Premises Control Apparatus via Local Network Logical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote monitoring and control systems for premises, such as fire alarm systems, face issues with signal transmission failures due to link failures in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and require on-site technician visits for diagnostics, leading to travel costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a local computer network with a communication engine and network interface to establish a logical connection between remote and local network devices, enabling data transmission and control of peripheral devices like door strikes, access controllers, and annunciators, using protocols like Ethernet and power integrated networks, which allows for remote operation and feedback without relying on direct circuit-switched connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direct circuit switched connection via PSTN is used to transmit signals to the fire station, then the signal transmission is established, but the system becomes vulnerable to link failures and requires on-site technician visits for diagnostics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a modem as an intermediary device that converts data between serial format (for PSTN transmission) and parallel format (for local network communication). This mediator enables the system to communicate over both PSTN and local networks, providing redundancy and remote access capabilities without requiring direct circuit-switched connections for all operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication path into multiple independent channels: a PSTN connection for primary alarm transmission and a local computer network connection for diagnostics and configuration. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality through one channel even if the other fails, and enables remote access without requiring physical presence at the premises
2Ease of operation
If a modem and direct PSTN connection are used for remote communication, then circuit-switched connection is established, but the system lacks remote diagnostic capability requiring technician travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the fire alarm system to serve itself by allowing remote technicians to diagnose and configure system parameters through the local computer network without physical presence. The system can self-diagnose issues and transmit diagnostic data remotely, eliminating the need for technician travel for routine diagnostics and configuration tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the communication engine universal by enabling it to handle multiple communication protocols and functions: serial communication for PSTN modem operations, parallel communication for local network diagnostics, and configuration parameter transmission. This multi-functionality allows a single system to perform both alarm transmission and remote diagnostics through different communication modes
3Adaptability or versatility
If direct circuit-switched connections are used for all communication, then simple connection protocol is maintained, but system adaptability to different communication methods is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication parameters by implementing a communication engine that can dynamically switch between serial communication mode (for PSTN) and parallel communication mode (for local network). The engine can adjust data format, transmission speed, and protocol based on the selected communication method, providing adaptability without requiring separate dedicated systems for each communication type
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of controlling a premises from a remote network device communicates with the remote network device via a local computer network associated with the premises. Specifically, the apparatus includes a peripheral device configured to execute a specific function at the premises, a communication engine operably coupled with the peripheral device for providing a logical connection with the remote network device via the local computer network, and a network interface operably coupled with the communication engine. The network interface transmits data to and receives data from the local computer network. Data transferred between the peripheral device and local computer network is forwarded via the network interface.