Doors and systems for controlling Internet of Things (IoT) devices and methods thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a door or door system including one or more doors configured with a wireless power transfer system (WPTS) transmitter and / or receiver for powering a smart door and / or surrounding wirelessly powered devices, and optionally a wireless data transmitter and / or receiver. According to one aspect, the WPTS transmitter or receiver comprises an antenna housed at least partially within a hollow space within the door. According to one aspect, the WPTS transmitter operates according to an RF protocol.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 294,938, filed December 30, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to exterior or interior doors and door systems for residential or commercial buildings, such as homes, apartments, condominiums, hotel rooms, or businesses. In particular, the doors or door systems provide power and control to electrical devices connected to the doors or door systems via a network. The present invention also relates to methods of providing power and control to electrical devices connected to the doors or door systems, such as electrical devices operable over a network via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. [Background technology]

[0003] A typical existing exterior or interior door in a residential or commercial building may have one or more electrical devices (or components) attached to the door to provide desired functionality, such as electronic access control, door status feedback, entry camera and voice communication, power door latch, power door lock, etc. The exterior or interior door market is also seeing an increase in the use of additional electrical devices, such as video doorbells, smart locks, LED lighting fixtures, smart glass, power door closers, wirelessly connected electrical devices, etc. Each of these separate electrical devices is an attachment to the existing door and works with the existing door structure, and may be separately powered by at least one battery that requires periodic replacement or charging. If the battery is not replaced or charged, the electrical device will no longer operate.

[0004] Current electrical devices are mounted or hardwired to exterior or interior doors in ways that can be unsightly and uncomfortable, and typically have some type of weatherproof housing, each of which has one or more rechargeable battery packs, or at least one non-rechargeable battery that must be periodically replaced or changed.

[0005] The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interconnected devices that are connected through a network and transmit data without the need for human intervention. These devices can be computers, machines, digital machines, or electrical devices that are assigned an Internet Protocol (IP) address and can transmit data over the network.

[0006] The present disclosure recognizes a need for a door or door system configured to communicate over a network to wirelessly provide reliable power and control to network-connected IoT devices, such as lighting fixtures, cameras, sensors, locks, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a door or door system, the door or door system being configured with a wireless power transmission system transmitter and / or receiver, and optionally a wireless data transmitter and / or receiver, that provides power to a smart door and / or surrounding wireless power receiving devices.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosure describes at least one first door, the first door including a first door slab, the first door slab comprising front and back door skins or facings attached to or part of a door frame, at least one hinge or hanging rail attachment, and a wireless power transfer system (WPTS) transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit power from a WPTS source. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes at least one second door, the second door including a door slab, the first door slab comprising front and back door skins or facings attached to or part of a door frame, at least one hinge or hanging rail attachment, and a WPTS receiver configured to wirelessly receive power from the first door WPTS transmitter.

[0009] Exemplary embodiments provide various configurations for wireless power (and optionally data) transmission between doors or IoT devices, with at least one door acting as a repeater or transmitter. The door may also act as a gateway, or an externally electrically connected device may provide the initial WPTS transmission and / or data connection (e.g., Internet connection).

[0010] The details of one or more aspects of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques described in this disclosure will become apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate details of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, together with the general description above and the detailed description of exemplary embodiments and methods below.

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exterior elevation view of an exemplary access system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an interior elevation view of the door system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the door system of the present invention with the exterior door skin removed to allow viewing of the interior of the door. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an example network system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating component details of an exemplary gateway door and an exemplary IoT device, as well as their communication paths, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a continuation of Figure 4, showing the components of the repeater door and IoT device in more detail, as well as their communication paths. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is another flow diagram illustrating component details of an example gateway door and an example IoT device, as well as their communication and wireless power paths, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is another flow diagram illustrating component details of an example repeater door and an example IoT device, as well as their communication and wireless power paths, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating component details of an example gateway door and an example IoT device, as well as their communication and wireless power paths, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is another flow diagram illustrating component details of an example repeater door and an example IoT device, as well as their communication and wireless power paths, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an exemplary system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments and exemplary methods illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings. It should be noted, however, that the invention in its broader aspects is not necessarily limited to the specific details, representative materials and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described in connection with the exemplary embodiments and exemplary methods. The description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered as part of the entire specification.

[0014] In this specification, relative terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," and derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "vertically," "down," "upward," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation and orientation relative to the vehicle body as currently described or shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and are not generally intended to require a particular orientation. Terms relating to attachment, coupling, and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to both a relationship in which structures are fixed or attached to one another directly or indirectly through an intervening structure, as well as a movable or immovable attachment or relationship, unless otherwise specified. The term "operably connected" refers to an attachment, coupling, or connection that allows the associated structures to operate as intended by that relationship. The term "integral" (or "unitary") refers to an element constructed as a single element or an element constructed of separate parts that are fixedly (i.e., non-movably) connected to one another. Furthermore, the terms "a" and "one" as used in the claims mean "at least one," and the term "two" as used in the claims means "at least two."

[0015] 1 and 2 show a door system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, such as a prehung door. In the exemplary embodiment, the door system 10 includes a conventional hinged residential interior door assembly 11, however, it should be understood that the door assembly 11 may be a pivotally mounted exterior or interior door assembly provided to a residential or commercial building, such as a house, apartment, garage, condominium, hotel, office building, etc. The door assembly 11 may be constructed of any suitable material, such as wood, metal, wood composite, fiberglass reinforced polymer composite, etc. In the exemplary embodiment, the door assembly 11 includes a substantially rectangular door frame 12 and a door 14 pivotally mounted to the door frame 12 by at least one hinge 161, such as a "straight hinge" including two leaves. In the exemplary embodiment, the door system 10 is a power door system as disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 142,759, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0016] In the exemplary embodiment, the frame assembly 12 includes parallel, spaced apart, vertically extending first and second jamb members 121, 122 and a horizontally extending upper jamb rail member or header 12c connecting the upper ends of the first and second jamb members 121, 122. t It can be appreciated that the devices may be interconnected via

[0017] In a further exemplary embodiment, at least one hinge 161 pivotally attaches the door 14 to the first frame member 121. Typically, at least two hinges 161, 162 are provided for securing the door 14 to the first frame member 121. In an exemplary embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 2, three hinges 161, 162, 163 are used for securing the door 14 to the frame assembly 12. For brevity, the following discussion may use the reference number 16 without a subscript number to refer to the entire group of hinges. For example, the reference number 16 may be used to collectively refer to the hinges 161, 162, 163.

[0018] The illustrated door 14 includes a rectangular interior door frame 20 and an exterior door skin (or facing) 23 and an interior door skin (or facing) 24 secured to opposite sides of the interior door frame 20. As used herein, "exterior" refers to the side of the door facing the exterior from a room or residence, and "interior" refers to the side of the door 14 facing the interior of a room or residence. The exterior door skin 23 and the interior door skin 24 are formed separately from one another and typically have the same appearance. The door skins 23, 24 are secured, for example, typically adhesively secured, to appropriate cores and / or opposite sides of the interior door frame 20 such that the interior door frame 20 is sandwiched between the exterior door skin 23 and the interior door skin 24.

[0019] In the exemplary embodiment, the exterior door skin 23 and the interior door skin 24 are made of polymer-based composites such as sheet molding compound ("SMC") or medium density fiberboard (MDF), other wood composites, fiber reinforced polymers such as fiberglass, hardboard, fiberboard, steel, and other thermoplastic materials. The door 14 has a hinge side 14H attached to an interior door frame 20 by a hinge 16 and a horizontally opposed latch side 14L. The illustrated interior door frame 20 has a pair of parallel, spaced apart, horizontally extending upper and lower rails 211, 212, typically made from wood or a laminated lumber such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and a pair of parallel, spaced apart, vertically extending first and second stiles 221, 222. The upper and lower rails 211, 212 extend horizontally between the first and second stiles 221, 222. Additionally, the top rail 211 and the bottom rail 212 may be secured to the first stile 221 and the second stile 222, such as by adhesive or mechanical fasteners. As best shown in FIGS. 3-5, the interior door frame 20 may further include a middle rail 213. The middle rail 213 extends horizontally, is spaced apart from the top rail 211 and the bottom rail 212, and is typically made of wood or a laminated lumber such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL). Additionally, the middle rail 213 may be secured to the first stile 221 and the second stile 222. The hinge 16 is secured to the first stile 221, which defines a hinge stile of the interior door frame 20. As best shown in FIG. 4, the door 14 may further include a protective cap 19 made of a composite material. Specifically, the protective cap 19 may be made from polyvinyl chloride or other weather resistant polymer. Additionally, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the door 14 further includes a vertically extending interior stile 223 adjacent to and horizontally spaced from the second stile 222, thereby defining an open vertical channel 25 therebetween. The interior stile 223 may also be manufactured from wood or a laminated lumber material such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL).

[0020] The interior door frame 20 and exterior and interior door skins 23, 24 of the exemplary embodiment are shown to enclose an interior cavity which may be hollow or filled, as desired, with, for example, corrugated padding, foam insulation, or other core material. Thus, the door 14 may include a core 15 disposed within the interior door frame 20 between the exterior and interior door skins 23, 24. The core 15 may be formed from foam insulation, such as polyurethane foam material, cellulosic material and binder resin, corrugated padding, and the like. The frame assembly 12 includes parallel, spaced apart, vertically extending first and second upright frame members 121, 122, and a horizontally extending top frame member or header 12c connecting the upper ends of the first and second upright frame members 121, 122. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the lower ends of the upright frame members 121, 122 are connected to the bottom frame 12. t It can be appreciated that the devices may be interconnected via

[0021] At least one hinge 161 is shown pivotally attaching the door 14 to the first frame member 121. In an exemplary embodiment, at least two hinges 161, 162 are provided for securing the door 14 to the first frame member 121. Preferably, three hinges 161, 162, 163 are used for securing the door 14 to the frame assembly 12, as best shown in FIG. 1. For brevity, the following discussion may use the reference number 16 without a subscript number to refer to the entire group of hinges. For example, the reference number 16 may be used to collectively refer to hinges 161, 162, 163.

[0022] The illustrated door 14 includes a rectangular interior door frame 20 and a first (or exterior) door skin (or facing) 23 and a second (or interior) door skin (or facing) 24 secured to opposite sides of the interior door frame 20. In a further exemplary embodiment, the first door skin 23 and the second door skin 24 are formed separately from one another. The door skins 23, 24 are secured, for example, typically adhesively, to appropriate cores and / or opposite sides of the interior door frame 20 such that the interior door frame 20 is sandwiched between the first door skin 23 and the second door skin 24. Typically, the first door skin 23 and the second door skin 24 are made of polymer-based composites such as sheet molding compound ("SMC") or medium density fiberboard (MDF), other wood composites, fiber reinforced polymers such as fiberglass, hardboard, fiberboard, steel, and other thermoplastic materials. Door 14 has a hinge side 14H that is attached to an interior door frame 20 by a hinge 16, and a horizontally opposed latch side 14L.

[0023] The interior door frame 20 includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart, horizontally extending top and bottom rails 211, 212, typically made from wood or laminated lumber such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL). The top and bottom rails 211, 212 extend horizontally between the first and second stiles 221, 222. The top and bottom rails 211, 212 may be secured to the first and second stiles 221, 222, such as by adhesive or mechanical fasteners. The interior door frame 20 may further include a middle rail. The middle rail extends horizontally and is spaced apart from the top and bottom rails 211, 212, typically made from wood or laminated lumber such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL). Additionally, the mid-rail may be rigidly secured to the first stile 221 and the second stile 222. The hinge 16 is secured to the first stile 221 which defines the hinge stile of the interior door frame 20.

[0024] The interior door frame 20 and the first and second door skins 23, 24 of a typical door enclose an interior cavity 15, which may be hollow and may be filled, as desired, with, for example, corrugated padding, foam insulation, or other core material. Thus, the door 14 may include a core disposed within the interior door frame 20 between the first and second door skins 23, 24. The core may be formed from a foam insulation material, such as polyurethane foam material, cellulosic material and binder resin, corrugated padding, etc. The first and second door skins 23, 24 may have the same appearance, may be flat or flush, and may have one or more panelized sections.

[0025] In the exemplary embodiment described herein, as shown in FIG. 4, one or more doors 141, 142, 143 may be connected to and communicate with each other in a wireless network system 100 when installed in a residential or commercial building. Here, subscript numbers are used after the reference numbers to indicate multiple identical elements. One door 141 is connected to the Internet 106 via a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, etc., and acts as an Internet gateway, while the other doors 142, 143, for example, are not connected to the Internet (although they may be), but communicate wirelessly with each other and with the door 141, and act as repeaters in the network system 100. Hereinafter, the door 141 will be referred to as a gateway door, and the other doors 142, 143 will be referred to as repeater doors (note again that such "repeater doors" may also have some Internet connectivity). Although two repeater doors 142, 143 are shown in FIG. 4, additional repeater doors may exist, as will be understood by those skilled in the art after reviewing this specification. Furthermore, it can be recognized that there may be multiple doors in a building that function as gateways, and that all doors may function as gateways and none may function as repeaters.

[0026] The network system 100 may include one or more IoT electrical devices 1021, 1022 that communicate wirelessly with one or more doors 141, 142, 143. The IoT devices 102 may be lighting fixtures (such as LED lighting fixtures), sensors (such as smoke or motion sensors), cameras, door operators for opening and closing doors, locks, computers, televisions, audio / video equipment for conference calls, heating / air conditioning units, fans, air purifiers, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the doors 141, 142, 143 are configured to provide wireless power to, communicate with, and / or control the IoT devices 102. Without limitation, certain exemplary IoT devices may be provided in any location associated with the doors described herein, for example, within one or more doors, as standalone devices, as part of other home or business devices, etc. The gateway door 141, the repeater doors 142, 143, and the IoT devices 1021, 1022 form an IoT network 108. 4 shows three doors 141, 142, 143 and two IoT devices 1021, 1022, there can be any number of doors 14 and IoT devices 102 in the network system 100. Importantly, because the network system 100 has only one gateway door 141 and multiple repeater doors 142, 143, it operates at a lower cost and consumes less energy.

[0027] In certain situations, such as when the building is large, when walls (e.g., made of metal) impede wireless communication or power transmission, when there are a large number of IoT devices in the network system, or when the system latency is high, multiple gateway doors 141 may be used. Multiple factors, such as the number of devices connected to each door, the system latency, the distance between the doors, and the physical medium (e.g., metal walls) between each door, may influence the decision to use multiple gateway doors 141. The network system 100 may further include a remote device 104 having a hardware and software platform for electronic communication with the gateway door 141. The remote device 104 may be a smartphone, a smartwatch, or a tablet associated with a user, such as a homeowner, a building manager, a system manager, etc. As shown in FIG. 4, the remote device 104 may wirelessly communicate with the gateway door 141 over the Internet 106. Although one remote device 104 is shown in FIG. 4, multiple devices 104 may be used if multiple users are authorized. Authorized users may use the remote device 104 to configure the IoT network 108 with preferences, security features, etc.

[0028] The network system 100 includes a gateway door 141, one or more repeater doors 142, 143, one or more IoT devices 1001, 1002, and one or more remote devices 104. The doors 141, 142, 143 act as sources of power and Internet connectivity to the IoT device 100. The doors 141, 142, 143 are each hardwired to the home / building mains (120V, AC) and connected to the Internet 106 directly (gateway door 141) or indirectly (repeater doors 142, 143) via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. The doors 141, 142, 143 further include multiple radios for implementing various IoT protocols (Wi-Fi, Matter, Thread, Zigbee, Zwave, Bluetooth, etc.). Because the network system 100 is connected to the cloud (i.e., the Internet), mobile and / or web apps on the remote device 104 can be used to remotely control and configure the network system 100, and therefore the device 102.

[0029] Multiple doors 141, 142, 143 may be linked together in the network system 100, with one (or more) doors 141 acting as a gateway door (i.e. connected to the Internet) and the other doors 142, 143 acting as IoT repeaters since they only have radios for the network system 100. When multiple doors are present, the IoT device 102 may receive power and / or connection from any door. The door that provides the most efficient energy transmission and / or connection may be used (usually the closest door with no intervening interference). The IoT device 102 may be manually configured to a specific room / area, so that when a specific room is not in use, the IoT device 102 may be completely turned off / on (thus requiring all devices in that room to be turned off) and optimal performance (i.e. energy transmission and connection) may be achieved when the IoT device needs to receive power / connection from a door in an adjacent room to achieve optimal performance.

[0030] 5 and 6 show schematic diagrams of a gateway door 141, repeater doors 142, 143, and IoT devices 1021, 1022. As shown in FIG. 5, the gateway door 141 includes components such as an AC-DC power converter 200, an IoT gateway 202, a controller 204, and a wireless power transfer system (WPTS) transmitter 206. The components may be partially or entirely located within or connected to the interior cavity 15, door jamb 12 of the door 141. In another exemplary embodiment, the WPTS transmitter is provided as a pluggable wireless power / communication device in proximity to the gateway door (e.g., provided as a 120V pluggable module), and wireless power is provided to the door from an external WPTS transmitter (via a WPTS receiver 306 attached to the door). Exemplary pluggable devices include those configured to plug into a wall outlet, a ceiling light fixture, a freestanding light fixture or other fixture, powered tracks, etc. Additionally, data communications (eg, Internet connectivity) can occur via plug-in devices in addition to or instead of a gateway door (in the latter case, the gateway door resembles a repeater door).

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the AC-DC power converter 200 converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for use by the components of the door 141. The converter 200 is electrically connected to a high voltage AC (such as 110 (or 120) V AC) power source 60. The AC power source 60 may be a standard 120 (or 110) V universal AC power source, known in the United States as grid power, wall power, or household power. Other voltages, such as 220 V, may also be used. The converter 200 rectifies the AC power from the power source 60 to DC for use by the IoT gateway 202, controller 204, and WPTS transmitter 206, as needed. Many IoT devices operate on 5 V DC, and the converter 200 ensures that each device is provided with the appropriate power for use by each device.

[0032] The IoT gateway 202 bridges the IoT network 108 and the Internet 106 and communicates with the IoT devices 102 and the repeater doors 142 and / or 143. The IoT gateway 202 is connected to the Internet by an Ethernet connection (wired connection) or Wi-Fi (wireless connection). The IoT gateway 202 is also wirelessly connected to the repeater doors 142 and / or 143 using standard IoT protocols such as Wi-Fi, Matter, Thread, Zigbee, Zwave, Bluetooth, proprietary RF, or a combination thereof.

[0033] The controller 204 provides control logic to the WPTS transmitter 206 and the IoT gateway 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 204 provides two primary controls. First, the controller 204 allows a user to enable or disable the WPTS transmitter 206 to one or more IoT devices 102 to turn on / off one or more IoT devices 102 by communicating with the remote device 104 via the Internet 106. Second, the controller automatically enables or disables the WPTS transmitter 206 to certain IoT devices 102 (e.g., IoT lighting fixtures) to turn those IoT devices on / off by communicating with one or more occupancy sensors (located in or on the door system or remotely located as one of the IoT devices 102). In this way, lighting fixtures, etc. can only operate when needed and be turned off when not needed to conserve power. The user can pre-configure the automatic enable / disable rules for the WPTS transmitter 206 via the remote device 104 and store them in the cloud. The rules can be established when the user first sets up the remote device 104.

[0034] The WPTS transmitter 206 may be used to wirelessly transmit power to the IoT device 102. Power is provided to the WPTS transmitter 206 by the converter 200. In general, as shown in FIG. 5, the WPTS includes a power transmitter 206, a transmitting antenna 208 operably connected to the power transmitter 206, a WPTS receiver 306, and a receiving antenna 308 operably connected to the WPTS receiver 306. An "antenna" as used herein may be a coiled wire that generates / receives a magnetic field, a metal plate that generates / receives an electric field, a metal rod that emits / receives radio waves, or a laser that generates / receives light. The WPTS transmitter 206 and the transmitting antenna 208 are located on the gateway door 141 and the repeater door, and the WPTS receiver 306 and the receiving antenna 308 are located on the IoT device 102.

[0035] Alternatively, instead of having a power converter 200 / 400, a WPTS transmitter 206 / 406, and a transmitting antenna 208 / 408, the gateway door and repeater door may be configured to receive wireless power only, and thus, as in the IoT device 102, these components may be replaced with only a WPTS receiver and a receiving antenna. For example, FIGS. 7 and 8 generally show additional exemplary gateway door and repeater door configurations at 700 and 800, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a WPTS receiver 706 and an antenna 708 are provided on or within the door (e.g., between the door skins), and wireless power is generally received at 712 by the WPTS receiver 706. In FIG. 7, communication with the wireless IoT network is generally shown at 716 via the IoT gateway 202. In FIG. 8, communication with the wireless IOT network is generally shown at 718 via the IoT repeater 402. FIGS. 7 and 8 also show an internal (or door-mounted) battery at 710.

[0036] Doors may be equipped with both WPTS transmitters and WPTS receivers and their associated antennas, thus allowing them to "relay" wireless energy. Both gateway doors and repeater doors may be configured to relay wireless energy. These relay doors may also be configured to receive a different type of wireless energy than the wireless energy they relay. For example, a door may receive infrared energy and relay (i.e., transmit) RF energy. For a description of exemplary techniques and technologies for wireless power transmission, see co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 951,737, filed Sep. 23, 2022, and entitled "Door Assembly Having Rechargeable Battery, Methods and System for Charging the Battery," the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.

[0037] 9 and 10 show additional exemplary gateway door and repeater door configurations at 900 and 1000, respectively, showing wireless power reception and transmission from the door. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, a WPTS receiver 706 and antenna 708 are provided on or within the door (e.g., between the door skins), and wireless power is typically received at 712 by the WPTS receiver 706, and wireless power is typically transmitted at 714 via a WPTS transmitter 206 and antenna 208 provided on or within the door (e.g., between the door skins). In FIG. 9, communication with the wireless IoT network is generally shown at 716 via the IoT Gateway 202. In FIG. 10, communication with the wireless IOT network is generally shown at 718 via the IoT Repeater 402. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 also show an internal (or door-mounted) battery at 710.

[0038] According to the above exemplary embodiment, for example, with respect to receiving wireless power and transmitting wireless power from a door in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, a "do it yourself" (DIY) system may include one or more doors that are easily installed and configured according to installation needs. For example, an RF transmitter may transmit wireless power to devices that are outside of IR line of sight from the door, or if all intended targets (either other doors or another IoT device) are within line of sight of a particular transmitter, that transmitter may be provided to utilize an IR transmitter. Similarly, an RF receiver may be utilized for any transmission requirements that are not suitable for non-line of sight / IR. Examples of this include, but are not limited to, one IR receiver and one IR transmitter on the same door, one IR receiver and one RF transmitter on the same door, one RF receiver and one IR transmitter on the same door, one RF receiver and one IR transmitter on the same door, or multiple receivers and / or multiple transmitters on the same door (which may all operate in different mediums, e.g., IR and RF, etc.). Thus, doors (and gateway or repeater door components) may be selected and installed as needed to meet the wireless power (and IoT network) needs specific to a particular room or set of rooms.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the WPTS transmitter 206 converts power from the converter 200 into a time-varying electromagnetic field. The WPTS transmitter 206 and WPTS receiver 306 on the IoT device 102 cooperate to transmit the time-varying electromagnetic field to the WPTS receiver 306 via the antenna 208 of the WPTS transmitter 206 and the antenna 308 of the WPTS receiver 300, respectively. The WPTS receiver 306 then receives the time-varying electromagnetic field and converts it into a DC current for use by the IoT device 102. A WPTS may be implemented using multiple technologies such as inductive coupling (transmission of electrical energy using electromagnetic induction between coils via a magnetic field), resonant inductive coupling (a form of inductive coupling where power is transferred by a magnetic field between two resonant circuits (tuned circuits), one at the transmitter and the other at the receiver), capacitive coupling (transmission of electrical energy using an electric field for the transfer of power between two electrodes (anode and cathode) that form a capacitance for the transfer of power), magneto-dynamic coupling (transmission of electrical energy between two armatures that rotate in sync and are coupled to each other by a magnetic field generated by magnets on the rotating armatures, one at the transmitter and the other at the receiver), microwave (transmission of electrical energy via radio waves with short wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, typically in the microwave range), light wave, or a combination thereof. In one technology, the WPTS transmitter 206 generates a radio frequency (RF) power signal and transmits the RF power signal to the WPTS receiver 306 via a transmitting antenna 208 and a receiving antenna 308. The WPTS receiver 306 receives the input RF power signal and converts it to electrical current (e.g., at distances of 9 meters or more from the transmitting antenna, without limitation) to power the IoT device. As described herein, other contemplated technologies use infrared (IR) technology, which allows transmission at distances of 20 meters or more (or any distance within line of sight) from the transmitting source, without limitation. In this way, the role of the door (or window, etc.) itself may change from its traditional role to that of a source of wireless power.

[0040] The placement of the WPTS transmitter 206 and the transmitting antenna 208 required for the IoT network 108 may vary. The transmitting antenna 208 may be placed on the jambs 121, 122, the door 14, both the jambs and the door, or a combination of the two. Additionally, the transmitting antenna 208 may be placed on both sides of the door 14 (inside and outside) to increase range, increase overall system efficiency, and improve performance. In an exemplary embodiment, the transmitting antenna 208 is placed on the outside surface of the door 14 to ensure unobstructed transmission. Typically, the efficiency of the WPTS decreases when power is transmitted through a physical medium (such as a wall). Placing the WPTS antennas on both sides of the door 14 improves the efficiency of the WPTS by eliminating the need to transmit power through a physical medium. The WPTS transmitter 206 may be placed on the jambs 121, 122 or may be placed within the interior cavity 15 of the door 14.

[0041] Additionally, one or more transmit antennas 208 / 408 may also be provided at any door that transmits wireless power, as shown in Figure 3. Similarly, if a door is equipped with a WPTS receiver 306, one or more receive antennas 308 may also be present.

[0042] Doors configured to receive wireless power allow for a "do it yourself" type retrofit option for powered doors, as opposed to doors that require a wired power source, which is a more complicated installation that typically requires a professional. In various exemplary embodiments described herein, a consumer simply removes an old doorway, installs one or more doors, and plugs in an external (i.e., not installed within the door) WPTS module / transmitter, if applicable.

[0043] 6, each repeater door 142 may be the same as the gateway door 141, except that the repeater door includes an IoT repeater 402 instead of an IoT gateway 202. The IoT repeater 402 communicates only through the IoT network 108, i.e., with IoT devices, other repeater doors 142, 143, or the gateway door 141, but not directly with the Internet 106 (in some exemplary embodiments). The repeater door 142 is connected to the Internet only through the gateway door 141. The repeater door 142 may further include a power converter 400, a controller 404, and a WPTS transmitter 406 operably connected to a transmit antenna 408, which are the same as the power converter 200, controller 204, WPTS transmitter 206, and transmit antenna 208 described above, respectively.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, all of the IoT devices 102 are similarly equipped to operate in the network system 100 of the present invention. The exemplary IoT devices 1021, 1022 are shown in Figures 5 and 6 and are preferably the same, so only one IoT device will be described herein and generally referred to by reference number 102. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the IoT device 102 has the following components: a WPTS receiver 306, an IoT radio 300, and application specific circuitry 302. The application specific circuitry 302 is specific to the type of IoT device 102 and is necessary for the functionality of the IoT device 102. For example, a camera will have a different application specific circuitry 302 than an LED lighting fixture. The WPTS receiver 306 is operatively connected to a receiving antenna 308, the operation of which is described above.

[0045] The IoT Radio 300 communicates wirelessly with one or both of the IoT Gateway 202 on the gateway door 141 and the IoT Repeater 402 on the repeater door 142. Communications via the IoT Radio 300 form part of the IoT Network 108 (described above). Some IoT devices may not need to have an IoT Radio and may only have a WPTS receiver system, for example a TV does not need to have an IoT connection but can receive power wirelessly from the door.

[0046] The application specific circuitry 302 is specific to a particular IoT device 102. As previously mentioned, the IoT device 102 may be a light, a sensor, a camera, a door opener, a lock, a computer, a television, audio / video equipment for teleconferencing, a heating / air conditioning unit, a fan, an air purifier, etc. The application specific circuitry 302 may include sensors such as motion sensors, a user interface, actuators for controlling the IoT device 102, and other circuitry required to operate the IoT device 102. The user interface provides a platform for indicating the status of the IoT device 102 and / or a platform for a user to input information or instructions to the IoT device 102. The user interface may include, for example, a display or a light for displaying the status of the IoT device 102, and / or buttons for a user to input information or instructions to the IoT device 102.

[0047] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary system 100, which as shown in FIG. 11 operates by manual user input (box 500) or configurable automatic control (box 502). In manual (box 500) mode, a user can turn the IoT device 102 on and off by pressing a physical button, for example on the door system (box 504), or via an application on the remote device 104 (box 506). To use the remote device 104, a user may access the network system 100 from the remote device 104 via the Internet 106. Additionally, if the remote device is equipped with an IoT radio, it can be controlled using the remote device when it is within range of the IoT network (e.g., Bluetooth).

[0048] The automatic mode (box 502) may be triggered by one of the following triggers: a pre-set schedule (box 508), detection of room occupancy (box 510), detection / presence of a specific user (box 512), and detection / presence of an authorized user (box 514). The automatic mode (box 502) may be realized using the IoT network 108. For example, Bluetooth may be used to detect when the user's phone is near a specific IoT device 104. Alternatively, a key fob may be used and integrated into the IoT network 108. Depending on the trigger, a specific IoT device may be turned on / off based on a specific trigger. Users may be classified into different classes of users. For example, a class A user may be able to fully use all devices in any room, while a class B user is limited to only certain devices in certain rooms. Here, depending on the user, only certain IoT devices 104 and certain rooms may be turned on. Once in manual mode (box 500) or automatic mode (box 502), the system 100 operates to determine whether all IoT devices 102 or only specific IoT devices 102 should be controlled (box 516). This determination may be pre-configured (in automatic mode) or dependent on manual input by the user. Next, it identifies whether the IoT device 102 to be controlled is valid or invalid (box 518). If invalid, the controller 204 (on the gateway door 141), 404 (on the repeater door 142) turns off the WPTS transmitter 206, 406 to the invalid device 102 (box 520), turns off the device 102 (box 522), and removes the device 102 from the IoT network 108 (box 524). If valid, the controller 204, 404 turns on the WPTS transmitter 206, 406 to the valid device 102 (box 526), ​​powers on the device 102 (box 528), and connects the IoT device 102 to the IoT network 108 (box 530). If valid, the controller 204, 404 turns on the device 102.If disabled, the controller 204, 404 turns off the device 102.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the manual mode (box 500) and the automatic mode (box 502) may operate simultaneously. For example, the manual mode (box 500) may be used to override the current state of one or more IoT devices 102. It may be configured to remain in this mode until a specific automatic trigger re-enables the device, or to maintain a manually configured state until another manual event is used. Additionally, both the manual mode (box 500) and the automatic mode (box 502) may be disabled for a particular door 14 or IoT device 102, which may be configured by the remote device 104.

[0050] Alternatively, if the IoT device 102 is equipped with a small battery, the IoT network 108 can be used to notify the IoT device 102 to enter / exit a low power mode. Upon entering the low power mode, the IoT device 102 disconnects power from the door 14 to disable the WPTS receiver 306. In the low power mode, the IoT device 102 remains connected to the IoT network 108 so that the IoT device 102 can receive a signal from the door 14 to turn on the WPTS receiver 306 when triggered by an automatic (box 502) or manual (box 500) trigger. This allows the use of various architectures to implement the WPTS functionality while still conserving power when the IoT device 102 is not in use.

[0051] The door 14 can control the power of the IoT devices 102 in the area, so the network system 100 can be configured to turn on the devices 102 only when an authorized user is present. Thus, even if an unauthorized user enters the secure area, they cannot use the IoT devices. An example would be an executive's office. When the executive leaves the room, the computer's power is disabled, so no one can access sensitive information on the computer.

[0052] The current network system 100 has several advantages over the conventional system. First, it can save energy with a single gateway door 141, where multiple IoT devices 102 are connected to a single gateway door 141, allowing the IoT devices 102 to connect to the Internet. In this way, the IoT devices are wirelessly connected to the gateway through the IoT network, and the gateway door 141 bridges these IoT devices 102 to the Internet. In this system, the gateway door 141 only needs to have a network interface to connect to the Internet, which makes the IoT devices less expensive and consume less energy. Embedding the gateway into an object already in the home, i.e. the door, also saves space and looks better.

[0053] Second, the network system 100 provides an efficient energy source for the IoT devices 102. Power outlets are not always easily accessible and charging / replacing batteries can be a hassle for homeowners. With the door 14 providing wireless power to the IoT devices 102, the homeowner / business does not have to worry about how to reliably provide power to the IoT devices 102. Additionally, the door that is most efficient for energy transmission and / or connection to the IoT devices can be used, allowing for efficient energy usage and connection.

[0054] Third, the network system 100 of the present invention improves energy management. In both commercial and residential applications, saving energy saves costs and is favorable for environmental protection. However, it is difficult to manage because it requires manually controlling the power to all IoT devices (and other devices, video conferencing systems, projectors, lighting fixtures) when not needed. The door 14 located at the entrance of a building or room is an ideal location to manually or automatically control the devices in the room / building to save energy when the area is not in use. Instead of modifying the home / building infrastructure (i.e., wiring) to accommodate the function of managing the power of the room or building, one only needs to install one or more doors 14 to control the power to the IoT devices 102 in the room / building.

[0055] Fourth, the network system 100 of the present invention provides advanced security features. The system 100 can control power to the IoT devices 102 in an area, so that the devices can be configured to turn on only when an authorized user is present. An example of an executive's office is given above.

[0056] Fifth, the network system 100 of the present invention provides an ideal location for the WPTS. A typical WPTS requires a large antenna that is not ideal in appearance and is not easy to install. Since the door 14 has ample space, a large antenna can be used to improve the performance and efficiency of the system. To increase the range and improve the efficiency and performance of the entire system, the antennas may be placed on both sides of the door system (inside and outside). Furthermore, a single WPTS system can be used to power devices in two areas (both sides of the door 14) instead of a single area, thus saving costs. The IoT devices 102 may be manually configured to a specific room / area, so that optimal performance (i.e., energy transmission and connectivity) can be achieved while the room is completely turned off.

[0057] The above description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been presented for illustrative purposes in accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments disclosed herein have been selected to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, so that those skilled in the art may best utilize the present invention with various embodiments and various modifications suited to the particular use intended, provided that they comply with the principles described herein. Thus, the invention as described above can be modified without departing from its spirit and scope.

Claims

1. A door leaf comprising: a front and rear door skin or facing that is attached to or is part of a door frame; at least one hinge or suspension rail attachment; and a wireless power transfer system (WPTS) transmitter or receiver configured to wirelessly transmit or receive power from a WPTS power source. Equipped with a door.

2. The door of claim 1 , wherein the door panel includes a gateway module configured to provide internet connectivity as an IoT gateway.

3. The door of claim 1 , wherein the WPTS transmitter or receiver comprises an antenna at least partially contained within a hollow space within the door.

4. 10. The door of claim 1, wherein the WPTS transmitter or receiver comprises an antenna located between a front door skin and a rear door skin.

5. The door of claim 1 , wherein the WPTS transmitter operates according to an RF protocol.

6. The door of claim 1 , wherein the WPTS transmitter operates according to an IR protocol.

7. 10. The door of claim 1, wherein the WPTS transmitter is further paired with a WPTS receiver such that the door is configured to wirelessly receive power and transmit power.

8. The door of claim 1 , further comprising one or more Internet of Things (IoT) electrical devices, an IoT gateway, and an IoT repeater.

9. The door of claim 8 , comprising a controller and a rechargeable battery and configured to communicate with at least one IoT electrical device.

10. The door of claim 1 configured to wirelessly relay power and data.

11. The door of claim 10 configured to wirelessly receive energy in a first source medium and transmit energy in a second source medium.

12. The door of claim 11 , wherein the first source medium and the second source medium are IR source medium or RF source medium.

13. The door of claim 1 , comprising a WPTS receiver configured to receive power from an external WPTS power source.

14. 10. The door of claim 1, wherein the WPTS power source to which power is transmitted by the WPTS transmitter is provided by a wired connection to the door or by a door mounted battery.

15. at least one first door comprising a first door leaf comprising front and back door skins or facings attached to or part of a door frame, at least one hinge or hanging rail attachment, and a wireless power transfer system (WPTS) transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit power from a WPTS power source; at least one second door comprising a second door leaf comprising front and back door skins or facings attached to or part of a door frame, at least one hinge or hanging rail attachment, and a WPTS receiver configured to wirelessly receive power from the WPTS transmitter of the first door; Equipped with door system.

16. 16. The door system of claim 15, wherein the first door leaf includes a gateway module configured to provide an internet connection.

17. 16. The door system of claim 15, wherein the WPTS transmitter comprises an antenna housed at least partially within a hollow space of the first door.

18. 16. The door system of claim 15, wherein the WPTS transmitter comprises an antenna disposed between a front door skin and a rear door skin of the first door.

19. 16. The door of claim 15, wherein the WPTS transmitter operates according to an RF protocol.

20. 16. The door of claim 15, wherein the WPTS transmitter operates according to an IR protocol.

21. 16. The door of claim 15, wherein the WPTS transmitter of the first door is further paired with a WPTS receiver such that the first door is configured to wirelessly receive power and transmit power.

22. 16. The door of claim 15, wherein the WPTS receiver of the second door is further paired with a WPTS transmitter such that the second door is configured to wirelessly receive power and transmit power.

23. 23. The door of claim 22, further comprising at least one external WPTS transmitter configured to electrically connect to or be integrated with a wall outlet, a light fixture outlet, a power line, or a wall switch.

24. 22. The door of claim 21, further comprising at least one external WPTS transmitter configured to electrically connect to or be integrated with a wall outlet, a light fixture outlet, a power line, or a wall switch.

25. 16. The door of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first door and the second door further comprises one or more Internet of Things (IoT) electrical devices.

26. 25. The door of claim 24, wherein at least one of the first door and the second door, the controller, and the rechargeable battery are configured to communicate with at least one IoT electrical device.

27. 16. The door of claim 15, wherein the first door is configured to wirelessly relay power and data.

28. 27. The door of claim 26, wherein the door is configured to wirelessly receive energy in a first source medium and transmit energy in a second source medium.

29. 28. The door of claim 27, wherein the first source medium and the second source medium are an IR source medium or an RF source medium.

30. 16. The door of claim 15, wherein the WPTS power source to which power is transmitted by the WPTS transmitter is provided by a wired connection to the door or by a door mounted battery.

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