Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1621465.2 RTM Date:8 February 2017 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Bluetooth, Eurofix, WiFi Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk /ipo
Description of Drawings
[12] The drawings constitute to embodiments of the prasent invention and serve to depict the apparatuses infrastrocture and operating principles.
[13] Hal. is a block diagram representation of the present invention of the tracking system.
:141 FIG,2A depicts a traveling trace of user carried mobile device wills respect polygonal geo-fenced area, [15] 3,2B depicts the locations of user carried mobile device at different instantaneous times with respect to a circular geo-fenced area.
[16] FIG.3 is a graph depicting the calculated tnermal drift & drive relationships within a monitored space, using a non-linear equation.
[17] PIGA is a graph depicting the thermal drift & drive relationships within a monitored space, identifying recorded data samples over a period of time, [18] FIG.5 is a flow chart depicting a method to calculate setback room temperature settings, and the projected heated water* consumption quantity, using the user location and projected user's arrival time at a hotel.
FIG.6A is a graph depicting the historic heated water consumption rate on an average day at a hotel.
F10.613 is a graph depicting the recorded heated water consumption rate, and projected heated water consumption rate based on a plurality of projected users' arrival times at a hotel.
[21] FIG.Th depicts a schedule for allocating human resources in service provision prioritization in accordance with rented room users' arrival times.
FIG,711 is a. flow chart depicting a method to house. watch a monitored space. Best Mode [23 The present invention may he better understood with reference to embodiments depicted by supporting drawings, however, it is not intended that the invention be restricted to those depicted embodiments, Those skilled in the art will recognize that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the true scope of the invention as defined by the claims. it is therefore intended to include within the invention all such variations and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
[24] nal illustrates the present invention in environment 100, in which certain preferences in geo-fence details, operating parameters and controls information se-lectively sent from application server 110 to mobile device 103. Mobile device 103 is enabled. to transmit preferred messages to application server 110 for data logging. Application server 110 performs projection of the arrival time at the rented room of the user carrying mobile device 103. At any time the user can send a m annuity entered arrival time through mobile device 103 to application server 110.
[251 Ceo-location system 101 is a terrestrial or satellite based positioning system; some of which include but not limited to the Beidon Navigation System, Differential GPS C DOPS'), Eurofix DGPS, Global Positioning System ('GPS'), pertaining to the Global Navigation Satellite System ('ONSS'), in other types of positioning systems, g...eolocation system 101 comprising cellular communication towers, or other systems provid ing reference points, transmit RF signals that are received by mobile device 103, [26] e 103 encompasses embedded device 1.04 (e,g, an onboard computer with with memory means (not shown) and limited functionality), geo-receiver 105, telematics device 106 and the corresponding antennae 108, 107. Embedded device 104 is wireless:5r loaded with operating parameters, which include but not limited to the geo-fence boundary definitions, the clock time, and the polling interval, etc. Mobile devices 103 include a cellular phone, and a handheld device possessing wireless communication connectivity, such as a tablet computer, and the like.
[271 Typically, geo-receiver 105 processes gee-location system 101 sent sign signals received by antenna 108, for obtainment of the con current location of mobile device 103.1n one embodiment, mobile device 103 determine s its location by engaging in the trilateration process. telematics device 1.06 transmits to application server 110 via antenna 107 -at constant or variable specific frequency in time as per the pre-configured polling interval coded wireless messages comprising the present location and a unique identi. tier of mobile device 103. In an alternative embodiment, mobile device 103 transmits to application server 110 by telematics device 106 via antenna 107 said coded wireless messages at a defined polling interval in accordance with received application server 110 sent periodic probe requests.
[28] Application server 110 receives information encompassing the mobile device 103 location and unique identifier via network 192, Application server 110 executes a program which calculates the lead time period pertaining to the user's arrival time at the related rented room, Alternatively, application server 110 assigns a predefined lead time period on the basis of the geo-fenced area -related to a geo-fence boundary -in which mobile device 103 is located. The lead time period and the operating parameters of mobile device 103may be changed in accordance with change in the mobile device 103located aeo-fenced area. Application server 110 may be any equipment capable of facilit sting two way communications with telematics device 106on mobile device 103. In another embodiment, mobile device 103 calculates the lead time period pertaining to the user's arrival me at the related rented room; it sends the most updated proximity log -encompassing at least the calculated lead time period and the unique identifier to application server 110 in said coded wireless messages.
[29] A library of predefined geo-fence boundaries, the polling interval at constant or ble frequency directing data logging between application server 110 and mobile theist calculations performed by application server 110, and other tion such as personal data of the user, is stored in memory means 111 and retrieved by application server 110 via a wired or wireless communicative network. Memory means 111, working with or within application server 110, can be any device, including magnetic, optical or solid-state memory; where stored information can be changed. via a communicatively connected thin client 113.
[30] In an outdoor environment for use with eo-location system 101., network 102 uses a combination of wireless and landline communication infrastructure such as a cellular telecommunication system and the interact, provides two-way data logging between teleixtatiz.s device 106 and application server 110 [31] On the other hand, the wireless and landline communication infrastructure of network 102 pertinent to an indoor tracking system, as depicted in P10.1, typically encompasses a combination of WLANTEthemet. Wherein, user carried mobile device 103 possessing.Binetooth communicative components and functionality is continually tracked through a node based mesh network (not shown) constructed on basis of a plurality of Bluetooth beacons 112, Eihretooth beacon 112transmits a signal to mobile device 103 in the indoor environment, and transports the returning signal to the communicatively connected application server 110. Operatively similar to said outdoor tracking system, the proximity log encompassing the lead time period pertaining to the user's arrival time at the related rented room is obtained by application server 110 on basis of the position of mobile device 103, Referring to FR-1.2A, geo-fenced area 203 is the area within a polygonal geo-fence boundary 204. The geo-fenced area 203 has a center-of-mass 20 1, and a computed circular approximation 295 with radius 20 2, corresponding to the maximum offset between the computed center-of-mass 201 and the furthest edge of geo-fence boundary 204. The dotted trace 22 0 depicts an ex e nip]. ary path of mobile device 103 cross ing geo--fenee boundary 204 and. traveling away frogn center-of-mass 201, being the related rented room at a hotel, as in one embodiment.
[33] In F_ 12A, a zone of Level fl is defined as an area beyond circular approximation 205: a zone of Level I may be defined as the area within circular approximation 205. Application server 110 can alter the shape of gco-fence boundary 204 within zone Level 1 in acconiance with preconditioning factor s pertinent to traffic conditions, time of the day, the unique identifier of mobile device 103 and characteristics of the user or the related rented room, etc. [34] In one embodiment, application server 110 correlates the data pertinent to the real-time location of the user carrying mobile device 103 to a reconfigured lead time period At, , which is the time period between the concurrent time and the projected user's arrival time at center-of-mass 201. For instance, a reconfigured value is assigned for lead time period At"; when mobile device 103 is at position 211, and within the gen-fenced area 203; another precontigured value is assigned for lead time period At 02 when mobile device 103 is at position 212, which is outside geo-fence boundary 204 [35] Referring now to FIG.213, illustrated is geo-fenced area 253 per t airring to circular geo-fence boundary. 254 G co-fence boundary 254 having radius 252 has been defined around central point 251, being the rented room at the hotel, as in one em-bodiment. The dotted trace 22 1 depict s arc ex e. ozpi ary lath of mobile device 103 Cross ing geo-fence boundary 254 and traveling toward central. point 251, A zone of Level 0 is defined as an area outside geo-fence boundary 254: a zone of Level 1 i s the area within geo-fence boundary 254. Application sesver 110 can alter the coverage of zone Level 1 withingeo-fence boundary 254, in accordance with preconditioning factor s pertinent to traffic conditions, time of the day, the unique identifier of mobile device 103 and characteristics of the user, or the related rented mom, etc. [36] in an alternative embodiment, application server 110 correlates the data pertinent to the real-time location of mobile device. 103 to a mathematical calculation of lead time period At, as follows: [37] At,=. y ° d v [1] [38] where At is the lead titre period between the concurrent and the pmjected user's arrival time at the rented room of central point 25 1; represents a pre-configured factor pertinent to the uncertain preconditions affecting lead time period At such as time of the day, the unique identifier of mobile device 103 and teristics of the user or the related rented room, etc.; d is the distance between the concurrent location of the monitored mobile device 103 and central point 25 1; v is the user's velocity of travel, which may be calculated, using: [39] v = (d2-di) / (1t2 -10 [2] [40] where v, is periodically calculated on basis of the time difference to travel from one location to another. For instance, v is indicated by the difference between d, (traversal distance between fist position 261 and central point 25 1), and d, (traversal distance between second position 262 and central point 25 1), divided by the difference of t, (instantaneous time. recorded at first position 261), and t2 (instantaneous time recorded at second position 262). 0 titer formulae. aud methods may seem fit in different situations where appropriate and therefore can also be applied for calculation of lead time period At, Application server 110 performs the calculations and sends the calculated values of lead time period At to control station 120 and other systems, [41] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary methods disclosed herein may he applied to any geo-fenced area represented by any number of shapes and sizes. A geo-fence around a center of mass may range-in complexity from a line to a highly irregular shape which more accurately follows the landscape of the hotel premises and neighborhood, There are a number of methods for constructing these geo-fences which will be apparent to one skilled in the art, [42] Thermal Drift & Drive Relationships [43] FIG.3 illustrates an exemplary temperature change in an indoor space, wherein the outdoor temperature is lower than indoor setpoint temperature T", of the space. A mbient temperature Tr.",b is the temperature at which indoor temperature T will rhea-retically reach in accordance w indefin to increaselime t, when the HVAC heating operation k off; it is at a constant level in fibs ease for demonstration purposes [VI] Drift curve 300 -1 represents the 'drift process' of indoor temperature T(t) with respect to time, beginning at a rapid rate decreasing from setpoint temperature as indoor temperature rf(t) approaches the steady-state temperature, which is substantially the same as ambient temperature T. r,21, Drive curve 300 -2 represents the 'drive process' of i ndoor temperature TO) of the space being driven from ambient temperature T""b up to setpoint temperature T", in relation to time during a HVAC heating operation. The drive rate is decreasing as i ndoor temperature Ttlt) approaches setpoint temperature T", T he required time period. to drift indoor temperature T(t) from one level to another varies in accordance with time and season, as well as other factors such as the weather and energy sinks within the space, In contrast, drive curve 3004 is dependent on the unique space environment, and HVAC system performance The data pertaining to the relationships between temperature responses to HVAC operation must be obtained to project the time period for indoor temperature T (t) to drift from one point to another, as well as the time to drive indoor temperature (0 from one point to another. For a cooled room on a warm day, the principles are the same, yet the direction s of increasing temperature on the y-axis would be inverted, [45] In one embodiment, mathematical functions may be used to describe the temperature responses through drift c urve 301) -1 and drive c urve 300 -2. In an exemplary use case, Newton 's Law of Cooling is used for calculation of the drift and drive per-romances. The rate of change of indoor temperature 'f(t) over time Clidt, is proportional to the difference between indoor temperature TO) and ambient temperatur e T wub A differential equation is used in a mathematical form, as follows: [46] S (T T,"b k S dt F31 [47] where indoor temperature T(t) corresponds to a drift process from setpoint temperature T,r, to ambient temperature Toth, Solving the differential equation, [48] we yield an equation having indoor temperature T(t) as a function of time: [49] Tit) a T", T", 1;_tb) [4] [50] where lc is a constant dependent on the surrounding environment bin the space.
Haying measured indoor temperature T(t) at any time t, and knowing ambient temperature T,",b, the value of k can be easily sorted.
[51] In an alternative embodiment, application server 110 obtains ambient temperature, indoor temperature T(t) pertaining to the drift and drive data from environmental attribute means 130, records, and stores the data in memory means 111. In yet another embodiment, application server 110 receives a data feed from control station 120, or other external sources, comprising drift and drive data of indoor temperature T (0, and ambient temperature T" o, Calculations, data recording andexternal information source pertaining to obtainmentde a, drive data and ambient temperature 'I' can be continually processed, storedmemory means 1.1.1., and used for studying indoor temperature Tit) responses versus time t during a HVAC cooling or heating operation in a space.
[521 FIG,4 illustrates an exemplary indoor temperature response in accordance with drift curve 4 00 -1 and drive curve 4 00 -2. Dotted 've 400 -3 of the fluctuating a mhient temperature T,",,,b varies in compliance with outdoor temperature changes during the day.
[53] Setback temperature T,b is a temperature level of an unoccupied rented room maintained by a HVAC system, which is intended to resume to setpoint temperature T,,, within a short time after user entry, The required time to drive setback temperature T 5h to setpoint temperature T", is recovery time period At, -which is dependent on the HVAC system capacity, It is better expressed as [541 Att.= tso tsb [5] [55] where t ", is the time at which indoor temperature T.(01. rd setpoint perature T",; is the starting time of the drive process, at which indoor temperature T(t) equals to setback temperature T,,, . [56] In one embodiment, application server 110 calculates recovery time period basis of the obtained user's arrival lead time period At, , then extrapolates the corresponding indoor setback temperature Toh, based on the relationships between the temperature responses and time in a. drift process and a drive process. Attention is drawn wilt care to make sure that recovery time period At, should be within lead time period At, to complete drive of setback temperature T,L, to setpoint temperature [57] At, < t, [8] Or, [59] At, =a * A '1, [61 [60] where a represents a preconfigured factor mathematically describing the uncertainty affecting lead time period At, . In another embodiment, recovery time period At, is also expressed as: [61] At, rt r * I T", - I [7] [62] where recovery rate r (expressed in unit time per unit temperature, such as seconds per C) is the rate for the HVAC system to drive i ndoor temperature toward setpoint temperature T. Recovery rate r is calculated as follows; [63) r = ( T", -t) / I T", -T I [8] [64] where T(t) is the indoor temperatutt space during any time Data encompassing recovery rate r in relation with a mbient temperature Tams can he stored in memory means 111. Any technique of calculating and combining the most recently calculated recovery rate r and a n archived recovery rate r can also be utilized [66] Other than recovery rate r yielded by equation [8] or others, the manufacturer * the HVAC system also provides the recommended recover rate r,", under different ambient conditions for assurance of optimal operative efficacies and equipment life span. Therefore, recovery rate r should he maintained at a rate not exceeding the MCortuneoded recover rate re".: [671 r [68] Or, [691 r = B r," [9] 1:70i where B represents a preconfigured factor mathematically describing variables affecting recovery rate r in a temperature drive operation, Substituting equations [6] and [91 into equation [7] ; [71] Tg, T", -(a A t) ( B) [10] [72] setback indoor temperature of a space using lead time period At, is yielded.
[73] These drift and diive parameters are used in the method s of the invention for determining the corresponding setback temperature Tat, as shown in flow chart 500 of FIG.5. Typically, application server 110 determines the values of setback temperature Tg, in the unoccupied rented room, while receiving different location related information pertaining to mobile device 103, I t is realized that application server 110 receives information encompassing whether the rented room status is unoccupied, from a separate system, [74] At step 510, application server 110 periodically receives data pertaining to the rented room from control station 120, including setpoint temperature Ts,, ,1 ndoor temperature T(t) and ambient temperature T,,"b, and stores the data in memory means 111 for mathematical establishment of thermal drift & drive reladonships as illustrated in an exemplary graphical form in PIG.! . it is worthwhile to point out that the objective conditions -such as ambient temperature tarth are continuously changing; said thermal drift &. drive relationships ase on a continually updated mathematical platform that affects the calculated results, In one embodiment, a user carrying mobile device 103 departs from the rented room. At step 520, application server 110 receives the proximity log from mobile device 103 carried by the user of the rented room -said information including but not limited to indicating the operative environment for tracking mobile device 103 being outdoor or indoor based. At the same time, application server 110 determines if the rented room is unoccupied on basis of information received from at least one other communicatively connected system, Application server 110 analyzes the proximity log and ends the process if the rented room status is identified as 'checked-out, Conversely, application server 110 projects the time at which the user will return to the rented morn and de-termines a corresponding setback indoor temperature Tss, on basis of numerical thermal drift and drive data. The process proceeds to step 530.
[76] Referring to FIG.2B, application server 110 receives the proximity log from mobile device 103 corresponding to the first position 261 recorded at the first instantaneous time t,, and determines the value of d, (traversal distance between first position 261 and central point 251). At step 530, application server 110 -in one embodiment -uses a precon figured value of lead time period At on basis of position 261 being outside geo-fenced area 253, and calculates the corresponding recovery time period Atn, using equation [6]. Application server 1.10 extrapolates the corresponding setback indoor temperature Tsbl, based on the temperature responses in a drift process and drive process of the rented room as shown in FE3.4. Alternatively, application server 110 calculates setback temperature Li,i by using equation [10]. At step 540, application server 110 sends data pertaining to setback temperature TthE to control station 120, for controlling HVAC system of environmental attribute means 130 in maintaining temperature of the rented room at a less energy demanding setback temperature Tai. The process returns to step 510.
Ina further embodiment, application server 110 receives the proximity log from mobile device 103 corresponding to the second position 262 recorded at the second instantaneous time t2, and determines the value of d7 (traversal distance between second position 262 and central point 25 1). At step 530, application server 110 calculates the users velocity of travel v, using equation [2]: [78] v (d2 d3) I (t, -t1) [2] [79] substituting velocity v into equation (1] to yield lead time period Ato, , application server 110 calculates the corresponding recovery time period Atn, using equation [61, [801 Application server 110 extrapolates the corresponding setback indoor temperature T based on the temperature responses in a drift process and drive process of the rented room as shown in P10.4. Alternatively, application server 110 calculates setback temperature by using equation [101, At step 540, application server HO sends data pertaining to setback temperature Tsb2 to control station 120. Corin-ol station 120 initiates IIVAC system of environmental attribute means 130 for adjusting indoor temperature T (t) from s etback temperature Tai to setback temperature Tst,2, Setback temperature Tth, will he driven to setpoint temperature Tx:, within recovery time period At,, , [Si] Provision of Heated rater and Services [82] In another aspect of the invention, the tracking system is applied to projection of the total number of tracked users at the hotel with respect to time. Having obtained each tracked user's time of departing, and time of arriving at the hotel in accordance with the user's proximity log, yields the estimated number of total users at the hotel during any time of the day. In furtherance, the settings f the temperature and the reserve volume itt the lot heater system of environmental attribute means 130 can be projected.
[83] The hotels daily heated water consumption pattern is a function of the number of users and time, whereas, controls in heated water supply apply to the water flow, as well as, the heat flow, PK:1.6A illustrates the heated water consumption rate on a typical day at a hotel having an occupancy rate of 70% in an exemplary profile 600: recorded peaks exist between 6 a.crr. -7 a.m. (90% -100% users ortesite), 12 p.m. -p.m. (30% -45% users on-site), and 7 p.m.-8 p.m. (60 -80% users on-site).
[84] An exemplary profile 601 in FIG.6B depicts the heated water consumption rate on an average day at a hotel with a 90% occupancy rate; wherein recorded data is available up to the concurrent time at 9:30 a.m. The typical historic records stored in memory means 1.11 (F1G,1) including but not limited to the archived profile 600, and the projected number of users at the hotel, are attributes to establishing profile 601, The first recorded peak 601-1 exists between 6 a,m,-7 a.m. (90 -100% users on-site).
[85] in one embodiment, application server 110 projects the total number of users at the hotel at any time, by subtracting each departed tracked user with respect to the recorded departure time, and adding an arriving tracked user with respect to the pro ected arrival time at the hotel, in addition to an estimated number of residing untracked users. The typical per user consumption rate of heated water at peak demand is 45 liter/hour. whereas a typical daily per user consumption of heated water at 60 160 liters. The projection on heated water consumption rate may be segregated into 9:30 a.m.-:30 p.m. with a prime accuracy within 4 hours from concurrent time, and at a secondary accuracy from 1:30 p.m.-12 an, The projected peak 601-2 at 12 p.m.--I p.m. and projected peak 601-3 at 7 p.m.-9 p.m. are shown in profile 601, which is continually amended with most recently recorded and calculated. lead time period At, pertinent to each tracked user.
[86] In yet another embodiment, application server calculates the required volume of heated water in a storage tank type water heater at setpoint temperature, typically between 48°C to 60oC, which is readily for use. Energy conservation may be achieved by consistently maintaining a minimal 30 liter per user of heated water volume, or V, at setpoint temperature. The total required heated water volume in storage at any time, can be found: [87] V",=n ° '6%[1l] 8] where n is total number of users at the hotel.
[89] The heated water consumption A V within a time period At can ie sought, using the following equation: [90] A = et * Q * At [91] where Q is the per user flow rate of heated water use.
[92] Application server 110 continually projects the total number of users ii, for establishment of a database pertaining to profile 601. At step 540 of F1C3.5, application server 110 transports the related information to one or mote separate. systems, which includes at least one of control station 120, and water heater system of environmental attribute means 130.
[93] Resource Allocation and Service Provision [94] The tracking system of the invention also applies to human resources allocation in hotelier operations, Referring to FIG.7A, table 700 is an exemplary dynamic schedule indicating priority in providing housekeeping services in a five storey hotel. This schedule. can be displayed via a communicatively connected device, including but not limited to mobile device 103, and thin client 113 (FIG, I) [95] Slot 701shows the clocktime used by the tracking system. Slot 702 indicates different states of a rented mom. Application server 110receives a message from a separate, communicatively connected system indicating the status of each hotel room as not rented', 'unoccupied', etc. Referring to t'IG.2A, the lead time period At k of a user pertaining to a rented room at center-oil-mass 201 is determined on the basis of a single geo-fence boundary 204 with geo-fenced area 203 pertaining to 20 minute traffic time. The lead time period Jt,, relating to the time period before the user returns to c enterof-mass 201 is determined at 20 minutes', given the tracked user location is within the geo-fenced area. The lead time period At is suggested at 20 inhintes+' otherwise. Application server 110changes the lead dme period At, related to each unoccupied rented room in (able 700 in accordance with the periodically updated proximity log of the corresponding tracked user. The housekeeping staff can prioritize the unoccupied rented rooms to be serviced; and change the room status through said communicatively connected device as 'room cleaned', upon completion of the housekeeping task.
[96] House Watching a Monitored Space [97] 7fhe tracking system of the invention house watches a monitored. space in accordance with the continually updated attributes, as well as, proximity logs of one or more mobile devices 103 carried by the related tracked users. In one aspect, the tracking system determines the security status, and the operative modes of a plurality ofdevices 140 within or related to a monitored house, in accordance with an exemplary process 750 in FIG. 13, [98] Referring to FIG.I, application server 110 determines whether one or more mobile devices 103 are within or outside the pertinent monitored house, in accordance with the corresponding proximity logs. At step 751 of process 750, application server 110 periodically receives signal transmissions, including but not limited to data comprising the occupancy attribute from occupancy attribute means 150 pertaining to the monitored house, as well as, said one or more mobile devices 103.
[99] At step 752, application server 110 analyzes the signal transmissions. In one em-bodiment, signal transmissions are disrupted or discontinued -application server 110 sends a probe signal to control station 120 via network 102, and. the response is incompliant with preconfig,tued parameters. At step 753, application server 110 sends an alert to a third party, comprising at least one of the property management, security organization, mobile device 103, and thin client 113. In a contrary embodiment, signal transmissions incompliance between control station 120 and application server 11.0 are not experienced, process 750 proceeds to step 754. Wherein, application server HO analyzes said occupancy attribute.
I In one embodiment, application server 110 determines that the house is 'occupied', or, application server 110 receives a message comprising change in said occupancy of the house; wherein, such change comprises a few aspects. In one exemplary aspect, device 140 comprising a door lock detects a visiting party's attempt to switch the locked state to unlocked state, and sends a corresponding signal to application server 110.
[1011 At step 755, application server 110 analyzes the proximity logs of said one or more mobile devices 103, If application server 110 fails to verify the identities of occupants in the occupied house, or, the identity of said visiting party attempting to switch the locked state to the unlocked state of a door lock pertinent to the unoccupied house, an alert is sent to said third party in accordance with step 753. In a different embodiment, the identities of occupants are verified, alternatively, the identity of said visiting party is verified, In a. further embodiment, application server 110 determines in accordance he proximity logs, one or more mobile device 103 are approaching the house within a close proximity threshold, Process 750 proceeds to step 756.
[102] At step 756, application server 110 distinguishes said verified occupants, or verified said visiting party, or verified said approaching one or more mobile device 103, by analyzing the identifiers and the corresponding proximity logs, In accordance with the results of identity distinguishrnent, application server 110sends one or more signals for receipt by said plurality of devices 140 to change the operative mode from an 'unattended state' to a 'user configuredstate% or, from an 'unattended state to a 'management state', In one embodiment, application server 110 receives the audit trail from a door lock pertaining to device 140, records in memory means 111 (140.1) and sends to said third party time-in and time-out of all entries and exits, in accordance with the results of identity verification and distinguishment.
[103] In an alternative embodiment, application server 110deterraines that the monitored house is 'unoccupied'. At step 757, application server IlOsends to control station 120, one or more signals For receipt by a plurality of devices 140, to change the operative mode to an 'unattended state'. Process 750 proceeds to step 758.
At step 758, application server 110 determines if there is change, including but not limited to the pertinence between said one or more mobile devices 103, and said monitored house. In one embodiment, application server 110 determines no said change -process 750 returns to step 751, in an alternative embodiment, application server 110 determines said change. In one exemplary aspect, the pertinence between said one or more mobile devices 103 and said house -being a lease -is discontinued upon. check-out. Process 750 i.s ended.
[1.05] Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein tail in relation to one or more. preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof. [I06]
Mode for Invention [1071 The invention relates to a tracking system that governs conUol of indoor climate and water supply reserve, operative modes of selected devices and.sending of projected arrival tittle of related users of a monitored space,
Industrial Applicability
[1081 One aspect of the invention relates to energy Opt need hotel room and a house, and to activate on-demand device operation.
[1091 In a further aspect, a schedule with dynamic data pertaining to projected ti arriving at said monitored space enabling planning of provision of services and allocation of human resources.
[110] In yet another aspect, the system enables security of said monitored space by generating and sending an alert upon detection of unidentified occupancy. And, the system enables communicatively connected. devices to trigger alert while being opened/closed by unidentified user.
Sequence List Text [111] External Device -communicatively connected to the system, including but not limited to a door lock, a light fixture, a home appliance, a safe. etc. [1121 Thin Client -a network linked electronic-device with computing capacity, such as a microcomputer or a handheld personal digital assistant (PDA'), etc. [1131 Off Mode -power disconnection.
[1141 Operative Mode -a device with power connection operating at an unspecified level.
1115] Management State -an operative mode of a device operating at configurations imposed by property management, including but not limited to reduced power con-p don.
1116J Unattended State -an operative mode of a device operating at different levels, comprising: reduced power consumption, including but not limited to 'sleep' mode and 'standby mode; alternatively, a device is configured to set off an alarm if the physical state is changed, including but not limited to 'locked' to 'unlocked', 'closed' to 'open', and, codelPIN entry for attempt of open or use.
[117] User Configured State an operative mode of a device performing at tine user specified levels, selected from functions, security level, or power eons 'on, 1. A cloud-based system for tracking e location of a mobile device and processing the information pertaining to a monitored space, comprising * at least one mobile device having wireless connectivity with the Internet or WLAN, and software for processing and sending the present location, or a proximity log pertaining to the present location; * a cloud-based server having computing capability, connected to the Internet with the process and software that allows interactive processing of information receiving from at least one mobile device, and at least one of an environmental attribute means and an occupancy attribute means * an environmental attribute means with connectivity to the for providing, at any given time, a signal representing the level of attribute pertaining to at least one monitored space, a predetermined set point representing a predetermined level of said attribute, and network connectivity to the intemet or PSTN; ^ an occupancy attribute means with connectivity to the internet for providing, at any given time, a signal representing the attribute pertaining to the occupancy indicating whether the monitored space is occupied, and network connectivity to the internet or PSTN; * a clock coupled to said server; * a memory means configur ed to store at least the rifoiniation sent by the communicatively connected server.
2, The system of 1, further adapted to establish a data session between said server and said at least one mobile device through a communicative network.
3. The system of wherein sand at least one ere obile device further comprising: * a global positioning satellite receive r receiving GNSS signals; * a Bluetooth receive r receiving Bluetooth beacon sent, signals for indoor positioning; * an antenna for transmitting eeiving wireless signals.
4. The system of.-iAlim 1, wherein said occupancy attribute means comprises one of a passive infrared sensor, or a cmos sensor.
5. A method of a cloud-based server house watching a monitored space, comprising * sending to at least one mobile device a message comprising at least one command for sending to said server in compliance with a set of operating parameters -comprising the update frequency and the time span -the unique identifier, the present location, or the proximity log determined in accordance with the present location; * sending through a communicatively connected control station to at least one of an environmental attribute means, and an occupancy attribute means, a message comprising at least one command for sending to said server a corresponding attribute in compliance with a set of operating parameters -comprising the update frequency and the time span; ng from said at least one mobile device a message encompassing said present location, or said proximity log; * receiving from said environmental attribute means a message encompassing said corresponding attribute; ^ receiving from said occupancy attribute means n-compassing said corresponding., attribute * sending a message, comprising said proximity log of said at least one mobile device, for receipt by a third party, if determining;d monitored space as unoccupied.
6. The method of-Glaint5, wherein; * said at least one mobile device obtaining and sending the present location to said server for determining said proximity log; or * said at least one mobile device obtaining and processing the present location for determining said proximity log, and sending said proximity log to said server.
7. The method ofc-Iveima-5 and 6, said proximity log of said at least one mobile device, comprising * the traversal speed pertaining to saidat;east otte mobile device, wherein determined in accordance with at leasttwo locations with respect to time; * the determined lead. time indicati e period prior to art ring in said monitored space, wherein said lead time is null if the corresponding said at least one mobile device is within said monitored space. or o the determined time of arrival at said monitored space, wherein said time or arrival is the concurrent time if said at least one mobile device is within said monitored space; or ^ the traversal distance between said at least ne mobile device and said monitored space, wherein said traversal. distance is null if said at least one mobile device is within said monitored space, 8. The method ofLuitent 5, comprising said server sending a n alert, including the steps of; I, determining if said monitored space is occupied; it. receiving a message sent from said at least one mobile device, indicating entry to said monitored space is not allowed; and Li, determining whether said proximity log pertaining to said at least one mobile device exceeds a first threshold; iv, sending an alert for receipt by a third party, if determinimg said monitored space as occupied, and said proximity log exceeds said first threshold.
9, The method of c.1:Sir 5, further comprising said server sending a n alert, including the:steps of; i. determining if receiving discontinued, disturbed signals, or signals not in sync with said server sent operating parameters, from at least one of said environmental attribute means, and said occupancy attribute means; ii, sending a message encompassing at least one of a signal, or a code, prompting for a response -to at least one of said control station, said environmental attribute means, and said occupancy attribute means; ii. sending an alert for receipt by a third party, if receiving in response discontinued, disturbed signals from at least one of said control station, said environmental attribute means, and said occupancy attribute means, 10. The method ofalti-Mr5, further comprising said server establishing a schedule for service provision, comprising: * sending to a third party said schedule prioritized in accordance with said proximity log, wherein pertaining to said at least one mobile device and at least one monitored space; * recording and sending to a third party said at least one COMsponding attribute indicating occupancy of said monitored space respect to time.
1 l. The method of &u.iMis 5, 8, 9 and 10, wherein said third party includes the rzlani geire;r of said. monitored space, and at least one of a communicatively connected mobile device, a portable means having wireless connectivity and a visual display, and a thin client computer, 12. The meth°d oferS5, farther comprising said server changing the mode of a communicatively connected external device pertaining to said monitored space, including the steps of: i. determining whether said monitored space is occupied. in accordance with said at least one corresponding attribute indicating occupancy of said monitored space; ii. determining whether said proximity log, pertaining to said at least one mobile device, exceeds a second threshold; sending a message for receipt by said. external device if said monitored space is unoccupied, or said proximity log pertaining to said at least one mobile device exceeds said second threshold, wherein said message encompassing at least one of a signal, or a code to change said external device to an unattended state; iv. sending a message for receipt by said external device, if said monitored space is occupied, or said proximity log pertaining to said at least one mobile device is within said second threshold, wherein said message encompassing at least one of a signal, or a code to change said. external device to a user configured state.
13. The method ofan 12, wherein: unattended state comprising said external evice at Eye off recrde, csr at the power reduced mode; or * unattended state comprising said external device switching to the off mode., or the power reduced mode, within a preconfigured time period; * user configured state comprising said external device operating at one or more levels, or operative configurations, in compliance with user specifications * said external device including at least one of a light fixture aflame appliance, and an electronics equipment, 14. The method of-rairm 12. wherein: ° unattended state comprising said external device setting off an alert, , or, sending a signal to set off an alert, if: the state of said external device changes from closed to open, or from locked to unlocked: or, upon code or PIN number entry; or, said corresponding attribute indicating occupancy of said monitored space changes from unoccupied to occupied; o user configured state comprising said external device disabling said * said e xterrnil device including at least one of a safe, a door lock, and said occupancy attribute means.
15. A method for determining a setback environmental attribute, comprising: o execut ing a program having instructions stored in the memory means of a server communicatively connected to an environmental attribute means; * receiving from the environmental attribute means in accordance with server sent operating parameters the attribute pertinent to at least one monitored space, and further processing data, including a predetermined set point, a predetermined maximum range relative to said. set point a a tint drift relationship, and a first drive relationship; * establishing a first drift relationship by drifting with respect to time the attribute from said set point, to the maximum range relative to said set point; and * drifting with respect to time at least one intermediate attribute between said set point, and the maximum range relative to said set o the maxirYtum range relative to said set point; * establishing a first chive relationship by driving with respect to time the attribute from the maximum range relative to said set point, to said set point; and eriviing with respect to time at least one intermediate attribute between said set point, and the maximum range relative to said set point, to said set point; * storing in said memory means at least one drive relationship and at least one drift ieiatic'nship; o determining whether said at least one monitored space is occupied.
16. The method eaten 15, comprising drifting an attribute and driving an attribute, representing not operating and operating, respecii vel y, an environmental attribute means, including, if said at least one monitored space is unoccupied, the additional steps of i. determining the time of arrival in accordance with the proximity og pertaining to at least one tracked mobile device; ii. determining a setback recovery time period, which is limited within the difference of said time of arrival and the concurrent clock time; iii. determining in accordance with at least one established drift and drive relationship, a setback attribute of the unoccupied said monitored space. wherein said setback attribute is driven to said set point within the corresponding recovery time comprising the smallest difference with said setback recover)+ time period; iv, sending said setback attribute to said environmental a v. if said proximity log exceeds a third threshold, or said onitored space is determined as unoccupied, go back to step 03.
17, The method of cSieS, 10, 15, and 16, wherein: * said at least one monitored apace repmsenting at least one inde-pendently segregated and monitored minimal space attributing to an independently located space, which is selected from a group including a guest room in a hotel, and an office unit in a commercial building; the set point is a predetermined level of said attribute; the maximum range is empirically determined; * the maximum range is measured if said at least one monitored space is unoccupied, to allow said attribute in said at least one monitored space to drift towards an ambient level of said attribute in a melon adjacent to said at least one monitored space.
18. The method of.a 15, 16 and 17, wherein: * said attribute of said monitored space is indoor temperature; * said environmental attribute means includes a temperature sensor, and at least one of a heating unit, an air conditioning unit and a ventilating unit.
19. The method of 1s 16 and 17, wherein: * said attribute of said monitored space is humidity; * said environmental attribute means includes a humidity sensor, and at le: set one of a humidifier and a dehumidifier, 20. The method ofittttra 15, further comprising drifting an attribute, representing reducing said attribute by consumption, driving an attribute representing increasing said attribute, including the additional stelae of: determining the proximity logs pertaining to tracked mobile devices carriiid by the total number of users, concurrently comprising: non--traversing users located in said at least one monitored space pertaining to null proximities, as well as, traversing users projected to arrive in said at least one monitored space in accordance with the corresponding proximity logs; determining with respect to time the projected. number of non-t: users located in said at least one monitored space, including determining in accordance with the proximity logs the corresponding number of traver i Yg uses arriving in said c one monitored space; iii. calculating with respect to time the setback attribute by multiplying said projected number of non-traversing users with a predefined unitary attribute quantity; iv. determining in accordance with at least one established drift relationship, the ratio with respect to time between the drifted attribute and the number of non-traversing users; v, sending said setback attribute with respect to time, and said.said ratio with respect to time., to said environmental attribute means.
21. The method ofial:ffin 8, 9, 15, and 20, wherein: * said at least one monitored space representing an independently located space encompassing at least one independently segregated and monitored minimal space, which is selected from a group including a hote, a house, and a commercial building; o the set point, representing said prede fin ed unitary attribute quantity multiplied by said total number of users1 * the maximum range is empirically determined; * the Inaximum range is measured if said attribute is allowed to drift towards a level, within a given time span, comprising the largest difference with said set point.
2. The method ofvleauRk. 15, 20 and 21, wherein: o said attribute of said monitored space is the heated water reserve quantity at a predetermined temperature; * saki prod fi ed unitary attribute quantity is the heated water reserve quantity at said predetermined temperature readily supplied for one user of said total number of users; * said environmental attribute means includes at least one of a sensor for measuring the volume of said attribute in a storage tank, and a water heating unit.