Patent ID: 9274512
Filing Date: 2016-03-01
CPC Classification: G05B

Claim Text:
1. In a location having devices that utilize utilities, a method of monitoring and controlling the use of said utilities by said devices within said specific location, said method comprising the steps of: providing an alarm system within said specific location having alarm sensors that monitor areas within said specific location, wherein said alarm system create alarm signals indicative of some physical conditions within said areas of said specific location; providing a plurality of interactive units within said location; providing a server interface at said location; providing a server remote from said location; utilizing each of said interactive units to monitor operations of different devices within said location that consume utilities, wherein each of said interactive units generates signal information indicating whether a device being controlled is in operation; providing at least first modem for converting said signal information into a protocol acceptable to said server interface; providing at least one second modem for converting said alarm signals into said protocol acceptable to said server interface; transmitting said signal information and said alarm signals to said server interface; utilizing a network connection to forward said signal information and said alarm signals to said server; analyzing said signal information and said alarm signals in said server to determine economically optimum utility usage for each of said devices having operations monitored by one of said interactive units and under said physical conditions indicated by said alarm signals.