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US 2019/0094944 A1Published application
Method and system for utilizing proximity lighting and plug controls for real time location sensing
AssigneeBCP Controls, LLC
InventorsJohn Edward Fitch, James M. Steward, John D. Holland, II
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention pertains to a method and system which utilizes individual lighting fixtures and electrical plug controls to provide a rigorous and ubiquitous grid of sensors within or around a facility or facilities. The system utilizes a variety of parameters at the tag, lighting and plug controllers and central processor level to provide unique location and tracking information on objects, equipment, and personnel in the facility. The unique aspects of the system provide higher spatial and temporal accuracy and the ability to track high spatial densities of devices.
Claims25
A system for detecting and generating data reflecting locations of a plurality of subjects comprising:
- a first power controller module, said first power controller module including a first power input interface, a first power output interface, and an intervening, operably connected, integral first power control relay;
- said first power control relay being configured for actuation by an integral first power management module operably connected with said first power control relay, said first power management module including an integral first wireless communication receiver and interfaced first microcontroller, said first microcontroller being configured for, in accordance with first commands and operational parameters, upon detection of a first actuating signal, actuating said first control relay to alter first power output through said first power output interface from a first initial power output level to a first altered power output level;
- said first power controller module having a first integrated memory, said first integrated memory being configured to store said first commands and operational parameters for effecting said altering of said first power output through said first power output interface, said first integrated memory being operably connected with said first microcontroller;
- wherein said first microcontroller is configured for actuation by a first actuation signal from a first RF device, said first actuation signal including a first identification component for identifying said first actuation signal;
- wherein said first microcontroller is configured for, upon detecting signals that are other than said first actuation signal, reacting other than in response to said first actuation signal;
- and
- said first power management module being further configured for receiving, through a first network transceiver, said first commands and operational parameters from a remote management system for programming said first power management module.
4 more elements
A method for detecting and generating data reflecting locations of a plurality of subjects comprising the steps of:
- selecting and placing in a substantially stationary position a proximity monitoring device;
- selecting a remote management system that is configured for wireless communication with said proximity monitoring device, whereby said remote management system and said proximity monitoring device exchange data;
- said proximity monitoring device comprising:
- a first power controller module, said first power controller module including a first power input interface, a first power output interface, and an intervening, operably connected, integral first power control relay;
- said first power control relay being configured for actuation by an integral first power management module operably connected with said first power control relay, said first power management module including an integral first wireless communication receiver and interfaced first microcontroller, said first microcontroller being configured for, in accordance with first commands and operational parameters, upon detection of a first actuating signal, actuating said first control relay to alter first power output through said first power output interface from a first initial power output level to a first altered power output level;
- said first power controller module having a first integrated memory, said first integrated memory being configured to store said first commands and operational parameters for effecting said altering of said first power output through said first power output interface, said first integrated memory being operably connected with said first microcontroller;
- wherein said first microcontroller is configured for actuation by a first actuation signal from a first RF device, said first actuation signal including a first identification component for identifying said first actuation signal;
- wherein said first microcontroller is configured for, upon detecting signals that are other than said first actuation signal, reacting other than in response to said first actuation signal;
- said first power management module being further configured for receiving, through a first integral network transceiver, said first commands and operational parameters from a remote management system for programming said first power management module;
- actuating said proximity monitoring device;
- and actuating said remote management system.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.