sensors, including:
occupancy sensors 161-1 and 161-2 occupancy detection within unit
108-2; slave 164 feedback signals/data correspond to connected
state system 190 on/off mode; and from communicatively connected
devices, including: door sensor 122-2-1 detecting door 104-2
opening/closing; home device 192 as an air conditioner feedback
signals/data correspond to on/off operative mode; external device
193 as a safe detecting opening/closing. Said signals/data are
received by gateway 168 and transported to processing system
170--encompassing application server 171 and memory 172--via
communications network 130.
[0021] Control gateway 120 is configured to receive information
comprising signals/data transmitted by a plurality of
communicatively connected systems and devices, including: elevator
system 110, floor level 101-2 installed occupancy sensors 121-2-1
and 121-2-2, door sensors 122-2-1 and 122-2-2, beacon 123-2, as
well as, beacon 123-0 installed at floor level 101-0. In another
set up procedure, gateway 168 and control gateway 120 comprise a
wireless router, allowing direct connection to mobility 166. In
this example, gateway 168 or control gateway 120 sends an IP
address to mobility 166; user 180 enters their WiFi SSID and
password via the App to connect to gateway 168 or control gateway
120. A secure cryptographic key may be issued to enable secured
pairing; Bluetooth pairing, direct USB connection, or DTMF may also
be used to configure mobility 166.
[0022] In embodiment one, users as inhabitants 180-1 and 180-3
carrying mobility 166-1 and identification entity 165,
respectively, step out of monitored unit 108-2--triggering door
sensor 122-2-1 to send a signal upon door 104-2 opening, and
occupancy sensor 121-2-1 to send a signal upon detecting occupancy
in waiting lobby 102-2. Through prompting a message gateway 168
requests a response message from user as inhabitant 180-1 mobility
166-1: gateway 168 does not receives a user as inhabitant 180-1
mobility 166-1 sent short-range wireless response message. Upon the
lapse of a time period, which exceeds a preconfigured first
threshold, processing system 170 ascertains a deactivated alarm
operation and activates an alarm operation pertaining to unit
108-2. In furtherance, gateway 168 sends a wired/wireless signal
upon activation of the alarm operation, wherein slave 164 is a
relay comprising a unique identifier and a communication component
(not shown) receiving the gateway 168 sent wired/wireless signal
and switches off state system 190. During an activated alarm
operation, given occupancy sensors 161-1 or 161-2 detect occupancy,
while a response message from mobility 166-1 is not received by
gateway 168, processing system 170 will trigger an alert and send a
message to user as inhabitant 180-1 mobility 166-1 and staff 181
digital device 169.
[0023] In embodiment two, user as inhabitant 180-3 carrying
identification entity 165 steps out of unit 108-2, while user as
inhabitant 180-1 carrying mobility 166-1 stays: user as inhabitant
180-1 mobility 166-1 sends a short-range wireless message within a
time period of the preconfigured first threshold in response to
gateway 168 prompted quest message: an alarm operation pertaining
to unit 108-2 is not activated.
Time Based Path Surveillance
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates one aspect of a building as location 203:
control gateway 220 is communicatively connected with a plurality
of occupancy sensors 221, door sensors 222, beacons 223, as well
as, elevator system 210--installed and operative within location
203. Each point of detected occupancy constitutes to tracked user
traversal path with respect to time ("clock time") adopted by cloud
service node located processing system 270.
[0025] In embodiment three, user 280-4 as trespasser lingering in
waiting lobby 202-1 for a time period exceeding a preconfigured
second threshold is detected by occupancy sensor 221-2-1.
Processing system 270 sends an alert to the receiving nodes,
comprising: a text message to staff 281 digital device 269
requesting staff 281 to respond to the message and visit waiting
lobby 202-1 within a preconfigured time period; and, a text message
informing a potential incident to mobility 266-1 carried by user
280-1 as sole inhabitant of unit 208-1; as well as, an alert signal
to elevator system 210, which receives the alert signal, evades
landing elevator cars on floor level 201-1 and opening elevator
doors 212-2-1 within a preconfigured time period. Staff 281 digital
device 269 is configured to send the pairing records to processing
system 270 upon the lapse of the time period of a received alert,
which do not include pairing between digital device 269 and beacon
223-1: processing system 270 sends an alert to a receiving node,
comprising a building administrator client computer (not
shown).
[0026] In embodiment four, user 280-4 as trespasser arriving at
waiting lobby 202-0 and traversing through stairs territories at
floor levels 201-0, 201-1, and 201-2--is sequentially detected by
occupancy sensors 221-0-2, 221-1-2, and 221-2-2. User 280-4 opens
emergency door 205-2--triggering door sensor 222-2-2 to transmit a
signal at time t.sub.0, and is detected by occupancy sensor 221-2-1
at time t.sub.1 when entering waiting lobby 201-2. On the other
hand, user 280-1 as inhabitant of unit 208-2 enters waiting lobby
201-2 through elevator doors 212-2-1 imminently before time
t.sub.0. Users 280-1 and 280-4 traverse toward normally closed door
204-2--door sensor 222-2-1 transmits a signal upon detecting
opening at t.sub.2. At t.sub.3, door sensor 222-2-1 senses closing;
whereas, occupancy sensor 221-2-1 detects non-occupancy. Processing
system 270 receives the signals/data of two separate time based
user traversal paths entering unit 208-2, and sends an alert to
staff 281 digital device 269, as well as, user 280-1 mobility
266-1.
[0027] In embodiment five, staff 281 at the building entrance (not
shown) is requested by the building administrator to visit unit
208-2 at time t.sub.4. However, since time t.sub.4 after a time
period .DELTA.t.sub.v, which exceeds a preconfigured third
threshold (comprising a preconfigured travel time period stored in
memory 272 characterized for door 204-2 corresponding to traveling
from the building entrance to unit 208-2), processing system 270
received information pertaining to tracked traversal path of staff
281, comprising: (1) staff 281 digital device 269 pairing records
not encompassing pairing with beacon 223-2 at floor level 201-2;
(2) occupancy sensor 221-2-1 not detecting occupancy from control
gateway 220; (3) door sensor 222-2-1 not detecting door 204-2
opening from control gateway 220. Processing system 270 sends an
alert to a plurality of receiving nodes, including a building
administrator client computer (not shown).
[0028] In embodiment six, information pertaining to a triggered
alert on floor level 201-1 is sent by processing system 270 to
elevator system 210; wherein, elevator system 210 receives said
commanding message and evades floor landing and/or opening of
elevator doors 212-1-1 on floor level 201-1.
[0029] FIG. 3 presents an exemplary embodiment of environment
300--comprising the predefined circular geo-fence area 350, with a
radius corresponding to the maximum offset between the computed
center-of-mass being the monitored home 308 and the furthest edge
of geo-fence boundary of geo-fence area 350. Control gateway 320
installed location 303 is outside geo-fence area 352.
[0030] In embodiment seven, mobility 366-2--carried by user 380-2
as sole inhabitant of home 308--periodically sends the concurrent
geo-location, or Global Positioning System ("GPS") coordinates, to
processing system 370 via communications network 330. At
instantaneous time t.sub.1, user 380-2 is within geo-fence area
352, at distance d.sub.1 travelling away from home 308; at
instantaneous time t.sub.2, user 380-2 is within geo-fence area
351, at distance d.sub.2 from home 308:
v = ( d 2 - d 1 ) ( t 2 - t 1 ) [ 1 ] ##EQU00001##
where, v is the directional velocity of user 380-2. [0031] Arrival
time t.sub.a of user 380-2 at home 308, is as follows:
[0031] t.sub.a=t.sub.c+.DELTA.t.sub.a+.DELTA.t.sub.r [2]
where, t.sub.c is the concurrent time; whereas, lead time period
.DELTA.t.sub.a can be projected, using:
.DELTA. t a = .gamma. d v [ 3 ] ##EQU00002##
where, .gamma. represents a preconfigured factor pertinent to the
uncertain preconditions affecting lead time period .DELTA.t.sub.a,
such as time of the day, the unique identifier of mobility 366-2
and characteristics of user 380-2 or home 308, etc. Other
mathematic formulae, statistical analyses and methods may seem fit
in different situations where appropriate and therefore can also be
applied for projection of the arrival time t.sub.a of user 380-2 at
home 308.
[0032] Mobility 366-2 carried by user 380-2 as inhabitant of home
308 arrives at location 303, user 380-2 mobility 366-2 establishes
pairing with beacon 323 through finding and establishing a
recognized wireless communication link; whereas, pairing
disconnects when the communication link becomes out of range as
user 380-2 departs from location 303. In one embodiment, user 380-2
mobility 366-2 adopts the processing system 370 clock/timer 374
clock time and sends the concurrent geo-location at location 303,
pairing records--comprising clock time based data of pairing,
pairing disconnection and beacon 323 unique identifier--to
processing system 370 via communications network 330; as another
possibility, processing system 370 receives the information from
control gateway 320, or beacon 323. Processing system 370 stores
the time span of stay of user 380-2 at location 303 in memory 372
with respect to clock/timer 374 clock time in according with the
pairing records as: user 380-2 lead time duration .DELTA.t.sub.r.
Location 303 can be a building with an address, or a moving vehicle
such as an automobile or an airplane having network communication
capacity. A map may be applied by mobility 366-2 via an App to
identify the geo-location of location 303.
[0033] Upon user 380-2 arriving at home 308, user 380-2 mobility
366-2 performs pairing with wireless router equipped gateway 368.
Established pairing is recorded with respect to the clock time as
user 380-2 arrival time t.sub.a at home 308 in the gateway 368
memory (not shown) and sent to processing system 370--which records
user 380-2 arrival time t.sub.a in memory 372.
[0034] To continually reassure the accuracy of projecting user
380-2 arrival time t.sub.a at home 308, processing system 370
enacts an onboarding process for projection of user 380-2 lead time
duration .DELTA.t.sub.r through prompting questions to learn about
the relatedness between user 380-2 and location 303. After pairing
with location 303 disposed beacon 323, user 380-2 mobility 366-2
may relate the control gateway 320 and/or beacon 323 unique
identifier to exemplary questions, including: [0035] What do you do
here? [0036] How long will you be here? [0037] The address
here?
[0038] Exemplary questions as shown may be presented through a
mobility 366-2 App. As another possibility, mobility 366-2 prompts
the query through an audio apparatus; user 380-2 may key in a text
reply such as: [0039] "I work here at 123 Queen's Road" or,
verbally provide an answer, which is processed using voice
recognition technology. The processing may occur on mobility 366-2,
and/or in a remote server coupled to mobility 366-2--for example,
cloud located processing system 370 in a client-server
architecture--after mobility 366-2 records and sends the reply via
communications network 330.
[0040] Processing system 370 is programmed to derive at least one
pattern to the characteristics of location 303 over a time period,
comprising: location 303 address, geo-location, relationship with
user 380-2, user 380-2 activity, typical/average user 380-2 lead
time duration .DELTA.t.sub.r, as well as, typical/average user
380-2 lead time period .DELTA.t.sub.a between departing from
location 303 and arriving at home 308. Processing system 370 is
also equipped with the processing components (hardware and
software) with speed and data capacity to derive one or more
patterns related to one or more characteristics of a plurality of
locations 303 on basis of collected data from the corresponding
beacons 323 and user provided answers sent by one or more
mobilities 366.
[0041] Via an App, user 380-2 mobility 366-2 at location 303
establishes a statistical time log profile. The pairing records are
as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 [pairing records pertinent to location 303]
location 303 GPS beacon 323 unique gateway 368 coor-
identifier/time pairing/ unique identifier/ Date dinates time
pairing disconnection time pairing 2015 Jan. 3 45, 0
f7126da6-4fa8/21:30/22:15 bc50b27a/22:30 2015 Jan. 10 45, 0
f7126da6-4fa8/21:25/22:10 bc50b27a/22:25 2015 Jan. 17 45, 0
f7126da6-4fa8/21:35/22:20 bc50b27a/22:35
[0042] Given concurrent time t.sub.c is 21:28 on 2015-1-24, user
380-2 mobility 366-2 receives location 303 beacon 323 unique
identifier "f7126da6-4fa8"; the App processes the data. User 380-2
mobility 366-2 sends to processing system 370 the phone serial
number, and time log as follows:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 [time log example] GPS .DELTA.t.sub.l
Address of location coordinates (min) .DELTA.t.sub.a (min) t.sub.a
time log 123 Queen's Road 45, 0 45 15 22:28
[0043] Alternatively, user 380-2 mobility 366-2 sends the data
shown in Table 1 to processing system 370, which processes the data
and obtains the time log, encompassing: (1) address of location
303; (2) user 380-2 geo-location; (3) lead time duration
.DELTA.t.sub.r at location 303; (4) lead time period
.DELTA.t.sub.a; (5) projected user 380-2 arrival time t.sub.a.
[0044] In embodiment eight, mobility 366-1--carried by user 380-1
as sole inhabitant of home 308 traverses beyond geo-fence area 350
and into geo-fence area 351--is configured to send its geo-location
at a preconfigured frequency to processing system 370 via
communications network 330. User 380-1 time log exceeds a
preconfigured forth threshold, at the same time, visitor is not
allowed in home 308 because a visit time period is not in effect:
an alarm operation pertaining to home 308 is activated by
processing system 370. Gateway 368 sends a wireless signal upon
alarm operation activation and received by home device 392, wherein
its operating mode is sustained in the off mode. In one
possibility, home device 392 as air-conditioner remains
deactivated; it is also possible that home device 392 is a door
lock (not shown), which remains locked up and opening of door 304
is not possible. In contrary, once user 380-1 time log falls below
the preconfigured forth threshold, processing system 370 sends a
signal to gateway 368, which in turn sends a wireless signal to
home device 392 as a door lock (not shown): it switches to a
locked/unlocked state in which unlocking of it and opening of door
304 becomes possible.
[0045] In the event that gateway 368 collects sensor signals/data
pertinent to occupancy sensor 361 detecting occupancy, or door
sensor 322 detecting opening/closing of normally closed door 304:
gateway 368 sends a signal to processing system 370, which
immediately triggers an alert providing user 380-1 time log exceeds
the preconfigured forth threshold and a concurrent visit time
period is not in effect; alternatively, processing system 370 does
not immediately trigger an alert providing user 380-1 time log is
less than the preconfigured forth threshold or a concurrent visit
time period is in effect--through prompting a message, gateway 368
requests a response message from user as inhabitant 380-1 mobility
366-1 or user as visitor 380-2 mobility 366-2. A short-range
wireless response message will be sent by mobility 366-1 or
mobility 366-2; failure of the response message receiving by
gateway 368 within a time period of the preconfigured first
threshold will result in satisfaction of set alert trigger
condition--processing system 370 triggers an alert.
[0046] In embodiment nine, user as inhabitant 380-1 of home 308
establishes a visit time period, comprising: a starting date with
one or more specific time periods in each of a span of days in
accordance with the clock time; user 380-2 as authorized visitor
("visitor") carrying mobility 366-2, and user 380-3 as visitor
carrying identification entity 365, are authorized to visit home
308 during the visit time periods. An alarm operation is normally
activated for unattended home 308 during said days; in the event of
occupancy sensor 361 in home 308 detecting occupancy, through
prompting a message gateway 368 requests a response message from
said user as inhabitant 380-1 mobility 366-1, and/or, user 380-2 as
visitor mobility 366-2; wherein, user as inhabitant 380-1 mobility
366-1 time log is less than a preconfigured forth threshold.
[0047] Processing system 370 will not trigger an alert, comprising:
(1) short-range wireless response message sent by mobility 366-1;
(2) short-range wireless response message sent by mobility 366-2,
or identification entity 365, wherein the clock time is within a
visit time period. Home 308 monitoring gateway 368 receives and
transports to processing system 370 the collected signals/data: the
alarm operation is deactivated.
[0048] Upon the lapse of a visit time period, gateway 368 prompts a
message to mobility 366-2, or, an audio message through speaker 362
to request user 380-2 to depart from home 308. It is also possible
that gateway 368 prompts a message to user as inhabitant 380-1
mobility 366-1 requesting for extension of the elapsed visit time
period.
[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates a networking schematic diagram of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention system 400.
[0050] Processing system 470 may be internet accessible cloud
service node located, comprising memory 472, digital processor
mounted application server 471--monitoring building 403 and/or home
408 through receiving and rerouting signals/data via communications
network 430. A wide variety of commercially available computer
servers can be used in conjunction with appropriate software to
function as processing system 470 for receiving and processing said
devices sent signals/data. The wireless digital alarm data may be
processed into alert information for dispersal to further receiving
parties as discussed herein. An emergency entity, such as police,
fire department, and/or rescue squads, may also receive alert
information.
[0051] Memory 472 can be any device, including magnetic, optical or
solid-state memory for storing signals/data relevant to a user or
administrator of system 400. A library of predefined geo-fence
boundaries, the polling interval at constant or variable frequency
directing data-logging between processing system 470 with mobility
466 and digital device 469, and preconfigured thresholds comprising
time periods and distances, are stored in memory 472 and retrieved
by application server 471. Memory 472 can be located at a cloud
service node working with or within processing system 470, or other
service nodes: such as a node of home 408 or building 403; a node
comprising user mobility 466, or staff digital device 469.
[0052] Geo-location system 460 is a terrestrial or satellite based
positioning system; including the Beidou Navigation System,
Differential GPS ("DGPS"), Eurofix DGPS, Global Positioning System
("GPS"), Global Navigation Satellite System ("GNSS"). In other
positioning systems, geo-location system 460 comprises cellular
communication towers, or systems providing reference points,
transmit wireless radio frequency ("RF") signals/data received by
user mobility 466 and staff digital device 469.
[0053] Identification entity 465 is typically an integrated circuit
("IC") card comprising a battery, memory for storing a unique
identifier, and a transmitter for transmitting wireless signals
comprising unique identifier to control gateway 420 and gateway 468
via a short-range wireless communication link. Typical short-range
communication protocols include Bluetooth, WiFi (IEEE 802.11b),
WiMax (IEEE 802.16) and ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4).
[0054] Communications network 430 uses a combination of wireless
and landline communication infrastructure such as a cellular
telecommunication system and the internet, including broadband,
WiMax, fixed line PSTN, etc. Communication may be established
through various mediums, such as a modem, which provides a TCP/IP
communication channel to processing system 470.
[0055] Communications network 430 provides two-way data-logging
between processing system 470 and telematics devices; wherein,
processing system 470 transmits the wireless digital alarm data in
a formatted text message to a plurality of user mobilities 466, and
staff digital devices 469, which may be any device capable of
receiving SMS type data, or any wireless digital data, comprising
digital cellular telephone, pager, personal communications systems
("PCS"), enhanced specialized mobile radios ("ESMRs"), wireless
electronic mail receivers (e.g., the Blackberry.RTM. and Treo.RTM.
devices), multimedia Internet enabled cellular telephones (e.g.,
the iPhone.RTM.), GPS receivers and similar personal electronic
devices which include a programmable processor and memory, and
communication transceiver capable of connecting to a wired/wireless
network. In furtherance, digital device 469 also comprises a
network linked electronic device with computing capacity such as a
microcomputer, an internet server, a portable client device of
PSTN, or a static device operative of e-mail account of the
premise's owner or agent. The alarm user may receive an alert
notification on mobility 466 and digital device 469. Control
gateway 420 and gateway 468 are also configured for communicating
with mobility 466 and digital device 469 using a short-range
wireless communication protocol.
[0056] In building 403, control gateway 420 communicates with
elevator system 410 via a communication link, and links with
communications network 430 through a network port. Control gateway
420 encompasses a memory storing unique identifiers of the
communicatively linked sensors and devices, comprising: occupancy
sensor 421, door sensor 422 disposed at the normally closed
entrance door of home 408, beacon 423.
[0057] Gateway 468 encompasses a memory stored unique identifier,
and communication component such as a wireless module (not shown)
for short-range wireless communication with mobility 466,
identification entity 465, wired/wireless communication with a
plurality of disparate components, comprising: door sensor 422,
home device 492, and external device 493. An RJ45 or Ethernet port
is possibly mounted within gateway 468 for linkage with
communications network 430. A single housing (not shown) may
encompass at least gateway 468, occupancy sensor 461, speaker 462,
climate sensor 463, slave 464 and pulser 467.
[0058] Beacon 423 includes a short-range wireless transceiver, or
an access point with wired/wireless network connectivity,
comprising: a memory stored unique identifier identifiable by
processing system 470; a wireless module for short-range wireless
communication with a plurality of identification entities 465,
mobilities 466, and digital devices 469; network port for
connectivity with control gateway 420 via LAN; network port for
connection to an internet connected router.
[0059] Processing system 470 receives: occupancy sensor 461
transmitted wired/wireless signals/data when detecting occupancy
through gateway 468, and occupancy sensor 421 transmitted
wired/wireless signals/data when detecting occupancy within
building 403 through control gateway 420. In an exemplary
embodiment, occupancy sensor 421 and occupancy sensor
461--comprising a communication component; a memory stored unique
identifier; a passive infrared ("PIR") receiver, and/or an image
capturing device for capturing images and transmitting captured
images--wherein processing system 470 detects occupancy using at
least one image processing method.
[0060] In one embodiment, external device 493 is a normally closed
entity such as a repository, or a safe, having a memory stored
unique identifier and a communication component to transmit a
wired/wireless signal to gateway 468 upon open/closing. Slave 464
comprising a unique identifier is a relay with a communication
component (not shown) for receiving gateway 468 sent wired/wireless
signals/data, to connect and disconnect power for control of the
on/off mode of state system 490, and transmit the feedback
signals/data pertinent to the on/off mode of state system 490 to
gateway 468.
[0061] Pulser 427 transmits pulsed wired/wireless signals/data
comprising a unique identifier to processing system 470 through
communications network 430. Pulser 427 may be an independent
component, or a software app imbedded in gateway 468/control
gateway 420.
[0062] Processing system 470 sends selected signals/data via a
communication link with the control unit (not shown) of elevator
system 410 to override landing and/or doors opening/closing of the
serving elevators (not shown) in building 403.
Home Alarm Operation
[0063] In one aspect of the present invention, processing system
470 receives and processes signals/data sent by gateway 468,
mobility 466, identification entity 465, to determine activation
and deactivation of an alarm operation in compliance with an
established alarm policy based on a set of criteria, to determine
that an alert trigger condition is fulfilled in home 408, and to
send the alert information to receiving nodes in accordance with
the alert trigger process. FIG. 5 shows method 500, comprising the
following steps.
[0064] Step 501: Alarm operation policy, alarm operation activation
and deactivation policy, alert trigger policy are established by
the administrator and stored in processing system 470 as alarm
policy. Data-logging is established for interchange of signals/data
transmitted and received between processing system 470 and other
nodes, comprising: (1) user as inhabitant or user as visitor
mobility 466 of home 408; (2) staff digital device 469; (3) gateway
468 monitoring home 408.
[0065] Step 502: Detection of a pulling event, comprising (1) door
sensor 422 detecting home 408 normally closed entrance door
opening/closing; (2) control gateway 420 detecting mobility
466/identification entity 465 in building 403 common use territory;
(3) mobility 466 having the smallest user as inhabitant time log
exceeding the preconfigured forth threshold; (4) the lapse of a
visit time period.
[0066] Step 503: Gateway 468 prompts a message requesting a
response message from at least one user mobility 466 upon the
pulling event. If gateway 468 does not receive a user mobility 466
sent response message within a time period of the preconfigured
first threshold, go to step 504; otherwise, go to step 501 for
continuation of the monitoring process.
[0067] Step 504: Processing system 470 arms the system by
activating an alarm operation; processing system 470 monitors home
408 through receiving gateway 468 sent signals/data pertinent to a
plurality of sensors/devices, verifies concurrent or last received
geo-location of user as inhabitant mobility 466, and projects a
time log.
[0068] Step 505: Detection of a pushing event, comprising 1. door
sensor 422 detecting home 408 normally closed entrance door
opening/closing; 2. occupancy sensor 461 detecting occupancy in
home 408; 3. mobility 466 having the smallest user as inhabitant
time log crossing below the preconfigured forth threshold; 4. user
as inhabitant authorizing extension of a lapsed visit time period
through mobility 466; 5. gateway 468 detecting pairing with user as
inhabitant or user as visitor mobility 466.
[0069] Step 506: Gateway 468 prompts a message requesting a
response message from user mobility 466 upon the pushing event, or
within a time span of the projected arrival time t.sub.a
corresponding to the pertinent time log. If gateway 468 receives
user as inhabitant mobility 466 sent message or, message
corresponding with user as visitor mobility 466 within a visit time
period, and within a time of the preconfigured first threshold, go
to step 507; otherwise, go to step 508.
[0070] Step 507: Processing system 470 disarms the system by
deactivating the alarm operation; go to step 501, the monitoring
process continues.
[0071] Step 508: Processing system 470 performs the alert trigger
process mandate for home 408 and sends the information to a
receiving node, including user as inhabitant mobility 466, and/or
staff digital device 469.
Building Environment Alarm Operation
[0072] A method in the present invention for monitoring building
403 encompassing unit 408, comprising: processing system 470
receives signals/data sent by control gateway 420, as well as,
mobility 466 and digital device 469 of users related to building
403. Processing system 470 processes the information in accordance
with an established alarm policy, to determine that an alert
trigger condition is fulfilled, and sends the alert to the
receiving nodes in accordance with an alert trigger process. FIG. 6
shows a flowchart of method 600 for an alarm operation, comprising
the following steps.
[0073] Step 601: Alarm operation policy, alert trigger policy are
established by the administrator and stored in processing system
470 as alarm policy. Data-logging is established for interchange of
signals/data transmitted and received between processing system 470
and other nodes, including: (1) mobility 466 carried by user as
inhabitant of unit 408; (2) staff digital device 469; (3) control
gateway 420 in building 403; (4) elevator system 410 operative in
building 403.
[0074] Step 602: Processing system 470--tracking a user traversal
path by processing signals/data sent from a plurality of occupancy
sensors 421 and door sensors 422, user mobility 466 or visitor
identification entity 465, and signals/data received from elevator
system 410--go to step 604 if the received signals/data satisfy the
set alert trigger conditions; otherwise, go to step 603 for
continuation of the monitoring process.
[0075] Step 604: Processing system 470 performs the alert trigger
process and sends the information to staff digital device 469, and
user as inhabitant mobility 466 of a particular unit 408.
[0076] Step 605: Processing system 470 performs the alert trigger
process mandate of building 403.
A. Alarm Policy Establishment:
Home 408 Alarm Policy:
[0077] User as inhabitant is authorized to set the alarm policy,
enter and stay at home 408 without time constraints; user as
visitor is permitted for entry and stay at home 408 with
preconfigured time constraints on date and span during each visit
time period. While authority limits are set by the administrator
for all users; user as management staff and user as visitor are
deprived of such authority.
Building 403 Alarm Policy:
[0078] The administrator establishes an alarm policy for building
403, comprising criteria of information processing procedure and
priority, modification, deletion and the like. In the alarm
operation process, the traversal paths pertaining to all users must
comply with preconfigured time constraints in accordance with an
established alarm policy.
B. Activation and Deactivation of Alarm Operation:
Home 408 Alarm Operation:
[0079] User as inhabitant may establish policy conditions; as
gateway 468 received signals/data satisfy one or more of the
following conditions, processing system 470 determines to activate
an alarm operation in step 502.
[0080] Upon a detected pulling event, gateway 468 470 prompts a
message to request response message from one or more selected user
as inhabitant mobilities 466.
[0081] The alarm operation is deactivated after gateway 468
receives a response message within a time period of the
preconfigured first threshold upon a pushing event, including: (1)
signals/data sent by user as inhabitant mobility 466/identification
entity 465; (2) signals/data sent by user as visitor mobility
466/identification entity 465, wherein the concurrent clock time is
within a visit time period established by user as inhabitant, or
the administrator.
Building 403 Alarm Operation:
[0082] Activation and deactivation of an alarm operation pertaining
to building 403 may be performed through administrative
authorization by processing system 470.
C. Alert Trigger Policy Establishment:
Home 408 Alert Trigger Conditions:
[0083] Detected occupancy at any time during an activated alarm
operation, wherein aforementioned response message is not received
by gateway 468 within a time period of the preconfigured first
threshold.
Building 403 Alert Trigger Conditions:
[0084] The alert trigger conditions, comprising: (1) duration of
detected occupancy at any particular location within building 403
exceeding the preconfigured second threshold; (2) door sensor 422
pertaining to a particular unit 408 within building 403 not
detecting opening/closing, within a time period of the
preconfigured third threshold; (3) staff digital device 469 pairing
records not encompassing pairing with one or more beacons 423
within a preconfigured time period of a particular clock time; (4)
merger of two tracked user traversal paths for entry into one unit
408 located within building 403.
Alert Trigger Policy
[0085] The alert trigger process comprises: (1) processing system
470 notifies a user via an instant communication message to
mobility 466 or digital device 469; (2) notification via Email; (3)
notification via an automatic telephone voice; (4) notification via
a multimedia message; (5) activation of a siren; (6) recording a
processed alert trigger to memory 472.
[0086] In one embodiment, alert trigger conditions are satisfied
during a deactivated alarm operation, comprising: (1) door sensor
422 detecting home 408 normally closed entrance door
opening/closing, external device 493--comprising a safe repository
with sensor and signal transmitter--transmits a signal pertaining
to opening/closing to communicatively connected gateway 468 within
a time period smaller than a preconfigured fifth threshold; (2)
pulser 467 configured to periodically send wired/wireless
signals/data at a preconfigured frequency to gateway 468 for
ascertainment of signal transmissions to processing system
470--signals/data are disrupted.
[0087] The following embodiment relates to a method comprising
system 400 output to received sensor data. In FIG. 4, gateway 468
periodically collects data from climate sensor 463--a temperature
sensor detecting state system 490 controlled climate attribute as
indoor temperature of monitored home 408; wherein state system 490
is particularly a distinct central Heating Venting Air-Conditioning
("HVAC") system. The desired state system 490 state in a
deactivated alarm operation may be a setpoint temperature of a
heated or air-conditioned room, apartment, house, chosen as
"comfortable" state by a user; whereas, the desired state system
490 state in an activated alarm operation is a setback temperature
for energy saving. In other possibilities, climate sensor 463 can
be a humidity sensor detecting indoor relative humidity, gas
detector detecting carbon monoxide or other gases, smoke detector
detecting smoke, multi-sensor detecting hot water temperature and
volume, etc.; whereas, state system 490 is a hot water heater,
humidifier, siren, energy storage of electric vehicles, etc.
[0088] During an activated alarm operation, gateway 468 compares
the climate attribute data collected from climate sensor 463 with
the memory stored processing system 470 sent effective setback
climate attribute, or sends the collected climate attribute data to
processing system 470 for determining whether it is above/below the
effective setback climate attribute and receives a commanding
signal: gateway 468 sends a corresponding signal to slave 464,
which switches state system 490 on/off through power connection
and/or disconnection. Gateway 468 retains a memory stored setback
climate attribute and replaces it with a new effective setback
climate attribute sent by processing system 470, which projects or
calculates an effective climate attribute in accordance with the
time log of at least one user as inhabitant carrying mobility 466.
User may be shown the setback climate attribute through mobility
466; whereas, gateway 468 may send feedback signals/data to
processing system 470 if slave 464 is triggered on.
[0089] Another embodiment comprises a method for maintaining
desired state system 490 states on basis of system 400 sensor data.
During an activated alarm operation at 6:00 p.m., climate sensor
463 data is 16.degree. C.; gateway 468 replaces the memory stored
setback temperature 16.degree. C. with processing system 470 sent
effective setback temperature 22.degree. C. and sends a signal to
slave 464, which switches on state system 490 for an arriving user.
Indoor temperature of home 408 reaches 22.degree. C. at 6:30
p.m.--the alarm operation is deactivated a few minutes afterwards
while setpoint temperature 23.degree. C. is maintained by state
system 490 for the arrived user, who sends to processing system 470
via gateway 468 setpoint temperature 19.degree. C. for a time
period from 10:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
[0090] At 10:30 p.m., gateway 468 retrieves from its memory stored
processing system 470 sent setpoint temperature 19.degree. C.,
which is below climate sensor 463 sent temperature 23.degree. C.;
gateway 468 sends a signal to slave 464 for deactivating state
system 490.
[0091] In another embodiment, comprising: (1) door sensor 422
detecting home 408 normally closed entrance door opening/closing
during an activated alarm operation; (2) during certain hours of
the day, gateway 468 sending a wired/wireless signal; (3) home
device 492 receiving the wired/wireless signal and switches on to a
setting or operative intensity in accordance with user identity
before the entrance door is opened at all, or before the user is
physically or visually exposed to any home 408 territory. As one
possibility, home device 492 is a light fixture brightened to yield
a scene characterized for an incoming user identified through the
projected arrival time t.sub.a. Alternatively, gateway 468 sends a
signal to home device 492 as long as the clock time is within a
certain time span of the day, regardless of the alarm operation
status.
[0092] One with ordinary skill in the art will agree that the
embodiments presented herein are merely exemplary, therefore
aspects of those embodiments may vary without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined in the
claims.
* * * * *