Patent Application
20090015426
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to overhead structures for commercial interiors (i.e., commercial, industrial and office environments) requiring power for energizing lighting, audio-visual, acoustical management, security and other applications and, more particularly, to designation based protocol systems for use with a distributed power and communications network which permits electrical and mechanical interconnections (and reconfiguration of interconnections) of various application devices, including communications for providing a designation based protocol for reconfiguration of control relationships among application devices.
2. Background Art
Building infrastructure continue to evolve in today's commercial, industrial and office environments. For purposes of description in this specification, the term “commercial interiors” shall be used to collectively designate these environments. Such environments may include, but are clearly not limited to, retail facilities, medical and other health care operations, educational, religious and governmental institutions, factories and others. Historically, infrastructure consisted of large rooms with fixed walls and doors. Lighting, heating and cooling (if any) were often centrally controlled. Commercial interiors would often be composed of large, heavy and “stand-alone” equipment and operations, such as in factories (e.g., machinery and assembly lines), offices (desks and files), retail (built-in counters and shelves) and the like. Commercial interiors were frequently constructed with very dedicated purposes in mind. Given the use of stationary walls and heavy equipment, any reconfiguration of a commercial interior was a time-consuming and costly undertaking.
In the latter part of the 20th century, commercial interiors began to change. A major impetus for this change was the need to accommodate the increasing “automation” that was being introduced in the commercial interiors and, with such automation, the need for electrical power to support the same. The automation took many forms, including: (i) increasingly sophisticated machine tools and powered equipment in factories; (ii) electronic cash registers and security equipment in retail establishments; (iii) electronic monitoring devices in health care institutions; and (iv) copy machines and electric typewriters requiring high voltage power supplies in office environments. In addition, during this period of increased automation, other infrastructure advancements occurred. For example, alternative lighting approaches (e.g., track lighting with dimmer control switches) and improved air ventilation technologies were introduced, thereby placing additional demands on power availability and access.
In recent decades, information technology has become commonplace throughout commercial interiors. Computer and computer-related technologies have become ubiquitous. As an example, computer-numerically-controlled (CNC) production equipment has been applied extensively in factory environments. Point-of-sale electronic registers and scanners are commonplace in retail establishments. Sophisticated computer simulation and examination devices are used throughout medical institutions. Increased sophistication of computer ?? electronics associated with the examination devices is particularly increasing rapidly, with regard to the greater use of “noninvasive” procedures. Modular “systems” furniture has evolved to support the computers and related hardware used throughout office environments. The proliferation of computers and information technology has resulted not only in additional demands for power access and availability, but also in a profusion of wires needed to power and connect these devices into communications networks. These factors have added considerably to the complexity of planning and managing commercial interiors.
The foregoing conditions can be characterized as comprising: dedicated interior structures with central control systems; increasing needs for power and ready access for power; and information networks and the need to manage all of the resulting wire and cable. The confluence of these conditions has resulted in commercial interiors being inflexible and difficult and costly to change. Today's world requires businesses and institutions to respond quickly to “fast-changing” commercial interior needs.
Commercial interiors may be structurally designed by architects and engineers, and initially laid out in a desired format with respect to building walls, lighting fixtures, switches, data lines and other functional accessories and infrastructure. However, when these structures, which can be characterized as somewhat “permanent” in most buildings, are designed, the actual occupants may not move into the building for several months or even years. Designers almost need to “anticipate” the requirements of future occupants of the building being designed.
Needless to say, in situations where the building will not be commissioned for a substantial period of time after the design phase, the infrastructure of the building may not be appropriately laid out for the actual occupants. That is, the prospective tenants' needs may be substantially different from the designers' ideas and concepts. However, most commercial interiors permit little reconfiguration after completion of the initial design. Reconfiguring a structure for the needs of a particular tenant can be extremely expensive and time consuming. During structural modifications, the commercial interior is essentially “down” and provides no positive cash flow to the buildings' owners.
It would be advantageous to always have the occupants' activities and needs “drive” the structures and functions of the infrastructure layout. Today, however, relatively “stationary” (in function and structure) infrastructure essentially operate in reverse. That is, it is not uncommon for prospective tenants to evaluate a building's infrastructure and determine how to “fit” their needs (retail sales areas, point-of-sale centers, conference rooms, lighting, HVAC, and the like) into the existing infrastructure.
Further, and again in today's business climate, a prospective occupant may have had an opportunity to be involved in the design of a building's commercial interior, so that the commercial interior is advantageously “set up” for the occupant. However, many organizations today experience relatively rapid changes in growth, both positively and negatively. When these changes occur, again it may be difficult to appropriately modify the commercial interior so as to permit the occupant to expand beyond its original commercial interior or, alternatively, be reduced in size such that unused space can then be occupied by another tenant.
Other problems also exist with respect to the layout and organization of today's commercial interiors. For example, accessories such as switches and lights may be relatively “set” with regard to locations and particular controlling relationships between such switches and lights. That is, one or more particular switches may control one or more particular lights. To modify these control relationships in most commercial interiors requires significant efforts. In this regard, a commercial interior can be characterized as being “delivered” to original occupants in a particular “initial state.” This initial state is defined by not only the physical locations of functional accessories, but also the control relationships among switches, lights and the like. It would be advantageous to provide means for essentially “changing” the commercial interior in a relatively rapid manner, without requiring physical rewiring or similar activities. In addition, it would also be advantageous to have the capability of modifying physical locations of various application devices, without requiring additional electrical wiring, substantial assembly or disassembly of component parts, or the like. Also, and of primary importance, it would be advantageous to provide a commercial interior which permits not only physical relocation or reconfiguration of functional application devices, but also permits and facilitates reconfiguring control among devices. Still further, it would be advantageous if users of a particular commercial interior could affect control relationships among devices and other utilitarian elements at the location of the commercial interior itself.
Numerous types of commercial interiors would benefit from the capability of relatively rapid reconfiguration of physical location of mechanical and electrical elements, as well as the capability of reconfiguring the “logical” relationship among controlling/controlled devices associated with the system. As one example, reference was previously made to advantages of a retail establishment reconfiguring shelving, cabinetry and other system elements, based on seasonal requirements. Further, a retail establishment may require different locations and different numbers of point-of-sale systems, based on seasons, currently existing advertised sales and other factors. Also a retail establishment may wish to physically and logically reconfigure other mechanical and electrical structure and applications, for purposes of controlling traffic flow through lighting configurations, varying acoustical parameters through sound management and undertaking similar activities. Current systems do not provide for any relatively easy “reconfiguration,” either with respect to electrical or “logical” relationships (e.g. the control of a particular bank of lights by a particular set of switches), or mechanical structure.
A significant amount of work is currently being performed in technologies associated with control of what can be characterized as “environmental” systems. The systems may be utilized in commercial and industrial buildings, residential facilities, and other environments. Control functions may vary from relatively conventional thermostat/temperature control to extremely sophisticated systems. Development is also being undertaken in the field of network technologies for controlling environmental systems. References are often currently made to “smart” buildings or rooms having automated functionality. This technology provides for networks controlling a number of separate and independent functions, including temperature, lighting and the like.
In this regard, it would be advantageous for certain functions associated with environmental control to be readily usable by the occupants, without requiring technical expertise or any substantial training. Also, as previously described, it would be advantageous for the capability of initial configuration or reconfiguration of environmental control to occur within the proximity of the controlled and controlling apparatus, rather than at a centralized or other remote location.
When developing systems for use in commercial interiors for providing electrical power and the like, other considerations are also relevant. For example, strict guidelines exist in the form of governmental and institutional regulations and standards associated with electrical power, mechanical support of overhead structures and the like. These regulations and standards come from the NEC, ANSI, UL and others. This often results in difficulty with respect to providing power and communications distribution throughout locations within a commercial interior. For example, structural elements carrying power or other electrical signals are strictly regulated as to mechanical load-bearing parameters. It may therefore be difficult to establish a “mechanically efficient” system for carrying electrical power, and yet still meet appropriate codes and regulations. Other regulations exist with respect to separation and electrical isolation of cables carrying power and other electrical signals from different sources. Regulations and standards directed to these and similar issues have made it substantially difficult to develop efficient power and communications distribution systems.
Other difficulties also exist. As a further example, if applications are to be “hung” from an overhead structure, and extend below a threshold distance above floor level, such applications must be supported in a “breakaway” structure. That is, if substantial forces are exerted on the applications, they must be capable of breaking away from the supporting structure, without causing the supporting structure to fall or otherwise be severely damaged. This is particularly important where the supporting structure is correspondingly carrying electrical power. With respect to other issues associated with providing a distributed power structure, the carrying of high voltage lines are subject to a number of relatively restrictive codes and regulations. For example, electrical codes usually include stringent requirements regarding isolation and shielding of high voltage lines.
Still further, to provide for a distributed power and communication system for reconfigurable applications, physically realizable limitations exist with respect to system size. For example, and particularly with respect to DC communication signals, limitations exist on the transmission length of such signals, regarding attenuation, S/N ratio, etc. Such limitations may correspondingly limit the physical size of the structure carrying power and communications signals.
Other difficulties may also arise with respect to overhead systems for distributing power. For example, in certain instances, it may be desirable to have the capability of lifting or lowering the height of the entirety of the overhead structure above floor level. Also, when considering an overhead structure, it is advantageous for certain elements to have the capability of extending downwardly from a building structure through the overhead supporting structure. For example, such a configuration may be required for fire sprinkling systems and the like.
Other issues and concerns must also be taken into account. For example, when considering a power distribution structure, it is particularly advantageous to provide not only for distribution of AC power, but also generation of DC power (for operating processor configurations and other components of the communications system and network, and for potentially providing DC power for various application devices interconnected to the network) and distribution of digital communications signals. However, extremely strict building codes exist with respect to any type of overhead structures carrying AC electrical power, particularly high voltage power. Further, although it would be advantageous to carry AC power, DC power and digital communication signals in relatively close proximity within an overhead structure, again building codes and electrical codes forbid many types of configurations where there is significant potential of AC power carrying elements coming into contact with components carrying DC signals, either in the form of power or communication signals. In accordance with the foregoing, it would be advantageous to provide for power distribution, and distribution of communication signals throughout a mechanical “grid.” For such a grid to be practical, it would be necessary for the mechanical grid to accommodate distribution of communication signals and power of appropriate strength (both in terms of amplitude and density) while still meeting requisite building, electrical and other governmental codes and regulations. Still further, however, although such a mechanical grid may be capable of physical realization in particular structures, the grid should advantageously be relatively light weight, inexpensive and capable of permitting reconfiguration of associated application devices. Also, it would be advantageous for such a mechanical grid to be capable of reconfiguration (in addition to reconfiguration of control/controlling relationships of application devices), without requiring assembly, disassembly or any significant modifications to the building infrastructure. Still further, it would be advantageous for such a mechanical grid, along with the power and communications distribution network, to be in the form of an “open” system, thereby permitting additional growth.
A number of systems have been developed which are directed to one or more of the aforedescribed issues. For example, Jones et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,996,458, issued Dec. 7, 1976, is primarily directed to an illuminated ceiling structure and associated components, with the components being adapted to varying requirements of structure and appearance. Jones et al. disclose the concept that the use of inverted T-bar grids for supporting pluralities of pre-formed integral panels is well known. Jones et al. further disclose the use of T-bar runners having a vertical orientation, with T-bar cross members. The cross members are supported by hangers, in a manner so as to provide an open space or plenum thereabove in which lighting fixtures may be provided. An acrylic horizontal sheet is opaque and light transmitting areas are provided within cells, adding a cube-like configuration. Edges of the acrylic sheet are carried by the horizontal portions of the T-bar runners and cross runners.
Balinski, U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,531, issued Jul. 12, 1977 is directed to a suspended ceiling system having a particular support arrangement. The support arrangement is disclosed as overcoming a deficiency in prior art systems, whereby exposure to heat causes T-runners to expand and deform, with ceiling tiles thus falling from the T-runners as a result of the deformation.
The Balinski ceiling system employs support wires attached to its supporting structure. The support wires hold inverted-T-runners, which may employ enlarged upper portions for stiffening the runners. An exposed flange provides a decorative surface underneath the T-runners. A particular flange disclosed by Balinski includes a longitudinally extending groove on the underneath portion, so as to create a shadow effect. Ceiling tiles are supported on the inverted-T-runners and may include a cut up portion, so as to enable the bottom surface to be flush with the bottom surface of the exposed flange. The inverted-T-runners are connected to one another through the use of flanges. The flanges provide for one end of one inverted-T-runner to engage a slot in a second T-runner. The inverted-T-runners are connected to the decorative flanges through the use of slots within the tops of the decorative flanges, with the slots having a generally triangular cross-section and with the inverted-T-runner having its bottom cross member comprising opposing ends formed over the exposed flange. In this manner, the inverted-T-runner engages the top of the exposed flange in a supporting configuration.
Balinski also shows the decorative exposed flange as being hollow and comprising a U-shaped member, with opposing ends bent outwardly and upwardly, and then inwardly and outwardly of the extreme end portions. In this manner, engagement is provided by the ends of the inverted-T-runner cross members. A particular feature of the Balinski; arrangement is that when the system is subjected to extreme heat, and the decorative trim drops away due to the heat, the inverted-T-configuration separates and helps to hold the ceiling tiles in place. In general, Balinski discloses inverted-T-runners supporting ceiling structures.
Balinski et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,063,391 shows the use of support runners for suspended grid systems. The support runner includes a spline member. An inverted T-runner is engaged with the spline, in a manner so that when the ceiling system is exposed to heat, the inverted T-runner continues to hold the ceiling panels even, although the spline loses structural integrity and may disengage from the trim.
Csenky, U.S. Pat. No. 4,074,092 issued Feb. 14, 1978, discloses a power track system for carrying light fixtures and a light source. The system includes a U-shaped supporting rail, with the limbs of the same being inwardly bent. An insulating lining fits into the rail, and includes at least one current conductor. A grounding member is connected to the ends of the rail limbs, and a second current conductor is mounted on an externally inaccessible portion of the lining that faces inwardly of the rail.
Botty, U.S. Pat. No. 4,533,190 issued Aug. 6, 1985, describes an electrical power track system having an elongated track with a series of longitudinal slots opening outwardly. The slots provide access to a series of offset electrical conductors or bus bars. The slots are shaped in a manner so as to prevent straight-in access to the conductors carried by the track.
Greenberg, U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,226 describes a sound and light track system, with each of the sound or light fixtures being independently mounted for movement on the track. A bus bar assembly includes audio bus bar conductors and power bus bar conductors.
There are a number of issued patents directed to various aspects of control of environmental systems. For example, Callahan, U.S. Pat. No. 6,211,627 B1 issued Apr. 3, 2001 discloses lighting systems specifically directed to entertainment and architectural applications. The Callahan lighting systems include apparatus which provide for distribution of electrical power to a series of branch circuits, with the apparatus being reconfigurable so as to place the circuits in a dimmed or “not-dimmed” state, as well as a single or multi-phase state. Callahan further discloses the concept of encoding data in a formed detectable in electrical load wiring and at the load. The data may include dimmer identification, assigned control channels, descriptive load information and remote control functionality. For certain functions, Callahan also discloses the use of a handheld decoder.
D'Aleo et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,265 issued Mar. 2, 1993 disclose a wall-mounted lighting control system. The system may include a master control module, slave modules and remote control units. The system is programmable and modular so that a number of different lighting zones may be accommodated. D'Aleo et al. also disclose system capability of communicating with a remote “power booster” for purposes of controlling heavy loads.
Dushane et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,467 B1 issued Mar. 6, 2001 disclose a wireless programmable thermostat mobile unit for controlling heating and cooling devices for separate occupation zones. Wireless transmission of program instructions is disclosed as occurring by sonic or IR communication.
Other patent references disclose various other concepts and apparatus associated with control systems in general, including use of handheld or other remote control devices. For example, Zook et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,009 issued Jul. 18, 1989 disclose the use of a portable handheld terminal having optical barcode reader apparatus utilizing binary imaging sensing and an RF transceiver. Sheffer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,019 issued Jul. 14, 1992 disclose a system for interfacing an alarm reporting device with a cellular radio transceiver. Circuitry is provided for matching the format of the radio transceiver to that of the alarm reporting unit. Dolin, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,130 B1 issued Jan. 30, 2001 disclose specific apparatus and methods for communicating information in a network system. Network variables are employed for accomplishing the communication, and allow for standardized communication of data between programmable nodes. Connections are defined between nodes for facilitating communication, and for determining addressing information to allow for addressing of messages, including updates to values of network variables. Dolin, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,353,861 B1 issued Mar. 5, 2002 disclose apparatus and methods for a programming interface providing for events scheduling, variable declarations allowing for configuration of declaration parameters and handling of I/O objects.
Although a number of the foregoing references describe complex programming and hardware structures for various types of environmental control systems, it is desirable for certain functions associated with environmental control to be readily useable by the layperson. This is particularly true in the field, where it may be desirable to readily initially configure or reconfigure relationships or “correlation” between, for example, switching devices and lighting apparatus. Also, it may be desirable for such capability of initial configuration or reconfiguration to preferably occur within the proximity of the switching and lighting apparatus, rather than at a centralized or other remote location.
However, in addition to switching and lighting apparatus, it is also of benefit to provide means of configuring and reconfiguring controlling relationships among other controlled and controlling functional accessories often found in workplaces and the like.
In accordance with the invention, a reconfigurable working environment includes a series of coupled devices, with the devices having sensors capable of detecting a change in the environment. The devices also include actuators capable of effecting a change in the environment. Means are provided for a user to physically and sequentially designate two or more of the devices. Means are also provided for implementing, in a distributed manner, a programmable control relationship between the devices in response to the designation sequence.
The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:
The principles of the invention are disclosed, by way of example, within a structural channel system 100 illustrated in
A perspective view of major components of the structural channel system 100, as installed within a building structure which may comprise a reconfigurable commercial interior, is illustrated in
As will be described in greater detail in subsequent paragraphs herein, the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention includes what may be characterized as a “grid” which essentially forms a base structure for various implementations of the structural channel system. The utilitarian elements referred to herein, for purposes of definition, are characterized as “devices.” Such devices, which may be programmed to establish control relationships (such as a series of switches and a series of light fixtures), are referenced herein as “applications.” In addition, the structural channel system 100 facilitates flexibility and reconfiguration in the location of various devices, which may be supported and mounted in a releasable and reconfigurable manner within the structural channel system 100. Still further, the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention may carry not only AC electrical power (of varying voltages), but also may carry DC power and communication signals.
In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the structural channel system 100 may include a communication structure which permits “programming” of control relationships among various commercial devices. For example, “control relationships” may be “programmed” among devices, such as switches, lights, and the like. More specifically, with the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention, reconfiguration is facilitated with respect to expense, time and functionality. Essentially, the commercial interior can be reconfigured in “real time.” In this regard, not only is it important that various functional devices can be quickly relocated from a “physical” sense, but logical relationships among the functional devices can also be altered. In part, it is the “totality” of the differing aspects of a commercial interior which are readily reconfigurable, and which provide some of the inventive concepts of the structural channel system 100.
Still further, the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention overcomes certain other issues, particularly related to governmental and institutional codes, regulations and standards associated with electrical power, mechanical support of overhead structures and the like. For example, it is advantageous to have power availability throughout a number of locations within a commercial interior. The structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention provides the advantages of an overhead structure for distributing power and communication signals. However, structural elements carrying electrical signals (either in the form of power or communications) are regulated as to mechanical load-bearing thresholds. As described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention employs suspension brackets 110 for supporting elements such as cross-channels 104 and the like throughout the overhead structure. With the use of suspension brackets 110 in accordance with the invention, the load resulting from these cross-channels 104 is directly supported through elements coupled to the building structure of the commercial interior. Accordingly, rail elements carrying power and communication signals do not support the mechanical loads resulting from use of the cross-channels 104.
As will be further described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention provides other advantages. For example, the structural channel system 100 permits carrying of relatively high voltage cables, such as 277 volt AC power cables. With the use of wireways 122 as described subsequently herein, such cabling can be appropriately isolated and shielded, and meet requisite codes and regulations.
Still further, the structural channel system 100 in accordance with certain other aspects of the invention can carry DC “network” power, along with DC communications. The DC power advantageously may be generated from building power, through AC/DC converters associated with power entry boxes. Alternatively, DC power may be generated by power supplies within connector modules throughout the network. With the DC network power essentially separate from other DC building power, overload potential is reduced.
Still other advantages exist in accordance with certain aspects of the invention, relating to the carrying of both AC and DC power. Again, governmental and institutional codes and regulations include some relatively severe restrictions on mechanical structures incorporating buses, cables or other conductive elements carrying both AC and DC power. These restrictions, for example, include regulations limiting the use of AC and DC cables on a single mechanical structure. The structural channel system 100 comprises a mechanical and electrical structure which provides for distribution of AC and DC power (in addition to distribution of communication signals through an electrical network) through corresponding cables that utilize a mechanical structure which should meet most codes and regulations.
Still further, the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention includes the concept of providing for both wireways and cableways for carrying AC and DC power cables. In the particular embodiment of the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention as described herein, the cableways (subsequently identified as cableways 120) are utilized for carrying components and signals such as low voltage DC power or other signals which do not necessarily require any substantial isolation or shielding. In contrast, the wireways (identified as wireways 122 subsequently herein) include an isolation and shielding structure which is suitable for carrying signals and power such as 277 volt AC power. Further, the structural channel system 100 includes not only the capability of providing for a single set of such cableways and wireways, but also provides for the “stacking” of the same. Still further, other governmental and intuitional codes and regulations include restrictions relating to objects which extend below a certain minimum distance above ground level, with respect to support of such objects. The structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention provides for breakaway hanger assemblies, again meeting these restrictive codes and regulations. Still further, with a distributed power system as provided by the structural channel system 100, it is necessary to transmit power between various types of structural elements, such as adjacent lengths of main channels. With the particular mechanical and electrical structure of the structural channel system 100, flexible connector assemblies (such as the flexible connector assemblies 138 subsequently described herein) can be utilized to transmit power from one main channel length to another. Additionally, the structural channel system 100 may include various lengths of main channels which are coupled to components providing building power individually for each of the main channel lengths. However, in such event, it is still necessary to electrically couple together these main channel lengths in a manner so that communications signals can readily be transmitted and received among the various lengths. Accordingly, and in accordance with the invention, the structural channel system 100 includes means for “daisy chaining” components of the system together in a manner so that the distributed network is maintained with respect to communication signals.
Still further, the structural channel system 100 can be characterized as not only a distributed power network, but also a distributed “intelligence” network. That is, when various types of application devices are connected into the network of the structural channel system 100, “smart” connectors may be utilized. It is this intelligence associated with the application devices and their connectivity to the network which permits a user to “configure” the structural channel system 100 and associated devices as desired. This is achieved without requiring physical rewiring, or any type of centralized computer or control systems.
The structural channel system 100 in accordance with another aspect of the invention may also be characterized as an “open” system. In this regard, infrastructure elements (such as main channels and the like) and application devices can be readily added onto the system 100, without any severe restrictions. Other advantageous concepts include, for example, the use of mechanical elements for supporting the structural channel system 100 from the building structure itself, so as to permit the “height” of the structural channel system 100 from the floor to be varied.
As earlier stated, it is advantageous to provide for a mechanical structure meeting governmental and institutional codes and regulations, while still providing the capability of carrying communication signals, low voltage DC power and AC power. Such a configuration employing buses is disclosed in the copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “POWER AND COMMUNICATIONS DISTRIBUTION STRUCTURE USING SPLIT BUS RAIL SYSTEM,” filed Jul. 29, 2004. The disclosure of the aforementioned patent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein. As an alternative to using a bus structure, it is advantageous to provide for a power and communications distribution structure which utilizes cables or wires in place of buses. Still further, it is advantageous to provide such power and communications distribution within a relatively simplified structural network or “grid.” In this regard, it is also advantageous if the number of different types of components utilized for both mechanical and electrical structure can be relatively small in number, while still providing for a variety of various types of applications and features. Still further, it is advantageous if the mechanical structure can be relatively lightweight. In addition, advantages exist when connections can be made between source power and a power and communications distribution network at numerous locations within the network, without being particularly limited to only a relatively few network positions for interconnections. In addition, it is advantageous if assembly, disassembly and reconfiguration of electrical and mechanical components of the power and communications distribution structure and network structure can occur without substantial difficulty.
With reference first to
The structural channel system 100 includes a number of other principal components, many of which are shown at least in partial format in
Also associated with the structural channel system 100, and comprising a principal aspect of the invention, are suspension brackets 110. One of these suspension brackets 110 is illustrated in part in
Also in accordance with the invention, the structural channel system 100 as illustrated in
One advantage associated with the structural channel system 100 (and other structural channel systems in accordance with the invention) may not be immediately apparent. As described in previous paragraphs herein, the structural channel system 100 includes the threaded support rods 114, suspension brackets 110, and cross-channels 104. As will be explained in greater detail in subsequent paragraphs herein, the cross-channels 104 are supported through the suspension brackets 110 solely by threaded support rods 114. With reference to
Turning more specifically to the details of the system 100, a main perforated structural channel rail 102 in accordance with the invention will now be described with respect to
Each of the main structural channel rails 102 is of a unitary design. Turning primarily to
Integral with the upper portion 174 and extending downwardly from opposing lateral sides thereof are a pair of side panels 180. As shown in the drawings, the side panels 180 comprise a left side panel 182 and a right side panel 184, with the left and right designations being arbitrary. As shown primarily, for example, in
Extending through each of the recessed side portions 196, and positioned at spaced apart intervals therein, are perforations in the form of side plug assembly apertures 190. As will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the side plug assembly apertures 190 will be utilized to couple together the main structural channel rails 102 with the modular plug assemblies 130. As further shown in
In addition to the foregoing elements, the main perforated structural channel rails 102 can also include covers, such as the covers 197 illustrated primarily in
One other concept should also be mentioned. Specifically, when connecting the individual sections of the covers 197 to the individual lengths of the main rails 102, the ends of the individual sections of the covers 197 may be “staggered” relative to the location of the ends of the individual lengths of the main rails 102. The staggering may assist in minimizing misalignments. In this regard, if such staggering results in sections of the main rails 102 which are partially uncovered, the covers 197 can be constructed of materials which would allow the individual sections of the covers 197 to be cut at the assembly site, so that partial cover lengths can be provided.
In brief summary, the main perforated structural channel rails 102 form primary components of the structural channel system 100. The structural channel rails 102 may be constructed and used in various lengths. For example, structural channel rails 102 may be formed in lengths of 60 inches or 120 inches. For purposes of providing appropriate support, suspension brackets 110 should be utilized to support the main structural channel rails 102 at designated intervals. The smaller the supporting intervals, the greater will be the load rating for the structural channel rails 102. For example, a specific load rating may be obtained with the main structural channel rails 102 supported by suspension brackets 110 at 60-inch intervals. Further, the main structural channel rails 102 may be constructed of various types of materials. For example, rails 102 may be formed as steel with a thickness of 0.105 inches, and may have a galvanized finish.
As earlier described, the structural channel system 100 also includes a series of suspension brackets 110. The suspension brackets 110 are a primary and important aspect of concepts associated with the invention. Specifically, each of the suspension brackets 110 is adapted to perform two functions. First, the suspension bracket 110 comprises means for providing mechanical support for the main perforated structural channel rails 102, through the threaded support rods 114. Also, each suspension bracket 110 is adapted to interconnect to one or a pair of cross-channels 104. The cross-channels 104 are relatively well known construction elements, commercially available in the industry. Of primary importance, however, is the means for supporting the cross-channels 104 through the suspension brackets 110. More specifically, the suspension brackets 110 comprise means for coupling the cross-channels 104 and supporting the same in a manner such that the weight of the coupled cross-channels 104 is carried only by the associated threaded support rod 114 and not by the main structural channel rail 102. This aspect of the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention is of importance with respect to governmental and institutional regulations regarding load-bearing structures carrying electrical and communications signals and equipment. As will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the main structural channel rails 102 carry modular plug assemblies 130 which, in turn, carry AC power, low voltage DC power (possibly) and communication signals. Because of the power carried by the main structural channel rails 102 through the modular plug assemblies 130, regulatory limitations exist with respect to mechanical loads supported by the main structural channel rails 102. With the configuration of each suspension bracket 110 as described in subsequent paragraphs herein, and although the cross-channels 104 act as crossing rails for the entirety of the structural channel system 100, and are “coupled” to the main structural channel rails 102, the weight of the cross-channels 104 (and any application devices supported therefrom) is carried solely by the threaded support rods 114 through the suspension brackets 110, rather than by the main structural channel rails 102 themselves.
A suspension bracket 110 will now be described with respect to
Integral with each upper flange 204 is a central portion 214. On one side of each central portion 214, and preferably integrally formed therewith, is a U-shaped leg 206. The leg 206 has a configuration as primarily shown in
The suspension bracket 110 further includes a universal suspension plate assembly 116, as primarily illustrated in
The assembly of the suspension bracket 110 will now be described, both with respect to the assembly of its individual components and with respect to assembly to a main structural channel rail 102. The first suspension bracket section half 200 and the second suspension bracket section half 202 of the suspension bracket section halves 112 can first be brought together in a manner as shown in
For purposes of fully assembling the suspension bracket 110 to a main structural channel rail 102, and with reference to
As described in foregoing paragraphs, the suspension bracket 110 in accordance with the invention utilizes a universal suspension plate assembly 116. As also previously described herein, the universal suspension plate assembly 116 includes a suspension plate 230, threaded holes 232 and threaded tube 234. The threaded tube 234 includes a threaded upper end 236 and a lower end 238, with the lower end 238 being welded or otherwise secured to a surface of the suspension plate 230. In accordance with the invention, the universal suspension plate assembly 116 is adapted not only to be utilized with the suspension bracket section halves 200, 202, but also in other configurations for supporting the main structural channel rail 102 and for supporting various other components of the structural channel system 100 and application devices which may be interconnected thereto.
Certain of the various connection configurations between the universal suspension plate assembly 116 and a length of the main structural channel rail 102 are illustrated in
In a third configuration 306, the suspension plate 230 is again positioned within the upper grid 187, but at the end of a length of structural channel rail 102. Two of the threaded holes 232 and the suspension plate 230 are aligned with the two predrilled mounting holes 178 at the end of the rail 102. Although not expressly shown in
As earlier described herein, the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention includes a series of cross-channels 104, which form in part the structural network grid 172. The cross-channels 104, including their interconnection to the commercial interior and building structure through the suspension brackets 110, will now be described with respect to
One concept which is patentably important in the aforedescribed connections of the cross-channels 104 to the suspension bracket 110 should again be noted. Specifically, with the cross-channels 104 secured to the horizontally disposed feet 226, the entirety of the mechanical load of the cross-channels 104 is carried by the associated threaded support rod 114 through the suspension bracket 110. Accordingly, the support of the cross-channels 104 as shown in
Another primary aspect of the structural interconnections among the main structural channel rails 102, cross-channels 104 and suspension brackets 110 should also be emphasized. As previously described herein, and as particularly illustrated in
The cross-channels 104 can take the form of any of a number of well known and commercially available structural building and framing components. For example, one product which may be utilized for the cross-channels 104 is marketed under the trademark UNISTRUT®, and is manufactured by Unistrut Corporation of Wayne, Mich. Whatever components are utilized for the cross-channels 104, they must meet certain governmental and institutional regulations regarding structural bracing parameters.
In addition to the main structural channel rails 102 and the cross-channels 104, the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention includes other structural members, for facilitating interconnection of devices or other types of “applications” to the structural channel system 100. These devices and applications include lights, projection screens, cameras, acoustical speakers and the like. These additional structural members include components which are referred to herein as cross-rails 106. A cross rail 106 is depicted in
In the particular embodiment of a cross rail 106 in accordance with the invention as illustrated herein, the cross rail 106 includes an upper or top half 332. This upper or top half 332 includes a center ledge 334 extending longitudinally along the length of the top half 332. Apertures 336 are formed at spaced apart intervals along the length of the center ledge 334, and have a substantially a rectangular configuration as illustrated in
The cross-rails 106 can be interconnected and supported by other elements of the structural channel system 100, and by various means. The particular means which a user may choose for supporting the cross rail 106 may depend upon governmental and institutional regulations affecting that particular installation of the structural channel system 100, or otherwise a particular structural design desired by the user, or still further based on the weight and configuration of device or application loads to be attached to the cross-rails 106. In
Turning primarily to
At the top, central portion of the upwardly extending side portion 356 is an upper curled section 366. The curled section 366 extends upwardly and then curls back on itself, as primarily shown in
As shown in both
Turning to the right side bracket 354, a number of the elements of the right side bracket 354 correspond in structure, function and configuration to elements of the left side bracket 352. Accordingly, such elements are like numbered. More specifically, the right side bracket 354, as with the left side bracket 352, includes an upwardly extending side portion 356. A cutout portion 358 is located in the central area of the upwardly extending side portion 356. An outwardly extending lip 360 extends outwardly from the lower edge of the cutout portion 358. A horizontal area of the outwardly extending lip 360 includes a threaded hole 362. A screw 364 is adapted to be received within the hole 262. Still further, and as with the left side bracket 352, the right side bracket 354 includes an upper curled section 366, which curls outwardly relative to the side portion 356. A pair of outer arcuate fingers 368 extend outwardly from the upper area of the upwardly extending side portion 356. However, unlike the left side bracket 352, the right side bracket 354 does not include any curved lower edge at the lower portion of the upwardly extending side portion 356. Instead, an integrally formed horizontal bracket 378 extends directly horizontally from the upwardly extending side portion 356 of the right side bracket 354. A through hole 380 extends through the horizontal bracket 378. For purposes of assembly, the left side bracket 352 is positioned relative to the right side bracket 354, so that the horizontal bracket 372 of the left side bracket 352 is directly above the horizontal bracket 378 of the right side bracket 354. The brackets 352, 354 are further aligned so that the through hole 380 is in a coaxial configuration relative to the threaded aperture 376 extending through the horizontal bracket 372 and lug 374.
For purposes of interconnection of the universal structural channel attachment assembly 350 to other components of the structural channel system 100, the attachment assembly 350 further includes a suspension rod 382 as illustrated in
The interconnection of the universal structural channel attachment assembly 350 to a length of the main structural channel rail 102 is illustrated in
For purposes of connecting the universal structural channel attachment assembly 350 to the cross rail 106, a further element, identified as a cross rail tray 373, is utilized. Perspective and end views of a cross rail tray 373 are illustrated in
As illustrated in
The hanger assemblies previously described herein can be characterized primarily as “non-breakaway” hanger assemblies. That is, if any substantial weight is applied to a connected cross rail 106 (such as by a person at ground level attempting to “hang” from a cross rail 106), the hanger assemblies are configured so as to vigorously resist the cross rail 106 from breaking away from the connection to the main rail 102. In certain instances, however, it is preferable for elements hung from the structural channel system 100 to be supported in a manner so as to readily “break away” from their supporting structures, when forces at or above a designated minimum threshold are exerted on the supported elements. This may be required under certain governmental and institutional electrical and mechanical codes and regulations. Accordingly, the structural channel system may include supporting elements having a “breakaway” feature.
Such a breakaway feature and breakaway hanger assembly which may be utilized with a structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention is disclosed in the United States Provisional Patent Application entitled “POWER AND COMMUNICATIONS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM USING SPLIT BUS RAIL STRUCTURE” filed Jul. 30, 2004, and incorporated by reference herein. Such a breakaway hanger assembly can be utilized to support relatively light weight elements, such as banners, signs or the like. The concept of utilizing a breakaway hanger assembly is to ensure that if substantial forces are exerted on the hanging sign or banner, for example, the breakaway feature of the hanger assembly will ensure that the main structural channel rails 102 to which the hanger assembly may be coupled will not be subjected to any substantial damage, or otherwise cause any substantial danger, given that the main rails 102 carry electrical power.
Although not shown in the drawings, such a breakaway hanger assembly could include a lower support rod adapted to interconnect (through brackets or otherwise) to elements to be supported by the hanger assembly, such as signs, banners or the like. At the upper end, the support rod could be secured at its upper end to a breakaway bracket which couples to the main structural channel rail 102 between the side panels 180. The bracket and bracket size could be sized and configured so that when they were inserted into the center portion of a length of a main structural channel rail 102 from the bottom thereof, the breakaway bracket sides could be adjacent vertically disposed walls of the main rail 102, such as the side panels 180. Brackets could be positioned so as to rest within grooves or slots formed within the interior of the lengths of the main structural channel rail 102. The breakaway bracket sides could have flexibility and resiliency, so that when the bracket is inserted into the main rail 102 from the bottom portion thereof, the bracket sides are “squeezed” inwardly as the sides move upwardly within the main rail 102. This inward flexion could continue to occur until bosses on the bracket sides are within the upper groove 187 formed within the structural channel rail 102. At that point, the sides of the bracket would flex outwardly so that the bosses are received within the groove 187. With this configuration, the hanger assembly could readily support relatively light weight elements connected to a support rod, absent the application of any substantial forces on the supported elements. However, with the configuration of the breakaway bracket, and the flexion capability of the breakaway bracket sides, external forces of a sufficient quantity exerted in a downward direction on supported elements will overcome the flexion forces of the breakaway bracket, which cause the bracket to remain positioned within the groove 187. The sides of the bracket would therefore flex inwardly, in response to the forces which would correspondingly be exerted on the bracket. The bracket would then be caused to fall from the main rail 102. Although the foregoing describes one embodiment of a breakaway hanger assembly, it is apparent that other configurations could be utilized for providing breakaway features in the event of forces exerted on supported elements.
The foregoing description of various elements of the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention have included a number of supporting elements. Among these elements have been the main structural channel rails 102, cross-channels 104, cross-channels 106 and suspension brackets 110. However, in certain instances, it may be desirable to provide support of various devices and applications above a general ceiling or horizontal plane of the main structural channel rails 102 forming the structural channel system 100. For example, various types of HVAC equipment may be preferably located above the general plane of the structural channel system 100. For this reason, the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention may include other types of supporting elements which interface with the basic components of the channel system 100.
An example of the foregoing is illustrated in
With reference again to
Again referring to
Again referring to
For purposes of support, the heating duct 388 can be made to rest on one of the cross-channels 104, as shown in
The foregoing has described one type of bracket assembly 108 which may be utilized to support equipment (such as a heating duct 388) generally above a horizontal plane formed by the main structural channel rails 102 of the structural channel system 100. It is apparent that other types of bracket and hanger structures could be utilized with the main structural channel rails 102 and cross-channels 104, without departing from the principal novel concepts of the invention.
As earlier described, other infrastructure components may be employed with the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention. As an example, and with reference primarily to
Still with reference to
One advantage of the cableways 120 in accordance with the invention relates to their positioning within the structural channel system 100. The cableways 120 are appropriately sized and shaped so as to conveniently rest on the suspension brackets 100, as primarily illustrated in
In addition to the structural channel system 100 having the capability of employing cableways 120, the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention may also employ other structures having similar functions, but where metallic enclosure or isolation of conductive cables or wires may be required. For this function, the structural channel system 100 can include one or more wireways 122, one of which is illustrated in
Turning to the specific configuration of the wireway 122 illustrated in
Still with reference to
More specifically, the wireway 122 includes a wireway cover 470, as illustrated in
To appropriately secure the wireway cover 470 to the wireway 122, a hinge rod 480 is received within an elongated aperture formed by the hinge bails 468 and the interspaced hinge sleeves 478. With the hinge rod 480 appropriately coupled and received within the hinge bails 468 and hinge sleeves 478, the wireway cover 470 is pivotal relative to the wireway 122. In
As with the cableways 120, one advantage of the wireways 122 in accordance with the invention relates to their positioning within the structural channel system 100. The wireways 122 are appropriately sized and shaped so as to conveniently rest on the suspension brackets 110, as primarily shown in
The wireways 122 can be constructed of various materials, such as galvanized steel or similar metallic elements and compounds. Further, the wireways 122 can be constructed of longitudinal and identical sections adapted to be interconnected end-to-end. The individual sections of the wireways 122 can be of any desired length. However, governmental and institutional regulations may limit the particular length of the wireways 122 which may be utilized in a physically realizable and “legal” environment. Further, in addition to the previously described advantages of the wireways 122 in accordance with the invention, other advantages exist. For example, it is possible to “stack” the suspension brackets 110 on the associated threaded support rods 114. With this stackable capability it is therefore also possible, as with the cableways 120, to stack the wireways 122 in a vertically disposed manner. An illustration of a series of suspension brackets 110 positioned in a stacked relationship, with corresponding cableways 120 and wireways 122, is shown in
In addition to the previously described components associated with the wireways 122, other structures could also be utilized with the wireways 122. For example, end caps (not shown) can be used at terminating ends of lengths of the wireways 122. Also, if it is desired to allow passage of cables 164 through the ends of different sections of the wireways 122, components which may be utilized as wireway “end feeds” (not shown) may be utilized, whereby the end feeds essentially cover the ends of the wireways 122, but include cutouts or the like which allow for passage for the cables 164.
The foregoing has been a description of the configuration of the wireways 122. It will be appreciated that the length of any individual wireway 122 will be finite. Accordingly, for purpose of providing a desired and substantially “closed” wireway system, a series of individual lengths of wireways 122 may be required. In such event, it is preferable for adjacent ones of the wireways 122 to be mechanically coupled to each other, and to be coupled at their ends to one of the suspension brackets 110. This mechanical coupling provides shielding of the AC power cables 164 at the ends of the individual lengths of the wireways 122, and also may be required in accordance with governmental or other institutional standards.
For purposes of providing this mechanical coupling, joiners may be utilized. An exemplary embodiment of a joiner which may be utilized in accordance with the invention is illustrated as joiner 492, primarily shown in
The joiner 492 also includes a joiner cover 508, as shown separated from the joiner inset 494 in perspective view in
The joiner cover 508 may be assembled with the inset 494 so as to form the entirety of the joiner 492 as illustrated in
For purposes of coupling the joiner 492 to adjacent lengths of the wireway 122, the joiner 492 will be coupled in a “straddle” configuration between the adjacent wireways 122, as primarily shown in
Another aspect of the structural channel system 100 should be described. With the structure of the main structural channel rails 102 and other components described herein, space is provided for structural and electrical components to be extended from above the main rails 102 through the center portions thereof. As an example, if desired, rods supporting fire sprinklers could be extended through the main rails 102. Also, the threaded support rods 114 could be extended, so as to support other elements, since such support does not put any load on the main rails 102.
The foregoing describes a substantial number of the primarily mechanical components associated with the structural channel system 100. In accordance with the invention, the structural channel system 100 includes means for distributing power (both AC and DC) and communication signals throughout a network which is enmeshed with the mechanical components, or structural grid 172, of the structural channel system 100. For purposes of describing the embodiment herein comprising a structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention, another term will be utilized. Specifically, reference will be made to the “electrical network 530” or “network 530.” The network 530 can be characterized as all of the electrical components of the structural channel system 100 as described in subsequent paragraphs herein. As will be apparent from subsequent description herein, the electrical network 530, like the structural grid 172, can be characterized as an “open” network, in that additional components (including modular plug assemblies, power entry boxes, connector modules, application devices, and other components as subsequently described herein) can be added to the entirety of the electrical network 530.
To provide the electrical network 530 in accordance with the invention, the structure channel system 100 includes means for receiving incoming building power and distributing the power across the structural grid 172. Also, so as to provide for programmability and reconfiguration of control/controlling relationships among application devices, the structural channel system 100 also includes means for generating and receiving communication signals throughout the grid 172. To provide these features, the structural channel system 100, as will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein, comprises power entry boxes 134, power feed connectors 136, modular plug assemblies 130 having modular plugs 576, receptacle connector modules 144, dimmer connector modules 142, power drop connector modules 140, flexible connector assemblies 138 and various patch cords and other cabling. In addition, the components also include, for example, a number of different types of switches. These include, but are not limited to, dimmer switch 839, pull chain switch 917, motion sensing switch 921 and several other types of switches. Still further, components associated with the structural channel system 100 can include junction boxes 855. These components are in addition to the cableways 120 and wireways 122, previously described herein, which carry power cables 166 and 164, respectively. In addition to the foregoing, a somewhat preferred embodiment of a power entry box and power box connector will also be subsequently described herein, and identified as power entry box 134A and power box connector 136A, as illustrated in
Turning more specifically to the components of the electrical network 530, these components include one or more modular plug assemblies 130, a length of which is illustrated and described herein with respect to
The sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130 also include what are characterized as principal electrical dividers 554.
In addition to the foregoing components of the principal electrical dividers 554, the dividers 554 also include a series of spaced apart ferrules 570. The ferrules 570 are best viewed in
The electrical dividers 554 have been referred to herein as the “principal” electrical dividers. The reason for this designation is that electrical dividers having a substantially similar configuration as the electrical dividers 554, but differing in length, are utilized at opposing ends of the modular plug assembly sections 540. As illustrated in
As earlier stated, the modular plug assembly sections 540 will carry a set of communications cables 572, and a set of AC power cables 574, as shown in cross section in
Also, in a somewhat modified embodiment of the structural channel system 100, the communication cables 572 can be utilized to carry not only communication signals, but also low voltage DC power. This concept of utilizing the communication cables 572 for DC power as well as communication signals, will be described subsequently herein. It may be mentioned at this time that the signals carried on the communication cables 572 will operate so as to provide for a distributed, programmable network, where modifications to the control relationships among various application devices can be reconfigured and reprogrammed at the physical locations of the application devices themselves, as attached to the network 530. In this regard, and as also subsequently described herein, the network 530 includes not only the communication cables 572, but also connector module means having processor circuitry responsive to the communication signals, so as to control application devices coupled to the connector module means. Also, means will be described herein with respect to connecting communication cables 572 associated with one section 540 of the modular plug assembly 130, to an adjoining or otherwise adjacent section 540 of the plug assembly 130.
At this point in the description, it is worthwhile to more specifically describe one configuration which may be utilized with the communication cables 572, along with nomenclature for the same. It should be emphasized that this particular cable configuration and nomenclature is only one embodiment which may be utilized with the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention. Other communications cable configurations may be utilized. Also, described subsequently herein, the communications cables 572 and network 530 may be modified so as to carry not only communication signals, but also DC power.
Specifically, reference is made to
It should be stated that if a configuration is utilized which employed the communication cables 572 not only to carry communication signals, but also to carry DC power, one of the three communication cables 572 would be made to carry the communication signals for the network 530. Correspondingly, another one of the cables 572 would be made to carry DC power for various network components associated with the distributed network 103. Such DC power transmitted along one of the communication cables could be used, for example, to power microprocessor elements and the like within various connector modules as described subsequently herein. Further, even if DC power is carried by the communication cables 572, one of the communication cables 572 would still preferably be utilized as a “return” cable. This cable would be utilized to provide a return line not only for the communication signals associated with the network 530, but also for the DC power carried along the communication cables 572.
As will be made apparent herein, the communication cables CC1 and CC2 are of primary importance with respect to the distributed network 530. The communication cables CC1 and CC2 will carry data, protocol information and communication signals (collectively referred to herein as “communications signals”) throughout the network 530 of the structural channel system 100, including transmission to and from connector modules. For example, and as described subsequently herein, the communication cables CC1 and CC2 may carry data or other information signals to electronic components within a connector module, so as to control the application within the connector module of AC power to an electrical receptacle. Again, it should be noted that signals on communication cables CC1 and CC2 may be in the form of data, protocol, control or other types of digital signals.
In addition to the communication cables 572, the sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130 carry the AC power cables 574 within the lower AC power channel 558 of each section 540 of the plug assembly 130. For purposes of description, it is worthwhile to more specifically describe one configuration which may be utilized for the AC power cables 574, along with nomenclature for the same. It should be emphasized that this particular AC power cable configuration and nomenclature is only one embodiment which may be utilized with the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention. Other AC cable configurations may be utilized. More specifically, reference is made to
In addition to the foregoing elements, the modular plug assembly 130 includes a series of modular plugs 576 coupled to each plug assembly section 540 and spaced apart on the same side of each section 540 as the side of the electrical dividers 554. The modular plugs 576 are actually spaced intermediate adjacent lengths of the electrical dividers 554. The modular plugs 576 function so as to electrically interconnect the communication cables 572 to connector modules (to be described herein). In this manner, communication signals can be transmitted and received between the connector modules and the communication cables 572. In addition, the modular plugs 576 also function to couple AC power from the AC power cables 574 to those connector modules which have the capability of applying power to various application devices.
One embodiment of a modular plug 576 in accordance with the invention is primarily illustrated in
Extending laterally outward from opposing sides of the side panel 610 are a pair of recessed panels, identified as right hand recessed panel 612 and left hand recessed panel 614. The references to “right hand” and “left hand” are arbitrary. Extending through both the right hand recessed panel 612 and left hand recessed panel 614 are a pair of rivet holes 616. Extending outwardly from the left hand recessed panel 614 is a screw bail 618.
Referring now to the plug connector 586, and again primarily with reference to
In addition to the lid 582, inner panel 584 and plug connector 586, the modular plug 576 further includes a series of three male communication blade terminals, identified as blade terminals 626, 628 and 630. Attached to each of the three blade terminals 626, 628 and 630 is a crimp connector 632. Each crimp connector 632 is coupled to a different one of the communications cables 572 (not shown in
In addition to the communications cable male blade set 588, the modular plug 576 also includes the AC power male blade set 590. As shown primarily in
For assembly of the modular plug 576, the communications male blade set 588 can be inserted and secured by any suitable means to the inner panel 584. This assembly occurs so that the individual blades 626, 628 and 630 of the communication male blade set 588 extend into the right-angled section 622 of the plug connector 586. These blades extend into the upper three terminal openings of the plug connector 586, identified in
As illustrated primarily in
In addition to the modular plugs 576 which are spaced apart and used along the sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130, a somewhat modified plug is utilized at one end of each elongated modular plug assembly section 540. This plug is identified as a distribution plug 650, and is illustrated in an exploded view in
The distribution plug 650 includes a lid 652 (substantially corresponding to the lid 582 of the plug 576). For purposes of interconnection of terminal components to communications cables 572 and AC power cables 574, the distribution plug 650 also includes a communications male blade set 658, and an AC power male blade set 660. Connected to or otherwise integral with the inner panel 654 is a plug connector 656, substantially corresponding to the plug connector 586 of the modular plug 576. An angled section 662 extends in a substantially parallel alignment with the inner panel 654. Correspondingly, extending outwardly from a terminating end of the angled section 662 is a distribution plug male terminal set housing 664.
For assembly of the distribution plug 650, the communications male blade set 658 can be inserted and secured by any suitable means to an inner panel 654 (corresponding to the inner panel 584 of modular plug 576). This assembly occurs so that the individual blades of the communication male blade set 658 extend into the angled section 662 of the plug connector 656. These blades extend into the upper three terminal openings of the plug connector 656, identified in
As described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the distribution plug 650 will be utilized to secure the corresponding section 540 of the modular plug assembly 130 to one end of a flexible connector assembly 138. For this purpose, the distribution plug male terminal housing 664 has the configuration shown primarily in
In accordance with the invention, the modular plug assembly 130, comprising the individual sections 540, is secured to the main perforated structural channel rails 102, as primarily illustrated in
With the foregoing configuration, the modular plugs 586 are positioned so that the plug connectors 586 of the modular plugs 576 are positioned within the inner spatial area of the structural channel rail 102. Also, it is apparent that sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130 can be positioned with in the inner spatial area of the structural channel rail 102 through both side panels 180 of the structural channel rail 102. In this manner, a pair of sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130 can be within the spatial interior of the structural channel rail 102. Also, although not shown in
To this point in the description, various mechanical and electrical aspects of the structural channel system 100 have been described, including the modular plug assembly 130, carrying communication cables 572 and AC power cables 574. References were previously made to the AC power cables 574 and having the capability of carrying three separate AC circuits. References have also been made to components such as wireways 122, through which other AC power cables (such as 277 volt AC cables) may be carried. Cableways 120 have also been described, with the capability of carrying other types of electrical cables, such as low voltage DC power cables. In addition, reference has been made to the concept that the communications cables 572 may also have the capability of carrying low voltage DC power. Although the previously described components of the structural channel system 100 function to carry and transfer AC and DC power, and communications, throughout the entirety of the channel system 100, means have not yet been described as to how power is initially applied to the AC power cables 574, and may be applied to the communications cables 572. For this purpose, the components of the structural channel system 100 include means for receiving building electrical power from the building structure and, potentially, generating DC power from building power. This means for receiving, generating and distributing power may include a power entry box, such as the power entry box 134 primarily illustrated in
Prior to describing the power entry box 134, it should be noted that the inventors have determined that a potentially preferable structure of a power entry box may be utilized in accordance with the invention. For this reason, a second power entry box 134A (and associated power box connector 136A) is described in subsequent paragraphs herein with respect to
More specifically, the power entry box 134 shown in
Referring back to
For purposes of maintaining such shielding adjacent the power entry box 134, the power entry box 134 can include a pair of interconnected wireway segments 694. The wireway segments 694 can be formed with the same peripheral or cross sectional configuration as the wireways 122 previously described herein. In fact, each of the wireway segments 694 can be characterized as an extremely short length of a wireway 122. Accordingly, the individual parts of the wireway segments 694 will not be described herein, since they substantially conform to individual parts of wireways 122 previously described herein. However, for purposes of connecting the wireway segments 694 to the front portion of the power entry box 134, brackets 696 (partially shown in
In addition to the foregoing, the power entry box 134 may also include a network circuit 700, situated between the 120 volt AC power side block 582 and the 277 volt AC power side block 688. The network circuit 700 may be utilized to provide various functions associated with operation of the communications portion of the electrical network 530. The network circuit 700 may include a number of components associated with the electrical network 530 and features associated with generation and transmission of communication signals. For example, each network circuit 700 may include transformer components, for purposes of utilizing AC power to generate relatively low voltage DC power. Also, the network circuit 700 can include repeater components for purposes of performing signal enhancement and other related functions. Corresponding transformer and repeater functions will be describe din greater detail herein, with respect to the board assemblies 826 associated with the connector modules 140, 142 and 144. Extending out of the housing which encloses the network circuit 700 is a pair of connector ports 909. The connector ports 909 may be in the form of conventional RJ11 ports. As will be explained subsequently herein with respect to the alternative power entry box 134A (and FIG. 85), the connector ports 909, in combination with patch cords (not shown), may be utilized to provide for daisy chaining of the electrical communications network 530 through the power entry boxes. Also, and again as subsequently described herein with respect to the alternative power entry box 134A, patch cords in the form of “bus end” patch cords may be used with the connector ports 909 of first and last power entry boxes within a chain.
As earlier mentioned, the communications portion of the network 530 utilizes communication signals on cables CC1, CC2 and CCR. Further, in one embodiment, the communication signals can be carried on cables CC1 and CC2 in a “differential” configuration, while cable CCR carries a return signal. With the use of differential signal configurations, and as subsequently described herein, individual low voltage DC power supplies or transformers will be associated with connector modules and other elements associated with the network 530, where DC power is required.
However, as an alternative to having these individual DC power supplies associated with the connector modules, the network circuit 700 could include conventional AC/DC converter circuitry. Such converter circuitry could be adapted to receive AC power tapped off the 120 volt AC cables 678. The AC power could then be converted to low voltage DC power and applied as an output of the converter to a conventional DC cable 702. The DC cable 702 could be conventionally designed and terminate in a conventional DC connector 704. Such an alternative is still within the principal concepts of the invention as embodied within the structural channel system 100. A configuration utilizing AC/DC converters within power entry boxes is disclosed in United States Provisional Patent Application entitled “POWER AND COMMUNICATIONS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM USING SPLIT BUS RAIL STRUCTURE” filed Jul. 30, 2004, and incorporated by reference herein.
In the configuration of the power entry box 134 illustrated in
The conventional connector 704 is directly connected to a connector 776 and connector cable 772 associated with the power box connector 136. These components will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein. As earlier described, the power entry box 134 is adapted to be positioned above a length of the main structural channel rail 102, as primarily illustrated in
Returning to the central portion 718, a series of four threaded holes 722 extend therethrough in a spaced apart relationship. The central portion 718 also includes a vertically disposed groove 724 extending down the center of the central portion 718. The connector 706 also includes a bracket 726, primarily shown in
To couple the power entry box 134 to the structural grid 172, the power entry box 134 can be positioned above a corresponding main structural channel rail 102 as primarily shown in
With respect to interconnections of other elements of the power entry box 134, attention is directed to
In accordance with the foregoing, a component of the structural channel system 100 has been described which serves to receive power from sources external to the structural channel system 100, and apply AC power to the AC power cables 574. Correspondingly, the power entry box 134 can include circuitry for communication signals applied through the electrical network 530 on communication cables CC1, CC2 and CCR. Also, as described subsequently herein with respect to an alternative embodiment of a power entry box 134A, the power entry boxes can be utilized for purposes of “daisy chaining” so as to provide for interconnection of communication signal paths throughout the network 530. In the particular embodiment of the structural channel system 100 described herein, the AC power and communication signals from the power entry box 134 are applied to the appropriate cabling through a power box connector 136, as subsequently described herein.
More specifically, the power entry box 134 is electrically coupled to the power box connector 136. The power box connector 136 provides a means for receiving AC power from the building through the power entry box 134, and applying the AC power to an elongated plug assembly section 540 of the modular power assembly 130. The power box connector 136 also provides means for connecting the network circuit 700 from the power entry box 134 to the communication cables CC1, CC2 and CCR associated with an elongated plug assembly section 540 of the modular power assembly 130. Although the power box connector 136 represents one embodiment of a means for providing the foregoing functions, it will be apparent that other types of power box connectors may be utilized, without departing from the principal novel concepts of the invention. In fact, an alternative and somewhat preferred embodiment of a power box connector which may be utilized in accordance with the invention is subsequently described herein and illustrated as power box connector 134A in
Turning primarily to
With respect to AC power, the AC power female terminal set 762 will, when the power box connector 136 is coupled to a modular plug 576, provide for electrical connection from the power box connector 136 to the individual AC power cables AC1, AC2, AC3, and ACG. This AC power female terminal set 762 is connected, within the interior of the base housing 750, to electrical wires or cables extending out of the base housing 750 through the AC power entry conduit 686. The AC power entry conduit 686 is coupled to the base housing 750 through the aperture 766. As shown in
With respect to connection to a specific end of a section of the main structural channel rail 102 where the power entry box 134 will be connected to the modular plug assembly 130 through the power box connector 136, the interconnections should be such that the power box connector 136 is inserted upwardly from the bottom of a section of the structural channel rail 102 at the end where the elongated side-end apertures 192 exist within the side panels 180 of the rail 102 (see
The foregoing has explained functions and components associated with the structural channel system 100 which provide for transmitting building power to AC power cables 574 associated with the modular plug assemblies 130, and for providing means to couple communications signals through power entry boxes 134, power box connectors 136, modular plugs 576 and communication cables 572. Still further, as an alternative, the foregoing components could utilize an AC/DC converter with the power entry box 134, for purposes of applying DC power through certain of the communication cables 572.
In accordance with the foregoing, the components described herein function so as to provide power and communication signals to and through one section 540 of the modular plug assembly 130. In addition, through the use of daisy chaining of the power entry boxes (which will be described in further detail herein with respect to power entry boxes 134A), communication signals can be transmitted from one section 540 of the modular plug assembly 130 to another section 540. Further, however, and in accordance with the invention, the structural channel system 100 includes means for electrically coupling AC power cables 574 from one section 540 to a relatively adjacent section 540 of the modular plug assembly 130. Still further, this means for electrically coupling of the AC power cables 574 also includes means for electrically coupling the communication cables 572 of adjacent sections 540. For this purpose, the structural channel system in accordance with the invention includes flexible connector assemblies 138, one of which is illustrated in
One end of the AC power flexible conduit 790 and one end of the communications flexible conduit 792 are connected to what is characterized as a right-hand jumper housing 794 of the flexible connector assembly 138. References herein to right hand and left hand are arbitrary. The right hand jumper housing 794 includes a right hand jumper offset 796, having the offset construction as illustrated primarily in
As further shown in
On the opposing end of the flexible connector 138, the AC power flexible conduit 790 and communications flexible conduit 792 are secured to a left hand jumper housing 812. As further shown in
Although not specifically shown in the drawings, cables or wires are attached to the female terminals 810 associated with each terminal housing 804 (by any suitable means), and extended through the AC power flexible power conduit 790 and communications flexible conduit 792. Three of these wires or cables are connected to the communications female terminal sets 806, and extend through the communications flexible conduit 792. These cables or wires will be utilized to couple together the communications cables CC1, CC2 and CCR associated with adjacent sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130. Correspondingly, a set of five wires or cables are extended through the AC power flexible conduit 790 and conductively interconnected to the female terminals 810 associated with each terminal housing 804 which form the AC power female terminal sets 808. These wires or cables and the AC power female terminal sets 808 are utilized to couple together the AC cables AC1, AC2, AC3, ACN, and ACG associated with adjoining sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130.
More specifically, the female terminals 810 of one of the terminal housings 804 will be electrically coupled to the male blade sets 658, 660 associated with a distribution plug 650 (see
As earlier referenced, one particular advantage of the flexible connector assembly 138 in accordance with the invention comprises its capability of being “plugged into” adjoining sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130 only in one direction. With this feature, the flexible conduit assembly 138 is referred to herein as being “unidirectional.” This unidirectional property is a significant safety feature. More specifically, and as earlier referenced, each of the terminal housings 804 of the flexible connector assembly includes a first side wall 780 and a second side wall 782. These sidewalls correspond in size and configuration to the first and second side walls 625, 627 of the modular plugs 576 and first and second side walls 667, 669 of the distribution plug 650. As also earlier referenced, the positioning of one of the terminal housings 804 in the flexible connector assembly 138 corresponds to a two-dimensional, 180° rotation in a horizontal plane of the other terminal housing 804 of the assembly 138. Accordingly, as shown in
In assembling the flexible connector assembly 138 to the two sections 540 shown in
Correspondingly, the terminal housing 804B is adapted to mate with a distribution plug 650, identified specifically as distribution plug 650A in
One other concept associated with the flexible connector assembly 138 should be mentioned.
In accordance with the foregoing, the flexible connector assembly 138 provide a means for essentially electrically coupling together sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130. Power from the building therefore does not have to be directly applied through a power entry box 134 for each section 540 of the modular plug assembly 130. It will be apparent, however, that the number of sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130 which may be coupled together through the use of the flexible connector assemblies 138 may be limited in a physically realizable implementation, by electrical load and “density” requirements, and code restrictions.
In accordance with all of the foregoing, the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention may be employed to provide high voltage electrical power (or other power voltages) through AC power cables 164 extending through sections of the wireways 122. Correspondingly, DC or other low voltage power may be provided throughout the network grid 172 through cables 166 extending through the cableways 120. Power from the cables 164 or cables 166 can be “tapped off” anywhere along the grid 172 as desired, for purposes of energizing various types of application devices. Still further, and also in accordance with the invention, the structural channel system 100 includes components such as the power entry boxes 134, power box connectors 136, modular plug assembly 130 and flexible connector assemblies 138 for purposes of distributing both AC power (with multi-circuit capability) and communication signals throughout the grid 172 and electrical network 530. Also, if desired, the communication cables 572 can be utilized for purposes of distributing low voltage DC power throughout the electrical network 530, as well as communication signals.
With the components of the electrical network 530 as previously described herein, not only electrical power can be provided to conventional, electrically energized devices, such as lights and the like, but communication signals may also be provided on the electrical network 530 and utilized to control and reconfigure control among various application devices. As an example, and as described in the commonly assigned International Patent Application No. PCT/US03/12210, entitled “SWITCHING/LIGHTING CORRELATION SYSTEM,” filed Apr. 18, 2003, control relationships between switches and lights may be reconfigured in a “real time” fashion. In this regard, and as described in subsequent paragraphs herein, connector modules can be associated with application devices, such as lighting fixtures and the like. These connector modules can include DC power, processor means and associated circuitry, responsive to communication signals carried on the communication cables 572, so as to appropriately control the lighting fixtures, in response to communication signals received from other application devices, such as switches. The structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention provides means for distributing requisite power and for providing a distributed intelligence system for transmitting and receiving these communication signals from application devices which may be physically located throughout the entirety of the structural grid 172.
Once such connector module which may be utilized in accordance with the invention in the structural channel system 100 is referred to herein as a receptacle connector module 144. The receptacle connector module 144 is illustrated in
With reference initially to
For purposes of securing the connector plug 828 of the connector module 144 to a modular plug 576, a connector latch assembly 836 is provided below the connector plug housing 829. Operation of the connector latch assembly 836 will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein. In addition to the foregoing, the receptacle connector module 144 includes a lower surface 850 formed by the lower portions of the front housing cover 822 and rear housing cover 824. Extending through a slot 852 also formed by the covers 822, 824, is an electrical receptacle 838, operation of which will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein. The connector module 144 includes a set of two connector ports 840. Each of the connector ports 840 may be a standard RJ45 port. Such ports are conventionally used as telephone plugs and also as programmable connections. The connector ports 840, as described in greater detail subsequently herein, provide a means for transferring and receiving communication signals to and from various application devices (including switches and the like), in addition to providing a means for transmitting DC power to certain application devices for functional operation. The communication signals may then be carried to and from the communication cables 572 associated with the modular plug assembly 130.
The receptacle connector module 144 also includes an IR (infrared) conventional receiver 844 which is located as shown in
As earlier described, the receptacle connector module 144 is electrically coupled to communication cables 572 and AC power cables 574 of the modular plug assembly 130, through a mating connection of the female terminals 830 within the connector plug 828 to the male blade sets 588, 590 of one of the modular plugs 576 associated with the modular plug assembly 130. Further, the receptacle connection module 144 (and other connector modules as described in subsequent paragraphs herein) preferably includes additional means for mechanically securing the connector module 144 to a section 540 of the modular plug assembly 130. For this purpose, a subdevice referred to herein as a ferrule coupler 842 is utilized, in combination with one of the spaced apart ferrules 570 which is secured to one of the electrical dividers 554 of a section 540 of the modular plug assembly 130. Reference will be made primarily to
With reference primarily to
In accordance with the foregoing, any substantially vertical movement of the connector module 144 relative to the section 540 of the modular plug assembly 130 is prevented through the ferrule coupler 842. However, the ferrule coupler 842, when the connector module 144 is fully electrically coupled to the plug connector 586, will not prevent initial movement of the connector module 144 to the right (i.e. opposite the direction of the arrow 868) relative to the section 540, as viewed in
Functional operation of the connector latch assembly 836 will now be described primarily with respect to
When the connector module 144 is moved a sufficient distance, as shown in
In accordance with all of the foregoing, the connector latch assembly 836, in combination with the mating ramp 870, and the ferrule coupler 842, in combination with a ferrule 570, serve to provide for mechanical interconnection of the connector module 144 to the section 540 of the modular plug assembly 130. With this interconnection, as shown in
As earlier described, the receptacle connector module 144 includes an IR receiver 844 and an electrical receptacle 838 extending through a lower surface 850 of the module 144 (
The internal circuitry of the receptacle connector module 144, represented by the board assembly 826 illustrated in
In addition to the signals received by the processor and associated repeater circuitry 896 from the IR receiver 844 through line 894, the processor and associated repeater circuitry 896 also receives communication signals from communication cables CC1, CC2 and CCR running through sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130. These signals are “tapped off” the plug connector 586 (symbolically shown in
As further shown in
Turning to the AC power portion of the receptacle connector module 144, and the AC/DC conversion features so as to provide DC power for functional operation of the connector module 144, the modular plug 576, as previously described herein, includes an AC power terminal set 648 mounted on the plug connector 586 and connected to the AC power cables 574 (see, e.g.,
In this particular embodiment of the receptacle connector module 144 and associated board assembly 826 as shown in
In
As illustrated in
The transformer 910 can be any of a number of conventional and commercially available transformers, which provide for receiving AC input power on lines 908, 912 and 914, and converting the AC power to an appropriate DC power level for functional operation of components of the board assembly 826. For example, one type of transformer which may be utilized is manufactured and sold by Renco Electronics, Inc. of Rockledge, Fla. The transformer is identified under Renco's part number RL-2230. The transformer 910 may convert 120 volt AC power from the power cables AC1, ACN and ACG to an appropriate level of DC power for operation of components on the board assembly 826. The DC power generated by the transformer 910 is applied as output power signals on symbolic line 916 (which may consist of several wires or cables). The DC power on line 916 is applied as input power signals to the processor and repeater circuitry 896.
In addition to the connection to the transformer 910, the AC power signals on lines 908, 912 and 914 are also applied as input signals to a receptacle relay 918, as illustrated in
In operation, the receptacle connector module 144 may be “programmed” by a user through the use of the wand 892. The wand 892 may, for example, be utilized to transmit spatial signals 890 to the receptacle connector module 144, which essentially “announces” to the network 530 that the connector module 144 is available to be controlled. The wand 892 may then be utilized to transmit other spatial IR signals to an application device, such as a “switch,” which would then be “assigned” as a control for the connector module 144. The use of switches is subsequently described herein with respect to
Assuming that programming has been completed, and assuming that the relay 918 is in an “off” state, meaning that electrical power is not being applied through receptacle 838, the user may activate the switch or other controlling device. Activation of this switch may then cause transmission of appropriate communication signal sequences on communication cables CC1 and CC2. The processor and repeater circuitry 896 will have been programmed to interrogate signal sequences received from the communication cables CC1 and CC2, and respond to particular sequences generated by the controlling switch, which indicate that power should be applied through the receptacle 838. In response to receipt of these signals on lines 900 and 902 from the communication cables CC1 and CC2, the processor and repeater circuitry 896 will cause appropriate control signals to be applied on line 920 as input signals to the receptacle relay 918. The receptacle relay 918 will be responsive to these signals so as to change states, meaning that the receptacle relay 918 will move from an off state to an on state. With this movement to an on state, power from the AC power cables AC1, ACN and ACG will be applied through the receptacle relay 918 to the receptacle 838. In this manner, the overhead fan 884 will be energized.
In addition to the foregoing components, the receptacle connector module 144 also includes other components and features in accordance with the inventions. For example, for purposes of providing a visual indication to a user of the current status of the receptacle connector module 144, the connector module 144 can include a status light or indicator 926. The status light can be secured to the structural components of the connector module 144 in any suitable manner, so as to be readily visible to the user. For this reason, it is preferable that the status light 926 extend outwardly from the lower surface 850 (see
As subsequently described in greater detail, various types of connector modules can be utilized for various functions associated with the structural channel system 100. These functions are associated with AC power, DC power and network communications. As also previously described, network communications occur through communication signals on communication cables CC1 and CC2 of the communication cables 572 associated with the sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130. Devices which are to act as controlling or control devices must therefore be coupled into the network 530. The prior description explained how an application device, such as the overhead fan 884 (
This capability of providing communications to “smart” devices is provided in substantial part through the connector ports 840, which were previously described from a structural format with respect to
With the configuration shown for the connector ports 840 of the receptacle connector module 144, not only can communication signals and DC power be transmitted to interconnected application devices through lines 922 and 924, but such interconnected application devices can also transmit communication signals back to the processor and repeater circuitry 896 through the ports 840 and lines 922, 924. Such communication signals can then be processed by the processor and repeater circuitry 896, and/or the same or different communication signals (in response to the communication signals received on lines 922,924) can be transmitted to the communication cables CC1 and CC2 through lines 900 and 902. These lines 900 and 902 are then being utilized as lines for output signals from the processor and repeater circuitry 896, which are applied to the communication cables CC1 and CC2 through the symbolic contacts 898 and plug connector 586 of a modular plug 574. In this regard,
A further feature of the receptacle connector module 144, which is also associated with other connector modules subsequently described herein, relates to “repeater” functions. The connector module 144 includes repeater features associated with the processor and repeater circuitry 896. The repeater circuitry 896 is provided for purposes of maintaining signal and power strength. Such functions are relatively well known in the electronic arts. Repeater circuitry can take various forms, but may typically be characterized as circuitry which is used to extend the length, topology or interconnectivity of physical media beyond that imposed by individual segments. This is a relatively “complex” way to define the conventional activities of repeaters, which are to perform basic functions of restoring signal amplitudes, wave forms and timing to normal data and collision signals. Repeaters are also known to arbitrate access to a network from connected nodes, and optionally collect statistics regarding network operations.
In the receptacle connector module 144 as illustrated in
In accordance with the foregoing, the connector module 144 includes not only features associated with control of power applied to the receptacle 838, but also provides for distributing power to interconnected application devices through the connector ports 840 connected to the processor and repeater circuitry 896, and for transmitting and receiving communication signals to and from interconnected application devices and the communication cables 572. Still further, the receptacle connector module 144 (and other connector modules as subsequently described herein) operate so as to provide repeater functions, which may be in the form of signal amplifications, wave shaping, collision priorities and the like. It should also be noted that in the example embodiment of the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention, functions such as signal amplification and the like can be performed solely with DC power provided through the transformer 910, and do not require any AC power directly provided from AC power cables 574. Further, these repeater functions also do not require any DC power received from outside of the corresponding connector module 144, such as from external transformers or the like.
As a primary feature of the receptacle module 144, the module 144 comprises means responsive to programming signals received from a user (utilizing the wand 892) to configure itself so as to be responsive to selectively control the application of AC power to the receptacle 838 from appropriate ones of the AC power cables 574. In this regard, and as earlier explained, although
With respect to functions of the receptacle connector module 144, the combination of the IR receiver 844, processor and repeater circuitry 896, receptacle relay 918 and associated incoming and outgoing lines, may be characterized as an “actuator” 936. The actuator 936 is shown in
With the use of the receptacle connector module 144, the module 144 and the application device to which the module is connected (in this instance, overhead fan 884) actually become part of the distributed electrical network 530. It should also be noted that this interconnection or addition of an application device (i.e., the overhead fan 884) to the structural channel system 100 has occurred, through use of the connector module 144, without requiring any physical rewiring or programming of any centralized computers or any other centralized control systems. The receptacle connector module 144 and other connector modules as subsequently described herein, in combination with the capability of being coupled to AC and DC power, and communication signals through communication cables 572, provide for a true distributed network. Also, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the processor and repeater circuitry 896 may include a number of elements, such as memory, microcode, instruction registers and the like for purposes of logically controlling the receptacle relay 918, in response to communication signals received by the processor and repeater circuitry 896. Concepts associated with “programming” a control switch electrically connected to the network 503, so that activation of the control switch will transmit communication signals which may be received by appropriate logic in the receptacle connector module 144, will be explained in somewhat greater detail in subsequent paragraphs relating to
Still further, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the board assembly 826 of the receptacle connector module 144, and board assemblies of other connector modules subsequently described herein, may include a number of other electronic components. For example, the board assembly 826 may include line surge protection components, for purposes of component protection and safety. Also, the processor and repeater circuitry 896 may include various interface logic for purposes of communications with the status light 926 and IR receiver 844. In addition to the processor and repeater circuitry 896 including components such as those previously described herein, and components such as a microcontroller and oscillator, support components may be included. Such support components may include, for example, a micro debug interface circuit. Still further, for purposes of communications between the circuitry 896 and other components associated with the receptacle module 144 and the structural channel system 100, communications control logic may be included, and may also include logic associated with transceivers, signal arbitrations, “short to power” detection, and other functional components and features. Communications circuitry and software associated with communications from and to the processor and repeater circuitry 896 may also include various relays, relay control logic and other functional components and software such as zero crossing detectors.
A number of differing connector modules may be utilized in accordance with the invention. As a further example, a connector module referred to as a dimmer connector module 142 is illustrated in
Turning specifically to the dimmer connector module 142, and as earlier stated, the module 142 is somewhat similar to the receptacle connector module 144. Accordingly, like structure of the connector module 142 will be numbered with like reference numerals corresponding to the receptacle connector module 144. In
Also in a manner substantially corresponding to that of the receptacle connector module 144, the dimmer connector module 142 includes a connector latch assembly 836, for purposes of securing the connector plug 828 of the connector module 142 to a modular plug 576. The operation of the connector latch assembly 836 corresponds to the previously described operation of the connector latch assembly 836 associated with the receptacle connector module 144.
In addition to the foregoing, and like the receptacle connector module 144, the dimmer connector module 142 includes a set of two connector ports 840 at the top portion thereof. The connector ports 840 provide a means for transmitting communication signals to and from various application devices (including switches and the like). The communication signals may then be carried to and from the communication cables 572 associated with the modular plug assembly 130.
The dimmer connector module 142 also includes an IR receiver 844, located as shown in
To prevent any unintentional movement of the dimmer connector module 142, the connector module 142 further includes a connector latch assembly 836 corresponding in structure and function to the connector latch assembly 836 previously described with respect to the receptacle connector module 144. The structure and functional operation of the connector latch assembly 836 was previously described with respect to
In addition to the foregoing components, and unlike the receptacle connector module 144, the dimmer connector module 142 includes a lower dimmer housing 942 formed within the front dimmer housing 944 and rear dimmer housing 946 as shown in
The internal circuitry on the board assembly 826 of the dimmer connector module 142 includes a number of components substantially corresponding to components of the receptacle connector module 144 previously described with respect to
In addition to signals received by the processor and associated repeater circuitry 896 from the IR receiver 844 through line 894, the circuitry 896 also receives communication signals from cables CC1, CC2 and CCR of the modular plug assembly 130. The signals are tapped off the plug connector 586 of the modular plug 576. Signals from the communication cables CC1, CC2 and CCR are then received through the communications cable terminal set 646 (see
As further shown in
Turning to the AC power portion of the dimmer connector module 142, an AC power terminal set 648 is mounted on the plug connector 586 and connected to the AC power cables 574 (see
In this particular embodiment of the dimmer connector module 142, the symbolic contacts 906 are illustrated as corresponding to electrical interconnection of AC power cables AC1, ACN and ACG. AC1 corresponds to the “hot” cable. However, as previously described herein, and for purposes of balancing and the like, AC power could be received by the connector module 142 utilizing AC power cables AC2 or AC3. Also as previously described, the line 908 and the symbolic contact 906 associated with AC power cable AC1 could actually be in the form of a pigtail secured to the transformer 910, and capable of being selectively interconnected to any of the terminals corresponding to the AC power cables AC1, AC2 or AC3. Of course, other types of configurations could be utilized for providing selective interconnection to one of the “hot” circuits made available for use with the dimmer connector module 142.
As with the receptacle connector module 144, the interconnections to the AC cables AC1, ACN and ACG can be applied as input through lines 908, 912 and 914, respectively, to the transformer 910. The transformer 910 for the dimmer connector module 142 may correspond in structure and function to the transformer 910 utilized with the receptacle connector module 144. The transformer 910 may convert AC power from the power cables AC1, ACN and ACG to DC power, applied as output power signals on symbolic line 916. The DC power on line 916 is applied as input power to the processor and repeater circuitry 896.
In addition to the connections to the transformer 910, the AC power signals on lines 908, 912 and 914 are also applied as input signals to what is illustrated in
In operation, the dimmer connector module 142 may be “programmed” by a user through use of the wand 892. The wand 892 may, for example, be utilized to transmit spatial signals 890 to the dimmer connector module 142, which essentially “announces” to the network 530 that the connector module 142 is available to be controlled. The wand 892 may then be utilized to transmit other spatial IR signals to an application device, such as a dimmer switch, which would then be assigned as a control for the connector module 142. The use of switches is subsequently described herein with respect to
Assuming that programming has been completed, and assuming that the dimmer relay 948 is essentially in a “zero” state, meaning that no electrical power is being applied through lines 908A, 912A and 914A, the user may activate the dimmer switch or other controlling device. Activation of this switch may then cause transmission of appropriate communication signal sequences on communication cables CC1 and CC2. The processor and repeater circuitry 896 would have been programmed to interrogate signal sequences received from the cables CC1 and CC2, and respond to particular sequences generated by the controlling dimmer switch, which indicate the level of power which should be applied through the dimmer relay 948. In response to receipt of these signals on lines 900 and 902 from the cables CC1 and CC2, respectively, the processor and repeater circuitry 896 will cause appropriate control signals to be applied on control line 920 as input signals to the dimmer relay 948. The dimmer relay 948 will be responsive to these signals so as to vary the amplitude of power or voltage which is permitted to “pass through” the dimmer relay 948 from the lines 908, 912 and 914. Accordingly, the output intensity of the lights 940 may be varied, in accordance with the level of power transmitted through the dimmer relay 948.
In addition to the foregoing components, the dimmer connector module 142 also includes other components and features in accordance with the invention. As with the receptacle connector module 144, the dimmer connector module 142 can include a status light 926. The light can be controlled by status signals from the processor and repeater circuitry 896, as applied through line 928. In addition, for purposes of coupling various application devices into the network 530, the dimmer connector module 142, like the connector module 144, includes a pair of connector ports 840. The connector ports 840 have bidirectional communications with the processor and repeater circuitry 896 through symbolic lines 922 and 924. Communication signals can be transmitted or received through the connector ports 840 to and from controlling devices with the use of patch cords (not shown in
It should be emphasized that variations in the dimmer connector module 142 and the interconnected track light rail 948 may be implemented, without departing from the spirit and scope of certain of the novel concepts of the invention. For example, the track light rail 948 may be mechanically coupled to the bottom of the dimmer connector module 142, in a manner so that the rail 948 may be rotated in a horizontal plane. Accordingly, the rail 948 may be “angled” relative to the elongated axis of a section 540 of the modular plug assembly 130. This concept is illustrated in
Another aspect of the dimmer connector module 142 and other connector modules which may be utilized in accordance with the invention should be mentioned. In the embodiment of the dimmer connector module illustrated herein, the IR receiver 844 for programmable control of the connector module 142 is located on the bottom of the connector module 142 itself. If desired, the dimmer connector module 142 could be wired so as to couple the logic and electronics within the connector module 142 to receivers located remotely from the connector module 142. In this manner, when a user wishes to remotely program the control/controlling relationships involving the lights 940, the user can transmit IR or other spatial signals to IR receivers adjacent the actual lights 940 which the user wishes to control. Otherwise, and particularly if the lights 940 may be located a substantial distance form the connector module 142, the user will essentially need to “back track” from the lights 940 so as to determine the location of the connector module 142 associated with the lights 940. This concept of utilizing a remotely positioned IR receiver 844 is described in subsequent paragraphs herein with respect to the dimmer junction box assembly 855 illustrated in
A still further example of a connector module which may be utilized in accordance with the invention is referred to herein as a power drop connector module 140, and is illustrated in
As with the receptacle connector module 144, the power drop connector module 140 includes a connector housing 820. The connector housing 820 includes a front housing cover 822 and rear housing cover 824. Fasteners 846 extend through apertures in the front housing cover 822 and are secured with threaded couplers 848 within the rear housing cover 824 for purposes of securing the covers 822, 824 together. Secured within the connector housing 820 is a board assembly 826. The internal circuitry of the board assembly 826 will be described with respect to
Also like the receptacle connector module 144, the power drop connector module 140 includes a set of two connector ports 840 at the top portion thereof. The connector ports 840 provide a means for transmitting communication signals to and from various application devices (including switches and the like), as well as a means for transmitting DC power to “smart” devices, such as switches. The communication signals may also be carried to and from the communication cables 572 associated with the modular plug assembly 130. The power drop connector module 140 also includes an IR receiver 844, located as shown in
Further, the power drop connector module 140 also includes a ferrule coupler 842, used in combination with one of the spaced apart ferrules 570 which is secured to one of the electrical dividers 554 of a section 540 of the modular plug assembly 130. The structure and functional operation of the ferrule coupler 842 corresponds to that described with respect to the receptacle connector module 144 and illustrated in
In addition to the foregoing components, and unlike the receptacle connector module 144, the power drop connector module 140 includes a pair of conduit slots 950 formed within the front housing cover 822 and rear housing cover 824, as illustrated in
The internal circuitry on the board assembly 826 of the power drop connector module 140 includes a number of components substantially corresponding to components of the receptacle connector module 144 previously described with respect to
In addition to signals received by the processor and associated repeater circuitry 896 from the IR receiver 844 through line 894, the circuitry 896 also receives communication signals from cables CC1, CC2 and CCR of the modular plug assembly 130. These signals are received through the communications cable terminal set 646 (see
As further shown in
Turning to the AC power portion of the power drop connector module 140, an AC power terminal set 648 is mounted on the plug connector 586 and connected to the AC power cables 574 (see
In this particular embodiment of the power drop connector module 140, the symbolic contacts 906 are illustrated as corresponding to electrical interconnection of AC power cables AC1, ACN and ACG. AC1 corresponds to the “hot” cable. However, as previously described herein, and for purposes of balancing and the like, AC power could be received by the connector module 142 utilizing AC power cables AC2 or AC3. Also, as previously described, the line 908 and the symbolic contact 906 associated with AC power cable AC1 could actually be in the form of a pigtail and selectively secured to the transformer 910, and capable of being interconnected to any of the terminals corresponding to the AC power cables AC1, AC2 or AC3. Also, of course, other types of configurations could be utilized for providing selective interconnection to one of the “hot” circuits made available for use with the power drop connector module 140.
As with the receptacle connector module 144, the power from the AC cables AC1, ACN and ACG can be applied as input through lines 914, 912 and 908, respectively, to the transformer 910. The transformer 910 for the power drop connector module 140 may correspond in structure and function to the transformer 910 utilized with the receptacle connector module 144. The transformer 910 may convert AC power from the power cables AC1, ACN and ACG to DC power, applied as output power signals on symbolic line 916. The DC power on line 916 is applied as input power to the processor and repeater circuitry 896.
In addition to the connections to the transformer 910, the AC power signals on lines 908, 912 and 914 are also applied as input signals to what is illustrated in
In operation, the power drop connector module 140 may be “programmed” by a user through the use of the wand 892. The wand 892 may, for example, be utilized to transmit spatial signals 890 to the power drop connector module 140, which essentially “announces” to the network 530 that the connector module 140 is available to be controlled. The wand 892 may then be utilized to transmit other spatial IR signals to an application device, such as a “switch,” which would then be “assigned” as a control for the connector module 140. The use of switches is subsequently described herein with respect to
Assuming that programming has been completed, and assuming that the relay 956 is in an “off” state, meaning that electrical power is not being applied through the flexible conduit 952, the user may activate the switch or other controlling device. Activation of this switch may then cause transmission of appropriate communication sequences on communication cables CC1 and CC2. The processor and repeater circuitry 896 will have been programmed to interrogate signal sequences received from the cables CC1 and CC2, and respond to particular sequences generated by the controlling switch, which indicate that power should be applied to the flexible conduit 952 through the relay 956. In response to receipt of these signals on lines 900 and 902 from the communication cables CC1 and CC2, the processor and repeater circuitry 896 will cause appropriate control signals to be applied on line 920 as input signals to the relay 956. The relay 956 will be responsive to these signals so as to change states, meaning that the relay 956 will move from an off state to an on state. With this movement to an on state, power from the AC power cables AC1, ACN and ACG will be applied through the relay 956 to the flexible conduit 952. In this manner, the power pole 962 may be energized.
In addition to the foregoing components, the power drop connector module 140 also includes other components and features in accordance with the invention. As with the receptacle connector module 144, the power drop connector module 140 can include a status light 926. The light can be controlled by status signals from the processor and repeater circuitry 896, as applied through line 928. In addition, for purposes of coupling various application devices into the network 530, the power drop connector module 140, like the connector module 144, includes the connector ports 840. The connector ports 840 have bidirectional communications with the processor and repeater circuitry 896 through symbolic lines 922 and 924. Communication signals can be transmitted or received through the connector ports 840 to and from controlling devices with the use of patch cords (not shown in
In accordance with the foregoing, the power drop connector module 140 is adapted to provide AC power from the AC power cables 574 associated with the modular plug assembly 130, to application devices such as the power pole 962 illustrated in
The power pole 962 further includes a pair of opposing plastic pole extrusions 970. The pole extrusions 970 have the cross sectional configurations illustrated in
At the top of the power pole 962, a top cap 984 can be secured to the pole 962. The top cap 984 includes a central aperture through which an AC cable 986 may extend. The AC cable 986 is adapted to extend through the center of the power pole 962, and can be utilized to provide AC power to components such as the electrical outlet receptacle pair 964. At its terminating end at the top, the AC cable 986 is connected to a conventional AC connector 960. The AC connector 960 is adapted to connect, for example, to the AC connector 958 and the flexible conduit 952 of the power drop connector module 140, as illustrated in
The connector modules 140, 142 and 144 as described herein all utilize, in some manner, AC power from the AC power cables 574, through connections with modular plugs 576 of the modular plug assembly 130. Also with use of the modular plugs 576, the previously described connector modules directly receive communication signals from the communication cables 572 of the modular plug assembly 130. Power on the modular plug assembly 130 may typically be 120 volt AC power. However, as previously described, the wireways 122 are isolated and shielded, for purposes of carrying relatively high voltage power. For example, as previously described with respect to
To this end, the structural channel system 100 includes a junction box assembly 855. The junction box assembly 855 is illustrated in
Turning specifically to
Turning to the diagrammatic view of
Also similar to the previously described connector modules, the junction box assembly 855, as previously stated, includes a pair of RJ45 connector ports 879. The connector ports 879 are similar to the connector ports 840 previously described with respect to the connector modules 140, 142 and 144. Patch cords may be connected to the connector ports 879, and attached from these connector ports to application devices and to one of the connector modules currently on the network 530. It should be noted that for purposes of interconnecting the junction box assembly 855 to the network 530, one of the RJ45 connector ports 879 will need to be connected through a patch cord to a connector module or other device currently on the network 530. The RJ45 connector ports 879 are connected to the processor and associated repeater circuitry 893 through bidirectional lines 903.
In addition to the foregoing, the junction box assembly 855 also includes the RJ11 connector port 881, connected to the processor and associated repeater circuitry 893 through line 905. The remote IR receiver RJ11 connector port 881 is adapted to connect to a remote IR receiver 901 through patch cord or connector line 907. It should be emphasized that the remote IR receiver 901 is physically remote from the junction box assembly 855. Also, when remote IR receivers 901 are utilized with connector modules or other types of sensors or actuators, the remote IR receivers will, again, be physically remote from the devices to which they are connected. As previously described herein, it may be advantageous to provide the user with one or more remote IR receivers, such as receiver 901 which can be spaced apart and located in a more visually accessible location on the structural channel system 100. As with the IR receivers 844 previously described herein, the receiver 901 is adapted to receive spatial IR signals 890 from the wand 892.
In accordance with all of the foregoing, the junction box assembly 855 comprises a means for using high voltage power running through the wireways 122 for various application devices, and has also provided means for coupling such application devices to the network 530. In this regard, it should be noted that power is being applied to the dimmer lights 877, without requiring the use of AC power from the AC power cables 574. A configuration for the junction box assembly 855, as connected to dimmer lights 877 on the structural channel system 100, is illustrated in
Previously, a specific means for receiving and distributing power throughout the network 530 was described with respect to the power entry box 134. The power entry box 134 was described in detail with respect to
As apparent from
The power entry box 134A may also include a 277 volt AC side block 688A. An upper surface 690A of the side block 688A includes a series of knockouts 672A. Connected to one of the knockouts 672A is a cable nut 676A. Also coupled to the cable nut 676A and extending into the side block 688A is a 277 volt AC cable 692A. Power from the cable 692A may be applied to power cables 674 within wireways 122. The power entry box 130A can include wireway segments 694A corresponding in structure and function to the previously describe wireway segments 694. For purposes of connecting the wireway segments 694A to the front portion of the power entry box 134A, brackets, as previously described herein with respect to
In addition to the foregoing, the power entry box 134A also includes a network circuit 700A, situated between the side block 670A and the side block 688A. In addition, the power entry box 134A also includes a pair of connector ports 909A, preferably having an RJ11 port configuration. As will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the connector ports 909A can be utilized, with corresponding patch cords (not shown) to “daisy chain” multiple power entry boxes 134A and provide interconnection of communications and associated cabling throughout the electrical network 530.
One distinction may be mentioned at this time, relative to the structural configurations of the power entry box 134 and power entry box 134A. With the previously described power entry box 134, a connector 706 was provided as shown in
Returning to the central portion 718A, a series of four threaded holes 722A extend therethrough in a spaced apart relationship. The central portion 718A also includes a vertically disposed groove 724A extending down the center of the central portion 718A. The connector 706A also includes a bracket 726A, also shown in
To couple the power entry box 134A to the structural grid 172, the power entry box 134A can be positioned above a corresponding main structural channel rail 102. The power entry box 134A can be positioned so that one of the threaded support rods 114 is partially “captured” within the groove 724A of the support brace 708A. When the appropriate positioning is achieved, the bracket 726 can be moved into alignment with the central portions 718A of the support brace 708A. In this aligned position, the threaded support rod 114 is also captured by the groove 732A and the bracket 726A. Also, to readily secure the bracket 726A to the support brace 708A, the upper lips 730A of the bracket 726A are captured within the slots 716A of the brace 708A. Correspondingly, screws 734A are threadably received within the through holes 728A and through holes 722A of the bracket 726A and support brace 708A, respectively. In this manner, the threaded support rod 114 is securely captured within the grooves 724A and 732A.
The power entry box 134A is mechanically and electrically coupled to the power box connector 136A, as primarily shown in
Turning to the drawings, the power box connector 136A includes a base housing 750A, which will be located within a main structural rail 102 and adjacent a power assembly section 540 when installed. The base housing 750A includes a main body 752A and a cover 754A. The main body 752A and cover 754A are connected together by means of rivets 987 or similar connecting means. Internal to the base housing 750A formed by the main body 752A and cover 754A is a spacer clip 985. Extending outwardly from a slot 778A formed within the housing 750A is a connector housing 756A. The connector housing 756A is adapted to mate with a modular plug male terminal set housing 624 (
Correspondingly, when the power box connector 136A is connected to the modular plug 576, the individual female terminals 758A of the AC power female terminal set 762A will be electrically interconnected to individual terminals of the AC power terminal set 648 of the modular plug 576. Correspondingly, the terminals 758A of the AC power female terminal set 762A can be connected to individual wires or cables (not shown) extending into the interior of the power box connector 136A from the outgoing AC cable or conduit 680A. The wires or cables extending through the outgoing AC cable or conduit 680A are connected to incoming AC building power within the power box connector 134A, as previously described herein. A configuration of the power entry box 134A as electrically coupled to the power box connector 136A is illustrated in
With respect to the use of the power entry boxes 134A and power box connectors 136A with the network 530, greater details of the network 530 will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein. However, at this time, reference can be made to the manner in which individual lengths of the main structural channel rails 102 and associated modular plug sections 540 can be coupled together so as to form the network 530. As earlier described, one component of the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention which can be utilized to electrically interconnect adjacent or adjoining sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130 is the flexible connector assembly 138. With the flexible connector assembly 138, the adjacent or adjoining sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130 are electrically coupled together both with respect to AC power on AC power cables 574 and communication signals on communication cables 572. In some instances, however, limitations with respect to power loads and government and institutional codes and regulations may result in the necessity of utilizing multiple power entry boxes 134A and associated power box connectors 136A. When this is required, it is inappropriate to “transfer” power signals from one section 540 to another section 540 of a modular plug assembly 130 using a flexible connector assembly or similar device. On the other hand, however, in order to provide for a complete and distributed electrical network 530, it is desirable to have the capability of readily coupling together communication cables 572 from sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130, regardless of the relative spatial positioning of the sections 540, and regardless of whether multiple power entry boxes 136A are being utilized.
In this regard, reference is made to
Turning to other aspects of structural channel systems in accordance with the invention, the prior description herein has been directed primarily to connector modules (such as the receptacle connector module 144) which are electrically interconnected to the modular plugs 576 on an “inline” basis. In some instances, it may be preferable to provide for a variation in the electrical connections between the connector modules and the modular plugs 576. An example embodiment of such a variation is illustrated with the modified receptacle connector module 990 shown in
Turning to the modified receptacle connector module 990, it can be assumed that the principal structural and electrical components of the connector module 990 correspond to those previously described herein with respect to the receptacle connector module 144. However, as shown in
Referring again to
Turning to other aspects of the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention, the system 100 has been described with respect to use of various types of applications and application devices. For example, the use of a receptacle connector module 144, with a switch 934 interconnected through a patch cord 932 was previously described with respect to
It should be noted that various types of switches may be utilized as part of the applications or application devices associated with the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention. One type of switch which may be utilized with the structural channel system 100 is characterized as a rotary dimmer switch 823, as illustrated in
Secured to the sensor board 821 and accessible to a user are a pair of connector ports 849, as shown from the rear in
In addition to the feature of electrically interconnecting the rotary dimmer switch assembly 823 to the electrical network 530 through interconnection of the patch cord 851 directly to a connector module, switch assemblies such as the dimmer switch assembly 823 may also be daisy chained within the network 530. That is, one of the two connector ports 849 may include a patch cord 851 which, as previously described herein, is directly connected to one of the connector modules 140, 142 or 144. Further, however, a second patch cord 851 may be connected at one end to the other connector port 849 of the rotary dimmer switch assembly 823, with its terminating end coupled to a connector port 849 of another rotary dimmer switch assembly 823. In this manner, two or more rotary dimmer switch assemblies 823 may be daisy chained together for purposes of functional operation. Limitations on the daisy chaining of the switch assemblies 823 may exist based on voltage and power requirements. Also, it should be emphasized that the concept of daisy chaining switch assemblies is not limited to the rotary dimmer switch assembly 823, and will be applicable to other types of switches.
In accordance with the foregoing, the concept has been described of a manually manipulated and hand-held instrument, such as the wand 892 to essentially program a dimmer connector module 142 and associated lighting elements, in a configuration as shown in
The concepts associated with the foregoing description of the rotary dimmer switch assembly 823, with its interconnection to the electrical network 530 through a connector module represents an important feature of a structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention. In conventional rotary dimmer switches, 120 volt AC power is typically applied through the switch. Manual rotation of the switch knob and associated dimmer switch with the conventional configuration will cause dimmer control circuitry to vary the voltage output on AC power lines passing through the dimmer switch assembly. These power lines are typically directly connected to dimming lights on a light rail or the like. The variation in voltage amplitude of the AC power lines as they pass through the dimmer switch assembly will thereby cause the track lights to vary in intensity. In contrast, in the configuration previously described herein and in accordance with the invention, there is no AC power applied to or passing through the rotary dimmer switch assembly 823. Instead, manual rotation of the switch knob 841 and associated dimmer switch 839 will cause variations in DC voltages and communication signals, which are applied to processor components associated with the sensor board 821. The processor components will interpret the DC voltage variations in a manner so as to cause corresponding communications or control signals to be applied through the patch cord 851. These control signals will correspondingly be applied to other elements of the network 530 (i.e., eventually to a dimmer connector module 142 programmed to be responsive to signals from the particular rotary dimmer switch 823) so as to cause circuitry within the dimmer connector module 142 to vary the voltage amplitude applied to an interconnected set of lights 940. To provide this feature, the rotary dimmer switch assembly 823 has been “programmed,” along with one or more sets of lights 940 and interconnected dimmer connector modules 142. It should be emphasized that this programming of the control relationship occurs without any need whatsoever of any type of centralized computer control, or any physical change in circuits, wiring or the like.
Still further,
Although the foregoing paragraphs have described four types of switches, numerous other types of switch configurations may be utilized for purposes of controlling various devices or applications associated with the network 530, without departing from the novel concepts of the invention. However, for appropriate operation, each of the aforedescribed switches will include circuitry and components similar to those of the dimmer switch assembly 823, including connector ports and processor circuitry associated with a sensor board. That is, each of the switches described with respect to
The structural channel system 100 provides a means for facilitating control and reconfiguration of control relationships among various devices associated with applications. An example of a controlling/controlled relationship among devices has been previously described herein for the rotary dimmer switch assembly 823 and dimming lights.
The prior description also focused on the structure of the rails 102, modular power assembly 130 and various types of connector modules. The network 530 of the structural channel system 100 has significant advantages. Namely, it does not require any type of centralized processor or controller elements. That is, the network 530 can be characterized as a distributed network, without requirement of centralized control. Further, it is a programmable network, where controlling/controlled relationships among devices associated with an application are not structurally or functionally “fixed.” In fact, various types of devices can be “reprogrammed” to be part of differing applications. For example, a dimmer light may be programmed to be controlled by a first rotary dimmer switch assembly, and then “reprogrammed” to be controlled by only a second rotary dimmer switch assembly, or both the first and second rotary dimmer switch assemblies. This can occur without any necessity whatsoever of physical rewiring, or programming of any type of centralized controller. Instead, the network 530 utilizes what is referred to as a “programming tool” for effecting the application environment. As an example embodiment of a programming tool which may be utilized with the structural channel system 100, subsequent paragraphs herein will describe the manually manipulable and hand-held “wand” 892.
With the network structure described herein, the network 530 can be characterized not only as a distributed network, but also as an “embedded” network. That is, it is embedded into physical devices (e.g. connector modules, etc.) and linked together through the mechanical structural grid 172 of the structural channel system 100. In this regard, with the connector modules interconnecting various devices (e.g. switches, lights, etc.) to the AC and communications cable structures, the connector modules can be characterized as “nodes” of the network 530.
With the network 530 characterized in this manner, it is worthwhile, for purposes of understanding the power and communications distribution, to illustrate an exemplary structural channel system 100 and network “backbone” associated therewith. In typical communications networks, the backbone is often characterized as a part of the network which handles “major” traffic. In this regard, the backbone typically employs the highest speed transmission paths in the network, and may also run the longest distance. Many communications systems utilize what is often characterized as a “collapsed” backbone. These types of collapsed backbones comprise a network configuration with the backbone in a centralized location, and with “subnetworks” attached thereto. In contrast, the network 530 which is associated with the structural channel system 100 is somewhat in opposition to the concept of a collapsed backbone. In fact, the backbone of the network 530 can better be described as a “distributed” backbone. Further, the network 530 can be characterized as being an “open” system, and even the backbone can be characterized as an “open” backbone. That is, the network 530 and the backbone are not limited in terms of expansion and growth.
For purposes of understanding this concept of the backbone,
Further, as also previously described herein, communication signals are received and transmitted through network circuits 700 associated with each of the power entry boxes 134A. For purposes of description and simplicity, the previously described communication cables 702A are not illustrated in
As further shown in
With the particular configuration illustrated in
As earlier stated, the system layout 937 shown in
Still further, it can be assumed that the light bank 939 has been “programmed” to be under control of a switch 949. The switch 949 may be any one of a number of different types of switches, such as the pressure switch 913 previously described with respect to
Correspondingly, and as previously mentioned, the system layout 937 illustrated in
The projection screen 941 is shown as being interconnected to a receptacle connector module 144 through an AC power cable 953. The receptacle module 144 is coupled to the main rail 102H. For control of the automated projection screen 941, it may be assumed that the user has “programmed” a controlling/controlled relationship between the screen 941 and a switch 925. The switch 925 may be any of a number of different types of switches, such as a pressure switch 913 as previously described with respect to
Another aspect of system layout 937 of a structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention should be noted. Specifically, the layout 937 has been described with respect to the use of patch cords 907. As further shown in
To this point, discussion regarding the network portion of the structural channel system 100 has focused around the cables 572 and 574, various types of connector modules, the power entry box 134A and interconnection of various application devices to the network 530. Numerous times, however, reference has also been made to the concept of “programming” the control and reconfiguration of control relationships among various application devices which may be utilized with the structural channel system 100. As an example, the discussion regarding
To provide an exemplary embodiment of this concept of programmable control, on a “real time” and “decentralized” basis, reference is made to
Further, it can be assumed that it is the desire of a user 973 to establish a controlling/controlled relationship between the switch 967 and the light 963. For this purpose, and as shown in
The control wand 892 may also include a trigger 979, for purposes of initiating transmission of IR signals. Still further, the control wand 892 may include mode select switches, such as mode select switch 981 and mode select switch 983. These mode select switches would be utilized to allow manual selection of particular commands which may be generated utilizing the control wand 892. The control wand 892 would also utilize a controller (not shown) or similar computerized devices for purposes of providing requisite electronics within the control wand 892 for use with the trigger 979, mode select switches 981, 983, light source 975 and IR emitter 977. An example of the use of such a wand, along with attendant commands which may be generated using the same, is described in the correlation system application.
Referring back to
The user can than “point” the wand 892 to the IR receiver 844 associated with the switch 967. When the wand 892 again has an appropriate directional configuration, as indicated by the light source 975, the trigger 979 can again be activated, thereby transmitting the appropriate IR signals 890. This concept is illustrated in
In addition to the foregoing, signaling may be used, for purposes of changing the on and off states of various elements. For example, with RF signaling, an individual could possibly turn on all of the elements in an office or other commercial interior with a general signal, rather than with a specific switch.
As described in the foregoing, the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention facilitates flexibility and reconfiguration in the location of various devices which may be supported and mounted in a releasable and reconfigurable manner within the structural channel system 100. The structural channel system 100 also facilitates access to locations where a commercial interior designer may wish to locate various application devices, including electrical lights and the like. The structural channel system 100 carries not only AC power (of varying voltages) but also DC power and communication signals. The communication signals are associated with a communications network structure permitting the “programming” of control relationships among various devices. The programming (or reprogramming) may be accomplished at the location of the controlled and controlling elements, and may be accomplished by a layperson without significant training or expertise.
The structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention facilitates the reconfiguration of a commercial interior in “real time.” Not only may various functional elements be quickly relocated from a “physical” sense, but logical relationships among devices can also be altered, in accordance with the prior description relating to programming of control relationships. The structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention presents a “totality” of concepts which provide a commercial interior readily adapted for use with various devices, and with the capability of reconfiguration without requiring additional physical wiring or substantial rewiring. With this capability of relatively rapid reconfiguration, change can be provided in a building's infrastructure quickly, ensuring that the attendant commercial interior does not require costly disassembly and reassembly, and is not “down” for any substantial period of time. Further, the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention, with attendant devices, permits occupants to allow their needs to “drive” the structure and function of the infrastructure and layout.
In addition to the foregoing, the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention overcomes other issues, particularly related to governmental and institutional codes and regulations associated with electrical power, mechanical support of overhead structures and the like. For example, it is advantageous to provide device availability throughout a number of locations within a commercial interior. The structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention provides the advantages of an overhead structure for distributing power (both AC and DC) and communications signals. However, structural elements carrying electrical signals (either in the form of power or communications) are regulated as to mechanical load-bearing parameters. As described herein, the structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention utilizes a suspension bracket for supporting elements such as perforated structural channels and the like throughout the overhead structure. With the use of these elements in accordance with the invention, the load resulting from these support elements is directly supported through elements coupled to the building structure of the commercial interior. Accordingly, rail elements carrying power and communication signals do not support the mechanical loads resulting from various other support and hanger components associated with the structural channel system 100. This provides significant advantages, in that regulations do not permit power and communication distribution systems to carry significant mechanical loads. That is, the structural channel system 100 provides for both power distribution and a distributed communications network, notwithstanding governmental and institutional restrictive codes and regulations.
Still other advantages exist. For example, the structural channel system 100 provides for carrying relatively high voltage cables, such as 277 volt AC power cables. With the use of wireways as previously described herein, such cabling can be appropriately shielded, and meet codes and regulations. Still further, the structural channel system 100 in accordance with certain other aspects of the invention carries both DC “working” power, and a communications network. DC power may be generated from building power, through AC/DC converters associated with the power entry boxes. Alternatively, and also in accordance with the invention, the electrical network 530 may be structured so that it is unnecessary for the communication cables 572 to carry any DC power, as may be required by connector modules and application devices. Instead, and as described in detail herein, such DC power may be generated through the use of the distributed AC power on cables 574, and the use of transformers within the connector modules. With the removal of the necessity of having any of the communication cables 572 carry DC power, relatively more advantageous configurations may be utilized for carrying communication signals, such as the differential signal configuration previously described herein.
Still further advantages relate to the carrying of both AC and DC power. Again, governmental and institutional codes and regulations include some relatively severe restrictions on mechanical structures incorporating components carrying both AC and DC power. The structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention provides for a mechanical and electrical structure which includes distribution of AC and DC power, and which should meet most codes and regulations.
Still further, the structural channel system 100 includes the concept of providing both wireways and cableways for carrying AC and DC cables. The structural channel system 100 includes not only capability of the providing for a single set of cableways and wireways, but also provides for “stacking” of the same. Still further, other governmental and institutional codes and regulations include restrictions relating to objects which extend below a certain minimum distance above ground level, with respect to support of such objects. The structural channel system 100 in accordance with the invention provides for breakaway hanger assemblies, again for meeting certain codes and regulations. Still further, with a distributed power system such as the structural channel system 100, it is necessary to transmit power between various types of structural elements, such as different lengths of main rails. Advantageously, with the particular mechanical and electrical structure of the structural channel system 100, components such as the previously described flexible connector assembly 138 can be utilized for transmitting both power and communications from one section 540 of a modular plug assembly 130 to another section 540.
In addition to the foregoing, the structural channel system 100 can be characterized as not only a distributed power network, but also a distributed “intelligence” network. That is, when various types of application devices are connected into the network of the structural channel system 100, “smart” connectors will be utilized. It is this intelligence associated with the application devices and their connectivity to the network which permits a user to “configure” the structural channel system 100 and associated devices as desired. This is achieved without requiring any type of centralized computer or control systems. Still further, the structural channel system 100 may be characterized as an “open” system. That is, the structural channel system 100 can readily be grown or reduced, with respect to both structural elements and functional devices.
Other advantageous concepts also exist with respect to the structural channel system 100. For example, mechanical elements utilized for supporting the structural channel system 100 from the building structure itself permit the “height” of the structural channel system 100 from the floor to be varied. In addition, it should again be emphasized that the flexible connector assembly 138 is unidirectional, and can only be interconnected between a pair of adjacent sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130 in one way. With respect to this concept, terminal housings are utilized which are “reversed” in structure, as shown by the prior illustrations. Also, use of the angled sections again prohibits certain incorrect interconnections of the flexible connector 138 to the sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130.
Another concept which may be employed in the system 100 relates to the positioning and configuration of the main rails 102. It would actually be possible to “flip” a length of main rail 102. In this “upside down” configuration, the main rail 102 actually has a shape whereby the rail 102 could “cradle” one or more of the cableways 120.
In general, the individual sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130 may be utilized in a number of different applications, independent of the main rails 102. For example, a number of sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130 could be utilized, in combination with the flexible connector assembly 138, in “stand alone” configurations where the sections 540 are secured to walls or other structures. In general, the configurations of the sections 540, including the modular plugs 576 and distribution plugs 650, provide for an advantageous structural and electrical configuration for distributing power and communications signals throughout an interior. Also, other configurations may be contemplated whereby the sections 540 of the modular plug assembly 130 are utilized with somewhat different relative structural configurations with the lengths of main rails 102.
The foregoing has described a substantial number of concepts associated with the structural network grid 172 and the electrical network 530. The electrical network 530 operates with what can be characterized as a protocol for purposes of establishing and reconfiguring control relationships among devices and application devices. In this regard, the network 530 can be characterized as comprising a system composed of electronics and software, with the electronics including the wands. In this regard, the programming functions can be characterized as comprising a designation based protocol system for reconfiguring control relationships among devices. It is concepts associated with the designation based protocol systems which form the basis for the principal concepts of the invention. This designation based protocol system can be incorporated within various embodiments, without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention. A first embodiment which will be described herein is characterized as a designation/reconfiguration system 1000. The system 1000 can be further characterized as incorporating all components and functions associated with establishing, maintaining and reconfiguring the device control relationships. In one manner, the designation based protocol system can be characterized as being embedded within the electrical network 530. The designation based protocol systems in accordance with the invention can use, as described herein, the previously described communication signals, for purposes of establishing commands for performance of certain programming functions within processor elements of the electrical network 530.
These processor elements have been previously described with respect to connector modules, such as the power drop connector module 140, dimmer connector module 142 and receptacle connector module 144. For example, within the receptacle connector module 144, a processor is incorporated within the processor and associated repeater circuitry 896. These programming functions serve to provide for operative relationships between the user and application devices, connector modules and the like. For the circuitry 896, various types of processors can be realized, without departing from any of the principal concepts of the invention. For example, one such processor which may be utilized and is commercially available is known as an ATmega8 microcontroller manufactured by ATmel, Inc. The microcontroller includes 8 K bytes of in-system soft-programmable flash, boot code section with independent lock bits, 512 bytes of EEPROM, and 1 K bytes of internal SRAM. Of course other types of microcontrollers or microcomputers could also be utilized for the processor and associated repeater circuitry 896.
The prior description herein has included discussion regarding concepts associated with programming of connector modules and controlling application devices. Such controlling application devices may be in the form of switches, such as the pressure switch 913 previously described herein and illustrated in
Although the foregoing description is sufficient for purposes of a programmer of ordinary skill to develop the necessary software, protocols and other system requirements for purposes of complete operation of the structural channel system 100, it has been found that certain novel concepts associated with functional operation of the structural channel system 100 and electrical network 530 may be employed. The inventions to which this application is directed relate specifically to concepts associated with these novel structures and operations. It would be possible to characterize the system described in the following paragraphs as an “operating system.” However, more descriptive references for this functional system include “reconfiguration protocol,” “reconfiguration scheme,” or “designation based protocol for reconfiguring the control relationship between devices.” For purposes of description herein, the system will be characterized as the “designation/reconfiguration system 1000” as described in the following paragraphs and illustrated herein. In this regard, it should be emphasized that the designation/reconfiguration system 1000 subsequently described herein is not the only type or configuration of system which may be utilized with the structural channel system 100. Correspondingly, it should be emphasized that concepts associated with the designation/reconfiguration system 1000 in accordance with the invention are not limited to use with the specific structural channel system 100 described herein. More specifically, the subsequent paragraphs herein describe detail with respect to various concepts associated with a designation/reconfiguration system 1000 in accordance with the invention, and as incorporated within the electrical network 530. This subsequent description can be characterized as describing various concepts that may be utilized for purposes of programming relationships between and among switches, connector modules and other elements associated with the electrical and communications network 530, and the application devices.
First will be described one general concept which may be utilized for programming relationships between switches and lights, with the switches controlling the lights. In this description, reference is made to lighting units. The lighting units may be similar to those previously described herein with respect to the entirety of the structural network system 2. Also, “switch units” are described. The switch units can correspond to various types of switches, including those previously described herein and illustrated in
Turning to
Turning specifically to
Each of the lighting units 6 further includes an infrared (IR) sensor 10. The IR sensor 10 is conventional in nature and may be any one of numerous commercially available IR sensor devices. Further, the IR sensors 10 can essentially correspond to the IR receivers 844 previously described herein with respect to use with the connector modules and other components. An IR sensor 10 is associated with each of the lighting units 6, and is utilized to receive IR signals from the wand 5 as described in subsequent paragraphs herein. Each of the IR sensors 10 is adapted to convert IR signals from the wand 5 to electrical signals, and apply the same to the corresponding controller 8 through line 11.
Referring again to each of the controllers 8, each controller has bidirectional communication via a bus 12 or similar interface used to provide for control and communication among various devices, such as the lighting units 6 and the switch units to be described in subsequent paragraphs herein. The reference to the control bus 12 as set forth herein can correspond to prior references to the communications cables 572 and AC power cables 574 running through the previously described modular plug assembly 130 as connected to the main rails 102. The control bus 12 or similar communications interface is associated with a communications network 13. The communications network 13 is shown “diagrammatically” in
In addition to the lighting unit 6, the lighting system 4 may also include a plurality of switch units 15. Each of the switch units 15 is utilized to control one or more of the lighting units 6. The switch units 15 can correspond to “smart” switching devices, such as the switch assemblies previously described herein with respect to
Each of the switches 16 converts manual activation or deactivation into an output state applied on line 17. The state of switch 16 on line 17 is applied as an input to a conventional controller 18. The controller 18 may correspond to the processor apparatus previously described herein with respect to the previously described switch assemblies. Controller 18 may be a conventional programmable controller of any of a series of commercially available types. Each of the controllers 18 may correspond in structure to the controllers 8 associated with the lighting units 6. As with each of the controllers 8 of the lighting units 6, the controllers 18 each have a unique address 19 associated therewith. Each controller 18 may also include various programmable instructions and memory storage which may comprise a light control list 20 stored in writeable memory. Although the description herein discusses concepts associated with “unique” addresses, alternative embodiments in accordance with the invention are advantageous in that they do not require unique addresses, and are therefore much easier to program and to replace. The concept of utilizing “random number” features for defining addresses for control is described in subsequent paragraphs herein.
Each of the switch units 20 also includes an IR sensor 10. Each of the IR sensors 10 may correspond in structure and function to the IR sensors 10 associated with each of the lighting units 6. That is, each of the IR sensors 10 is adapted to receive IR signals as inputs signals, and convert the same to corresponding electrical signals. The electrical signals are applied as input signals on line 11 to the corresponding controller 18. As will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the input IR signals to the IR sensor 18 will be received from the wand 5, and will be utilized to compile and modify the light control list 20.
As with each of the controllers 8 associated with the lighting units 6, the controllers 18 associated with the switch units 15 will have bi-directional communication through line 21 with the control bus 12 of the communications network 13. Each of the switch units 15 may be configured (in accordance with methods described in subsequent paragraphs herein) so as to control one or more of the lights 7 of the lighting units 6. The general programmable control as specifically associated with the switch units 15 and the lighting units 6 is relatively straightforward, in that each of the controllers 18 may include, as part of the light control list 20, identifications of each of the unique addresses 9 of the lighting units 6 associated with the lights 7 to be controlled.
For purposes of controlling correlation or configuration among the lighting units 6 and the switch units 15, the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and in accordance with the invention includes a wand 5 as shown in block diagram format in
The wand 5 also includes a mode selector module 26. The mode selector module 26 may preferably comprise a selector switching module adapted for three separate and independent inputs from the user. More specifically, the mode selector module 26 may include a SET switch 27, ADD switch 28 and REMOVE switch 29. The mode selector module 26 is adapted so as to generate and apply a state signal on line 30 as an input signal to the controller 23. The state signal on line 30 will preferably be of a unique state, dependent upon selective activation by the user of any one of the switches 27, 28 or 29. As with other specific elements of the wand 5, the mode selector module 26 may be one of any number of commercially available three switch modules, providing unique state outputs.
In response to state signals from the mode selector module 26 on line 30, and the trigger switch 24 on line 25, the controller 23 is adapted to apply activation signals on line 31, as input activation signals to an IR emitter 32. The IR emitter 32 is conventional in design and structure and adapted to transmit IR signals in response to activation signals from line 31.
In addition to controlling transmission of IR signals from the IR emitter 32, the controller 23 is also adapted to selectively generate and apply activation signals on line 33. The activation signals on line 33 are applied as signals to a visible light 34. As with the IR emitter 32, the visible light 34 may be any of a number of appropriate and commercially available lights for the purposes contemplated for use of the wand 5 in accordance with the invention.
In addition to the foregoing, the wand 5 may also preferably include a lens 24 spaced forward of the visible light 34. The lens 35 is preferably transparent to both visible and infrared light. The lens 35 is also preferably a collimating lens for purposes of focusing the visible light 34 into a series of parallel light paths (e.g. a collimated light beam 36). The foregoing describes the general structure of one embodiment of a switch/light correlation system in accordance with the invention. The correlation system may be characterized as correlation system 1, which comprises the lighting system 4 and the wand 5. The operation of the correlation system 1 will now be described with reference to
As earlier stated, a principal concept of the invention is to provide a means for configuring (or reconfiguring) the communications network, so that certain of the switch units 15 control certain of the lighting units 6. For these purposes, a plurality of wands 5 may be utilized. For example, the wands 5 may be numbered W-1, W-2, W-3 . . . W-a, where a is the total number of wands 5. An individual wand 5 may be characterized as wand W-A, where A is the particular wand number 1 through A.
As earlier described, each of the wands 5 may be utilized to initiate one of three commands, namely SET, ADD or REMOVE, through use of the mode selector module 26, and its switches 27, 28 and 29. More specifically, and as an example, the user may wish to initiate a SET command for purposes of associating one or more of the switches 16 with one or more of the lights 7. The user may first activate the SET switch 27. At the time the SET command is to be transmitted to an appropriate one of the lights 7 or switches 16, the trigger switch 24 is activated by the user. The controller 23 of the wand 5, in response to the SET command signal and the trigger switch signal, will generate appropriate electrical signals to the IR emitter 32. The IR emitter 32, in turn, will transmit IR signals representative of the SET command. These IR signals will be received as input signals by the respective IR sensor 10 associated with the lighting unit 6 or switch 15, to which the wand 5 is then currently pointed.
For purposes of describing available configuration sequences for control of the lighting units 6 through the switch units 15, it is advantageous to number the lights 7 and switches 16. As earlier stated, the embodiment illustrated in
The lighting system 1 may also maintain memory of each particular command and command number for each of the wands 5. For purposes of description, each command may be referenced as C-N, where N is the sequential number of the command generated by a specific wand 5. For example, a command referenced herein as W-4, C-3 would reference the third command from the fourth wand 5. To fully identify a particular command, it may be designated as W-4, C-3, SET, meaning that IR signals are generated from the fourth wand 5, indicating that, in fact, the signals are from the fourth wand, they represent the third command from the fourth wand, and they are indicative of a SET command.
If the wand 5 is being “pointed” to, for example, light L-2 when the trigger switch 24 is activated, the complete “directional” command may be characterized as W-4, C-3, SET, L-2. Correspondingly, if the wand is pointed at S-4, for example, the directional command may be characterized as W-4, C-3, SET, S-4. To designate ADD and REMOVE commands, the “SET” designation would be replaced by the designation “ADD” or “REMOVE,” respectively.
A specific sequential process will now be described as an embodiment in accordance with the invention to relate or correlate control between a particular one of the switches 16 and the lights 7. Assume that the user wishes to configure the lighting system 1 such that switch S-6 is to control light L-4. Further assume that the sixth wand 5 is being utilized by the user, and the last command transmitted by wand W-6 was the fourteenth command (e.g. C-14). Let it be further assumed that command C-14 from wand W-6 was transmitted to one of the switches 16. The user would first configure the mode selector module 26 for wand W-6 so as to enable the SET switch 27. The wand W-6 is than pointed to the lighting unit 6 associated with light L-4. The directional configuration of the wand 5 is indicated by the collimated light beam 36. With this configuration, the user may activate the trigger switch 24 of wand W-6. To indicate transmittal of the command, the light 34 may preferably be “blinked” so as to indicate appropriate command transmittal. The command may be characterized as W-6, C-15, SET, L-4. The command is transmitted to light L-4 through transmittal of IR signals from the IR emitter 32 associated with wand W-6. These IR signals will be received by the IR sensor 10 associated with the lighting unit 6 for light L-4. IR signals received by the IR sensor 10 are converted to corresponding electrical signals applied to the corresponding controller 8 through line 11. These signals are then also available to the communications network 13.
Following transmittal of the SET command to light L-4, the user then “points” the wand W-6 to switch S-6 of the set of switches 16. When the wand W-6 has an appropriate directional configuration as indicated by the collimated light beam 36, the trigger switch 24 can again be activated, thereby transmitting IR signals through the IR emitter 32 to switch S-6, indicative of a SET command. This directional command can be characterized as W-6, C-16, SET, S-6. The IR signals transmitted by the IR emitter 32 will be received by the IR sensor 10 associated with the switch unit 15 for switch S-6 of the set of switches 16. IR signals received by the IR sensor 10 from wand W-6 are converted to electrical signals on line 21 and applied as input signals to the corresponding controller 18. Signals indicative of the command are also made available to the communications network 13.
When this particular command is received by switch unit 15 for switch S-6, program control via controllers 8, 18, and communications network 13 will have knowledge that the SET command sent to switch S-6 was the sixteenth command from wand W-6. Programmable processes are then undertaken to determine the particular command corresponding to the fifteenth command from wand W-6, i.e. W-6, C-15. Through the prior storage of data associated with the command W-6, C-15, a determination is made that this particular command was a SET command transmitted to light L-4. With this information, the communications network 13 is provided with sufficient data so as to configure the lighting system 1 such that switch S-6 is made to control light L-4. Following this determination with respect to command C-15 for wand W-6, a search is made for the fourteenth command (e.g. C-14) transmitted from W-6. If it is determined that command C-14 from wand W-6 was a command transmitted to one of the switches 16, and not to any one of the lights 7, this particular sequence for configuration of the lighting system is then complete. Upon completion, activation of switch S-6 is made to control light L-4.
The foregoing sequence is an example of where a single one of the switches 16 is made to control a single one of the lights 7. In accordance with the invention, the lighting system 1 may also be configured so as to have one of these switches 16 control two or more of the lights 7. To illustrate a configuration sequence for control of three of the lights 7 by a single one of the switches 16, an example similar to the foregoing example using commands from wand W-6 may be utilized. More specifically, it can be assumed that command C-12 from wand W-6 was a command directed to one of the switches 16. It can be further assumed that the user wishes to have switch S-6 control not only light L-4, but also lights L-7 and L-10. Using wand W-6, the user may than transmit a SET command to light L-10 as the thirteenth command from wand W-6. That is, the command will be described as W-6, C-13, SET, L-10. Directional pointing of the wand W-6 toward light L-10 would be in accordance with the prior description herein. After command C-13 is transmitted, a further SET command can be transmitted to L-7. This will be the fourteenth command from wand W-6, and would be indicated as W-6, C-14, SET, L-7. Following this command, the two SET commands C-15 and C-16 for light L-4 and switch S-6, respectively, can be transmitted as described in the prior example. Following the receipt of command C-16 by the switch unit 15 associated with switch S-6, the communications network 13 and the associated controllers 8, 18 would than be made to search for data indicative of command C-15 from wand W-6. Upon a determination that command C-15 was a SET command to light L-4, switch S-6 would be made to control light L-4.
A further search would than be made for command C-14 from wand W-6. Unlike the prior example, the lighting system 1 would make a determination that this particular command was a SET command to light L-7, rather than a command to a switch 16. With command C-14 being transmitted to light L-7, the communications network 13 would be configured so that switch S-6 would be made to control not only light L-4, but also light L-7. Thereafter, the lighting system 1 would be made to search for data indicative of command C-13 from wand W-6. Upon a determination that command C-13 was a SET command to light L-10, the switch S-6 would be further configured through the communications network 13 so as to control not only lights L-4 and L-7, but also light L-10. A search for data indicative of command C-12 from wand W-6 would then be undertaken by the communications network 13. Upon determining that this particular command was a command directed to one of the switches 16, the communications network 13 would determine that this particular sequential configuration is completed. Upon completion, the controller 18 of the switch unit 15 associated with switch S-6 will include a light control list 20 having data indicative of switch S-6 controlling lights L-4, L-7 and L-10. Program control through the appropriate controllers and the communications network 13 will than effect this configuration, so that switch S-6 will have control of all three of the designated lights.
The foregoing examples of sequential configuration in accordance with the invention have illustrated the setting of control of a single light 7 by a single switch 16, and the setting of control of three of the lights 7 by a single switch 16. In addition to these functions, the lighting system 1 in accordance with the invention can also operate so as to configure a “master/slave” relationship among two or more of the switches 16. As an example, it can be assumed that wand W-6 was utilized to transmit a series of commands C-12, C-13, C-14, C-15 and C-16 as described in the foregoing paragraphs. It may also be assumed that the commands were exactly as described in the foregoing paragraphs in that the commands C-13 through C-16 were made to cause switch S-6 to control lights L-10, L-7 and L-4. A seventeenth command may then be generated through the use of wand W-6, with the command being a SET command and the wand W-6 being pointed at switch S-8. This command would be designated as W-6, C-17, SET, S-8. This command will be transmitted in accordance with the procedures previously described herein with respect to other SET commands. Upon receipt of IR signals by the IR sensor 10 associated with the switch unit 15 for switch S-8, the controllers and communications network 13 would than be made to search for data indicative of command C-16 from wand W-6. The data indicative of command C-16 from wand W-6 would indicate that this particular command was a SET command to switch S-6. Accordingly, the command C-16, which was immediately prior to command C-17 from wand W-6, was a command directed to a switch, rather than a light. Upon a determination that this immediately prior command C-16 was directed to switch S-6, and a determination that command C-15 was directed to a light L-4, program control through the communications network 13 would configure the lighting system 1 so that switch S-8 will be configured by the communications network 13 as a “master” switch for control of lights L-10, L-7 and L-4, while switch S-6 is “slaved” to switch S-8.
The foregoing commands from one of the wands 5 have been described with respect to SET commands. As earlier described, the mode selector module 26 also includes an ADD switch 28 and a REMOVE switch 29. Functionality of the lighting system 1 for purposes of these particular functions is similar to the functionality for the SET commands. Accordingly, relatively simple configuration sequences will be described in the subsequent paragraphs with respect to examples of use of the ADD and REMOVE commands. Continuing with the example of use of wand W-6, and assuming that a SET command would be the eighteenth command C-18, the mode selector module 26 may be set by the user so as to enable the ADD switch 28. Assume that the user wishes to add light L-20 to the control list for switch S-10. The user would than point the wand W-6 to light L-20, and activate the trigger switch 24 so as to transmit command W-6, C-18, ADD, L-20. Following transmittal of this command, the user may than transmit a further ADD command by pointing the wand W-6 to switch S-10. The command transmitted would be characterized as W-6, C-19, ADD, S-10. Upon receipt of the ADD command for switch S-10, the controllers 8, 18 and the communications network 13 would than search for data indicative of command C-18 from W-6. Data would be found indicative of command C-18 being an ADD command transmitted to light L-20. Accordingly, the communications network 13 would be configured so as to ADD light L-20 to the list of lights 7 which are under control of switch S-10. A further search would than be made for data indicative of command C-17 from wand W-6. Upon obtaining data indicative of the fact that command C-17 was a SET command to switch S-6, the configuration sequence would than be considered complete. That is, light L-20 would be controlled by switch S-10. Use of the ADD command, instead of the SET command, will cause light L-20 to be added to the lights 107 then currently being controlled by switch S-10.
In accordance with the foregoing description, it is apparent that if command C-17 had been an ADD command associated with a particular light, then not only light L-20, but also the light associated with command C-17 would also be added to the list of lights 107 controlled by switch S-10.
In addition to the SET and ADD commands, the user may also employ a REMOVE command. The REMOVE mode may be selected by enabling the REMOVE switch 29 of the mode selector module 26 associated with the particular wand 5 to be used. Functionality of the REMOVE command is similar to the functionality associated with use of the SET and ADD commands. To illustrate use of the REMOVE command, it can be assumed that the user wishes to REMOVE control of light L-30 by switch S-25. Using wand W-6, the user may enable the REMOVE switch 154, point the wand W-6 to light L-30, and activate the trigger switch 24. This causes transmittal of the command W-6, C-20, REMOVE, L-30. Upon completion, the user may then point wand W-6 to switch S-25, and again transmit a REMOVE command. This command may be characterized as command W-6, C-21, REMOVE, S-25. Upon receipt of the signals indicative of command C-21, the switch unit 15 associated with switch S-25 would than cause the communications network 13 to search for data indicative of command C-20 from wand W-6. Upon retrieval of data indicating that command C-20 from wand W-6 was a REMOVE command transmitted to light L-30, the communications network 13 would be reconfigured so as to REMOVE light L-30 from control by switch S-25. A further search would than be made for data indicative of command C-19 from wand W-6. Upon obtaining data indicating that command C-19 was a command directed to switch S-10, the REMOVE process would be considered complete. Through this reconfiguration, light L-30 would no longer be controlled by switch S-25. It will be apparent from the description of the foregoing configuration processes that control of two or more of the lights 7 may be removed from a particular one of the switches 16, through processes similar to the foregoing.
The foregoing describes particular embodiments of a correlation system 1 in accordance with the invention. It will be apparent that other embodiments in accordance with the invention may be utilized, without departing from the principal concepts of the invention. For example, it would also be possible to have an IR emitter associated with each of the lighting units 6, and an IR emitter associated with each of the switch units 15. [THE DISCUSSION IN THIS PARAGRAPH WILL BE INCORPORATED AT THE END OF THE APPLICATION, IDENTIFYING ALTERNATIVE CONCEPTS WHICH MAY BE UTILIZED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INVENTION.] Correspondingly, an IR sensor could then be employed within each of the wands 5. With this type of configuration, each of the wands 5 may be utilized to receive and to transmit IR signals. Correspondingly, each of the switch units 15 and lighting units 6 can also be enabled to transmit IR signals. As an example of commands which can be utilized with this type of configuration, a command could be generated from a wand 5 or a switch unit 15 requesting certain of the lights 7 to “broadcast” their individual addresses. For purposes of undertaking such activities by a switch unit 15, various commands other than merely SET, REMOVE and ADD commands could be transmitted from each of the wands 5. With the foregoing types of configurations, switch units 15 may be made to directly transmit commands to lighting units 6 through spatial signals.
Still further, sensors could be included within switch units 15 and the wands 5 so as to sense visible light itself. With this type of configuration, commands may be transmitted to the lighting units 6 so as to cause the lights 7 themselves to “blink” their own codes, such as their unique addresses. It is apparent that other variations of spatial signal transmission/reception may be utilized in accordance with the invention, without departing from the novel concepts thereof.
In addition to the foregoing, it is also possible in accordance with the invention to include additional features regarding “feedback” to each of the wands 5. [THE DISCUSSION IN THIS PARAGRAPH WILL BE MOVED TO THE END OF THE APPLICATION, WHERE ADDITIONAL POTENTIAL CONCEPTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INVENTION ARE DESCRIBED.] That is, it may be worthwhile to include means for indicating successful reception and execution of a command. In this regard, for example, and as earlier described herein, the visible light 34 for each of the wands 5 may be made to “blink” when the trigger switch 24 is activated, indicating the transmission of a command. Other functionality may be included to provide feedback, such as each of the lights 7 which is the subject of a command from one of the wands 5 being made to “blink” or otherwise indicate successful reception or completion of a command. Still further, and as somewhat earlier described herein, it would also be feasible in accordance with the invention to cause a switch unit 15 and the communications network 13 to cause all of the lights 7 which are the subject of a series of commands to “blink” so as to further indicate successful reception and/or completion of a command sequence. Various other means of feedback to the user and to the wands 5 may be employed without departing from the novel concepts of the invention.
As earlier stated, the general concepts of reprogramming or configuring the control correlation in accordance with the invention does not have to be limited to switching and lighting apparatus. Numerous other functional accessories often found at workplaces may also employ the same concepts set forth herein with respect to providing manual means of control of various functional components.
Also, other aspects of control systems in accordance with the invention may be employed. For example, various types of algorithms may be utilized with the control wands. It might be possible, for example, to utilize algorithms which do not require the need for transmitting of a wand identification number. On the other hand, it may be worthwhile to provide a wand identification number as an option, in the event one wishes to create a “wand” prioritization hierarchy.
Still further, it would be possible to utilize algorithms whereby all of the wands are considered to be identical, and the system to be controlled maintains the last “state” in which it was configured. It is also possible that the system to be controlled could be integrated with a tracking/identification system, and change state based on who (or which wand) was in the room. Further, the wands could be constructed in a manner so that only certain work could be performed in a subset of the rooms in a building (i.e., restriction to one floor of a multi-story building). In general, various types of “logical” relationships could be utilized with the wands.
Other aspects of a control system in accordance with the invention may be utilized. For example, each device to be controlled (e.g., light fixtures, microphones, cameras, monitors, wall sockets and the like) may be provided with standard power and data connections required by the device. In addition, each of the devices may be connected to a control bus. The concept of utilizing controllers and control buses is set forth in prior paragraphs herein. Connection to a bus may be made via existing electrical power lines, or separate hardwired or wireless channels. All control units would be connected to the control bus.
Each device could also be provided with at least one global unique identifier. The identifier would preferably be unique from the date of manufacture. The identifier could be broken into portions, with a first portion reflecting the manufacturer, a second portion identifying the type, family or class of device, and a third portion uniquely identifying the particular unit. The control arrangement could commence operation with the control unit sending a command to all devices connected to the bus, so as to identify themselves. Each device would respond by transmitting its identifier via a method consistent with its end use. For example, a speaker may transmit an audio signal from which the identifier could be determined. A light may flash at the identifier. Alternatively, an IR LED on the device may be utilized to flash the identifier. This would also allow devices such as cameras and heaters, where no clear method exists, to identify themselves.
An identifier recording unit capable of receiving each of these signals and converting them to unique identifiers may then be brought into close proximity with one or more devices, each in succession. The identifier recorder reads the identifier, and then stores it in memory. In the case of devices without convenient access, it may be possible to obtain the identifying signal via a directional microphone or optics.
Alternatively, placement of a device indicator near a device may trigger the device to transmit its identifier by means of the control bus to the control unit. The control unit would then record the device identifier as a “tagged” device. The control unit could then be instructed to map the tagged devices to a particular control. In one relatively simple configuration, the device indicator could be a button on each device.
An approach in accordance with the invention as described herein offers several advantages over existing systems. Because each device identifier is unique, there is no chance of confusion between the devices. Furthermore, since complicated identifiers need not be changed within the device, remembered or recorded by the user, the system is relatively simple to use. Further, the control arrangement in accordance with the invention allows the user to create a device control scheme in the physical space of the devices. That is, it is not necessary to design a control scheme, convert the scheme to a set of identifiers, and then program a control unit using these identifiers. Instead, the invention allows the user to program a control scheme as the user visualizes it within the workspace.
Further in accordance with the invention, the concepts set forth above may be used to readily map a control to a particular parameter (e.g., lighting intensity, sound intensity and the like) at a particular location within the workspace. In this sense, the invention provides for the direct control of locations, rather than the control of devices.
In addition to use in office environments, concepts associated with the invention may be readily used in other “commercial interiors” (as such term was previously defined herein), including retail facilities, medical and other health care operations, educational, religious and governmental institutions, factories and others. Still further, for example, use of the system concepts described herein may be utilized in theaters and vehicle interiors.
The following paragraphs describe various other concepts associated with the electrical network 530 and, more particularly, concepts associated with programming of relationships between controlling and controlled devices, and communications between the devices, including communications with a wand, such as the previously described wand 5 and the previously described wand 892. In fact, part of the subsequent description will include a brief description of a modified wand. In addition, the subsequent description herein describes concepts associated with protocols associated with packet transmissions, specific types of commands, and table assignments for the same. In particular, it should be noted that the embodiment of the designation/reconfiguration system 1000 subsequently described herein does not require any system device (such as a connector module or the like) to include any unique identifier assigned to the device at the time of manufacture or installation. Correspondingly, without the need for this unique identifier, it is also unnecessary for the user to “input” or otherwise “program” such an identifier into the memories of components associated with the designation/reconfiguration system 1000, or any centralized computer system components. Numerous other advantages also exist with respect to the example embodiment of the designation/reconfiguration system 1000 set forth in subsequent paragraphs herein. Again, however, it should be emphasized that the subsequent description represents only one embodiment of an designation/reconfiguration system 1000 which can be utilized with the electrical network 530 incorporated within the network grid 172, in accordance with the invention.
The network grid 172 provides means for physically supporting various application devices, as well as providing for a distribution system for AC electrical power, DC power and a data network for communications signals. The network grid 172, particularly with respect to components such as connector modules and the like, has been previously described herein in substantial detail.
It is clearly an objective of the network grid 172 to physically support the electrical network 530, thereby providing reconfigurable control of the environment in commercial interiors, such as lighting. This control occurs by integrating processing capabilities into lighting components and controls for the same, such as switchers and dimmers. By providing a distributed processing network, it is possible to create systems, such as the lighting system, where the electrical network 530 and the processing is essentially “transparent” to the user. That is, notwithstanding that the electrical network 530 and processing functions are occurring, the user is using devices with which the user is familiar, such as switches. Also, use is occurring in a manner familiar to the user.
As previously described herein, the network grid 172 architecture also reduces the cost of installing new systems, such as lighting systems, electrical access systems and similar systems, and reduces the cost of reconfiguring an area. This cost reduction occurs because the network 530 provides means for dynamically redefining logical relationships among “sensors” and “actuators.” As previously referenced, the sensors may include components such as the previously described pull chain switch 917 and rotary dimmer switch assembly 823. Such sensors may also include other controlling devices, such as thermostats and the like. As described in greater detail subsequently herein, sensors can be characterized as application devices which sense a change of an input from a user, or from another sensor. In contrast, the “actuators” can be characterized as devices which control power to certain types of application devices. These application devices may include switched power receptacles, light fixtures, projection screen motors and the like. Examples of actuators, as also described in greater detail subsequently herein, include the actuators 936 associated with the previously described connector modules 140, 142 and 144. The prior description herein set forth characteristic behaviors of various components of the electrical network 530 from what may be characterized as an “application” or “user interface” level. The following paragraphs describe more detailed network behavior with respect to application and user interface levels, in addition to description at signal and memory levels.
With respect to the grid 172, it was described herein for implementation in what would typically be one floor of a commercial interior. However, also falling within the scope of the invention, the system 1000 may be adapted for use in multiple floor levels, thereby providing an entirety of a building level network system. The subsequent paragraphs herein also cover common characteristics of devices which may be connected to the electrical network 530. However, the subsequent description herein does not cover any additional concepts associated with AC power distribution. These concepts have been described in detail in prior paragraphs herein.
As also previously described herein, the structural network grid 172 includes a series of main perforated structural channel rails 102. Mounted within individual sections of the rails 102 are one or more modular plug assembly 130 comprising elongated modular plug assembly sections 540. Again, all of these elements were previously described herein with respect to various ones of the drawings. Within the elongated sections 540 are a set of AC power cables 574 and a set of communications cables 572. In the particular embodiments described herein, the AC power cables 574 comprise a 5-wire system, so as to provide for three separate AC circuits, with a common neutral and common ground. Correspondingly, as also previously described in detail herein, the communications cables 572 comprise three digital cables, previously identified herein as cables DC1, DC2 and DCR. Cables DC1 and DC2 are utilized to provide communications signals in the form of a differential signal. Cable DCR is utilized as a common mode reference for differential data. As also previously described herein, an alternative embodiment for the signal configuration is to utilize cable DC1 and cable DCR for purposes of running low voltage DC power through the rails 102 and the modular plug assembly 130. In such a situation, the DC power may be generated at the power entry boxes 134 or 134A previously described herein. In this situation, communication cables DC2 and DCR would provide the path for digital communication signals. Differential signal transmission would not be utilized.
In the particular embodiment described herein, the elongated plug assembly sections 540 associated with the rails 102 must be electrically interconnected together, so as to form the entirety of the modular plug assembly 130. For this purpose, and in accordance with the prior description herein, flexible connector assemblies 138 are utilized to connect together the individual elongated plug assembly sections 540 of the rails 102. With these connections, and as also described in detail herein, not only are communications cables 572 of the individual elongated sections 540 connected together, but the AC power cables 574 from each of the elongated sections 540 are also connected together.
Also in accordance with the prior description, application devices are added to the electrical network 530 by coupling the devices to the rails 102 through components such as the previously described connector modules 140, 142 and 144. The electrical network 530 can be characterized as a “peer-to-peer” network. That is, all application devices on the electrical network 530 are capable of initiating communications with all other devices on the network 530. Still further, devices can be divided up into two types of devices, namely “sensors” and “actuators.” General concepts associated with sensors and actuators have been previously described herein. These sensors can be characterized as devices that sense the change of an input from a user, or from another sensor. Examples of such sensors are the previously described switch assemblies, such as the dimmer switch assembly 823, pressure switch 913, pull chain switch 917 and motion sensing switch 921, as illustrated in
Actuators, as the term was previously used herein, are devices which control power to items such as switched power receptacles, light fixtures, projection screen motors and the like. Examples of actuators previously described herein are the actuators 936 associated with the previously described connector modules 140, 142 and 144. As with the sensors, a particular designation format will be utilized herein for the actuators. Specifically, any given actuator will be designated by the letter “A.” Also, where appropriate, and to distinquish one actuator from another, actuators may be referenced herein by a letter and number sequence, such as a reference to actuator “A2.” This is a reference to the second actuator within a number of actuators. General reference to actuators are designated herein by letter sequences, such as a reference to “Ay,” meaning actuator number y within a number of actuators. A complete series of sensors will be referred to herein as a group of “n” sensors. The letter “p” will be used to refer to a complete series of “p” actuators.
As previously described herein in general terms, sensors can comprise switches and actuators can comprise portions of connector modules and the like. In the prior description, reference is made to the concept that certain switches could be made to “control” various connector modules and their associated actuators. In this regard, reference was made to the concept that the switches comprised “controlling devices,” while connector modules could essentially be characterized as “controlled devices.” Also in the prior description, references were made to the concept of utilizing a wand (such as the control wand 892 previously described herein and illustrated in
To effectively provide for functional correlation between switches and actuators (or, more generally, between sensors and actuators), specific functional control “rules” must first be established. In other words, a basic functional system having particular rules for establishing controlling/controlled relationships among sensors and actuators (and rules for reconfiguring such relationships) must be established, based upon signals transmitted from the wand 892 or similar “programming” tool. The following paragraphs describe one type of programming application and set of “designation rules” for designating controlling/controlled relationships among sensors and actuators, and for achieving the capability of readily and timely reconfiguring these relationships as desired among all sensors and actuators associated with the entirety of the electrical network 530. This particular set of rules can be characterized as the “groups” or “grouping” variation. However, it should be emphasized that what is being described herein is a set of embodiments of a system 1000 which may be utilized in accordance with the invention. A number of variations may be made with respect to the details of the embodiments, without departing from certain of the principal concepts of the invention.
For purposes of providing to users a simple means for establishing and reconfiguring control relationships between controlling devices and controlled devices several concepts have been invented. Each concept is a coherent and internally consistent organizing framework. Within the framework, a set of designation rules guides user behavior for configuring control relationships, and a second set of rules governs the device behavior within the established configuration. Additionally, the concepts contain a type of feedback from the network 530 that informs the user of the state of the network 530 as the control relationships are configured and reconfigured. Because the fundamental operation of the network is characterized by the associations between and among network devices, these concepts are defined as associative schema. A first embodiment, which will be described herein, is named associative scheme 1001 and illustrated in
Scheme 1001 is based on the concept of forming groups. Groups are formed from actuation and sensing devices herein called actuators and sensors. Scheme 1001 includes two kinds of groups. One type of group consists of at least one actuator and may include one or more sensors. This type of group is named ‘actuator group.’ The other type of group consists only of sensors. This type of group is named ‘sensor group.’ An actuator may belong to only one actuator group at a time. A sensor may only belong to an actuator group, to a sensor group, or to both a sensor and actuator group. A group has a unique identity defined by a shared group address. A group address is an identifying tag that is supplied to devices as a consequence of a particular sequence of user behaviors. The scheme 1001 defines the behaviors required of the user. The user configures both types of groups using the same behaviors.
In order to form either an actuator group or a sensor group a user executes the following sequence of steps: 1) the user assigns an address to a device that is connected to the network 530, and the device establishes whether or not the address is unique, and executes a particular algorithm until a unique address is resolved; 2) the user assigns an address to a second device connected to the same network, and this device resolves the uniqueness of its address in the same way as the first device. In this associative scheme, these steps are called designations. Because these two devices were designated in consecutive order, the second device takes as its group address the group address of the first device, and discards its unique address. Since these devices now share an address they are considered to be members of the same group.
Once an actuator group or sensor group has been formed, a user may add additional actuators or sensors to the group by performing the same designation sequence described above. A user designates a first device, and then designates a second device. The second device is added to the group to which the first device belongs.
Actuators and sensors can also be removed from actuator or sensor groups. Changing the actuator or sensor address to a non-unique address removes the actuator or sensor from its group. In a specific embodiment, the stored address is changed to a zero value. A message that accomplishes this can be transmitted by several means. One embodiment is a hand-held device (the wand 37) that transmits at the push of a button. When the button is pushed a message is sent that changes the address currently stored in the actuator or sensor to a zero value. The actuator or sensor becomes un-grouped, or in other words, enters a stand-alone state. In a specific embodiment this button can be button 2 on a 2 button hand-held device 37 where button 1 performs the designation function described above. This two-button device functions as the interface for establishing and reconfiguring relationships between controlled and controlling devices.
During the designation sequence, feedback can be provided to the user in several different ways. One embodiment uses LEDs for signaling to the user the state of the devices during the process. Specifically, when a user first designates a device, a LED located on, near, or in some way identified with the device turns on steady. When the user designates the second device in the sequence the LED on, near, or identified with the second device flashes, and the LED on the first device is turned off. By this means the user is informed that the designation was successfully completed. In the event that an actuator or sensor is a member of a previously formed group at the time that it is designated by the user as the first step in the designation sequence, its LED and the LEDs of all of the members of its group turn on steady. When the second step in the sequence is performed, its LED flashes and all of the previously lit LEDs in the group turn off. The feedback to the user when an actuator or sensor is removed from a group is a flash of its LED.
The user can designate devices by several means. One embodiment is a hand-held device 37 that transmits addresses at the push of a button. A random number generator provides addresses, so each address is unique. A specific embodiment is a device that transmits the address information using infrared signals aimed at an infrared receiver in or on the device. The hand-held transmitting device 37 can also transmit information that identifies it. Actuators and sensors can use the identity of the transmitting device to determine whether or not they are part of the same designation sequence.
When actuators and sensors are members of the same group, the output of the sensors in the group will control the behavior of the actuators within the group. When a sensor is a member of a sensor group but not a member of any actuator group, that sensor sends it output to the other members of its sensor group. Those sensors, in turn, send their output to the actuators in their actuator groups. By this means, a network configuration is achieved that includes a master sensor.
Associative scheme 1001 provides a means for establishing a configuration of controlled and controlling devices, as well as a means for reconfiguring the relationships between the devices. One specific embodiment is an interior building lighting system. In a conventional system, light switches typically control all of the lights on a circuit or a branch of a circuit. Associative scheme 1001 allows control at the individual device rather than the individual circuit. In a specific embodiment, associative scheme 1001 allows a user to establish a configuration of control for lighting system by directly addressing the source of power for the lights and directly addressing switches that provide signals for control of that power. In this embodiment, associative scheme 1001 can be implemented and used in the actual space that contains the lighting system in real time without any intermediary like a personal computer or other control system.
In addition to providing a means for establishing and reconfiguring relationships between controlled and controlling devices without a control system intermediary, associative scheme 1001 provides a means for storing and recalling specific configurations. In a specific embodiment, a user designates a particular type of sensor that includes a memory function. The user provides an additional input to this sensor that opens a unique memory location. The user then designates actuator groups. The address of each group that is designated, and the state of the actuators within that group, is saved in the unique memory location of this particular type of sensor. When the user provides another additional input to the sensor the sequence is ended. Upon a particular kind of input to the sensor that has stored the actuator group addresses and their states, these actuator groups are signaled to enter the states that were recorded. In a specific embodiment, the input to the sensor can be achieved with a single push button. In a different embodiment this particular kind of sensor could have several push buttons, each button used to store, and subsequently recall different groups in different states.
By these means, forming groups, adding to groups, deleting from groups, and saving the states of different groups, associative scheme 1001 enables users to establish and change the control relationships between powered devices on a network. This gives users a unique capability to configure and reconfigure space for different uses.
A second embodiment of an associative scheme, named associative scheme 2001, is described herein. Scheme 2001 is based on a ‘trees’ concept. There are two types of devices in this scheme, actuators and sensors. Actuators are devices that control AC or DC power to items such as switched power receptacles, light fixtures and projection screen motors. Sensors are devices that sense a change of input from a user, another sensor, or the environment. This scheme requires that actuators are always ‘slaves,’ and sensors are either ‘masters’ or ‘slaves.’ Associations are formed between the actuators and sensors, establishing a master and slave relationship. The master always controls the slave. In other words, the switch always controls the light.
The associations between actuators and sensors can be formed in several ways. One embodiment may utilize a designation process that assigns a randomly generated address to an actuator. The device establishes whether or not the address is unique to the network. Once the device resolves a unique address it is in a designated state. In a similar fashion a randomly generated address, is assigned to a sensor. Once the sensor resolves a unique address it announces that it is the master of the previously designated actuator. The order of designation is important. Actuators must be designated before sensors. The actuator stores its master's address. The actuator and sensor are now associated. The actuator will respond to input from the sensor.
Actuators can be added to sensors that are already controlling other actuators by performing the same sequence of behaviors described above. As before, once the sensor resolves a unique address it announces that it is the master of the previously designated actuator. At the same time, all of the actuators that had previously stored that sensor's previous address as the address of their master store the new address of that sensor as the address of their master.
Associative scheme 2000 provides a means for having multiple sensors control one or more actuators. In order to create this kind of association in the embodiment being described, the designation sequence begins with a sensor rather than an actuator. In this case a sensor is designated than a second sensor is designated. This completes the designation sequence. The first sensor acts as the second sensor's slave. It forwards commands from the second sensor to the network. All of the actuator's that have stored the first sensor's address as their master respond to those commands.
A means is also provided for removing an actuator from a sensor. In one embodiment a device named a ‘null sensor’ is provided. A user first designates an actuator, and then designates the null sensor. The actuator stores the address of the null sensor as its master. The null sensor has no means for sending control messages over the network. Consequently, any actuator associated with a null sensor cannot change its state. In other words, the actuator no longer has any control relationships.
The null sensor in scheme 2001 also provides a means for removing sensors from other sensors. To remove a sensor from another sensor, first the null sensor is designated, and then the sensor that is to be removed is designated. The second sensor is now the master of the null sensor. Since the null sensor has no means for sending control messages over the network, the second sensor can no longer change the state of any actuators. In other words, the sensor no longer has any control relationships.
In a specific embodiment, the previously described sequences of designation events can be executed with a hand-held device 37 that transmits addresses using an infrared signal. The signal can be transmitted at the push of a button.
Actuators and sensors can provide feedback to the user during the designation sequence in several ways. In one embodiment the actuator can light a LED when it is designated. Subsequently, when a sensor is designated, it can flash an LED, and the LED associated with the actuator can go off. This indicates the successful conclusion of the designation sequence.
Following the designation sequence for scheme 2000 described above, multiple devices can be associated with each other. By designating several actuators consecutively and then a sensor, all of those designated actuators will respond to input from that sensor. In one embodiment, where the actuators are lights, all of the lights flash at the end of the designation sequence, thereby providing visual feedback to the user indicating the successful completion of the designation sequence. In this way, associative scheme 2000 creates a capability for a user to configure the control relationships for large numbers of actuators and sensors thereby making possible easy configuration and reconfiguration of space.
Several of the concepts as described in the foregoing paragraphs are specifically illustrated in
For purposes of further describing an embodiment of a designation procedure in accordance with the invention, the concept of “groups” will now be introduced. More specifically, the electrical network 530 will be characterized as having two different kinds of “groups.” The groups include “sensor groups” and “actuator groups.” For purposes of description, a sensor group will be referred to herein by the abbreviation “SG.” Further, a reference to a sensor group as “SGa” will mean a reference to the “Ath” sensor group within a number of sensor groups. Correspondingly, actuator groups will be referred to herein by the abbreviation “AG.” Further, reference to an actuator group as “AGb” will be a reference to the “Bth” actuator group within a number of actuator groups.
For purposes of describing the sensors, actuators, sensor groups and actuator groups in accordance with the control “rules” associated with this particular embodiment of a designation procedure in accordance with the invention, modified versions of Venn diagrams will be utilized.
With reference to the particular designation procedure in accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the sensor groups SG are defined as groupings of application devices, where all members of the groups must be sensors, as such term is defined herein. In contrast, actuator groups AG are defined herein as being capable of including not only actuators as members, but may also include sensors. This concept is illustrated in
Still further, in accordance with this particular designation procedure in accordance with the invention, a sensor S can be a member of only one actuator group AG and only one sensor group SG. This concept is illustrated in
Another rule within the designation procedure for this embodiment relates to the sensors S and is illustrated in
Still further, reference is made to
In the subsequent description, and for purposes of clarity, various sensors are sometimes referred to as “switches.” It should be emphasized that the term “switch” is being used somewhat generically, in that it can refer not only to switches such as those previously described herein, but also other types of sensors having control capability, such as thermostats and the like. It should also be noted that for purposes of clarity and understanding, the terms sensors, actuators, groups and application devices as used in subsequent paragraphs herein will not necessarily include any identifying reference numerals. The foregoing paragraphs have already described various examples of numerically referenced components which are examples of sensors, actuators and application devices.
The user 973 can undertake various actions for purposes of establishing control relationships among the various sensors and actuators. With this “grouping” variation in accordance with the invention, such functional activities by the user 973 can be defined by a set of rules characterized in accordance with the use of sensor groups and actuator groups. Accordingly, establishment of control relationships among the sensors and actuators can be defined as occurring by adding and deleting sensors from sensor groups and/or actuator groups, and also adding or deleting actuators from actuator groups. More specifically, assuming that a user wishes to initiate or modify a control relationship for a particular application device, a user will “operate” on the actuator associated with the application device. For example, a device (whether it would be a controlling device or controlled device) can be added to a group by designating, as subsequently described herein, some member of the particular group to which the user wishes to add the device. Following such designation, the user then “designates” the new sensor or actuator. For sensors, the concept of “designation” can be characterized as the use of a control wand (such as the previously described control wand 892) to transmit spatial IR signals to an IR receiver associated with that particular sensor. Correspondingly, ihe concept of “designation” of an actuator (and interconnected application device) can be characterized as the use of the control wand to transmit spatial IR signals to an IR receiver associated with that particular actuator. The spatial IR signals transmitted through use of the control wand to the IR receivers for both sensors and actuators constitute what can be characterized as “messages.” Examples of the content of these messages in accordance with certain concepts of the invention are subsequently described herein.
It should be emphasized that the foregoing designation procedure refers to the transmittal of spatial IR signals, and components in the form of IR receivers for receiving such signals. It should be emphasized that other types of communication signaling could be utilized. For example, tonal, radio or other signals along the electromagnetic frequency spectrum could be utilized. Further, although it would not be relatively practical, wires or other electrical conductors could be utilized, with such conductors running from a hand-held wand to physically selected signal inputs to the sensors and actuators. Still further, devices other than the hand-held wand 892 or similar wands could be utilized, without departing from certain of the principal concepts of the invention.
The foregoing has generally described a set of exemplary rules for defining and characterizing sensors and actuators, and sensor groups and actuator groups. In addition, the foregoing has also defined concepts associated with initially designating devices (i.e., a sensor or an actuator). The following paragraphs describe concepts associated with communication signals transmitted from sensors to other sensors or actuators, as well as describing characterizations.
Sensors are adapted to transmit their output signals to their particular actuator groups, unless the sensors can be characterized as master switches (i.e. the sensors either have no actuator group or, alternatively, no actuators within their actuator group). In turn, all actuators within an actuator group will transmit their outputs based upon the “last value” sent to that actuator group. Correspondingly, master switches send messages to the sensor group in which the master switches are contained. All sensors within a sensor group forward any message sent to the sensors in that sensor group to their actuator groups. In this regard, it should be noted that when a device is initially shipped to the site of the designation/reconfiguration system 1000, the device can be characterized as being in an “on” or “enabled” state. However, even if the device is physically interconnected into the structural network grid 172 and the electrical network 530, the device will not communicate with the electrical network 530 until such time as the device is designated by the user 973.
In the prior description, references have been made numerous times to the concept of a user 973. In fact, the designation/reconfiguration system 1000 in accordance with the invention contemplates two “levels” of users. First, a user may be a person who configures and reconfigures the electrical network 530 through the use of the designation/reconfiguration system 1000. This is a person, for example, who may initially designate groups, and from time to time modify or “reconfigure” the groups, thereby establishing and modifying control relationships among the various sensors and actuators forming part of the electrical network 530. A second level of users can be characterized as those who utilize the electrical network 530 on a day to day basis. For this second level of users, it is intended that the communication structures and functions associated with the electrical network 530 are essentially “transparent” to the user. That is, this second level of user may be completely unaware of the fact that standard electrical conductors are not necessarily being used and conventional electrical power is not being applied through conductors connected to, for example, a switch and a standard light operable through use of the switch.
The immediately following paragraphs describe certain structure and functions associated with the sensors and actuators. Certain of this description has previously been set forth with respect to the description of the switches (such as switch 949 shown in
With respect to the wand, one embodiment of a wand 892 has been previously described herein, and illustrated in
In a manner somewhat similar to the wand 892, the modified wand assembly 37 includes a main housing 40, with a cover 41 for electronics and associated batteries 43. An IR transmitter 38 is positioned at the front tip of the wand assembly 37. The IR transmitter 38 is a conventional component, capable of transmitting spatial IR signals to a target. As previously described, IR receivers are associated with sensors and actuators, and are tuned to the frequencies of the spatial IR signals sent by the IR transmitter 38. In addition, the wand assembly 37 may include a laser pointer 39, as shown in
In addition to the foregoing, the modified wand assembly 37 also includes two control buttons. First, a “group” or “designate” button 44 is provided, as illustrated in
To configure the network 530, the user will “establish” devices on the network 530 (if not previously established) by sending IR signals 890 to a sensor or actuator, indicating that the user wishes to establish (or, if previously established, to reconfigure) a controlled/controlling relationship involving certain sensors and actuators. To accomplish the designation of a device, and as generally previously described herein, the user may point the wand assembly 37 at the device's “target” (meaning an appropriate IR receiver associated with the target) and press the group button 44 on the wand assembly 37. If a sensor or actuator has previously been designated, and the user 973 wishes to “ungroup” or “undesignate” the particular device, the user can point the modified wand assembly 37 again at the device's target, and press or otherwise enable the ungroup button. When a device has been designated, it can be characterized as entering a “designated” state. In this state, the status indicator (such as status indicator 926 shown in
As previously described herein, a user may not only wish to designate a sensor or actuator for the electrical network 530, but may wish to also establish a control/controlling relationship between an actuator and a sensor. Establishing such a relationship is referred to herein as “connecting” an actuator to a sensor. In accordance with prior discussion, the user 973 may designate a desired actuator through actions associated with the wand assembly 37 and, thereafter, designate the sensor which is to control the actuator. It should be emphasized that although the term “connecting” is utilized to describe the establishment of a relationship between actuators and sensors, this relationship, advantageously in accordance with the invention, is being established independent of any particular physical wiring, and also independent of any need to modify or otherwise reconfigure any physical wiring. Also, it will be apparent from discussion herein that designation of devices, and configuration/reconfiguration of control relationships among the devices, occurs in the absence of any need for centralized computer systems or other centralized control apparatus. The foregoing paragraph describes some of the principal and most important concepts of the designation/reconfiguration protocol systems in accordance with the invention.
When an actuator has received a complete and correct signal from the wand assembly 37, the actuator can provide a “visual feedback” to the user, by enabling an LED or similar status light in its target (such as the status light or indicator 926 of receptacle connector module 144 shown in
The concept of designation of sensors and actuators has now been described. Also previously described were concepts associated with defining sensor groups and actuator groups. As apparent from the foregoing, these concepts of sensor groups and actuator groups provide one means for characterizing how and what types of control relationships can be achieved utilizing sensors, actuators and wands. In general, and as described in greater detail herein, when a sensor is defined as being within an actuator group comprising a number of actuators, that sensor has the capability of controlling those actuators and the actuators can be defined as being under control of the sensor.
More specifically, and as earlier mentioned, any two actuators, or an actuator and a sensor, which have been made to be associated with each other, can be characterized as being part of a single actuator group. That is, if a sensor has been “connected” to an actuator in the manner previously described (i.e. functionally rather than structurally), the sensor and the actuator can be characterized as forming an actuator group, with the controlling sensor and the controlled actuator being members of the group. If it is desired to have the sensor control yet another actuator, the user 973 can operate the wand assembly 37 by first designating any actuator currently in the group, and then designating the additional actuator which the user 973 wishes to add to the group. When this is accomplished, the single sensor in this particular actuator group will be made to control both of the actuators. The corresponding actuator group can be characterized as comprising the single sensor and the two actuators. For the particular embodiment herein, it should be emphasized that the “order” of designation is important. That is, an actuator which is currently in an actuator group to which the user 973 wishes to add an actuator, must be designated before the new actuator is designated. However, it is contemplated that the user 973 may, from time to time, make inadvertent errors in the designation process. For example, the user 973 may accidentally select the additional actuator to be designated first in the designation sequence. As part of the functional sequences in accordance with the invention, the designation/reconfiguration system 1000 anticipates this type of error. Accordingly, the wand assembly 37, as previously described herein, includes an “ungroup” button 45. If the user becomes aware that a mistake has been made in the designation sequence, the user 973 may enable the ungroup button 45 on the wand assembly 37.
The foregoing described the concept of adding an actuator to an actuator group already having a controlling sensor and a controlled actuator. Multiple sensors may also be associated with one or more actuators in control relationships. For example, a number of switches may be made to control one set of lights (under control of an actuator associated with one connector module), or multiple sets of lights or other application devices. Assuming that a number of actuators currently exist within an actuator group through prior designation and configurations by the user 973, the user 973 may first designate any actuator within the actuator group through use of the wand assembly 37. Following such designation, the user 973 may then designate the additional sensor which the user wishes to add to the actuator group. By associating multiple sensors with one or more actuators, various control functions can be achieved. For example, this type of configuration capability provides for three way switches and dimmer presets. For purposes of understanding these concepts, it should be remembered that when one or more actuators are being controlled by a plurality of sensors, the actuator outputs are always “set” to the value of the last controlling sensor used by the user 973.
As previously described herein with respect to defining the concepts associated with sensor groups and actuator groups, certain groupings may result in a sensor being a master switch. Grouping rules for master switches were previously described with respect to
In accordance with the foregoing, a sensor can be made to control an actuator group, by designating the sensor desired to be the master switch, and then designating any sensor in an actuator group to be controlled by the master switch. To add a second actuator group, the master sensor is designated and then a sensor from the second actuator group is designated. All of the designated sensors form a sensor group and the first sensor, since it has no actuator group, is a master switch.
To remove an actuator from a group, the user “deletes” the actuator. To remove a sensor from a group, the user “deletes” the sensor.
In a physically realized implementation of the system 1000, it is desirable to have a process and the capability of indicating to the user the occurrence of multiple devices being designated at the same time. In such a situation, preferably, both devices should be made to fail designation. In the event of such designation failure, or in the event of failures of such processes in self tests or the like, it is also worthwhile that the indication to the user be visual. For example, in the event of these types of failures, it would be possible to have the status indicators on sensors or actuators involved in the failure be enabled in a manner so as to indicate the occurrence of the failure to the user.
General concepts associated with designating sensors and actuators, in the form of switches and connector modules, were previously described with respect to
Reference will now be made to illustrative embodiments of the physical structure associated with the structural network grid 172 and the electrical network 530. It should be emphasized, however, that designation/reconfiguration systems in accordance with the invention are not limited to any particular structures for the network grid 172, or a specific implementation of the electrical network 530. For example, the designation/reconfiguration system 1000 in accordance with the invention is being described herein in use with a structural network grid 172 and electrical network 530 disclosed in the commonly assigned and co-pending United State Provisional Patent Application titled POWER AND COMMUNICATIONS DISTRIBUTION USING A STRUCTURAL CHANNEL SYSTEM and filed Aug. 5, 2004. However, the principles of the inventions incorporated within the designation/reconfiguration system 1000 can also be applied to a power and communications distribution system disclosed in the commonly assigned and co-pending United States Provisional Patent Application titled POWER AND COMMUNICATIONS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM USING SPLIT BUS RAIL STRUCTURE and filed Jul. 30, 2004. Accordingly, the principles of the designation/reconfiguration system 1000 in accordance with the invention and as disclosed herein are not limited to the specific physical or electrical structures also described herein.
To describe certain aspects of a physical implementation of the designation/reconfiguration system 1000 in accordance with the invention and as incorporated within the structural channel system previously described herein, reference will first be made to certain of the elements associated with the network grid 172 and the electrical network 530. The basic physical element of the structural network grid 172 is a length of main perforated structural channel rail 102. Modular plug assemblies 130 are utilized with sections of the rail 102. Each modular plug assembly 130 carries both AC power cables 574 and communication cables 572. If DC power is being provided through the use of AC/DC converters at the power input feed boxes, consideration may have to be given to the maximum length of any individual section of the main rails 102, since DC power may attenuate. On the other hand, however, and advantageously in accordance with one aspect of the invention, the connector modules as previously described herein may include their own AC/DC power converters. This was earlier shown, for example, in
As also previously described herein, the communications cables 572 can consist of three cables DC1, DC2 and DCR. Cables DC1 and DC2 provide for transmission of communication signals using a differential configuration. Cable DCR provides a data return. In the primary configuration previously described herein, DC power is generated through the use of transformers 910 in the connector modules. As an alternative, and as previously described herein, DC power can be generated through the use of AC/DC converters within the power entry boxes 134 or 134A. In this instance, the communication cable 572 may be configured so that cables DC1 and DCR provide DC power. Also, with this type of configuration, differential signaling would not be utilized for purposes of carrying communications. Instead, data would be carried through communication cables DC2 and DCR.
With respect to device characteristics, application devices, as previously described herein, may be connected to the electrical network 530 through the use of the connector modules, such as connector modules 140, 142 and 144. These “smart” devices may have a transparent, visible target covering an IR receiver which is tuned to the wand assembly 37. Preferably, each smart device has certain isolation between all AC power lines and all communications network lines. In developing physically realized embodiments in accordance with the invention, it would be desirable to specify the maximum power consumption of smart devices with all inputs and outputs set to their default state. During transmission, smart devices broadcast data to other smart devices by changing voltage levels relative to a common voltage on an interconnected data bus. These voltage levels represent data consisting of a series of ones and zeros. Receiving smart devices decode broadcasted data by detecting voltage level variations, or amperage, relative to the common voltage.
The foregoing description has disclosed the designation/reconfiguration system 1000 on a fairly “high level” basis, in terms of functional operation. That is, the principal portion of this description has been directed to interfaces between the system 1000 and the user 973, and the resultant control relationships among sensors and actuators. These control relationships have been disclosed in terms of functions and structure which are substantially “visible” to the user. The following paragraphs describe relatively more detailed structure and function associated with operation of one embodiment of the designation/reconfiguration system 1000 in accordance with the invention.
For purposes of communications, the electrical network 530 and the designation/reconfiguration system 1000 associated therewith may include certain protocol specifications. It should be emphasized that various types of protocols could be utilized, without departing from the principal novel concepts of the invention. In accordance with previously described terminology, it should again be noted that references to “devices” shall mean “smart” devices, comprising the actuators and sensors. As also previously described, the connector modules, such as connector module 144, consist in part of actuators. Components under control of these devices, such as lighting elements and the like, are referred to herein as “application devices” or, alternatively, “applications.”
As part of the protocol specifications for an illustrative embodiment of the designation/reconfiguration system 1000 in accordance with the invention, certain data will be stored in nonvolatile memory locations. For this reason, certain memory must be allocated and reserved. During operation of the designation/reconfiguration system 1000, data will be transmitted to, and read from, these memory locations. One example embodiment of a memory allocation protocol is illustrated in
1. Command received from the wand assembly 37. (1002)
2. Device address. (1004)
3. Actuator group address. (1006)
4. Sensor group address. (1008)
5. Setting value. (1010)
In addition to the foregoing, it is possible that additional memory locations may be required, dependent upon certain specifics of the protocol and dependent upon specifications for individual devices.
In accordance with the foregoing, memory location 1002, rather than representing an address, represents a specific command received from the wand assembly 37. Memory location 1004 represents a device address for the sensor or actuator. Correspondingly, memory location 1006 represents an actuator group address, while location 1008 represents a sensor group address. Memory location 1010 is used to store a setting value, as explained in subsequent paragraphs herein. The size of each of the memory locations can be made fixed or variable, but may preferably be of fixed lengths for purposes of simplifying programming. The memory required for the foregoing commands and addresses can be dependent, in part, on the size and complexity of the particular embodiment of the designation/reconfiguration system in accordance with the invention. For example, a command structure may be utilized for the wand assembly 37, where the memory location 1002 is of a length of 48 bits. Correspondingly, addresses for actuator groups and sensor groups (i.e. memory locations 1006 and 1008, respectively) can each be of a length of 16 bits.
In describing this level of operation of the system 1000, the devices can be characterized in terms of discrete and time-differentiated “states.” That is, any given device can be characterized as being in one of a number of different states, at any given time. In this particular embodiment of the system 1000 in accordance with the invention, the various states can be defined as set forth in the following paragraphs and illustrated in
The foregoing describes the particular states that are possible for the devices. Again, it should be emphasized that devices may be either sensors or actuators. The actuators are found in the form of physical components such as the connector modules 140, 142 and 144, junction box assembly 855 and other “smart” components which may be utilized to control power to various applications. In turn, the sensors may be in the form of components such as the switches 913, 917 and 921 previously described herein. As also set forth herein, each of the devices can exist within a given state at any given time, subject to certain exceptions. For example, the Sound Off state illustrated as state 1022 in
As described, each device can be characterized as being in a given state. Also, certain “parameters” are associated with each device. For example, and as previously described, each device's processor includes a memory layout as illustrated in
With respect to the foregoing characteristics of each device, the values of these characteristics can be described, in part, as dependent upon the particular state of the given device. Set forth below is a table identifying certain characteristics of each device, and their values in view of the then current state of the given device.
1. Actuator Output Value and Sensor Internal Value:
2. Actuator Group Address:
3. Sensor Group Address:
4. Device Address:
5. LED (Status Indicator)
In addition to the foregoing concepts associated with the devices, it may be preferable for each device to perform a “hardware self test” upon initialization of power by the user. Such self test programs and system hardware for the same are well known. In this regard, and given the knowledge of specific hardware components associated with any given device, hardware and software “MTBF's” (i.e. “mean time between failures”) can be calculated. This facilitates preventive maintenance.
Another concept that is associated with the electrical network 530 and designation/reconfiguration system 1000 relates to network signaling. Network signaling represents the manner in which communication signals are transmitted among the devices and the communication cables 572. In one example embodiment in accordance with the invention, the network communication signaling may occur with a data rate of 50.0 kbps. Each bit may have a duration of 20.00+/−0.1 microseconds. Data packets, a well known means for communications signaling and data transmission, may be on the order of 85 to 597 bits in length, including error correction. With such a configuration, the first 5 bits, sync and priority, are not encoded for purposes of error detection and correction. The bits of the data packets may, for example, be assigned as follows.
Preferably, each portion of a data packet may be transmitted “more significant bit” first. With regard to hold off times for data packet transmissions, each device can wait for the communications cables DC1 and DC2 to wait for 8 bit times, before transmitting or retransmitting its data packet. With regard to request response times, if a device sends a command that may not receive a response, the device will “wait” the request response time before deciding that, in fact, there will be no response. With respect to reset times, if the line is zero for the reset time, an error condition can be defined as occurring, and all devices associated with the electrical network 530 may reset themselves. Further, with respect to “LED on time,” the LED or status indicator should be enabled for at least this period of time.
With respect to other features associated with the designation/reconfiguration system 1000 and electrical network 530, the concept of collision detection is important. Collision detection is utilized to avoid unwanted conditions, resulting from concurrent transmissions on the communications cables 572. That is, a collision is a condition when multiple packets are observed simultaneously at a single point on the communication medium, and the “listening” device is unable to function properly due to multiple signals being present. In brief, collision detection is the ability of a node to detect collision. The term is contextually specific to IEEE Standard 802.3.
In accordance with the foregoing, each device will be capable of detecting collisions on the communications lines. When a device outputs a one, and detects that the communication lines represent a zero, a collision has occurred. The device detecting a collision will immediately stop transmitting its data packet, and will switch to receiving the packet being transmitted. The device then waits for the completion of the transmission of the packet. It then further waits for the data lines to become inactive (at a “One”) for the transaction hold off time. Following such time, the device will retransmit its data packet.
In addition to issues directly associated with collision detection, priority features may also be implemented with the designation/reconfiguration system 1000. To accomplish priority assignments, each device may be assigned a particular priority value. Further, each data packet can include its own priority representation. This priority representation is in the form of a set of bits situated at the beginning of each data packet. For example, if it is desired that up to 16 priority levels may be assigned for any communications data packet, then 4 bits of priority data may be reserved at the beginning of each data packet. These priority bits can identify levels which may be described as security level, building level, floor level, device level and the like. With utilization of the priority bits of the communications or data packets, devices with a lower priority value may actually cause devices having a higher priority to cease packet transmissions. This will occur because a higher level of priority bits will always be characterized as “winning” when the priority bits have a collision, notwithstanding the priority values of the respected devices.
Still further, each data packet can, if desired, contain a checksum byte equal to the bytewise sum of bytes representing certain other parameters, such as address, type, command and data. If a checksum is incorrect, the receiving device can ignore the incoming data packet.
In addition to checksum features, it is also known to encode the bits of a data packet (with the exception of the sync and priority bits) through Hamming code techniques. This permits one bit error correction and two bit error correction for each byte, in the remaining 32-80 bits of the packet. As an example embodiment, the following encoding algorithm may be utilized:
Each four bit nibble, B3B2B1B0 may be distributed into a byte as follows, P3P2B3P1B2B1B0P0, where parity values, Px, are calculated as follows:
1. P3 makes the parity of P3B3B2B0 odd.
2. P2 makes the parity of P2B3B0 odd.
3. P1 makes the parity of P1B2B1B0 odd.
4. P0 makes the parity of P3P2B3P1B2B B0P0 even.
In addition to the foregoing, the system 1000 can also include other features associated with error detection. For example, techniques are known whereby multiple bit errors in a received data packet can be made to cause a collision, which is then detected by the transmitting device. Such collision detection can be made to cause the transmitting device to retransmit its packet.
To further describe the system 1000, each of the devices can be assigned a particular “type.” Also, it is advantageous if the sensors and actuators are somewhat “grouped” with respect to device types. As an example embodiment, the sensors can be defined as having types of a number less than or equal to 127. Correspondingly, actuators may be defined as having types greater than or equal to 128. With the command types, the software and hardware associated with the devices are required to “check” the command type value, so as to determine if that particular device can correctly respond to a demand. An example of one configuration which may be utilized for type assignments is illustrated in Table 2 below:
As shown in Table 2, each type of device will have a certain value. Data will be transmitted from the device in accordance with the device specification. Also, the devices will be sampled for changes at certain frequencies. Three example embodiments of sensor and actuator types are shown below. In this regard, the internal values of the sensors (and the ranges thereof) are described, along with output values (and the ranges) for actuators.
1. Discrete Sensor.
2. Proportional Sensor.
3. Proportional Actuator.
To this point, the system 1000 has been described with respect to the following:
1. An electrical network 530 which may be used with the system 1000;
2. Concepts of sensors and actuators;
3. Concepts of sensor groups and actuator groups;
4. User interface processes for configuring the electrical network 530 through use of the system 1000 (i.e. designations of sensors and actuators, and establishment of control relationships among sensors and actuators);
5. Examples of physical and electrical specifications of certain components of the electrical network 530;
7. Possible states of devices;
8. Device characteristics associated with then current device states;
9. Network signaling, including examples of packet characteristics and data rates;
10. Collision detection functions;
11. Packet priority assignments;
12. Packet encoding;
13. Error detection functions;
14. Device type assignments; and
15. Device characteristics associated with device types.
As earlier described, the memory layout for each device includes a memory location 1002. Location 1002 was defined as a location for storage of a command. Commands are utilized for transmitting both instructions and data among devices and wand assemblies 37. For example, one type of command may be transmitted from the wand assembly 37 to both sensors and actuators, and received through processor circuitry associated with the same. Commands are also transmitted and received among sensors and actuators. Various types of command configurations may be utilized with the system 1000, without departing from the principal concepts of the invention. The following describes one type of command configuration as an illustrative embodiment employing one set of conventions in accordance with the invention.
More specifically, each command can be represented by the following:
In accordance with the prior description, each command includes 8 bits for expressly defining the “command type” within each command, thus allowing in this particular embodiment for up to 256 command types. For example, one type of command may be represented by decimal value 8, and may correspond to a command to transmit a device or wand address. Correspondingly, another value may be utilized to represent a command type which, when transmitted, is a request for all devices on the electrical network 530 to reset. A further command type may be one which is transmitted by a device to the electrical network 530, indicating that that particular device is now identified by a particular address. A still further example exists with respect to incremental sensors. Such a sensor may transmit a command having a type which indicates an incremental change in value. The remainder of the command would, of course, include data indicative of the actual incremental change. Other types of command values will be apparent, from this description, to any person of ordinary skill in the programming and network arts.
When a device or a wand assembly 37 transmits a command, or when a device responds to a command, the bit characteristics of the command will be dependent upon the command type. That is, bit characteristics can be described with respect to each command type. However, for purposes of this description, only a few examples need be given to illustrate the concepts associated with command types and resultant bit characteristics of the commands.
These examples are described as follows:
1. SendWholeAddress.
2. MyWholeAddressIs.
3. Designated.
3.5 Any sensor that is in the designated state that receives this command from with a type equal to a sensor and has an HWandValue matching the data packet sends a NewSensorGroup command.
4. NewActuatorGroup.
4.3 If a device is in the Designated Received state and receives this command and has the same HWandValue it returns to the Grouped state.
In addition to concepts associated with command structure, the system 1000 can be further described in terms of additional network protocols. These protocols essentially comprise a set of rules defining actions undertaken by devices of the system 1000, in response to receipt of various command types, and given that the device receiving the command is in a particular state. Again, it would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the programming and network arts to construct an entire set of network protocol rules for the system 1000. With these concepts in mind, the following represents a few examples of network protocols associated with particular devices. It should be noted that an assumption is being made that all commands associated with assignment protocols are in the form of network priority packets.
The foregoing examples are associated with one embodiment of network protocols which may be utilized with the system 1000. Included in the foregoing description were examples associated with both assignment protocols and control protocols. In addition to the foregoing, other protocols may be utilized with the system 1000. For example, certain network protocols will be associated with system failures or other situations where rebooting of the system 1000 is required. Also, various protocols may be utilized in defining actions associated with reading from and writing to EEPROM.
Again, the foregoing has described examples of one illustrative embodiment of a set of network protocols which may be utilized with the system 1000 in accordance with the invention. Additional and different protocols may also be utilized, without departing from certain novel concepts of the invention.
The following paragraphs briefly describe various examples of use of the system 1000 and electrical network 530 for configuring sensors and actuators. The concept of the use of a “scene controller” is also described. For purposes of clarity, these examples will be limited to those situations where the sensors comprise switches and the actuators are utilized to control light fixtures. Also, for purposes of description, references will be made to “component groups,” rather than sensor groups and actuator groups. In part, this foregoing description will reference some of the same concepts previously described herein with respect to sensor groups and actuator groups, but will be explained in terms of a physical implementation of switches and light fixtures. Also, instead of referring to actuators as being in groups, reference will be made to the light fixtures themselves as being components of a group.
With the foregoing in mind, the system 1000 can be utilized with respect to various types of lighting configurations.
With the use of the electrical network 530, the system 1000 facilitates initial integration and reconfiguration of control and controlling relationships among various switches and lights (with the switches identified as sensors). In accordance with the prior description herein, the wand assembly 37 can be utilized for purposes of “connecting” lights to switches, and modifying the control relationships between various lights and various switches. As also previously described herein, the lighting components (and other electrical components which can be connected into the electrical network 530), including different kinds of light fixtures and various switches, can be characterized and configured in groups. A group of components, as described herein, is formed when any two components are sequentially selected, using the wand assembly 37. Other components can be added to the original group. To accomplish the addition, any component in the group may first be selected. The component to be added is then selected. In other words, a member of a group “sponsors” the election of another device to the group. Following this principle, large and small groups can be formed. In the particular embodiment described herein, light fixtures can only be in one group at a time. However, switches can be in a light fixture group and a switch group. Switches that are in a switch group but are not in a light fixture group are master switches. Through their membership in the switch group, they are able to control the components in more than one group.
General concepts will now be summarized herein, with respect to activities such as selecting components, connecting components together for purposes of control and similar functions. For purposes of this description, it will be assumed that several components are utilized within a system layout, such as the system layout 961 previously described herein with respect to
As previously described herein, a component can be selected by pointing the wand 37 at a target associated with a switch or an actuator connected to the light fixture. In a physically realized embodiment of the system 1000, the target can comprise an oval of red plastic, through which IR signals can be transmitted. The red plastic covering can enclose not only the IR receiver comprising the target, but also a status indicator associated with the target. The concept of the use of a LED light or other status indicator has been previously described herein. Again, this type of target can exist on a switch assembly and an actuator associated with a light fixture or other component. To initiate the selection process after “pointing” the wand assembly 37 in the general direction of the target, the user can enable a laser pointer associated with the wand assembly 37. As previously described, the laser pointer will provide for a visible, narrow beam of light which will facilitate the user 973 in directing the wand assembly 37 to the target. For purposes of visibility, the laser beam transmitted by the laser pointer may preferably be in the red portion of the spectrum. When the wand assembly 37 is appropriately pointed to the target, as indicated by the laser beam, the user can enable the Designate or Select button on the wand assembly 37 The wand 37 will then transmit spatial IR signals 890 previously described with respect to
An example can now be described with respect to the connection of a light fixture to a switch. First, the light fixture to be connected to a switch can be selected, in accordance with the prior description concerning selection of a component. The indicator in the targeted light fixture will go into an on state, indicating that the light fixture has been selected. The switch can then be “connected” to the fixture as selected, using the wand 37. In this regard, reference will be made to the first switch 46 and the first light fixture 47. The indicator on the switch 46 will flash, indicating that the switch 46 was selected. The indicator on the first light fixture 47 will then go to an off state, indicating that the light fixture 47 has now been connected to the switch 46. The switch 46 will now operate the light fixture 47.
In this regard, if the light fixture 47 had already been connected to a previously connected switch, the light fixture 47 would remain connected to the different switch, and both the different switch and first switch 46 would operate the light fixture 47. On the other hand, however, if the switch 46 is already connected to a different light fixture, the switch 46 will no longer be connected to that different light fixture, and that particular light fixture will remain at the last setting of the switch 46.
A light fixture can also be connected to a different switch. In this regard, assuming that the light fixture 47 is previously connected to the first switch 46, a new second switch 48 can then be selected, using the wand 37. The light fixture 47 can then be selected, and connected to the new switch. The indicator on the light fixture 47 will flash, indicating that it has been selected. The indicator on the first switch 46 that was previously connected to the light fixture 47 will also flash. Correspondingly, the indicator on the second switch 48 will go to an off state, indicating that the light fixture 47 is now connected to the second switch 48. The second switch 48 will now operate the light fixture 47. Operation of the first switch 46 will have no effect on the state of the light fixture 47.
A light fixture can also be removed from control by a particular switch. In this regard, and prior to removal, the light fixture can be turned on or off, with the switch to which it is originally connected. The wand 37 can then be directed to the target of the light fixture to be removed. The user 973 can then activate the Delete button on the wand 37. The indicator associated with the light fixture target can be made to flash, indicating that the particular light fixture is no longer connected to any other light fixtures or switches. The lights of the light fixture will remain in an on state or an off state after removal, dependent upon the state of the light fixture prior to removal.
Another function is the addition of another light fixture to a switch. In this regard, wand 37 can be utilized to select a light fixture already connected to the switch. The indicator on the light fixture will go to an on state, and the indicator on the switch will also go on, so as to show that it is in a group with the light fixture. The second light fixture to be added to the switch is then selected, using the wand 37. The indicator on the second light fixture will flash, indicating it was selected. The indicator on the light fixture and the switch will go to an off state, so as to indicate the second light fixture is connected to the switch. The switch will now operate both light fixtures. If the light fixture was already connected to a different switch, then that switch will no longer control the light fixture.
Another function which can be performed is to add a second switch to a light fixture group already controlled by a first switch. First, a light fixture target which is already connected to the first switch can be selected. The status indicator associated with the light fixture target will go to an on state, indicating selection. The indicator on the first switch will also go to an on state, indicating that that switch is within a group with the light fixture. The second switch to be added to the light fixture group is then selected using the wand 37. The indicator on the second switch will flash, representing selection. The indicator on the light fixture target and the first switch will go to an off state, indicating that the second switch is now connected to the first switch. In this configuration, both the first and second switches will operate the light fixture. Essentially, the first and second switches can be characterized as acting as a pair of 3-way switches. It should also be noted that if the second switch was already connected to a different light fixture, it will no longer control that different light fixture. Instead, the different light fixture will remain at the last setting of the second switch. Another function which can occur is the connection of a light fixture to a dimmer switch. In this case, the light fixture to be connected to the dimmer is first selected using the wand 37. The indicator on the light fixture will go to an on state. The dimmer that is to be connected to the light fixture may then be selected using the wand 37. The indicator on the dimmer will flash, indicating the selection was successful. The indicator on the light fixture will go to an off state, indicating that it is connected to the dimmer. The dimmer switch will now operate the light fixture. Certain light fixtures may not be capable of being dimmed. If a light fixture is selected which cannot be dimmed, then turning the dimmer up will turn on the light fixture. Correspondingly, turning it down will turn off the light fixture. If the light fixture is already connected to a different switch, the light fixture remains connected to that switch, and the dimmer and the switch will both operate the light fixture. If the dimmer was already connected to a different light fixture, it will no longer be connected to that light fixture. That light fixture will remain at the last setting of the dimmer. With respect to removal of light fixtures from dimmers, such removal can occur in the same way that light fixtures are removed from switches.
A further feature relates to the concept of adding a switch to a group that includes dimmer. In this regard, a light fixture can first be selected using the wand 37, where the light fixture is already connected to the dimmer. The indicator on the light fixture will go to an on, state. The indicator on the dimmer will also go to an on state, showing that it is in a group with the light fixture. The switch to be added to the dimmer can then be selected, using the wand 37.
The indicator on the switch will flash, indicating the selection process. The indicator on the light fixture and the dimmer will then go to an off state, indicating both the dimmer and the switch are connected to a light fixture. The dimmer and the switch will then operate the light fixture.
With this type of configuration, when the dimmer is used, the light fixture will be set to the level of the dimmer. When the switch is enabled, the lights in the fixture will illuminate at the level that has been set by the dimmer. When the switch is turned off, the lights in the fixture will turn off. When the lights are turned off and the dimmer is used, the lights will illuminate, at the level set by the dimmer. If the switch was already connected to a different light fixture, it will no longer be connected to that light fixture. That light fixture will remain at the last setting of the switch.
A still further function is the addition of a second dimmer to a group that includes a first dimmer. To perform this function, a light fixture can be selected that is already connected to the first dimmer. The indicator on the light fixture will go to an on state, and the indicator on the first dimmer will also go to an on state. The second dimmer is then selected. The indicator on the second dimmer will flash, and the indicator on the first dimmer that was already connected to the light fixture and the indicator on the light fixture will go to off states, indicating both dimmers are connected to the light fixture. Both dimmers will now operate the light fixture.
With this configuration, when either dimmer is used, the lights in the fixture will illuminate at the level of the dimmer then currently being used. If the second dimmer was already connected to a different light fixture, the second dimmer will no longer be connected to that light fixture. That light fixture will remain at the last setting of the second dimmer.
A still further feature is the connection of an outlet to a switch. Using the wand 37, the outlet can first be selected. The indicator on the outlet will go to an on state, indicating its selection. A switch to be connected to the outlet is then selected, using the wand 37. The indicator on the switch will flash, indicating the selection was successful. The indicator on the outlet will go to an off state, indicating that it is then connected to the switch. The switch will then operate the outlet. Outlets cannot be dimmed, but they may be connected to a dimmer in the same way that they are connected to a switch. If an outlet is connected to a dimmer, turning it up will turn on the outlet. Correspondingly, turning the dimmer down will turn off the outlet. Outlets can be removed from switches, in the same manner that light fixtures can be removed from switches.
Another feature involves the creation of a group of light fixtures. In this regard, a first light fixture to be connected in the group can be selected, using the wand 37. The indicator for the first light fixture will go to an on state. A second light fixture can then be selected, again using the wand 37. The indicator on the second light fixture will flash, indicating that it was selected. The first and second light fixtures are then connected within a group. The first light fixture can then be selected again, and the indicator for this particular light fixture will go to an on state. The indicator on the second light fixture will also go to an on state, indicating that it is within a group with the first light fixture. A third light fixture can then be selected, again using the wand 37. The indicator on this light fixture will flash, indicating its selection. The indicators on the other two light fixtures will go to an off state, indicating that all of the light fixtures are now connected within a group. In the same manner, outlets may also be included within the group. Further, additional light fixtures may be added to the group, in the same manner. If any of the light fixtures were already connected to a switch, those light fixtures will no longer be connected to that particular switch.
Still further, a group of light fixtures can also be connected to a switch. In this regard, one of the light fixtures in the group can be selected to be connected to the switch, using wand 37. The indicator for this light fixture will go to an on state, indicating selection. The indicators on all of the light fixtures in the group will also go to an on state, indicating that they are within the group with the selected light fixture. The switch to be connected to the light fixtures is then selected, using the wand 37. The indicator on the switch will then flash, indicating its selection. The indicators on all of the light fixtures in the group will then go off, indicating that they are connected to the switch. With this configuration, the switch will now simultaneously operate all of the light fixtures. Additional switches may be added to the group, in the same manner as described herein. Also in the same manner, dimmers may be added to the group. If the switch was already connected to a different light fixture, it will no longer be connected to that light fixture. That light fixture will remain at the last setting of the switch.
A light fixture can also be removed from a group of fixtures. The light fixture to be removed can be turned on, off, or to a dim level, with the use of the switches and dimmers to which it is connected. The light fixture to be removed can then be targeted with the wand 37, by aiming the laser beam of the wand 37 at the target of the light fixture. The user 973 can then enable the Delete button on the wand 37, with the wand aimed at the light fixture target. The light fixture removed from the group will remain at its then current on, off or dim level state, notwithstanding removal. All other light fixtures remaining in the group will continue to operate in the same manner as the fixtures operated prior to removal of the other light fixture.
A further feature involves removing a switch from a group of light fixtures. The user 973 may first aim the wand 37 at the target of the switch to be removed. The user 973 can then enable the Delete button on the wand 37. The indicator on the target of the switch will then flash, indicating that the switch is no longer connected to any other light fixtures or switches. Dimmers may be removed from a group of light fixtures in the same manner as described above. When removing a switch from a group of light fixtures, all of the switches remaining in the group will continue to operate.
Still further, and in accordance with the invention, a master switch can be created, for multiple groups of light fixtures and switches. For purposes of proper operation, a master switch should not have any light fixtures initially connected to the same. The master switch is first selected, using the wand 37, to control the groups. For purposes of clarity, this feature of creating a master switch will be described with respect to two groups of light fixtures and switches. However, it should be understood that functions associated with this creation of a master switch are applicable to use with three or more groups of the light fixtures and switches. After selection of the desired master switch, the indicator on the master switch will go to an on state. A switch is then selected from the first group of fixtures and switches, to be connected to the master switch. The indicator on the selected switch will flash, indicating its selection. The indicator on the master switch will go to an off state, indicating that it has been connected to the selected switch. The master switch now controls the first group of light fixtures and switches.
The master switch can then again be selected. The indicator on the master switch will go to an on state, and the indicator on the switch from the first group will also go to an on state, indicating that it is within a group with the master switch. A switch is then selected from the second group of fixtures and switches, to be connected to the master switch. The indicator on this switch will flash, indicating its selection. The indicator on the master switch will go to an off state, indicating that it is now connected to a switch. The indicator on the switch associated with the first light fixture group will also go to an off state.
With the foregoing configuration, the master switch will control both groups. When turned off, both groups of lights will go off. Correspondingly, both groups of lights will go on when the master switch is turned on. Master switches may be either switches or dimmers. Each group of light fixtures and switches will continue to work independently from each other. That is, turning a switch on in the first group will only enable the lights in the first group. Outlets and dimmers may also be included within the groups. Further, additional groups may be added to the master switch, in the same manner as described herein. Also, if the switch which was created as the master switch was already connected to a different light fixture, the switch will no longer be connected to that light fixture. That light fixture will thereafter remain at the last setting of the master switch.
As previously stated herein, the system 1000 can include what is characterized as a scene controller 60 or “multi-scene” controller 60. The scene controller 60 is illustrated in
The scene controller 60 permits a user to “save” lighting or other settings within a commercial interior, and restore them as desired. The controller 60 also permits the setup of different lighting levels, for different groups of lights. As previously described, the target 61 can comprise an oval plastic, with a red light or LED as a status indicator. Correspondingly, the target 61 can include an IR receiver corresponding to the IR receivers previously described herein with respect to sensors and actuators. To select a component, the wand 37 can be aimed at the target 61, and the appropriate buttons activated on the wand 37. Further, it should be emphasized that although the scene controller 60 is being described primarily with respect to lighting, functions of the controller 60 according to the invention may clearly expand beyond lighting. For example, the scene controller 60 may be utilized to “save” settings associated with projection screen adjustments, scrim positioning, visual effects and many other applications.
The scene controller 60 can also be characterized as a “smart” device, as such term has been previously defined herein. Further, the scene controller 60 is appropriately characterized as a sensor for purposes of describing functional operation of the same within the system 1000 and the electrical network 530. As a smart device, the scene controller will include processor circuitry, memory, related electrical components and appropriate means for generating DC power sufficient to operate the components of the scene controller. Software or firmware functions performed by the scene controller 60 as it is interconnected into the system 1000 and electrical network 530 will correspond to the network and device protocols previously described herein with respect to the network 530, actuators and other sensors. The following paragraphs describe various functions which may be performed through the use of the scene controller 60 as connected into the electrical network 530, with use of the wand assembly 37. For purposes of clarity and description, functions performed by the scene controller 60 will be described with respect to switches and lighting fixtures. However, it should again be emphasized that use of the scene controller 60 can be expanded beyond functions associated with lighting fixtures.
To initially prepare to save a scene, the user should set the states of the lighting fixtures which the user wishes to incorporate within the scene. These lighting fixtures should be, selectively, in on states, off states or at particular dimming levels. As shown in
Features and concepts associated with then “saving” a scene are illustrated in
A scene can be “restored” at any time. To restore a scene, it is unnecessary to use the wand 37. Instead, the user merely needs to press and release the button 62 associated with the particular scene that the user wishes to restore. This feature is illustrated in
A further feature using the scene controller 60 involves the “deletion” of a scene. These activities are illustrated in
The user 973 can also utilize the wand 37 to delete a particular light fixture group from a scene. This feature is illustrated in
The foregoing has described one embodiment of a protocol system in accordance with the invention, identified as the designation/reconfiguration system 1000. As earlier stated, a number of other protocol system embodiments can be developed for use with structural grids, electrical networks and communication networks, without departing from the principal concepts of the invention. Additional embodiments of protocol systems in accordance with the invention can be characterized as protocol system “variations.” For example, one variation which embodies a number of aspects of the invention is referred to herein as the “lists” variation. The lists variation is further referred to herein as a designation/reconfiguration protocol system 2000. As with the system 1000, the user can utilize a wand, similar to the wand 37 illustrated in
In the protocol system 2000, each device has the capability of connection into an electrical network 530, in the same manner as previously described herein with respect to the protocol system 1000. In this particular instance, each device will have a unique identification on the electrical network 530, with this identification indicating whether the device is a sensor or an actuator. Still further, and as previously described herein with respect to other devices, each device will have an IR receiver capable of receiving and recognizing a “message” transmitted by a wand. Reception of this command is characterized as “designation.”
When any device is designated using the wand, it transmits its unique identification to all other devices then currently on the electrical network 530. Each sensor device on the electrical network 530 includes memory which is allocated for a pair of lists of device identifications. These lists are illustrated in
The immediately prior description was directed to memory functions of a sensor when it receives a device identification over the electrical network 530. As earlier described, when a device receives and recognizes a message transmitted by a wand, the device can be characterized as being “designated.” Whenever a device sensor is designated in this manner, and after the sensor has transmitted or otherwise broadcast its device identification over the electrical network 530, the designated sensor may then clear its controlled list 2004. Correspondingly, the designated sensor will then move all entries from its designated list 2002 to its controlled list 2004.
This sensor, now having an empty designated list 2002 and a new set of device identifications in controlled list 2004, can be characterized as a “controlling” sensor. If any of the device identifications in the new set of identifications within the controlled list 2004 correspond to sensors, a message will be sent by the controlling sensor to the controlled sensors, through the electrical network 530. This message will command the controlled sensors to each add the device identification of the controlling sensor to the controlled sensors' controlled list 2004. This activity will insure that the state of the controlling sensor and the states of the controlled sensors will remain the same. In this manner, the control relationship can be characterized as having been made “bidirectional.” Further, for example, this control relationship would allow for multiple switching of application devices connected to actuators, such as a bank of lights.
When the state of a sensor is changed, the sensor transmits, on electrical network 530, its new state to all devices corresponding to the device identifications in the sensor's controlled list 2004. It should be noted that the “state” of a sensor will be defined based upon the particular type of sensor at issue. For example, for a switch, the state of the switch may be only one of two states, such as “up” or “down.” Other types of sensors comprising switches may have states corresponding to a dimming level or temperature. In fact, sensor states can be relatively complex, such as those which would exist in a spatial temperature map. With respect to state changes using the previously described processes, it has been found that one other action should occur after a sensor transmits messages to other sensors, notifying the other sensors of changes in the transmitting sensor's state. Specifically, it is preferable if the transmitting sensor includes processes which cause the sensor to “wait” until the state change has actually occurred, prior to acceptance of any further “reprogramming” from IR signals received from a wand.
The processes embodied within the protocol system 2000 as described in the foregoing paragraphs are illustrated in a state diagram set forth in
In the foregoing paragraphs, a protocol system 1000 and a protocol system 2000 have been described. With respect to the protocol system 2000, only those general aspects of the protocol system 2000 which differ substantially from the protocol system 1000 have been described in any detail. As previously stated, the protocol system 2000 can be characterized as a “lists” variation for a protocol system in accordance with the invention. Correspondingly, the protocol system 1000, based on its functional operation and the methods embodied within the system 1000 can be characterized as a “groups” or “groupings” variation.
A further variation of a protocol system in accordance with the invention is described in the following paragraphs as protocol system 3000. As with the lists variation, a substantial portion of the protocol system 3000 corresponds to the structural and functional elements and methods previously described in detail with respect to the protocol system 1000. Accordingly, these similar structures and functions will not be repeated herein. Instead, emphasis will be placed on those concepts of the protocol system 3000 which differ from the concepts embodied within the protocol system 1000.
The protocol system 3000 can be characterized as a third variation of a protocol system in accordance with the invention, termed the “trees” variation. As with the protocol system 1000, the system 3000 is utilized with devices characterized as sensors and actuators, which have essentially the same structure and function associated with those utilized with the group variation of protocol system 1000. One distinction is that the trees variation in the protocol system 3000 also includes an additional type of sensor, referred to herein as a “null” sensor. Also, the sensors and actuators are not characterized as being within separate groups. Instead, the electrical network 530, with its sensors and actuators, can be characterized as comprising sensor and actuator devices which are “masters” and “slaves.” Actuators, again having the same meaning as previously set forth herein, are always characterized as “slave” devices. On the other hand, sensors can, in some instances, also be slaves, but are also always masters. When a sensor device is a slave device, the slave sensor is acting as an actuator for the sensor to which it has been “assigned.” As with the group variation, this type of protocol process makes possible configurations such as three-way switches and dimmer “presets.” Also like the group variation, the trees variation provides for actuators and sensors to be “associated” with each other through a “designation” process. A sensor or actuator does not actually operate and become part of the network 530, until such time as the sensor or actuator device has been designated.
Further in accordance with the group variation, a user designates a device by pointing a wand at the device's target, and then enabling a switch or similar type of “button” on the wand. To add an actuator and sensor, the user would first designate the actuator, and then designate the sensor. When the actuator has received a complete and correct signal from the wand, visual feedback is provided by enabling an LED or similar visual device within the actuator's target. Similarly, when a sensor has received a complete and correct signal from the wand, visual feedback is also provided to the user by enabling an LED or similar device in the sensor's target. The order of this designation is important, in that the actuator must be designated first, if the actuator is to be associated with the sensor.
After the actuator and the sensor have been designated, the sensor can be characterized as “controlling” the actuator. That is, if the actuator is connected to an application device such as a lamp, and the sensor is a switch, activation of the sensor switch by a user can switch the lamp between on and off states. If desired, and if the actuator is connected to an application device comprising lights, the lights can be made to flash for purposes of indicating that the designation process associated with the actuator and sensor has been completed.
If desired, an additional actuator can be “assigned” to the sensor, by designating the actuator to be added, and then designating the original sensor. Also, a single sensor can be made to control multiple actuators by first designating all of the desired actuators, and then designating the desired sensor. For these types of configurations where a sensor is made to control multiple actuators, the actuators must be designated before the sensor is designated. Otherwise, designating a sensor will act so as to “terminate” a sensor designation sequence.
Still further, multiple sensors may be associated with one or more actuators, by designating a previously assigned sensor, and then designating the additional sensor. In this manner, three-way switches and dimmer presets can be achieved. It should be noted that unlike the description of the process associated with the group variation, references are not being made to any “sensor groups” or “actuator groups.” Instead, the process described herein for the protocol system 3000, as earlier stated, utilizes what can be characterized as a “trees” process or variation.
The trees variation also differs from the group variation with respect to procedures for removing an actuator or a sensor from a previously designed control situation. For example, with the trees variation, the user may wish to remove control of an actuator from one or more sensors. This procedure involves the user first designating the actuator, and then designating a null sensor. It should be emphasized that the electrical network 530 may include multiple null sensors. Correspondingly, the user may also wish to remove a sensor from a controlling situation involving a set of sensors. In this instance, the user will first designate the null sensor, and then will designate the sensor to be removed. As with the group and lists variations, the configuration and reconfiguration of the electrical network 530 through the trees variation is essentially “transparent” to the users. That is, users will be completely unaware (with respect to functional operation) that sensors, actuators and application devices are not “hard wired” together.
Within the prior description of the designation/reconfiguration system 1000, reference was made to certain data being stored in non-volatile memory locations. An example embodiment of a memory allocation protocol is illustrated in
1. Address or command received from the wand assembly. (3004)
2. Master's address (3006)
3. Value from master (3008)
In addition to the foregoing, it is possible that additional memory locations may be required, dependent upon specifics of the protocol and dependent upon specifications for devices. Issues associated with the memory allocation 3002 are similar to those previously described with respect to memory allocations for the group variation as illustrated in
Also in a manner similar to the group variation comprising the system 1000, devices utilized in the system 3000 can be characterized in terms of discrete and time-differentiated “states.” That is, any given device can be characterized as being in one of a number of states, at any given time. In the trees variation comprising the particular embodiment of the system 3000 in accordance with the invention, five states may be utilized. These states are defined as follows, and are illustrated in
1. Reset state. This state is illustrated in
2. Reset-designated state. This state is illustrated in
3. Assigned state. This state is represented as state 3016 in
4. Designated state. This state is represented as state 3018 in
5. Stand-alone state. This state is represented as state 3030 in
The device states described herein and illustrated in
As previously described herein, each of the devices utilized with the system 3000 includes a memory layout as illustrated in
1. Actuator output value and Sensor internal value:
2. Masters Address:
3. Device 48 bit address:
4. LED
5. Network activity
As with the previously described designation/reconfiguration system 1000, other concepts are associated with the system 3000 and its functional operation with the electrical network 530. These concepts will not again be described in detail with respect to the system 3000. Instead, these concepts can merely be listed as follows.
1. Network signaling—packet bit assignments.
2. Collision detection.
3. Priority features.
4. End coding methods.
5. Error detection.
6. Hold off time.
As with the previously described system 1000, each of the devices utilized in the electrical network 530 with the designation/reconfiguration system 3000 can be assigned a particular “type.” Also, it is advantageous if the sensors and actuators can be somewhat “grouped” with respect to device types. Device type assignments utilized with the system 3000 can be substantially similar to those previously described with respect to use of system 1000, and described in Table 2. However, one distinction should be mentioned. Specifically, the particular trees variation described herein as system 3000 utilizes a null sensor, unlike the group variation of system 1000. Each null sensor will be assigned a particular device type value. All null sensors may have a 16-bit address of zero, and are not intended to transmit any data. Other device types operate in a manner somewhat similar to those previously described herein with respect to the use of the electrical network 530 with system 1000.
In a manner similar to system 1000, the memory layout for each device utilized with the system 3000 includes a memory location identified as the address received from the wand, or what can be characterized as a “command.” The commands utilized with the system 3000 can include layout conventions similar to those previously described with respect to system 1000.
In a manner also similar to the system 1000, each command associated with the system 3000 can include a certain bit allocation for defining the “command type” within each command. When a device or wand assembly transmits a command, or when a device responds to a command, the characteristics of the command will be dependent upon the command type, as with the system 1000. The following are a set of three examples illustrating concepts associated with command types and resultant bit characteristics of the commands. These examples are as follows:
1. Reset.
2. IwantThisAddress.
3. Reset.
In additional to concepts associated with command structure, the system 3000 can also be further described in terms of additional network protocols. These protocols essentially comprise a set of rules defining actions undertaken by devices associated with the electrical network 530, in response to receipt of various command types in accordance with system 3000, and given that the device receiving the command is in a particular state. As previously described with respect to system 1000, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the programming and network arts to construct an entire set of network protocols associated with particular devices. Example assignment protocols were previously described herein with respect to system 1000.
The foregoing has described concepts associated with a trees variation embodiment of a designation/reconfiguration system in accordance with the invention, characterized as system 3000. Certain concepts associated with the system 3000 have not been described in as great of detail as corresponding concepts associated with system 1000. However, any person of ordinary skill in the computer and network arts can make and use the designation/reconfiguration system 3000 as described herein, given the detailed description of the system 1000.
Although not necessary for complete disclcosure of embodiments in accordance with the invention,
Significant details have been set forth herein with respect to designation based protocol systems and associative schema in accordance with the invention. The significant advantages associated with systems in accordance with the invention have also been previously described herein. Certain “philosophical” concepts associated with systems in accordance with the invention may also be briefly described. In part, systems in accordance with the invention utilize an approach that the occupant of a space is in a better position to establish how that space accommodates the occupant's need, than someone who is centrally located within a building or is otherwise not within the particular space. Further, alterations of space to achieve specific accommodations should contribute to the long term usefulness of the building infrastructure in which the space is enclosed. Still further, these principles should combine to provide buildings that are less “resource intensive,” more responsive to the needs of occupants, and generally better suited to the needs of society for an environment which is healthy and sustainable.
In part, this type of philosophy can be characterized as one which emphasizes “local governance” over “centralized governance.” This is not to say that all decisions regarding configurations of application devices should necessarily be made locally. Instead, systems in accordance with the invention may essentially “bias” the decision making to local occupants. In part, an occupant in a building should be able to enable and disable lights and other application devices. Central energy usage programs for a building might set certain parameters within which local governance operates, but any such centralized governance should not claim all control over a buildings functions, especially those functions which directly affect occupants.
Local governance has various implications that result in differentiations between systems in accordance with the invention and other approaches. First, as apparent from the prior description, central processing and administration is not required. Also, user interfaces as described herein to systems in accordance with the invention do not necessarily require mapping of the occupant's space into an electronic or virtual world. That is, systems in accordance with the invention can employ a “non-mapping” intermediary. For certain of the embodiments described herein, this intermediary has been shown in the form of a wand 37.
This wand and other non-mapping intermediaries can create a relatively unique and close linkage between user behavior and associative schemes that are embodied within functionality, hardware and software (including firmware) associated with embodiments in accordance with the invention. This can be thought of, for example, with the concept that the space or room of the occupant utilizes a designation-based protocol which is somewhat analogous to a graphical user interface for a computer. The user than essentially becomes the “pointer.” Accordingly, the only “mediation” between the user and the programming schemes are the buttons or switches on the wand 37 and the IR receiver targets that provide certain feedback. This “intimate” link between the user and the underlying programming capability creates somewhat of an additional implication. That is, it is preferable that the rules that govern a user's behavior should be made relative simple. Simplicity of such rules will essentially “close” the loop to an initial premise that the occupant is best positioned to create the accommodation for his or her needs. The use of simple rules is also an important design principle at the foundation of systems in accordance with the invention. One concept which is achieved with systems in accordance with the invention is that a relatively powerful set of complex actions are provided, based on a relatively simple set of rules. Correspondingly, systems in accordance with the invention attempt to preserve relatively simple rules that are known to govern behavior in building spaces. That is, rules such as those associated with “flipping” a switch to enable and disable lights are maintained. Still further, changing a setting on a thermostat will change the temperature of air being delivered into the space. Accordingly, the “new” rules which are introduced with systems in accordance with the invention govern actions required to execute an associative scheme. That is, relatively simple rules are used to create relationships between environmental devices, and the output of these environmental devices may, in turn, create sophisticated and complex environmental effects. In accordance with the foregoing, certain principles associated with systems in accordance with the invention may include: decentralization; use of a non-mapping intermediary; and employment of a relatively simple set of rules to govern relationships between human action and underlying associative schemes.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the pertinent arts that other embodiments of systems in accordance with the invention may be designed. That is, the principles of systems for use as described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and other variations of the above-described illustrative embodiments of the invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention.
This application is based on and claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/605,970, filed Aug. 31, 2004.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US05/30932 | 8/31/2005 | WO | 00 | 5/13/2008 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60605970 | Aug 2004 | US |
