Abstract:
Device operation sensing and control apparatus for use in combination with a wireless security panel which communicates with a remote operations center, to facilitate independent at-home living of, for example, semi-autonomous elderly persons. One apparatus embodiment includes a remotely controlled AC power receptacle module controllable by signals from the wireless security panel and into which a device such as a microwave oven is plugged. An AC current sensor is connected to an alarm system transmitter for transmitting a signal when the device is in use. Another apparatus embodiment senses operation of and allows remote control of power to an electric range. First and second timers and associated alarm system transmitters transmit a “RANGE ON” signal to the wireless security panel when the electric range is in use, and a “RANGE ON FOR X TIME” signal when the electric range has been use for a predetermined length of time.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to home monitoring systems to facilitate independent at-home living of, for example, semi-autonomous elderly persons. 
     Home monitoring systems are well known, such as those based on a Simon® 3 control panel available from General Electric Company. Such systems, through various available sensor and control modules, allow monitoring of activities in a home, as well as the remote control of lights and other devices. The Simon® 3 control panel includes a radio receiver operating at a frequency of 319.5 MHz to receive signals from sensor modules within the home, and an X10® control transmitter to transmit signals over AC power wiring to various X10® receiver modules within the home. Communication between the wireless security panel and a remote operations center is effected by land-line telephone communication, internet connection, or through a GSM cellular telephone network, as examples. Central monitoring and control services employing a GSM cellular telephone network are available, for example, through alarm.com. 
     Personnel, or an automated system, at the central monitoring system are able to monitor activities within the home, control devices within the home, and notify third parties in the event an “alert” situation is detected within the home which requires attention. Activity as well as inactivity can be sensed. Thus, monitored status and control activities can be relayed to or from interested parties such as family members of a person or persons living in a monitored home, caregivers in general, and other providers. Messages can be sent by email, text message, and cell phone message. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, device operation sensing and control apparatus is provided for use in combination with a wireless security panel. The apparatus includes an enclosure, and a remotely controlled AC power receptacle module mounted within the enclosure, with receptacles accessible through at least one aperture in the enclosure. The AC power receptacle module is controllable by signals from the wireless security panel. The apparatus includes an AC power plug. Conductors extend from the AC power plug and are connected within the enclosure to the remotely controlled AC power receptacle module. An AC current sensor has an output which is active when sensed current is above a threshold, and is arranged to sense current drawn through the AC power receptacle module An alarm system transmitter is responsive to the output of the AC current sensor and either connected to transmit a signal to the wireless security panel when the AC current sensor output is active, or connected to transmit a signal to the wireless security panel when the AC current sensor output is not active. 
     In another aspect electric range operation sensing and control apparatus is provided for use in combination with a wireless security panel. The apparatus includes an enclosure, and a range power receptacle mounted within the enclosure and accessible through an aperture in the enclosure. A remotely controlled AC power switch module is mounted within the enclosure. The AC power switch module is controllable by signals from the wireless security panel. A contactor relay within the enclosure is electrically connected so as to be activated by the AC power switch module. The apparatus includes a range power plug. Conductors extend from the range power plug to the contactor relay, and conductors extend from the contactor relay to the range power receptacle so as to energize the range power receptacle when the contactor relay is activated. At least one AC current sensor has an output which is active when sensed current is above a threshold, and is arranged to sense current drawn through the range power receptacle. A first timer has an input connected to the AC current sensor output and has a first timer output which is active when the AC current sensor output is active, and remains active for a first predetermined time duration after the AC current sensor output is no longer active. A first alarm system transmitter is connected to transmit a “RANGE ON” signal to the wireless security panel when the first timer output is active. A second timer has an input connected to the first timer output and has a second timer output which becomes active when the first timer output has been active for a second predetermined time duration. A second alarm system transmitter is connected to transmit a “RANGE ON FOR X TIME” signal to the wireless security panel when the second timer output is active. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an overview of a home monitoring system embodying the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of a device operation sensing and control apparatus embodying invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 , taken on line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 , taken on line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an electrical schematic diagram of circuitry within the apparatus of  FIGS. 2-4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a view of electric range operation sensing and control apparatus embodying the invention, generally depicting an exemplary mechanical arrangement of electrical components within an enclosure; and 
         FIG. 7  is an electrical schematic diagram of the electric range operation sensing and control apparatus of  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , a home monitoring system generally designated  10  includes a wireless security panel  12 , such as a Simon® 3 control panel available through General Electric Company. The wireless security panel  12  includes an internal battery backup (not shown), and is powered through a 120 volt AC power plug  14  and a transformer  16 . The wireless security panel  12  is microprocessor based (not shown) and includes both a radio receiver (not shown) operating for example at a frequency of 319.5 MHz for receiving signals from various available sensors, and a transmitter (not shown) for transmitting control signals to various X10® receiver modules through the AC power line into which the AC power plug  14  is plugged. As represented by antenna  18 , the wireless security panel  12  includes a GSM cellular module for bidirectional communications between the wireless security panel  12  and a remote operations center  20 . In  FIG. 1 , a cellular telephone communications network is represented by cloud  22 . Other forms of network communications may as well be employed, such as land-line telephone, and internet. Although embodiments of the invention described in detail herein employ X10® protocol control signals and receiver modules, it will be appreciated that other remote control systems and protocols may be employed, such as INSTEON®. 
     Also represented in  FIG. 1  are two embodiments of the invention. The first is a device operation sensing and control apparatus  30  connected, for example, to a controlled device  32  in the representative form of a microwave oven  32 . The second is an electric range operation sensing and control apparatus  34 , connected to an electric range  36 . The device operation sensing and control apparatus  30  is described in greater detail hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . The electric range operation sensing and control apparatus  34  is described in greater detail hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
     Still with reference to  FIG. 1 , the device operation sensing and control apparatus  30  includes an enclosure  38  in which are mounted a 120 volt AC power receptacle  40  and an AC power plug  42  which is plugged into a 120 volt household AC power receptacle (not shown). The microwave oven  32  includes a power cord  44  terminating in a 120 volt AC power plug  46  which is plugged into the receptacle  40  of the device operation sensing and control apparatus  30  embodying the invention. In the absence of the subject invention, the microwave oven  32  AC power plug  46  is plugged directly into the household AC power receptacle (not shown). As represented by signal transmission arrow  48 , the device operation sensing and control apparatus  30  transmits sensor signals to the wireless security panel  12 , and receives control signals from the wireless security panel  12 . 
     The electric range operation sensing and control apparatus  34  likewise includes an enclosure  50  in which is mounted a 240 volt AC range power receptacle  52 . Extending from the enclosure  50  is a power cord  54  terminating in a power plug  56  which is plugged into a 240 volt household range power receptacle (not shown). The electric range  36  includes a 240 volt AC power cord  46  terminating in a range power plug  58  which is plugged into the receptacle  52  of the electric range operation sensing and control apparatus  34 . In the absence of the subject invention, the range power plug  62  is plugged directly into the household range power receptacle (not shown). As represented by signal transmission arrow  64 , the electric range operation sensing and control apparatus  34  transmits sensor signals to the wireless security panel  12 , and receives control signals from the wireless security panel  12 . 
     Considering the first embodiment of the invention in greater detail,  FIGS. 2-4  show one possible physical arrangement of electrical components within the enclosure  38  of the device operation sensing and control apparatus  30  of  FIG. 1 . The enclosure  38  has front and rear sides  70  and  72  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 , respectively), and includes a removable rear panel or cover  74 .  FIG. 5  is a corresponding electrical schematic diagram. 
     Mounted within the enclosure  38  is a remotely controlled AC power receptacle module  78 , corresponding to the  FIG. 1  receptacle  40 , and mounted at the front side  70  of the enclosure  38 . In the illustrated embodiment, the AC power receptacle module  78  is a model No. XPR duplex receptacle-receiver which responds to X10® ON/OFF commands, available through X10® Pro of Tampa, Fla. To set the X10® control address, the module  78  includes a “House Code” switch  80  and a “Unit Number” switch  82 . Thus, the AC power receptacle module is ON/OFF controllable by X10® signals from the  FIG. 1  wireless security panel  12 , which signals are carried by AC power wiring within the house. The module  78  more particularly includes a pair of AC receptacles  84  and  86  accessible through an aperture  88  in the enclosure  38 . A decorative faceplate  90  surrounds the receptacles  84  and  86 . 
     It is relevant to note that a characteristic of the model No. XPR duplex receptacle-receiver module  78  employed is that, in the event of an AC power failure and restoration, the output maintains its previous state. Thus, if the module  78  is “ON” when power is lost, upon subsequent restoration of power the module  78  is “ON” and the receptacle  40  has power. Upon system initiation, a signal is sent to the XPR duplex receptacle-receiver module  78  to ensure it is “ON”, which then is the normal condition until a signal is sent through the security panel  12  to turn OFF power to the controlled device  32 . 
     Mounted to the rear cover  74  and projecting through an aperture  94  at the rear side  72  of the enclosure  38  is the AC power plug  42 . In the illustrated embodiment, the AC power plug  42  is a Pass &amp; Seymour model No. PS5266SSAN right-angle plug. As shown in  FIG. 5 , ground  94 , line (L)  96  and neutral (N)  98  conductors extend within the enclosure  38  from the AC power plug  42  to the remotely controlled AC power receptacle module  70 . 
     Also mounted within the enclosure  38  is an AC current sensor  100  and an associated relay  102 . In the illustrated embodiment the current sensor  100  is an AC current sensor available from Phenix Controls Inc., as model No. 9800A4. The Phenix model No. 9800A4 is similar to a Phenix model No. 9800A3, with a 120 VAC operating voltage and a relay output, and has a 20 ampere sensing range. In order to sense current drawn through the AC power receptacle module  70 , the L conductor  96  passes through an aperture  104  in the current sensor  100 . 
     The AC current sensor  100  has an output  108  which is active when sensed current is above a threshold, indicating the plugged-in device such as the microwave oven  32  is in use. The current threshold is adjusted by means of a current threshold adjustment  106 . 
     Also within the enclosure  38  is an alarm system transmitter  110 , responsive to the output  108  of the AC current sensor  100 . The alarm system transmitter  110  includes an antenna  112  for transmitting a radio signal, for example at a frequency of 319.5 MHz, to the wireless security panel  12 . The alarm system transmitter  110  may be an ITI part No. 60-362-10-319.5 door/window “sensor”, available from Interactive Technologies, Inc. Although including magnetic reed switches and intended to be employed in conjunction with a door or window magnet, the ITI part No. 60-362-10-319.5 “sensor” includes “external” switch terminals  114  and  116  for connection of external switches. (The reed switches are removed when the “external” switch terminals  114  and  116  are employed.) The transmitter  110  includes an internal battery, with a typical battery life of five to eight years. The alarm system transmitter  110  also includes a tamper switch  118  having an actuator  120 , the intended use of which is to cause a “tamper” signal to be transmitted to the security panel  12  when the cover (not shown) of the transmitter  110  is removed, indicating that someone has the possible intention to remove the transmitter from the wall. 
     In embodiments of the subject invention, the tamper switch  118  and actuator  120  are employed to provide a “tamper” warning when the rear cover  74  of the enclosure  38  is removed. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the supplied rear cover (not shown) of the ITI part No. 60-362-10-319.5 door/window “sensor” is removed and discarded. The actuator  120  of the tamper switch  118  is positioned so as to be depressed when the rear cover  74  of the enclosure  38  is in place, and released when the rear cover  74  is removed, thus actuating the tamper warning. 
     The alarm system transmitter  110  is either connected to transmit a signal to the wireless security panel  12  when the AC current sensor output  108  is active, or connected to transmit a signal to the wireless security panel  12  when the AC current sensor output  108  is not active, depending on the particular application. 
     More particularly, the relay  102  associated with the current sensor  100  includes a coil  130  and a contact set  132  connected to a common (C) contact terminal  134 , a normally open (NO) contact terminal  136 , and a normally closed (NC) contact terminal  138 . A pair of wires  140  and  142  is connected to the “external” switch terminals  114  and  116  of the alarm system transmitter  110 . The wire  140  is connected to the common (C) contact terminal  134 . Depending on the particular application, that is on the nature of the device to be monitored and controlled (in the illustrated embodiment the microwave oven  32 ), the wire  142  is selectively connected to either the NO contact terminal  136  or the NC contact terminal  138  of the relay  102 . 
     During operation, the apparatus  30  employs current sensing to recognize when a power consuming device, such as the representative microwave oven  32 , is plugged into the apparatus  30 , and is consuming operational power. Some devices have auxiliary items (e.g. control circuitry or digital clocks) which consume power even when the primary function of the device is off. These auxiliary items generally consume less than 0.5 ampere. In order to recognize when the plug-in device is operating for its primary function, the current sensor  100  is adjusted so that the relatively lower current when the primary function is not “on” is below the current threshold. Any level of current above the threshold triggers an indication that the device is operating. 
     It will be appreciated that the device operation sensing and control apparatus  30  embodying the invention thus provides a simple, effective and self-contained apparatus which conveniently enables both remote sensing of the operation of a device such as the microwave oven  32  and remote control thereof through the wireless security panel  12  and the operations center  20 , employing standard wireless security panel  12  features. The single apparatus  30  provides a transmitted signal indicating whether the controlled device  32  is either in use or not, and also receives “ON” and “OFF” control signals. From the point of view of the wireless security panel  12 , the transmitted signal is a simple sensor input. The wireless security panel  12  does not have to be concerned with threshold current sensing. For device  32  control purposes, from the point of view of the wireless security panel, the apparatus  30  is the same as any other X10® controlled device. When desired, based on the transmitted signal, depending upon the particular monitoring functions to be provided, the controlled device  32  can remotely be turned “OFF” by transmitting an “OFF” signal through the wireless security panel  12 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the  FIG. 1  electric range operation sensing and control apparatus  34 , as the second embodiment of the invention, will now be described in greater detail.  FIG. 6  shows one possible physical arrangement of electrical components within the enclosure  50  of the electric range operation sensing and control apparatus  34 , and  FIG. 7  is a corresponding electrical schematic diagram. To avoid clutter, only conductors conveying power to the electric range  36  are shown in  FIG. 6 ; various other electrical connections among the components are omitted from  FIG. 6 , but are shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     In overview, the electric range operation sensing and control apparatus  34  provides three functions. 
     The first function is to provide an output signal when the electric range  36  is “ON,” transmitting a “Range ON” signal to the wireless security panel  12 . In the context of a home monitoring system, inverse terminology may be employed. Thus, the apparatus  34  may be viewed as transmitting an “OK” signal normally, and stopping the transmission of the “OK” signal when the electric range  36  is turned ON. As is well known, range heating elements (not shown) cycle ON and OFF during operation. Heating elements within an oven typically cycle on and off under thermostatic control to maintain a thermostatically-set temperature. Cooktop heating elements generally cycle ON and OFF at a faster rate, with a duty cycle determined by a heat control knob. In order to obtain an apparent “ON” signal for a predetermined amount of time, even when a heating element is cycled off, a first timer  146  is employed, such that a “Range ON” signal (or its equivalent, an inverse “NOT OK” signal) is transmitted even during those periods when a range heating element has cycled off. As one example, a 20-minute timer may be employed. Employing such a timer is actually an accurate reflection of the state of a range, since cooktop heating elements do not cool instantly, and an oven requires time to cool after being turned off. 
     The second function of the apparatus  34  is to provide a “Range ON for X Time” signal to the wireless security panel  12  when the range  36  has been turned on for more than a set period of time, for example, two hours. Alternatively, the functionality may be viewed as an inverse function, that is, stopping the transmission of an “OK” signal when the range has been on for more than the predetermined amount of time. A second timer  148  is employed for this purpose, the input of which is connected to the output of the first timer  146 . 
     The third function is to provide the capability of remotely shutting off power to the electric range  36  when a decision to do so has been made based on the “Range ON” and “Range ON for X Time” signals, as processed through the wireless security panel  12  and received at the  FIG. 1  operations center  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the AC power receptacle  52  is mounted within the enclosure  50 , and the power cord  54  terminating in the power plug  56  extends from the enclosure  50 . Although three-wire range power connections are shown, a four-wire range power receptacle and plug may as well be employed (not shown). 
     For controlling power to the electric range  36 , a contactor relay  150  is electrically connected in series between the power plug  56  and the receptacle  52 . The contactor relay  150  may be a 50 ampere contactor, such as an Allen Bradley No. 400DP50ND3. From the power cord  54  neutral (N)  152 , line 1 (L1)  154  and line 2 (L2)  156  conductors are connected to respective terminals  158 ,  160  and  162  of the contactor relay  150 . Corresponding neutral (N)  164 , line 1 (L1)  166  and line 2 (L2)  168  conductors extend from respective terminals  170 ,  172  and  174  of the contactor relay  150  to the receptacle  52 . 
     To actually control energization of the receptacle  52  and thus the electric range  36  via the contactor relay  150 , a remotely controlled AC power switch module  180  is mounted within the enclosure  50 , and is controllable by signals from the wireless security panel  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the remotely controlled AC power switch module  180  is a model XPFM fixture module which includes a receiver that responds to X10® ON/OFF commands. The model XPFM fixture module is available through X10® Pro of Tampa, Fla. The XPFM module includes neutral (N) and “hot” or line (L) leads for connection to a 120 VAC supply, and an output lead  182 . To set the X10® control address, the module  180  includes a “House Code” switch  184  and a “Unit Number” switch  186 . Thus, the module  180  is controllable by X10® signals from the  FIG. 1  wireless security panel  12 , carried by AC power wiring within the home. Homes are generally wired split-phase; each 120 volt phase is not directly connected with the other 120 volt phase. For reliable transmission of X10® control signals, it is best that X10® receivers be on the same phase as the X10® transmitter. (Alternatively, an X10® phase coupler may be employed.) In the embodiment of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a phase selector switch  188  is provided to select either the L1 or L2 conductor for connection to the “L” lead of the module  180 . Thus, 120 VAC is supplied to the module  180  of whichever phase provides the most reliable operation. The neutral or “N” lead of the module  180  is connected to the N conductor. Circuitry within the off-the-shelf remotely controlled module  180  is represented by receiver circuitry  190  and output switch contacts  192 , which may be part of a relay (not shown), or a solid state switching device. Thus, the output lead  182  is energized through the module  180  when activated. The output lead  182  is connected to energize a coil  194  of the contactor relay  150 . 
     It is relevant to note that a characteristic of the model No. XPFM fixture module employed as the remotely controlled AC power switch module  180  is that, in the event of an AC power failure and restoration, the output switch  192  maintains its previous state. Thus, if the module  180  is switched “ON” when power is lost; upon subsequent restoration of power the module  180  is “ON.” Upon system initiation, a signal is sent to the remotely controlled module  180  directing the contactor relay  150  to be energized, which then is the normal condition until a signal is sent through the security panel  12  to turn OFF power to the electric range  36 . 
     Also mounted within the enclosure  50  is a sensor and timer module  200  which integrates current sensing and timing functions. The module may be a model No. 9634 from Phenix Controls, Inc. The module  200  includes an adjustable-threshold current sensor  202  capable of separately sensing the current through two conductors. Thus, in  FIG. 6  two current sensor apertures  204  and  206  are provided through which the L1 and L2 conductors  154  and  156  pass, and two corresponding sensing coils  208  and  210  are represented in the schematic diagram of  FIG. 7 . In addition, the module  200  includes the first and second timers  146  and  148 , which are adjustable. In order to set the current threshold and the time durations of the two timers  146  and  148 , the operation of the timers  146  and  148  is described hereinbelow. The particular sensor and timer module  200  employed in the illustrated embodiment is remotely programmable employing a personal computer (PC) and a programming device (not shown) also available from Phenix Controls, Inc. Although a particular sensor and timer module  200  is illustrated, it will be appreciated that the functionality thereof may be readily implemented in a number of ways. 
     Within the sensor and timer module  200 , the current sensor  202  has a functional output  220  which is active when sensed current is above the threshold. The threshold is adjusted such that relatively low standby current drawn by the electric range  36  (and of the module  180  and contactor relay coil  194 ) is below the threshold, but operation of an actual heating element causes the electric range  36  to draw current above the threshold. Because different electric ranges have different auxiliary devices (e.g., clocks and control circuitry) which draw standby current, the adjustable threshold provides important functionality by facilitating customized set up. Moreover, in the case of a convection oven, a fan (not shown) draws current which can be significant compared to the current drawn by an electric clock. Depending on the particular application, it may be desired to consider the range to either be in use (ON) or not in use (still OFF) when only the convection oven fan is operating. The adjustable current threshold allows this choice to be made during set up. 
     The first timer  146  has an input  222  connected to the current sensor  202  output  220 . The first timer  146  has an output  224  which is active when the current sensor  202  output  220  is active, and which remains active for a first predetermined time duration, for example twenty minutes, even after the output  220  of the AC current sensor  202  is no longer active. 
     For transmitting a “Range ON” signal to the wireless security panel  12 , a first alarm system transmitter  226  is provided and functionally connected to the output  224  of the first timer  146 . An ITI part No. 60-362-10-319.5 door/window “sensor” transmitter may be employed for this purpose, essentially identical to the alarm system transmitter  110  described hereinabove with reference to the first embodiment of  FIGS. 2-5 . In  FIG. 7 , a logical connection  228  only is indicated, rather than two wires (not shown) in the actual physical embodiment. 
     The second timer  148  has an input  230  connected to the output  224  of the first timer  146 , and a second timer output  232  which becomes active when the first timer output  224  has been active for a second predetermined time duration, such as two hours. To transmit a “Range ON for X Time” signal to the wireless security panel  12  when the second timer output  232  is active, a second alarm system transmitter  240  is provided, which likewise may be an ITI part No. 60-362-10-319.5 door/window “sensor” employing auxiliary switch terminals, rather than the internal reed switches. Connection of a second timer output  232  to the second alarm system transmitter  240  is represented by logical connection  242 . 
     It will be appreciated that the electric range operation sensing and control apparatus  34  embodying the invention thus provides a simple, effective and self-contained apparatus which conveniently enables both remote sensing of the operation of the electric range  36  and remote control thereof through the wireless security panel  12  and the operations center  20 , employing standard wireless security panel  12  features. The single apparatus  34  provides separate “Range ON” and “Range ON for X Time” transmitted signals to indicate whether the range is in use, and receives control signals as well. From the point of view of the wireless security panel  12 , the transmitted signals are simple sensor inputs. The wireless security panel  12  does not have to be concerned with details of current thresholds or of timer functions. For range control purposes, from the point of view of the wireless security panel  12 , the apparatus  34  is the same as any other X10® controlled device. 
     When desired, based on the “Range ON” and “Range ON for X Time” signals, depending upon the particular monitoring functions to be provided, the electric range  36  can remotely be turned “OFF” by transmitting an “OFF” signal through the remotely controlled X10® AC power switch module  180 , de-energizing the contactor relay. 
     While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is realized that numerous modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.