Patent Description:
Home security, monitoring and control systems have recently enjoyed widespread acceptance by consumers. Such systems allow for security and convenience to homeowners.

Modem security systems use wireless sensors to determine whether an unauthorized entry has occurred. Such sensors include door/window sensors, passive Infra-Red motion detectors (PIRs), garage door tilt sensors, glass break sensors, etc. Such sensors are monitored by a central, local device, such as a security panel or networked hub or gateway. However, each of these sensors must be "learned" or "included" into the security system so that the security panel, hub, or gateway knows the quantity and type of each security sensor in a home. Such an "inclusion" process is typically so complicated, that a professional installer is often employed in order to properly program the security panel, hub, or gateway with the sensor information. For example, to "include" or "learn" a door sensor, a security panel is generally first placed into a "learn" mode, then an installer must "toggle" the door sensor, either by opening or closing a door to which the door sensor is mounted, causing the door sensor to transmit a signal to the security panel. An indication may be displayed on the security panel indicating successful inclusion of the door sensor, at which time the installer must place the security panel into a normal mode of operation. This process must be repeated for each sensor, and the process is especially cumbersome when sensors are located long distances from the security panel.

Remote home management and control systems are also popular. These systems allow local or remote control of a variety of electronic devices in homes, such as lights, music, pool equipment, sprinkler systems, appliances, heating and cooling systems, etc. Typically, a wireless control module is needed to control any such electronic device, such as a light switch controller that plugs into household AC power, and provides power to a light or other electronic device in response to wireless control signals sent by a home automation and control hub or gateway, for example. Again, the control modules must be "included" into the home automation and control hub or gateway to identify the number and type of control modules used in the system, and this process is likewise complex and in general need of professional installation.

It would be desirable, therefore, to be able to set up home security and automation/control systems without having to use the traditional method of including sensors/modules into such systems. <CIT> discloses a method of registering a wireless device including a process for indicating a location. <CIT> discloses a method for configuring wireless sensors in which a controller receives and records wireless signals from sensors. <CIT> discloses a home network manager which can detect newly added devices by detecting wireless transmissions. The publication "Usable Access Control Inside Home Networks" by Kari Kostiainen (XP31149243) discloses a security system providing fine-grained access control using WiFi protocols. <CIT> discloses a software control module for a home-automation system which may use magnetic induction for communication. <CIT> and <CIT> disclose an RF communication module in which a magnetic induction communication system is utilised for the first communications with a new remote module.

The features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description as set forth below, when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like referenced characters identify correspondingly throughout, and wherein:.

The present application relates to a base station used in a home security, home monitoring, home automation or home control system. The base station is configured to automatically accept new sensors or control modules when such new sensors or control modules are placed in proximity to the base station. As used herein, the term "base station" comprises a device located in a home that communicates wirelessly with one or more sensors or control modules dispersed throughout a home, comprising a device such as a security control module or panel, a hub or gateway coupled to the Internet, a dedicated home automation and control panel, and the like. The terms "home security", "home automation", "home monitoring", "home control", and "energy management and control" are each generally referred to herein as "home monitoring and control". The term "wireless sensor" is used to refer to any device capable of sensing a physical condition and transmitting a signal wirelessly, (for example, via RF, ultra-sound, infra-red techniques), such as a security door or window sensor, a motion sensor, a garage door tilt sensor, a glass break sensor, a thermometer (i.e., as used in a thermostat), a pressure sensor, a still or video camera, a siren listening device (for detecting when a fire alarm or carbon monoxide detector is sounding), a light sensor, and the like. The term "wireless control module" is used to refer to a device that is capable of receiving wireless signals from the base station and controlling an electronic device based on the wireless signals. Examples of such a wireless control module is a Z-Wave lamp control module, a Zigbee light bulb, a sprinkler system control module (for controlling a home sprinkler system), or a pool control module (for controlling pumps and heaters of a pool). In some cases, a device may qualify as both a wireless sensor and a wireless control module, for example, a wireless thermostat.

<FIG> is an illustration of one embodiment of a home monitoring and control system <NUM>, comprising a base station <NUM>, wireless door sensor <NUM>, a wireless motion sensor <NUM>, and a wireless control module <NUM>. Although <FIG> illustrates only a single door sensor <NUM>, a single wireless motion sensor <NUM>, and a single control module <NUM>, in most cases a number of such wireless sensors and control modules are used in a typical home setting.

Upon installation of system <NUM>, or upon adding new sensors or control modules, each of the sensors and control modules generally must be "learned" or "included" into base station <NUM>, so that base station <NUM> can monitor or control the sensors and control modules, respectively. Sensors and control modules may be automatically included into base station <NUM> by merely placing such devices within a predetermined distance of base station <NUM>.

In one embodiment, base station <NUM> may comprise an internal or external magnet for causing a reed switch to change state when a sensor containing such a reed switch is brought in proximity to the magnet. Reed switches are found in a vast majority of door and window security sensors in the market today. They may also be found in other devices, such as motion detectors, where a motion detector may comprise an internal reed switch for operating such motion sensors in conjunction with a door or window opening. Depending on the magnet strength, the distance required in order to cause such a reed switch to change state is approximately <NUM>-<NUM> inches. When a reed switch changes state, a sensor containing the reed switch typically transmits a wireless signal comprising an identification of the sensor, such as a sensor serial number and/or a sensor type (. i.e., door sensor, window sensor, motion sensor, tilt sensor, smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, etc.). In normal operation, the wireless signal serves as an indication to base station <NUM> that a door or window has been opened, movement in an area has occurred, a garage door has been opened, smoke or fire has been detected, carbon monoxide has been detected, etc. However, when a sensor is brought in close proximity to base station <NUM>, the proximity alerts base station <NUM> that the sensor is new to system <NUM>, and that base station <NUM> should add the sensor to its list of sensors active in system <NUM>.

In other embodiments, no magnet is used to accepts new sensors or control modules. In this embodiment, a sensor or control module is activated by a user after it has been placed within a predetermined distance from base station <NUM>. For example, a motion sensor could be brought within <NUM> feet of base station <NUM>, and a user could wave his or her hand in front of the motion sensor, causing the motion sensor to transmit a wireless signal, similar to the embodiment described above. Base station <NUM> receives the wireless signal from the motion sensor, determines that the motion sensor is within the predetermined distance from base station <NUM>, and then adds the motion sensor as a valid sensor in system <NUM>.

Other devices may comprise a button or switch that causes these devices to transmit the wireless signal. In this case, a user can cause such a device to transmit the wireless signal by first placing the device within a predetermined range of base station <NUM>, then pressing the button or switch that causes the device to transmit the wireless signal. As before, base station <NUM> receives the wireless signal, determines that the device is within the predetermined distance from base station <NUM>, and then adds the device as a valid device in system <NUM>.

In response to a successful inclusion, base station <NUM> may query a user to enter certain details concerning the just-added device, such as a device name, device type, a location where the device will be located, etc..

<FIG> is a functional block diagram of one embodiment of base station <NUM>, illustrating processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, receiver <NUM>, user interface <NUM> and optional magnet <NUM>. It should be understood that the functional blocks shown in <FIG> may be connected to one another in a variety of ways, and that not all functional blocks necessary for operation of base station <NUM> are shown (such as a power supply), for purposes of clarity.

Processor <NUM> is configured to provide general operation of base station <NUM> by executing processor-executable instructions stored in memory <NUM>, for example, executable code. Processor <NUM> typically comprises one or more general purpose microprocessors, microcomputers, and/or microcontrollers, selected based on such factors such as price, computing power, and size.

Memory <NUM> is coupled to processor <NUM> and comprises one or more information storage devices, such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, or virtually any other type of electronic, optical, or mechanical memory device. Memory <NUM> is used to store the processor-executable instructions for operation of base station <NUM>, as well as any information used by processor <NUM> during operation of base station <NUM>, such as identification information of any sensor or control modules that have been included in system <NUM>, and status information as reported by the sensors.

Receiver <NUM> is coupled to processor <NUM> and comprises circuitry necessary to receive wireless signals from the sensors and the control modules. Such circuitry is well known in the art and may comprise BlueTooth, Wi-Fi, RF, optical, or ultrasonic circuitry, among others. Alternatively, or in addition, receiver <NUM> comprises well-known circuitry to provide signals to sensors and control modules via wiring, such as telephone wiring, twisted pair, two-conductor pair, CAT wiring, AC powerline wires, or other type of wiring.

User interface <NUM> is coupled to processor <NUM> and allows interaction between a user of system <NUM> and bases station <NUM>. User interface <NUM> may comprise one or more pushbuttons, touchscreen devices, biometric readers, switches, sensors, keypads, and/or microphones that generate electronic signals for use by processor <NUM> upon initiation by a user. User interface <NUM> may additionally comprise one or more seven-segment displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light emitting diode displays (LEDDs), light emitting diodes (LEDs), light arrays, or any other type of visual display. Further, the electronic display could alternatively or in addition comprise audio circuitry, such as an amplifier and a speaker, for audible presentation of information to a user.

In one embodiment, base station <NUM> additionally comprises magnet <NUM>. Magnet <NUM> is typically mounted inside a housing of base station, emitting a relatively strong magnetic field, such as <NUM> Gauss, enough to change the state of a typical door/window reed switch when such a sensor is brought in close proximity to the magnet, such as <NUM> inches. A measure of the magnetic field strength required to operate a reed switch is generally expressed in ampere turns. The relationship between magnet strength (measured in gauss or Tesla) and reed switch sensitivity (measured in ampere-turns) to the corresponding activation distance depends on the magnet size, shape, and material, as well as the size and modification (if any) of the reed switch. Magnets are manufactured to feature-specific gauss strength. Magnet shape and size dictates how strong the magnetic field is at a specific distance from the magnet. In many motion and/or proximity sensor applications, it is known how much gauss is available to activate the switch. In general, there may exist a linear relationship between Gauss and Ampere Turn such that, in one embodiment, <NUM> milli-Tesla (mT) is equivalent to <NUM> Gauss, which is equivalent to <NUM> ampere turn.

<FIG> is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for setup of a wireless home monitoring and control system. It should be understood that in some embodiments, not all of the steps shown in <FIG> are performed. It should also be understood that the order in which the steps are carried out may be different in other embodiments.

At block <NUM>, base station <NUM> is powered on and enters a "normal" mode of operation, i.e., monitors any sensors that have been previously included in system <NUM>, as well as monitoring for any commands received from users to control one or more control modules that have previously included in system <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, a user wishing to enter a new sensor or control module into system <NUM> places the sensor or control module within a predetermined distance from base station <NUM> and, in particular, in one embodiment, to magnet <NUM> located inside base station <NUM>. In one embodiment, base station <NUM> may comprise a housing having an area designated for a sensor to be placed. In the case of a sensor comprising a reed switch, the predetermined distance is a distance is a distance with will cause the reed switch to change state, as a result of encountering a magnetic field generated by magnet <NUM>. Typically, this distance is between <NUM> and <NUM> inches from magnet <NUM>.

When a sensor or control module does not comprise a reed switch, the predetermined distance is a distance that enables processor <NUM> to determine the sensor or control module is very close to base station <NUM>, for example by processor <NUM> determining a signal strength of a wireless signal transmitted by the sensor or control module, as explained below. In this embodiment, the predetermined distance is from <NUM> to <NUM> feet from base station <NUM>, for example.

At block <NUM>, in the example of a sensor or control module comprising a reed switch, after the user places the sensor or control module within the predetermined distance from base station <NUM>, receiver <NUM> receives a wireless signal transmitted by the sensor or control module in response to the reed switch changing state. In the example of a sensor or control module that does not contain a reed switch, receiver <NUM> receives the wireless signal after the user presses a button or switch on the sensor or control module, or otherwise causes the sensor or control module to transmit the wireless signal.

At block <NUM>, the wireless signal is received by processor <NUM>, where processor <NUM> determines whether the sensor or control module is within the predetermined distance. In one embodiment, receiver <NUM> determines a signal strength of the wireless signal, and the signal strength is provided to processor <NUM>. In one embodiment, the signal strength is determined using the well-known received strength signal indicator, or RSSI, technique. In another embodiment, a similar technique known as received channel power indicator (RCPI) is used. Both techniques assign a range of numerical values to the received signal strength, for example, from <NUM> to <NUM>. Different receiver manufacturers may use different RSSI numerical scales - one manufacturer may use a scale of <NUM> to <NUM>, while another may use a scale of <NUM>-<NUM>.

At block <NUM>, processor <NUM> compares the signal strength of the received wireless signal to a threshold stored in memory <NUM>. The threshold is predetermined and stored in memory <NUM> during the manufacturing process. The threshold is selected to ensure that a sensor or control module is, in fact, very close to the base station, indicating that a new sensor or control module is being introduced into system <NUM>. For example, on an RSSI scale between <NUM> and <NUM>, where <NUM> indicates the strongest signal strength, the threshold could be set to <NUM>. In another embodiment, the threshold could be set to a percentage of an expected RSSI range, for example, <NUM>%.

At block <NUM>, when the signal strength exceeds the threshold, processor <NUM> determines an identification of the sensor or control module, by evaluating the wireless signal for a serial number or other identification sequence, and/or sensor type contained in the wireless signal.

At block <NUM>, processor <NUM> stores the identification information (i.e., serial number) in memory <NUM>, where it is used to determine whether subsequently-received signals are from sensors and control modules that have been included in system <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, processor <NUM> may cause user interface <NUM> to alert the user when the sensor or control module has been successfully introduced into system <NUM>. Such an indication may comprise flashing an LED a predetermined number of times, one or more audible chirps, etc..

At block <NUM>, if the signal strength does not exceed the threshold, processor <NUM> may cause user interface <NUM> to alert the user that the introduction has failed, by visual or audible means different from the indication provided to a user when the sensor or control module has been successfully introduced.

At block <NUM>, in one embodiment, more than one wireless signal is transmitted by a sensor or control module during the introduction process. This embodiment may be used to better ensure that the sensor or control module is actually located within the predetermined distance from base station <NUM> by requiring evaluation of two or more wireless signals from a sensor or control module before a sensor or control module is included in system <NUM>. In this embodiment, an initial wireless signal is generated and processed as described above.

At block <NUM>, processor <NUM> provides feedback to the user after processor <NUM> has compared the signal strength in the initial wireless signal in the form of an indication, via user interface <NUM>, that processor <NUM> has completed its comparison of the signal strength of the initial wireless signal to the threshold. The indication may indicate whether the comparison was successful, not successful or simply an indication that the comparison has been completed.

At block <NUM>, as a result of receiving the indication in block <NUM>, the user causes the sensor or control module to transmit a second wireless signal by pressing a button or switch on the sensor or control module, or otherwise causing the sensor or control module to transmit the second wireless signal while within the predetermined distance from base station <NUM>. The second wireless signal is evaluated similar to the first wireless signal, to determine whether the signal strength of the second signal exceeds the threshold.

At block <NUM>, processor <NUM> makes a determination of whether the sensor or control module is within the predetermined distance, in one embodiment, by averaging the number of times the wireless signal exceeds the threshold. In another embodiment, processor <NUM> causes user interface <NUM> to provide an indication to the user when the signal strength of x consecutive wireless signals exceeds the threshold, where x is <NUM>, <NUM> or more. In addition, identification information from one or more of the wireless signals is stored in memory, indicating successful introduction of the sensor or control module into system <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, if processor <NUM> determines that the wireless signal did not exceed the threshold, or otherwise determines that the sensor or control module is not within the predetermined distance from bases station <NUM> based on multiple evaluations of multiple wireless signals, processor <NUM> ignores the sensor or control module, and does not store the identification information in memory <NUM>, if the identification information was determined prior to the determination of whether the sensor or control module is within the predetermined distance. An indication may be presented to the user by processor <NUM> via user interface <NUM>, indicating this failure.

The methods or algorithms described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware or embodied in processor-readable instructions executed by a processor. The processor-readable instructions may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components.

Accordingly, an embodiment of the invention may comprise a computer-readable media embodying code or processor-readable instructions to implement the teachings, methods, processes, algorithms, steps and/or functions disclosed herein.

Claim 1:
A method for setup of a wireless home monitoring and control system, the method performed by a base station of the wireless home monitoring and control system and comprising the steps of:
emitting, by a magnet (<NUM>) within the base station (<NUM>), a magnetic field to actuate a reed switch of a wireless sensor (<NUM>) of the wireless home monitoring and control system when that wireless sensor (<NUM>) is brought within a predetermined distance by a user;
in response to actuation of the wireless sensor (<NUM>) receiving, by a processor (<NUM>) of the base station (<NUM>) via a receiver (<NUM>) coupled to the processor (<NUM>), a wireless signal from the wireless sensor (<NUM>);
determining, based on the signal strength of the received wireless signal from the wireless sensor (<NUM>) by the processor (<NUM>), that the wireless sensor (<NUM>) is within a second predetermined distance from the base station (<NUM>); and
when the processor (<NUM>) determines that the wireless sensor (<NUM>) is within the second predetermined distance:
extracting, by the processor (<NUM>), an identification of the wireless sensor (<NUM>) from the wireless signal; and
storing, by the processor (<NUM>), the identification in a memory (<NUM>) coupled to the processor (<NUM>); and
in response to storing the identification in the memory (<NUM>), causing, by the processor (<NUM>), a user interface coupled to the processor (<NUM>) to alert the user that the wireless sensor (<NUM>) has been accepted by the base station (<NUM>).