The present disclosure claims priority from U.S. provisional application No.60/954,007 filed on 5/8/2007.
Detailed Description
Fig. 1 schematically illustrates selected portions of an exemplary wireless security system 10 for providing security responses, such as responses to security events (e.g., crimes, non-crimes, property damage, etc.). In the illustrated example, the wireless security system 10 includes a power source 12, and a security device 14a in selective electrical communication with the power source 12, as generally indicated by the connecting lines.
The wireless security system 10 also includes a receiver 16, the receiver 16 being electrically connected between the power source 12 and the security device 14 a. For example, the receiver 16 can selectively electrically connect the security device 14a to the power source 12. For example, receiver 16 may include hardware, software, or both to provide such functionality. Receiver 16 may be a single channel receiver used to control the operation of security device 14a, or a multi-channel receiver capable of controlling the operation of one or more additional security devices, such as security device 14 b. By way of example, the receiver 16 may be an EnOcean product number RCM 130C.
In addition, the wireless security system 10 includes a self-energizing sensor 18 for communicating with the receiver 16. The self-energizing sensor 18 includes a wireless transmitter 20 and an energy harvester 22, the energy harvester 22 being operable to power the wireless transmitter 20. For example, self-energizing sensor 18 uses energy harvester 22 to harvest external energy (relative to self-energizing sensor 18), such as door motion, solar energy, and the like. Energy harvester 22 may be a piezoelectric element, a photovoltaic device, or other type of energy conversion device capable of receiving energy from the environment external to self-energizing sensor 18 and converting that energy into power that powers wireless transmitter 20. Thus, it is contemplated that any such type of device may be used within self-energizing sensor 18. By way of example, the self-exciting sensor 18 may be the EnOcean product number PTM 250.
The wireless transmitter 20 is operable to transmit a signal, such as a radio frequency ("RF") signal, to the receiver 16 in response to power from the energy harvester 22 to trigger a safety response. In this regard, the self-energizing sensors 18 may include hardware (e.g., timing circuitry, logic circuitry, a microprocessor, etc.), software, or both, with a wireless transmitter 20 to provide a desired type of signal (e.g., a coded signal identifying a particular self-energizing sensor 18, or to provide a "smart" capability that monitors the amount of power harvested and/or controls the powering of the wireless transmitter 20.
In some examples, receiver 16 may also include ancillary elements that enhance the operation of wireless security system 10. For example, the receiver 16 may include a software module 16a and/or a memory module 16 b. The software module 16a may facilitate analysis of signals received into the receiver 16 from one or more self-exciting sensors 18. In examples where there are several self-energizing sensors 18 and/or several safety devices 14a and 14b, the software module 16a identifies (e.g., from the encoded signal) the received signal and the desired output safety response for a particular one of the self-energizing sensors 18. For example, in response to a signal from one self-energizing sensor 18, software module 16a may determine that safety device 14a should be activated, and in response to a signal from another one of self-energizing sensors 18, software module 16a may determine that safety device 14b should be activated. Thus, software module 16a allows receiver 16 to manage multiple self-energizing sensors 18 and multiple different safety response outputs.
In the illustrated example, the wireless security system 10 is associated with a building structure 24 to monitor its security. In this regard, the security system 10 may be used to monitor security in a variety of different ways. As will be further demonstrated in the disclosed example, the self-energizing sensor 18 may be coupled to a portion 26 of the building structure 24, such as to a window, door, drawer, gate, or other portion 26 that benefits from security monitoring. In response to being activated due to a security event, the self-energizing sensor 18 transmits a wireless signal 28 to the receiver 16, which wireless signal 28 triggers the security device 14a and/or 14b to provide a security response.
The type of security response provided is not limited to any particular type and may include, for example, a visual indication, an audible indication, a communication, or even a mechanical response. As illustrated by the following non-limiting examples, the wireless security system 10 may be utilized in a variety of different ways.
In addition, the security devices 14a and 14b are not limited to any particular type, and may be visual indicators, audible devices, communication devices, or mechanical devices. For example, the security device 14a or 14b may be a building light, an audible device, a signal to a security authority, an electric lock, a security system, a building water valve, or a room indicator system having different rooms R located in the building structure 241And R2The indicator of (1). The indicator being in room R1And R2Is provided with an indication of a security event associated with the portion 26 of the building structure 24. For example, if the self-energizing sensor 18 is incorporated into a gate or door, then in room R1And R2May indicate that a person has arrived or departed from the building structure 24.
In some examples, self-energizing sensor 18 may be portable such that a safety response may be triggered from a different location within building structure 24 (e.g., remote from receiver 16 and safety devices 14a and 14 b). For example, the self-energizing switch may be a hand-held device that may be carried on a room-by-room basis within the building structure 24 or locally around the property of the building structure 24, depending on the range of the wireless transmitter 20. In one example, the self-energizing sensor 18 may be used as an emergency button that is carried by an individual to actuate a safety response when there is a safety event. For example, the security response may take the form of activating a home security system or signaling a security authority (e.g., a security company).
In some examples, the memory module 16b may be used to record the activity of the security device 14a or 14b over a period of time. The memory modules 16 may be any type of memory device, such as solid state memory devices, flash memory devices, and the like. The memory module 16b may be functionally connected to the secure device 14a or 14b to record the activity pattern over a period of time, such as a week. That is, the memory module 16b, through the receiver 16, may cooperate with the software module 16a to monitor and record the activity of the security device 14a or 14 b. The activity pattern may be any type of pattern, such as a lighting pattern of building lights, but may also include usage patterns of other devices, such as televisions, radios, etc., which may simulate occupancy in a building.
In one example, a building occupant may turn lights on at night and turn the lights off later in the night, or turn the lights on/off when entering/leaving a room. The memory module 16b may be activated and deactivated using the self-energizing sensor 18 to begin and end recording of ON and OFF activity of the lamp over a period of time. The self-energizing sensor 18 may also be used to initiate the replay of ON and OFF activities at a later, second time period, wherein the receiver 16 selectively electrically connects the lamp to the power source 12 depending ON the illumination pattern of the lamp as a safety response. Thus, the memory module 16b can record the temporal activity when the occupant is at home, and can replay the lighting pattern to simulate being at home when the occupant is not at home. In some examples, the memory module 16b may continuously record activity over a scrolling period (e.g., one week) that extends back from the current time to a preset amount of time past.
The following example illustrates further embodiments of the wireless security system 10. Fig. 2A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a wireless security system 100, the wireless security system 100 being somewhat similar to the wireless security system 10 described in the example of fig. 1. In the present disclosure, like reference numerals indicate like elements where appropriate, and reference numerals with one hundred or multiples thereof are added to indicate modifying elements. It is to be understood that the modified elements include the same features and benefits as the corresponding original elements, unless otherwise stated. In this example, the wireless security system 100 includes a security device 114a that is a building light bulb. The receiver 116 is electrically connected between the power source 112 and the building light bulb for selectively electrically connecting the building light bulb to the power source for illumination. The self-energizing sensor 118 is mechanically coupled to the window 131. For example, the window 131 may be within the building structure 24 of the previous example.
The window 131 includes a movable portion 133, and the movable portion 133 may slide up and down to open or close the window 131, respectively. The movement of the movable portion 133 mechanically actuates the self-energizing sensor 118. When actuated, the energy harvester 122 of the self-energizing sensor 118 powers the wireless transmitter 120, which wireless transmitter 120 responsively transmits a signal to the receiver 116. In response to the signal, the receiver 116 triggers a safety response by controlling the electrical connection between the building light bulb and the power source 112. For example, an opening movement of the window 131 may light a building light bulb, and a closing movement may cut off the building light bulb. In other examples, the receiver 116 may intermittently illuminate the building light bulb for a flashing effect as a safety response.
As illustrated in fig. 2B, the self-energizing sensor 218 may be coupled to other types of windows other than the window 131 illustrated in fig. 2A. In this example, the self-energizing sensor 218 is coupled to a casement window 231, the casement window 231 including a window frame 241 and a movable pane 243. The movable pane is openable and closable by means of a crank 245. A plurality of latches 247 may be used to lock the movable pane 243 relative to the window frame 241. The self-exciting sensor 218 is coupled to the window frame 241. Movement of pane 243 mechanically actuates self-energizing switch 218. When actuated, the energy harvester 222 of the self-energizing sensor 218 powers the wireless transmitter 220, e.g., the wireless transmitter 220 responsively transmits a signal to the receiver 116.
As illustrated in fig. 2C, at least one self-energizing sensor 318 may be coupled to a sliding window 331, the sliding window 331 including a first window portion 359 and a second window portion 361 that are movable relative to each other. The first window portion 359 and the second window portion 361 are installed in the window frame 341. One self-energizing sensor 318 is coupled to each side of the window frame 341 to sense the movement of the respective first window portion 359 and second window portion 361. Movement of either the first window portion 359 or the second window portion 361 mechanically actuates the respective self-energizing sensor 318. When actuated, the energy harvester 322 of the self-energizing sensor 318 powers the wireless transmitter 320, e.g., the wireless transmitter 320 responsively transmits a signal to the receiver 116.
Fig. 3A illustrates another exemplary wireless security system 410 included with respect to a door 471. For example, the door 471 may be a door within the building structure 24 of the example of fig. 1. The power source 412 is optionally in electrical communication with a security device 414a, such as a building light or other device as described in the present disclosure. The receiver 416 is electrically connected between the power source 412 and the safety device 414a and is operable to selectively electrically connect the safety device 414a with the power source 412, as generally described previously. Self-energizing sensor 418 is coupled to gate 471. For example, the self-excitation sensor 418 may be integrated into the hinge 473 of the door 471 such that movement of the door 471 mechanically actuates the self-excitation sensor 418. When actuated, the energy harvester 422 of the self-energizing sensor 418 powers the wireless transmitter 420, which wireless transmitter 420 responsively transmits a signal to the receiver 416 to trigger the safety device 414a to provide a safety response, such as illuminating a building light. For example, an opening movement of the door 471 may illuminate a building light bulb, and a closing movement may shut off the building light bulb.
Fig. 3B illustrates an example of a hinge 473 of a door 471, the hinge 473 including the self-energizing sensor 418. In this example, the hinge 473 includes a first portion 475 that can be secured to the door 471 and a second portion 477 that can be secured to a surrounding structure of the door 471, such as a door frame. The self-energizing sensor 418 is mechanically coupled to the second portion 477, but may alternatively be coupled to the first portion 475. Movement of the door 471 mechanically actuates the energy harvester 422, thereby generating power for the wireless transmitter 420. Alternatively, the self-energizing sensor 418 may be included in other types of hinges and is not limited to the illustrated example. Further, the illustrated exemplary hinge 473 or other types of hinges may be incorporated into other hinged structures, such as hinged windows, cabinets, etc.
Fig. 4 illustrates another exemplary wireless security system 510 for use with a lock 581. For example, lock 581 may be included in a door, window, etc., or in any of the previous examples. In this example, lock 581 includes a locking bolt 583 at least partially within a lock housing 585. The deadbolt is coupled to an actuator 587 for locking or unlocking the deadbolt 583. The locking bolt 583 may interact with a window, door, or other device in a known manner to provide a locked or unlocked state.
In this example, movement of the locking bolt 583 between the locked and unlocked positions compresses and releases the spring 589, respectively. The spring 589 is coupled to the self-energizing sensor 518, and the self-energizing sensor 518 includes an energy harvester 522 having an arm 591 extending adjacent the spring 589 and the bolt 583. In some examples, the arm 591 may be coupled to a spring 589, a latch 583, or both.
When the latch 583 moves to the left in fig. 4, the spring 589 is compressed, and when the latch 583 moves to the left in fig. 4, the spring 589 is extended. The arm 591 moves left and right with the movement of the spring 589 and the latch bolt 583. The movement of the arm 591 harvests energy from the mechanical movement of the locking bolt 583, thereby powering the wireless transmitter 520 to transmit a signal. In response to the signal, the receiver 516 triggers a security response by controlling the electrical connection between the security device 514a and the power source 512. For example, unlocking or locking lock 581 may trigger a security response in the form of a short-time light bulb or an audible alarm.
Alternatively, lock 581 may be an electric lock and include an actuator 593 for selectively moving a locking bolt 583 between a locked position and an unlocked position. For example, the actuator 593 may be a solenoid or other type of actuator. Actuator 593 may have its own power source, such as photovoltaic device 595, or be electrically connected to power source 512. Alternatively, photovoltaic device 595 may be a thermal power device, a mechanical power device, or a wind power device. In this regard, another self-energizing sensor 518 'may be selectively manually actuated to transmit a signal to a receiver 516 or another similar receiver 516' within the actuator 593 that selectively electrically controls the electrical connection between the photovoltaic device 595 (or the power source 512) and the actuator 593 to actuate the actuator 593 and thereby change the state of the lock 581 between locked and unlocked.
Fig. 5 illustrates another exemplary wireless security system 610 incorporated into a building structure 624, such as a residential or commercial building. In this example, self-energizing sensor 618 is mounted above door 671 (e.g., an exterior door). In other examples, self-energizing sensor 618 is alternatively mounted on the interior of building structure 624.
The self-energizing sensor 618 includes a motion sensor 699 for sensing motion of the door 671 above the area a. In this example, the energy harvester 622 is a photovoltaic device that harvests external light energy from sunlight or building light to power the motion sensor 699 and the wireless transmitter 620. For example, the energy harvester 622 can periodically power the motion sensor 699 such that the motion sensor 699 periodically checks for motion over the area a. In one example, the energy harvester 622 powers the motion sensor only when a threshold amount of energy has been harvested. The threshold amount may be an amount needed to power the motion sensor 699 and the wireless transmitter 620. In this regard, the self-energizing sensor 618 may include hardware, software, or both to provide the previously described "smart" capability.
The wireless transmitter 620 transmits the signal to the receiver 616. For example, the signal represents the presence or absence of motion detected by the motion sensor 699. The receiver 616 may then selectively electrically connect the power source 612 with the security device 614a depending on the presence or absence of motion. In one example, the detected motion triggers a safety response in the form of illuminating a light within the building structure 624 to notify occupants of a possible safety event at the door 671.
FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary wireless security system 710 for preventing property damage incorporated into a building structure 724, such as a residential or commercial building. In this example, building structure 724 is fluidly connected to main water line 711, and main water line 711 supplies water to building structure 724 via connecting line 713. The building structure 724 includes a water valve as the safety device 714 a. The water valve is included in connection line 713 and is operable to close completely to prevent any flow of water from water main line 711.
In the illustrated example, the water valve is a powered valve 715 that includes an actuator 717 (e.g., a solenoid), the actuator 717 being capable of moving the powered valve 715 between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The receiver 716 is electrically connected between the power source 712 and the powered valve 715.
The self-energizing sensor 718 of the wireless security system 710 includes a wireless transmitter 720 and an energy harvester 722 that powers the wireless transmitter 720. When actuated, wireless transmitter 720 transmits a signal to receiver 716 to trigger a safety response. In this example, the safety response takes the form of controlling the open and closed states of the powered valve 715. For example, the self-energizing sensor 718 is actuated to selectively open or close the powered valve 715 to control the flow of water into the building structure 724. By way of example, an individual may shut off water flow when leaving the building structure 724 to prevent possible overflow. In one possible embodiment, the building structure may be a vacation home, where it is desirable to easily cut off water when left for a significant period of time.
Although a combination of features is shown in the illustrated examples, not all of them need be combined to realize the benefits of various embodiments of this disclosure. In other words, a system designed according to an embodiment of this disclosure will not necessarily include all of the features shown in any one of the figures or all of the portions schematically shown in the figures. Moreover, selected features of one exemplary embodiment may be combined with selected features of other exemplary embodiments.
The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the essence of this disclosure. The scope of legal protection given to this disclosure can only be determined by studying the following claims.