GB2194088A - Energy control and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

An energy control and communication system for use in hotels comprises temperature sensing and control means situated in an area where temperature is to be controlled and linked by a TV coaxial cable system to remote computer means for control purposes. The link can also be used for communicating other data between the area and the computer means and a television receiver in the area can be linked to the system to display data. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Energy control and communication system This invention relates to an energy control and communication system especially but not exclusively for use in notels.

Hotels and the like generally have a number of independent systems covering the various room services such as heating, telephones, television and radio and intercom systems. Normally the heating system can be turned off or reduced in an individual room if the room is to be unoccupied for any length of time but generally remains on full power while a guest is in residence even though the guest will leave the room unoccupied for varying lengths of time during his stay. This leads to, in a large hotel, a significant waste of energy.

According to the present invention there is provided an energy control and communication system for use in hotels comprising temperature sensing and temperature control means situated in an area where temperature is to be controlled and system control means situated remotely from said area and communicating with said temperature sensing and temperature control means via a data link formed by a television aerial co-axial cable system.

Preferably, said sensing and control means includes means for detecting occupancy of said area such that the temperature level in said area may be adjustable in accordance with programmed data for occupied and non-occupied states of the area.

Preferably also, data input means are provided in the area so that data may be sent from the area to the computer means.

Preferably also, data display means are provided in the area so that data being sent to or received from the computer means may be displayed in the area.

Most preferably, said display means is a television set.

The system allows control signals for a heating and ventilating system and a data communication network to be superimposed onto a distributed co-axial television aerial system.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view of a room unit of an energy control and communications system of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a side view of the unit of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the keyboard of the unit of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the room system components of an energy control and communication system of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a schematic view of an energy control and communications system of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a schematic view of the main functional components of the room unit of Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is a view of a television screen having a time zone display utilising the system of the present invention;; Fig. 8 is a view of a television screen having a room service menu display utilising the system of the present invention; and Fig. 9 is a view of a television screen having a fire escape route display in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, an energy control and communication system, for use in hotels comprises a bedside control unit or room unit 1 which has a four channel radio, a touch sensitive keyboard 2 with a forty character by two column liquid crystal display 3. The room unit 1 has a main processor board 4 (Fig. 6) which includes Prestel electronics 5, a proximity detector and an ambient room temperature sensor. An RS232 socket is provided for the addition of a full QWERTY keyboard. The room unit 1 is connected to a junction box or wall unit 6 which includes a signal amplifier or booster, bandpass filters, network logic circuits, a main power supply and contactors for control of heating and ventilation equipment.

A central computer 7 (Fig. 5) is provided to manage the system and to download text or data and also to receive alarms and store data. The computer 7 is equipped with one or more modems 8 to provide an interface to the Prestel system. A printer is included to provide hard copy records of customer service requests.

The room unit 1 and wall unit 6 communicate with an in-room television set 9 which provides a display of information in accordance with instructions keyed into the system. The wall unit 6 communicates with the central computer 7 through the existing co-axial television aerial system.

In use, the basic function of the system is the saving of energy by controlling the room heating whilst a room is unoccupied. Default levels and set points for temperature control can be set by the hotel staff from the central computer with the co-axial television aerial system providing a network highway for data distribution throughout the building. The aerial system is utilised by inducing a carrier frequency for data. The data transmission facility of the aerial system is further used to provide a network for hotel service ordering, a variety of graphic displays, radio reception, a wake-up alarm, Prestel access, a security alarm and message hand ling.

Technical details of the system will now be described more fully in the following sections. A description of the general system will be followed by a description of the main keyboard functions and options and an overview of the physical requirements of the system.

A general system description follows covering the main aspects of the design and develop ment of a microprocessor based Energy Management and Information System for use in medium to large hotels and motels, with a room capacity of between 25 and 1000 units. The application of the system is not, however, restricted to the hotel industry and finds application in other residential organisations.

In order to avoid the expense and disruption of cabling throughout a hotel, the system utilises the existing television co-axial aerial system.

The primary function of the system is the provision of cost savings created by effective energy usage on a per room basis. Additional facilities can also be incorporated thus increasing the usefulness of the system.

The system utilises the television co-axial system for a number of reasons.

Most large hotels are already equipped with television in every room. The method of providing the television signals is normally the provision of one central receiving antenna with a Co-axial Distribution System aided by "boosters" providing a good quality signal throughout the hotel.

Thus, this transmission medium is already in existence in many cases.

A co-axial cable is ideaily suited to the type of transmission required being capable of providing the required band widths to cover television, audio and data transmission on a concurrent basis.

With the presence of a television set in each room a significant facility exists which can be utilised as a "monitor" to display information.

By selecting to utilise the television system as the basis of the system a selection of features can be provided, these include easily assimilated displays, hotel information, alarm information and even two-way room/reception audio visual communication with the ability to provide text in any selected language. Facilities exist to permit the use of Telecom Gold, Telex and other international interactive communications networks. The system may also be used to control lighting on a time and/or occupancy basis.

The product is in the form of an injection moulded casing with a touch-sensitive keyboard and built-in radio (referred to as the room unit) which will be situated on the bedside table. In addition, each room will be equipped with a "wall unit" providing interface to the heating system and also providing all terminations for co-axial cables and connectors to the room unit.

The wall unit also houses the unregulated power supply, the primary band pass filters for television, radio and data separation/transmission and the "teletext" module and local picture memory.

Data will be generated for the system by a control centre located in the hotel reception area, operated by the reception staff and the telephonist or, if desired, by a concierge department.

The generated data will be introduced into the co-axial distribution system by an amplifier, intercepting the normal television aerial signal. Transmission will utilise AM/FM techniques and will vary in transmission frequency on a per site basis to avoid interferance with other proprietary equipment.

Replacement broadband signal amplifiers will form part of the overall installation.

A basic system can be provided for installations not requiring the information and radio facilities. All methods of operation are fully compatible with the full function model. This model, however, only offers those facilities associated with energy control.

The energy only model comprises a wall unit similar to the full specification system, this wall unit houses the coaxial cable interface, the power supply and the heating control relays, it is not equipped with the teletext picture generator and memories.

The energy only model eliminates the requirement for the bedside unit and instead provides a unit which has the appearance of a replacement room thermostat. This unit has keys to modify the room temperature and a small LCD display. Within this unit are housed the proximity detection logic, the temperature sensing and the processor together with the memories and required logic.

Operation of the various system functions will now be described; ENERGY MANAGEMENT When the occupant enters the room a proximity detection facility will acknowiedge the presence of an occupant in a room. This detector will also provide the primary input for the "security" option. When the occupant enters his room the proximity detection within the room will recognise the presence of an occupant and will automatically initiate a change of state in the energy management function.

Each room will be equipped with an ambient temperature sensor and a series of output contacts which replace the room thermostat. A series of software control algorithms located in the room unit processor will maintain the temperature at a set point selected by the central station.

The central station scans all room units on a two second cycle including all status checks and requests for service. Utilising the occupancy status and by reference to timetables and booking status the central station will downline load a temperature setpoint selected from one of the following levels dependent upon requirements: Level 1-Unbooked Level 2-Booked but unoccupied Level fully occupied Level 4-Night setback Each of these levels, as well as all local control characteristics and timetables, is selected utilising security coded access to certain menu options in the central station.

The occupant may elect, with the use of his room unit keyboard and LCD, to display the ambient room temperature and the targeted setting. The occupant may, if he wishes, modify the target setting to his own desired level, he may also use his television set to provide a graphic display of the temperature and the target setting (Fig. 4).

Upon the occupant leaving the room for a period of time in excess of a pre-selected period, the room unit will revert to the default level automatically.

The colour graphic display on the television screen will be generated locally by the room unit.

An additional feature of the room unit acknowledging occupancy will be the feedback of occupancy data to the reception desk. This will be the fundamental method of operation for the individual room selected security function.

TIME AND ALARM The room unit is equipped with a liquid crystal display, which defaults to presenting time of day information for the occupant.

The occupant may set an audible alarm time, indication of an alarm set will be provided. Wake up will be by a synthesized tone.

The clock function is internally generated by a clock chip in the room unit. All room unit clocks are set by the time clock in the central station and regularly synchronised.

An additional feature is the generation of a world time-zones display on the television unit accessed through the INFORMATION option.

TEXT Text mode provides the room occupant with the ability to interrogate the Prestel and other external networks. In this mode, the room unit acts as a remote terminal to the central computer which is connected to the external network system by modem. TEXT is accessed through the INFORMATION option.

SYSTEM INTRODUCTION When the occupant wishes to utilise his television screen he must switch on the television and select a channel as prompted by the room unit. An introductory page of text and graphics on the television screen will provide system use instructions for the occupant. Access to this mode of operation is by pressing the HELP key in the room unit, a number of pages of text and graphic teletext display is available, all indexed from the first page.

The introduction "page" may be personalised with the occupant's name and a greetings message from the hotel. The personalised message is downline loaded from the central station in the reception area.

TELEVISION RECEPTION The system will not interfere with the normal channels of television reception or video channels which can be utilised as normal.

MESSAGES The room unit will be equipped with a MESSAGE WAITING indication.

To interrogate the message the occupant need only confirm the indication by pressing the MESSAGE key, following which the display on the room unit will display the message for a shortform message or request that the occupant switch on the television and tune to a certain channel for a fullform message. The television screen will display the text of the message in the appropriate format and language.

The text of the message is downline loaded from the reception desk control unit, having been typed in by the receptionist or telephone operator. For security reasons the message is not loaded from the central station to the room unit until the message key- is pressed in the room, this provides a check routine comparing the room number with the intended destination room.

Having interrogated the text message, the room unit will cancel the indication and await further messages. Up to six consecutive messages -can be retained in memory for sequential display.

The memory is "cleared" by a command code from the central computer when the guest checks out, or by the guest himself.

TELETEXT DISPLAYS The system provides sixty-four pages of locally generated text and graphics colour displays all generated by the central station.

These sixty-four pages are divided into groups. Each main group is selected for display by a group heading key, for example: HELP ROOM SERVICE INFORMATION By pressing the appropriate key on the room unit, the occupant is requested to switch on his television and select Channel XX. The first page in the selected group will be displayed and comprises instructions and an index to further pages in the group.

EXIT ROUTE DISPLA Y A graphic picture, generated initially by the central computer, will be downiine loaded to all selected room units and stored in non-volatile memory within the room unit.

This picture can represent the specific fire escape routes out of the hotel from the floor on which the occupant is a guest (Fig. 9).

This emergency escape route display is available within the INFORMATION group.

ROOM SERVICE In this mode the occupant can view and select his room service menu, the various options will be displayed on the television screen in the groups Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner-Beverages-etc.

The occupant makes his selection by input from the numerical section on his keyboard. Having selected his meal and in the case of breakfast, the time of required delivery, the system will display his order together with instructions on re-selection or informing him to press "enter" to confirm his order (Fig. 8).

The occupant's order will be printed on hard copy at the central computer together with time of ordering and room number. Three copies will normally be provided, one for catering, one for accounts and one for inclusion with the guest delivery. If required the central station can be equipped with a separate forms printer for this function.

FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS Further development is envisaged to provide a multi-lingual function enabling the room occupant to select text in his native tongue. After selection this will remain the default language until the occupant leaves the room irrespective of whichever display or instruction he chooses.

The basic system can be produced with specific features as required. These may be offered as a series of options which could include different methods of occupancy confirmation, cardkeys in room doors or manual and automatic means of sensing the presence of the room key in the appropriate storage point in the hotel reception area.

Details of the central computer control system will now be described.

As previously described, each room will possess its own independent, intelligent "room unit" with the ability to function in isolation for the majority of functions. This room unit will be capable of generating text and graphics specific to its own environment. However, a central computer is required to load downline the specific displays to the room units initially and to interact with the room units for message transmission and also to provide control over the energy control functions of the individual room units (Fig. 5).

The central control unit is an industry standard, commercially available IBM compatible computer providing a suitable disk-based software environment in which the operator can, with the use of ICON displays, monitor the status and any messages present in the system, control the operation of the system with single key entry utilising previously defined keys and a "mouse" controller, generate simple text and graphic displays in colour for downline loading and modify room service menus along with any other messages he wishes to display in the rooms. The central station is also programmed with three levels of security access, Level 1 permits the setting up of the system including the definitions of deadband, offset and reset period for the control algorithms in each room, Level 2 permits the setting of selected operating temperatures and the date and time of day, Level 3 permits access to all normal operator inputs including room service, messages and booking information. Optionally the booking information can be sourced from a third party computer, such as a booking and accounts system via an RS232 interface.

All graphic and text displays and all control settings are stored on the central systems disk to facilitate automatic system restoration in the event of a blackout or, in the more localised event, of the failure and subsequent replacement of a room unit.

The central station is equipped with a real time battery-backed clock to enable fully automatic system recovery.

All room units are scanned and serviced every two seconds with checks for operational status, occupancy, temperature, requests for attention and any alarm condition.

If a room unit develops a fault the local "watchdog" function dis-connects it from the communication pathway which results in an alarm condition at the central station. Once replaced the new room unit will receive a complete downline load and will re-start.

The system provides sixty-four pages of teletext type display, divided into Introduction, Room Service and Information groupings.

Utilising a pre-conceived textual layout the operator can insert such information as room service menus, details of hotel services etc. in a mix of graphics and text with colour.

In the case of room service, the room occupant can select any item or items from the service required and the corresponding selection will appear on a print-out at the central station in the reception area.

In order that the operator can monitor the system whilst performing other tasks, a window or series of windows is provided on the screen to provide information on alarm conditions.

The central station software and hardware are fully multitasking, with scanning being the main background task.

The central computer is capable of providing an indication of room occupancy on a time basis of maximum two seconds update. This facility can be utilised to provide an immediate print-out of all currently or recently occupied rooms in the event of emergency.

The central machine is equipped with RS232 interfaces to enable one or more auto-dial modems to facilitate automatic interrogation/communication with external networks such as Telecom Gold and Telex. This facility is accessed at room level via the INFORMATION option.

The central station will identify the rooms where the security option is selected, and will in the event of an entry to the room not re-set by bona-fide occupant entering his security code, indicate an "intruder" condition.

The central computer is capable of sending text messages to each room or the same message to all rooms sequentially.

There are two forms of message, the first is a short message scrolled on the LCD, the second is a full format message displayed on the television.

Each room will provide a standard introduction and system use display. This display can be personalised for the occupant, by the central machine. The introduction is obtained by the occupant selecting the HELP option on his room unit.

The central computer can define all time delays and default levels for room unit energy management throughout the hotel both on a per room and general basis.

In addition to the type of control required for bedrooms which incorporate timetabling, four discrete levels of heating and/or cooling and occupancy-based operation, the system can also control remote units (room units) installed in corridors, halls, ballrooms and other common areas.

The units within common areas are controlled by reference to time and desired temperature as set up by the central station using histogram displays with each bar representing thirty minutes.

There are eight such displays for each unit representing one for each day of the week and one which covers all days of the week. The temperature/time graph is drawn by the cursor as controlled by the "mouse".

A basic keyboard layout and the functions of individual keys will now be described. A selection of keys are provided with labels designating their functions, other functions may be associated with specifically numbered keys.

The functions associated with various keys are listed below, some of which are illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3: Labelled Keys K Number Keys Help O Information 1 Temperature 10 2 Room Service 11 3 Wake Up 4 Snooze 12 5 Cancel 13 6 Enter 14 7 Message 15 8 Time 16 9 Radio 17 Security Up Arrow 18 Down Arrow 19 The keyboard logic is designed to accommodate a total of twenty-four separate keys although in the example illustrated only twenty-one are shown. The actual layout of the keys and the individual functions can be modified to accommodate specific installation requirements. It is possible to add certain desired functions and it is equally possible to delete unwanted requirements.

The keyboard is a silkscreen printed touch-sensitive unit with a click motion tactile feedback.

The keyboard can be laid out in a style to suit the purchaser's requirement as can the relative position of the LCD display. The design of the injection moulded housing can be customised to suit the purchaser's requirements including badge engineering, colour, specific style requirements and surface or flush bulkhead mounting (Figs. 1 and 2).

The room unit automatically "sleeps" while the room is unoccupied, the LCD display providing no text, the energy management function continuing to operate at the unbooked or booked but unoccupied heating level. When the proximity sensor senses the presence of an occupant the LCD display energises and displays the time of day. The occupancy status is relayed to the central station where decisions are made as to the desired temperature level. If a change in level is required the central station downline loads the revised set point. If the "security alarm" option was selected the LCD would also prompt PLEASE KEY IN SECURITY CODE WITHIN SIXTY SECONDS.

There are sixty-four pages of teletext display available within the system, these pages are all generated by the central station and stored on disc. Should a room occupant wish to view a page of teletext he will select which page he wishes to view, this page will then be downloaded from the central station to the room unit in question, this data transfer is completed and displayed within ten seconds.

In order to speed up and simplify the guest selection within the sixty-four pages of teletext, the available sixty-four pages have been sub-divided into groupings, Group 1-HELP, Group 2-ROOM SERVICE, Group 3-INFORMATION. The number of available pages in each group is selectable within the central station environment.

HELP An occupant may select the HELP option by pressing a HELP key or an appropriate number key. The room occupant is prompted on the LCD: SWITCH ON TELEVISION TUNE CHANNEL 5 When the occupant switches on his television and selects Channel 5, he is presented with a display representing the first page of information available to him in the HELP group. This first page provides simple use instructions and an index to the subject matter contained within the subsequent pages of the HELP grouping. This first page is automatically called up by the room unit from the central station when the HELP option is selected, subsequent pages within the HELP group are called up from the central station as and when the occupant selects them.

INFORMA TION An occupant may select an INFORMATION option in a similar manner to the HELP option and, as with the HELP option, a group of teletext display pages as pre-defined by the central station are selected.

When the room occupant selects the INFORMATION option he is prompted to switch on his television and tune to the "CONCIERGE" channel. The first page displayed provides instructions and an index to further pages within the Information group.

The INFORMATION group is devised to enable the hotel to provide internal hotel information, facilities, promotions and advertising and useful data on local items of interest. Also, accessible in this group is the linking to external services such as Telecom Gold and Telex etc.

One of the display pages available with the INFORMATION group is EXIT ROUTES. This facility provides a graphic and textual display on the television screen in order to familiarise the occupant with the safe escape route from his sector of the hotel in the event of a fire. It is not intended that this facility should replace any of the standard fire alarm or safety notices within the hotel as required by local authority regulations, this facility is, however, intended as an additional safety feature (Fig. 9).

One of the Pages of display available within the INFORMATION group provides a WORLD TIME ZONE Display indicating the time at various key capital cities, accurate at the time of the display section. This display is generated at the central station and downloaded similarly to other displays. It differs, however, insomuch as it is not simply a reference to a disc stored picture but is generated at time of request utilising the real time clock in the central station (Fig. 7).

TEMPERA TURE DISPLA Y The TEMP mode key 10 enables the user to both display the current room temperature and to modify the temperature should he desire. The room unit will provide simple textual display and prompts, sufficient to operate the system. For exmple: ACTION RESPONSE ACTION RESPONSE press ROOM TEMP display ROOM TEMP XX DEG C TEMP SET AT XX DEG C ^ TO INCREASE v TO DECREASE TO INCREASE V TO DECREASE This option provides the room occupant with the same level of manual control he would have if his temperature were controlled by a conventional thermostat with the exception that he is limited by pre-defined maximums set by management.In addition, should he request a tempera ture more than a pre-defined limit higher than the original set point, the system will wait until this request is matched by room temperature before accepting a further request for increased temperature.

ROOM SERVICE As with the HELP and INFORMATION options, the ROOM SERVICE key 11 calls up a pre defined group of teletext pages from the available sixty-four pages. As with the other teletext access options the first display page in this group provides user instructions and an index to further pages in the group.

The room service displays offer a pre-defined number of ordering options which correspond to a structured database within the central station, thus enabling a simple "mapping" of selectable items i.e. page 32 item 12, could correspond to a specific meal. Items within the menu are selected on the keyboard of the room unit, once selected the item will change colour and indicate how many items have been requested. To confirm his order the occupant need only press the ENTER key 14 (Fig. 8).

The room service option provides the occupant with a pleasant and novel means by which he can order all room service. From a management point of view this option will provide print-outs of the occupants exact requirements, room number, name, time of order and time of requested delivery, a copy of which can be delivered to the room along with the delivery. Not only will this greatly increase the perceived level of service but it will, in addition, eliminate errors and reduce staff time. The functioning is as follows: ACTION RESPONSE ACTION press ROOM SERVICE display prompts PLEASE SWITCH ON TELEVISION AND SELECT CHANNEL X AND SELECT CHANNEL X The television display will provide a variety of options and instructions.When the selecton is completed the television will display the selected items and request the occupant to press the ENTER key 14 to confirm his order.

The selected items will now be printed out on a printer driven off the central computer, the print-out will be tagged with the room number, the time oforder,the requested delivery time and the itemised list of service selected. Three copies can be provided, one for accounts, one for catering and one for inclusion with the client's order. A separate printer utilising pre-printed forms can be provided.

WAKE UP "WAKE UP" alarm. This facility utilises the internal clock function to enable the room occupant to set an electronic alarm clock. This alarm is set on a twenty-four hour basis to avoid inadvertently rousing a subsequent occupant. The functioning is as follows: ACTION RESPONSE ACTION RESPONSE press ALARM display shows 00.00 AND v TO ADJUST (hours flashing) use UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW to adjust hours 07.00 display prompts ENTER TO SET HOURS (hours cease flashing) (minutes flashing) use UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW to adjust minutes 07.45 display prompts ENTER TO SET ALARM {selected time displayed) * FLASHES to indicate that alarm is set 07.45 * 07.45 * WAKE UP ALARM is temporarily silenced by pressing SNOOZE.

WAKE UP ALARM is cancelled by pressing CANCEL.

MESSAGES There are two distinct types of message available within the system: Shortform Message for display on the LCD.

Fullform Message-for display on the television screen.

The presence of a message is indicated to the occupant by a small light 15a centred in the MESSAGE key 1 5 and by a low tone from the speaker at five minute intervals.

All messages entered at the central station cause the MESSAGE WAITING indication to activate in the specific room or rooms for which the message is intended. The message itself remains resident in the central station until the MESSAGE key 15 is pressed in the appropriate room(s). This action causes the room unit to request that the central station transmit the message. The central station transmits the message only after checking the actual room number against the proposed destination.

A shortform message comprising one to four lines of sixteen characters each line may be displayed. When the client acknowledges the message by pressing MESSAGE, the sixteen character LCD in the bedside unit will relay the message by displaying one sixteen character line of text followed by the next line and so on repeating until the client either presses CANCEL or selects another option.

A fullform message comprising a teletext page detailing the message, source and timing to a pre-defined standard format may be displayed on the television screen. The client presses his MESSAGE key 15, the LCD prompts SWITCH ON TELEVISION-TUNE CHANNEL 5, the teletext page appears on the television.

TIME Time display is the natural default display of the room unit, if the occupant has not touched the keyboard for a predefined period of time the room unit will default to the time display. The client may, if he has been utilising any other mode, return to the time display by pressing the TIME key 16. The display will alternate between date and time. The TIME DISPLAY is internally generated with the use of a dedicated timer chip, the actual time and date is set by the central station and regularly synchronised.

RADIO The radio has four pre-tuned channels, these are provided by four tuners centrally located in the hotel. The signals from these four channels are superimposed onto the co-axial cable carrying the television signals around the confines of the hotel. The RADIO option is selected by pressing the RADIO key 17.

Selection of the channel required is provided by the touchsensitive keyboard: ACTION RESPONSE ACTION RESPONSE press RADIO display prompts SELECT CHANNEL 1, 2, 3 or 4 SELECT CHANNEL 1, 2, 3 or 4 press key 1, 2, 3 or 4 radio switches to channel The volume control is an edgewise potentiometer protruding through the front of the room unit housing.

SECURITY ROOM SECURITY ALARM. This facility has two modes of operation, the first is exclusively for the use of hotel mapagement and enables management to detect persons present in occupied or unoccupied rooms. The second mode of operation allows the occupant of a room to set an intruder alarm which will alert the reception area of any unauthorised entry to the room.

The system in each room is equipped with a detector to indicate the presence of an occupant, the primary purpose of this detector is to enable efficient control of the energy consumption on a per room basis. This detector is also utilised as the primary input for the security system.

When an occupant selects the security option by pressing a SECURITY key, he is requested to key in his own personally selected six figure security code (perhaps his birthdate), followed by the ENTER key 14 after which he has three minutes to leave the room. Anyone entering the room must now key in the same six figure code within sixty seconds, failing which the alarm condition is notified to the reception.

When a client checks out of thehotel the security status is cancelled by notification of his departure and a management code. If the client forgets his own code, the management can cancel the security status from the central computer with appropriate access codes. All security status is logged onto disk.The functioning of the SECURITY option may be as follows: ACTION RESPONSE ACTION RESPONSE press SECURITY display prompts PLEASE KEY IN SIX FIGURE CODE PLEASE KEY IN SIX FIGURE CODE key in xxxxxx display echoes xxxxxx display prompts IF CORRECT PRESS ENTER LEAVE ROOM WITHIN THREE MINUTES ROOM WITHIN THREE MINUTES After three minutes the unit will revert to standby mode, if the presence of a person is detected the unit will display the message PLEASE KEY IN SECURITY CODE WITHIN SIXTY SECONDS WITHIN SIXTY SECONDS A CANCEL key 13 allows an undesired command to be cancelled.

A brief summary of the system will now be given to provide further information on the system components themselves, in addition to the functional information already provided.

The system is in the nature of a distributed network of intelligent microprocessors, all within the confines of one site and supervised by a central computer. External data is introduced to the system by means of interfaces to the central computer and also by injecting radio frequency carriers into the communications medium which is the coaxial aerial as used by the normal television network. Television sets local to each microprocessor are utilised as the monitor to each microprocessor, this will not interfere with normal television use (Fig. 5).

The system comprises: Central Computer Radio Tuner Central Main Amplifier Wall Unit(s) Proximity Detector(s) Room Unit(s) The system is designed to provide the following functions: Energy Control Temperature Control Security Access to Room Service Access to Information Messages Wake Up Alarm Four Channel Radio CENTRAL STATION The central station is an industry standard IBM compatible computer with the following facilities as standard and as options:: Up to 1Mb of Main Memory Multi-tasking Floppy Disc Drive Winchester Disc Full Qwerty and Numerical Keys Software Definable Keys Mouse Cursor Control Monochrome High Resolution Display Colour Medium Resolution Display Middi Port (36Kb) Serial Interface RS232 Interfaces Centronics Interfaces Dot Matrix NLQ and Graphics Printer Real Time BBU Clock UPS Unit RADIO TUNER The radio tuner is a standard FM, LM, MW, SW receiver stack with four separate tuners, each of which is tuned to a separate channel. These receivers all provide output which is amplitude modulated, each channel outputting at a different carrier frequency. The four AM outputs are frequency separated and fed to an internal mixer amplifier where they are re-transmitted on a single co-axial cable at an amplitude of approximately 2.5v RMS.This wideband signal containing four separate programs is transmitted to a central amplifier which re-transmits the signals throughout the premises on a co-axial cable which also carries the television signals and the computer data. The wideband signal is received by all the room units where, on request, it is de-modulated by the selected channel receiver to provide one touch tuning to four different channels (Fig. 5).

CENTRAL AMPLIFIER The central amplifier is designed to receive signals from the co-axial television aerial, boosters and mixers. In addition to the normal television and video signals the amplifier is designed to receive and transmit the signal from the four channel radio tuner and mixer and to modulate and de-modulate signals going to and coming from the central computer (Fig. 5).

It is possible to tune the central amplifier to any desired frequencies in a wide band, in order to accommodate local requirements and to include the transmission of signal sourced from third party equipment such as security equipment and video selection equipment.

WALL UNIT Each room is equipped with a wall unit which mounts unobtrusively on the wall or skirting board close to the coaxial socket.

Each wall unit requires a mains power supply which can be provided by a plug but preferably by a spur unit off the ring main.

The wall unit is the main junction box in each room. It receives signals from the co-axial cable network and outputs to the television set. It also provides the connections to the room unit by the bedside and to the proximity detector and heating plant (Fig. 6, Item 6).

Each wall unit comprises: Unregulated Power Supply Main Printed Circuit Board Heating Control Relays Unregulated power supply provides the required rectified power for a wall unit, room unit and proximity detector.

On the main printed circuit board are mounted the receiving interface to the co-axial aerial input, separation for television signals, data signals and radio signals. Also mounted on this board is the teletext picture generator and memory.

On the heating control relays there are three encapsulated double pole changeover relays mounted on the power supply board. These relays are the interface to the heating/air conditioning controls.

PROXIMITY DETECTOR Each room is fitted with a passive infra-red proximity detection device, sensitive to the movement of room occupants. This unit is positioned in such a way to ensure that any person entering the room is detected.

ROOM UNIT The room unit comprises an injection moulded casing housing the following main components: (Fig. 6 Radio/Control Unit).

Processor Random Access Memory Read Only Memory Temperature Sensor A/D Interface Keyboard Radio Tuner Room Number Coding Relay Drive Logic Liquid Crystal Display Message LED Watchdog Logic Power Regulator The processor is an eight bit cpu, currently a 6502 but other processor chips may be utilised to provide contract specific requirements. This section also includes all necessary timing devices and support chips.

The random access memory is presently 8K but expandible to 64K. This random access memory holds all downloaded set-up data and operates as a scratch pad for all communications.

The read only memory is presently 4K but expandible to 64K. This read only memory contains the software code by which the system operates.

The temperature sensor is currently an AD590 laser trimmed linear response, current loop device which can be mounted in the room unit, exposed to ambient temperature or mounted remotely. Calibrated by an onboard offset potentiometer.

The A/D interface is a high speed sample and hold eight bit converter providing a temperature measurement resolution of better than 0.5 degrees F.

The keyboard is a silkscreen printed legend on keys, configured to specific client taste and requirement. Currently, but not restricted to a one piece multi-contact, custom tooled, tactile feedback, printed circuit unit.

The radio tuner is a four channel varicap tuned super hetrodyne receiver. Tuning effected by keyboard entry, software controlled with selection effected via a multichannel, software controlled switch selecting any one of four pre-tuned mini potentiometers. Volume control by slimline 180 degrees potentiometer with edge on thumbwheel.

Room number coding is required, as being a mass produceable unit, it is necessary to differentiate one room unit from another. Individual locational identity is configured by a series of DIN switches providing the codes 0 to 999. Configuration will normally equate with room number.

Relay drive logic comprises power drive output transistors with which to effect the control over the plant interface relays, these output drivers are in turn controlled via software operating a software-switched device.

The liquid crystal display is currently a sixteen character single line device but the design can support up to a four line forty character device. This liquid crystal display provides the primary operator interface.

The message light emitting diode is a high intensity, miniature LED, mounted with the MES SAGE key and controlled by software.

Watchdog logic comprises a specialised circuit which will, under a lack of instruction from the self-diagnostic software routine, cause the forced isolation of all communications to the central station in a failsafe manner. This in turn will create an alarm condition at the central station.

The power regulator is a solid state device utilising the raw unregulated supply line from the wall unit and providing the required stable power supply levels for all equipment within the room unit.

ENERGY ONLY MODEL In the energy only model system all principles will remain compatible with the full function system. The only modification being the elimination of the components not required.

The energy only system comprises: Central Station Main Amplifier Wall Units Room Unit Proximity Detector The central station is as full specification system but with monochrome display and floppy disc.

The main amplifier is as per full specification system.

The wall units are as full specification system but without the teletext circuits.

The room units are as with full specification system but requiring only a reduced keyboard, a reduced display, a lower level of support hardware and no radio. This equipment will be housed in a different form of casing resembling a replacement thermostat, which may, if required, also house the heating interface relays formerly housed in the wall unit.

Modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (6)

1. An energy control and communication system for use in hotels comprising temperature sensing and temperature control means situated in an area where temperature is to be controlled and system control means situated remotely from said area and communicating with said temperature sensing and temperature control means via a data link formed by a television aerial co-axial cable system.

2. A system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said temperature sensing and temperature control means includes means for detecting occupancy of said area and varying the temperature level in said area in accordance with programmed data for occupied and non-occupied states of the area held by the system control means.

3. A system as claimed in Claims 1 or 2, wherein data input means are provided inthe area so that data may be sent from the area to the system control means.

4. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein display means are provided in the area for display of data sent or received via the data link.

5. A system as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the display means is a television receiver.

6. An energy control and communicating system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.