US4497031A — Direct digital control apparatus for automated mo…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 146 words

A low level microprocessor based system controller comprising: power supply means for providing a source of regulated electrical power to the controller; field programmable processor means for transferring selected data base information to and receiving status signals from an interface means, digitally executing algorithms respecting said status signals in accordance with computer program routines selected from a library of mnemonically identified routines residing in the read-only memory portion of the processor means and responsively directing programmed data and digital command signals to said interface means; interface means for periodically updating the data base of said processor means, analyzing and conditioning signals received from said processor means and from remote data points, and for selectively controlling said remote data points, and; operator panel means having information display means, said operator panel means cooperating with said processor means for displaying and adjusting selected system operating parameters and variables.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 146 words

A low level microprocessor based system controller comprising: power supply means for providing a source of regulated electrical power to the controller; field programmable processor means for transferring selected data base information to and receiving status signals from an interface means, digitally executing algorithms respecting said status signals in accordance with computer program routines selected from a library of mnemonically identified routines residing in the read-only memory portion of the processor means and responsively directing programmed data and digital command signals to said interface means; interface means for periodically updating the data base of said processor means, analyzing and conditioning signals received from said processor means and from remote data points, and for selectively controlling said remote data points, and; operator panel means having information display means, said operator panel means cooperating with said processor means for displaying and adjusting selected system operating parameters and variables.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 34 words

The invention set forth in claim 1 wherein said processor means is capable of continuously executing said algorithms for the selective generation of said command signals in accordance with the solution of said algorithms.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 52 words

The invention set forth in claim 2 wherein said algorithms include control algorithms for mathematically comparing the desired condition of a field datum point with the actual condition of said point, determining the error therebetween and causing the generation of digital command signals affecting the position of field equipment controlling said point.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 29 words

The invention set forth in claim 3 wherein said algorithms further include energy management algorithms causing the coordinated, phased control of said field equipment for reduced energy consumption purposes.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 47 words

The invention set forth in claim 4 wherein said processor means includes master microprocessor means having peripheral microprocessor means coupled thereto for communication therebetween, said master microprocessor means having embodied therein a computer program providing for the selective sensing of signals emanating from said peripheral microprocessor means.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 65 words

The invention set forth in claim 5 wherein said peripheral microprocessor means includes master peripheral processor means and first peripheral processor means, said master peripheral processor means utilizing a communications protocol for providing message communications between said processor means and said interface means, said first peripheral processor means providing message formatting and decoding functions effecting communications between said operator panel means and said processor means.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 20 words

The invention set forth in claim 6 wherein said protocol is of the single master, variable message length, polling type.

Claim 9

Independent Claim 153 words

A system controller capable of digitally executing control and energy management algorithms and comprising: field programmable processor means including memory means and a master processor having a predetermined protocol program established therein, and further including a plurality of peripheral processors for receiving signals from said master processor, generating a serial command transmission to a field interface means and permitting data exchange entry and update between said master processor and an operator panel means; programmable field interface means for providing message communication between said processor means and field equipment points of analog and binary types; operator panel means incorporating keyboard means for permitting an operator to query the status of each of a plurality of functions, to display information regarding said functions and to selectively modify said functions in accordance with a predetermined program; power supply means incorporating isolated direct current supply means for providing a source of regulated electrical power to the controller.

Claim 10

Independent Claim 153 words

A system controller capable of digitally executing control and energy management algorithms and comprising: field programmable processor means including memory means and a master processor having a predetermined protocol program established therein, and further including a plurality of peripheral processors for receiving signals from said master processor, generating a serial command transmission to a field interface means and permitting data exchange entry and update between said master processor and an operator panel means; programmable field interface means for providing message communication between said processor means and field equipment points of analog and binary types; operator panel means incorporating keyboard means for permitting an operator to query the status of each of a plurality of functions, to display information regarding said functions and to selectively modify said functions in accordance with a predetermined program; power supply means incorporating isolated direct current supply means for providing a source of regulated electrical power to the controller.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 81 words

The invention set forth in claim 8 wherein said field interface means includes analog interface means and binary interface means for interfacing with analog and binary field data points respectively, means for effecting communication between said field interface means and said processor means, internal processing means for controlling and arithmetically processing data received therein and clock signal generating means for synchronizing the exchange of data within said field interface means and between said field interface means and said internal processing means.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 46 words

The invention set forth in claim 9 wherein said analog interface means includes a first group of signal inputs and a second group of signal inputs, each of said groups of inputs being connected to multiplexing means for conversion to first and second signal outputs respectively.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 44 words

The invention set forth in claim 10 wherein input voltage signals occurring over a first range of voltages and being received at said groups of inputs may be conditioned to appear as analog signals having a second voltage range different from said first range.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 18 words

The invention set forth in claim 11 wherein said second voltage range is 0 volts to 5 volts.

Claim 15

Independent Claim 166 words

A system controller for performing heating, ventilating and air conditioning control and energy management functions comprising: power supply means for providing a source of regulated electrical power to the controller, said power supply means including isolated direct current supply means for isolating electrical noise; processor means incorporating a memory section having a first data base for defining data points and a first group of program routines maintained therein for the generation of control command signals; field interface means for receiving said control command signals from said processing means, said field interface means having a second group of program routines and a second data base maintained therein, said second data base defining a plurality of field points, said field interface means periodically updating said first data base; operator panel means coupled to said processor means and including keypad means and luminary numerical and digital display means, said operator means providing control and monitoring communications when said controller is functioning in either a standalone or network coupled mode.

Claim 16

Independent Claim 166 words

A system controller for performing heating, ventilating and air conditioning control and energy management functions comprising: power supply means for providing a source of regulated electrical power to the controller, said power supply means including isolated direct current supply means for isolating electrical noise; processor means incorporating a memory section having a first data base for defining data points and a first group of program routines maintained therein for the generation of control command signals; field interface means for receiving said control command signals from said processing means, said field interface means having a second group of program routines and a second data base maintained therein, said second data base defining a plurality of field points, said field interface means periodically updating said first data base; operator panel means coupled to said processor means and including keypad means and luminary numerical and digital display means, said operator means providing control and monitoring communications when said controller is functioning in either a standalone or network coupled mode.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 40 words

The invention set forth in claim 13 wherein said data points are defined by specifying in said first group of program routines the storage locations within said memory section of computed variables utilized by said first group of program routines.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 21 words

The invention set forth in claim 14 wherein said data points comprise points of the binary status and analog value type.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 43 words

The invention set forth in claim 15 wherein each of said data points has status information associated therewith for indicating normality of point operation, reportability of status changes, coincidence of sequentially sampled data point values and current point binary status or analog value.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 24 words

The invention set forth in claim 13 wherein said field points comprise points of the binary input, analog input, binary output and control types.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 43 words

The invention set forth in claim 17 wherein said binary input points comprise points of the contact status, pulse count and pulse rate types and said analog input points comprise points of the limited range, full range, rate input and count totalization types.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 27 words

The invention set forth in claim 17 wherein said binary output points may be connected to field equipment devices of the two state or three state type.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 24 words

The invention set forth in claim 19 wherein said binary output points may be segregated to comprise relay control, actuator and electrical switch points.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 27 words

The invention set forth in claim 17 wherein said control points comprise points of the binary interlock, analog interlock, incremental control and binary output with feedback types.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 21 words

The invention set forth in claim 13 wherein said first group of program routines are of the mnemonically identified user type.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 172 words

A low level system controller for performing distributed data processing, control and energy management functions related to heating, ventilating and air conditioning applications and comprising: power supply means including an isolated direct current supply section, said power supply means providing a source of regulated electrical power to said controller; processor means including a master microprocessor and a plurality of peripheral microprocessors for receiving field point status signals, digitally executing control and energy management algorithms and responsively directing digital command signals to a field interface means; field interface means for analyzing and conditioning signals received therein from said processor means and from remote field equipment points, said field interface means including a data base related to field point definition and downloaded thereto from said processor means; operator panel means having keypad means and a plurality of illuminated information display means cooperating for selectively displaying and adjusting system operating parameters, and; field termination means facilitating wiring connection of field equipment to said power supply means, processor means, field interface means and operator panel means.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 172 words

A low level system controller for performing distributed data processing, control and energy management functions related to heating, ventilating and air conditioning applications and comprising: power supply means including an isolated direct current supply section, said power supply means providing a source of regulated electrical power to said controller; processor means including a master microprocessor and a plurality of peripheral microprocessors for receiving field point status signals, digitally executing control and energy management algorithms and responsively directing digital command signals to a field interface means; field interface means for analyzing and conditioning signals received therein from said processor means and from remote field equipment points, said field interface means including a data base related to field point definition and downloaded thereto from said processor means; operator panel means having keypad means and a plurality of illuminated information display means cooperating for selectively displaying and adjusting system operating parameters, and; field termination means facilitating wiring connection of field equipment to said power supply means, processor means, field interface means and operator panel means.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 56 words

The invention set forth in claim 23 wherein one of said peripheral microprocessors includes a master peripheral processor for receiving command signals from said master microprocessor and for generating a serial transmission of command signals to said field interface means in accordance with a predetermined protocol established by a computer program residing in said master microprocessor.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 35 words

The invention set forth in claim 24 wherein another one of said peripheral microprocessors includes a first peripheral processor for providing data exchange entry and update between said master microprocessor and said operator panel means.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 30 words

The invention set forth in claim 25 wherein another one of said peripheral microprocessors includes a second peripheral processor for facilitating communications between said system controller and a headend unit.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 21 words

The invention set forth in claim 26 wherein said first peripheral processor defines a structural component of said operator panel means.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 179 words

A low level system controller for heating, ventilating and air conditioning applications and including: a power supply having a line power section and a regulated power assembly for supplying a filtered DC voltage having positive and negative polarities, a transistor network and a circuit for controlling the DC base drive to said network, thereby providing leading edge signal shaping for the minimization of high frequency noise; said power supply further including a memory supply for providing operating power to a memory regulator and a standby battery for maintaining memory in a data-retaining state; a processor means including a master processor section, a memory section, a register section, a communications section and a decoder section; a field interface means coupled to said power supply and to said processor means and including means for interfacing with analog and binary field data points; an operating panel for providing control and monitoring communications between a human operator and the controller, said operating panel including a first peripheral processor, a first clock buffer section, an address decoder section, a keyboard and a display section.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 179 words

A low level system controller for heating, ventilating and air conditioning applications and including: a power supply having a line power section and a regulated power assembly for supplying a filtered DC voltage having positive and negative polarities, a transistor network and a circuit for controlling the DC base drive to said network, thereby providing leading edge signal shaping for the minimization of high frequency noise; said power supply further including a memory supply for providing operating power to a memory regulator and a standby battery for maintaining memory in a data-retaining state; a processor means including a master processor section, a memory section, a register section, a communications section and a decoder section; a field interface means coupled to said power supply and to said processor means and including means for interfacing with analog and binary field data points; an operating panel for providing control and monitoring communications between a human operator and the controller, said operating panel including a first peripheral processor, a first clock buffer section, an address decoder section, a keyboard and a display section.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 61 words

The invention set forth in claim 28 wherein said power supply further includes voltage supplies for providing second DC voltages at positive and negative polarities, means for decoupling input buses to said power supply, means for filtering the output buses of said power supply and a transformer-isolated DC supply section for powering a binary output portion of a field interface means.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 31 words

The invention set forth in claim 29 wherein said power supply further includes a voltage comparator circuit for sensing impending failure of input power and responsively generating a signal indicative thereof.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 42 words

The invention set forth in claim 28 wherein said master processor section includes a first clock generator for providing a master processor clock signal and a second clock generator for providing a signal synchronizing a master processor and a first peripheral processor.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 34 words

The invention set forth in claim 31 wherein said master processor section further includes a second peripheral processor synchronized by said second clock generator and connectible in slave protocol relationship to a headend unit.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 27 words

The invention set forth in claim 32 wherein said signal from said first clock generator is directed to a divider circuit for providing a modem clock signal.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 25 words

The invention set forth in claim 31 wherein said controller further includes a communication interface means arranged in protocol slave relationship to said master processor.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 50 words

The invention set forth in claim 28 wherein analog input signals from field data points are converted to representative digital signals and directed to said processing means and wherein binary signals from said binary field data points may represent any combination of contact status, pulse rate and pulse count signals.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 31 words

The invention set forth in claim 28 wherein said processor means includes a time pulsed reset circuit for forcing a power-on-restart sequence, thereby resetting said processing means to a known state.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 51 words

The invention set forth in claim 36 wherein said field interface means includes a clock generator having a first oscillator for driving a binary interface means and a communication interface means and a second oscillator for providing a clock signal directed to said processor means and to an analog interfacing means.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 33 words

The invention set forth in claim 37 wherein said field interface means includes a circuit for sampling a reference voltage in said analog interface means, thereby providing means for effecting a voltage correction.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 54 words

The invention set forth in claim 28 wherein said operator panel includes a display section having a group of light-emitting diodes for indicating the operating mode and status of said controller, a display for indicating the function being addressed by said operator panel and a display for indicating the value of the addressed function.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 18 words

The invention set forth in claim 39 wherein said operator panel includes means for performing a self-test function.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1988-01-29	1988-07-30	1989-01-29	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1992-01-29	1992-07-30	1993-01-29	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1996-01-29	1996-07-30	1997-01-29	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Direct digital control apparatus for automated monitoring and control of building systems

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