Robert D. Howerton

Bio: Robert D. Howerton is an academic researcher from Tecom. The author has contributed to research in topics: Building automation & System bus. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 7 publications receiving 1200 citations.

Engery management and building automation system

Abstract: An energy management and building automation system including a local area network or home automation data bus such as the CEBus. Each load is connected to the bus via a control module which may contain a circuit breaker to disconnect the load from the mains upon command or upon occurrence of a power outage. Current monitoring control modules measure load current and power monitor modules monitor power consumed by selected loads, both modules transmitting bus messages indicating load status and status changes. A first microcomputer preferably is external to the customer premises, adjacent the electric utility power meter. A second microcomputer preferably is inside the customer premises. The two microcomputers communicate with each other and with the various modules via the network/data bus. The first microcomputer communicates with the utility company via any appropriate communications link. The second microcomputer serves, in part, as an input/output terminal for the system, allowing the customer to set parameters and query the system as to power usage, displaying reports requested by the customer and messages transmitted by the utility company and by either microcomputer. The first microcomputer acts as a master controller and/or network server, communicating with the world outside the premises, as a communications gateway between voice, video and data services, and being the primary data collector and operator of load control modules; the second microcomputer provides certain backup functions. The utility company can access selected utilization data and control at least some loads via messages to the first microcomputer.

Energy management and building automation system

Abstract: An energy management and building automation system including a local area network or home automation data bus. Each load to be controlled is connected to the bus via a control module. A first microcomputer preferably is placed externally to the customer premises, adjacent the electric utility power meter. A second microcomputer preferably is placed inside the customer premises. The two microcomputers communicate with each other and with the various load control modules. The first microcomputer communicates with the utility company via any appropriate communications link. The second microcomputer serves, in part, as an input/output terminal for the system, allowing the customer to set parameters and query the system as to historical and current energy and power usage information by individual loads or by the entire customer premises. It displays reports requested by the customer, relative to current and historical energy consumption by individual loads and/or the premises and also displays messages transmitted by the utility company and by either microcomputer. The first microcomputer acts as a master controller and/or network server, communicating with the world outside the premises and being the primary data collector and operator of load control modules, with the second microcomputer providing certain backup and input/output (e.g., events scheduling and report generation) functions.

System for rate-related control of electrical loads

Abstract: An energy management and building automation system including a local area network or home automation data bus such as the CEBus. Each load to be controlled is connected to the bus via a control module. A control module may contain a relay or switch (hereafter referred to as a "breaker" or "circuit breaker") to disconnect the load from the mains upon command or upon occurrence of a power outage, or in either case. Current monitoring control modules determine whether connected loads are drawing current and power monitor modules monitor the power consumed by selected loads (from which energy consumption may be calculated). Both types of monitors may place on the bus messages to indicate load status or changes in load status. A first microcomputer preferably is placed externally to the customer premises, adjacent (or even within the housing of) the electric utility power meter. A second microcomputer preferably is placed inside the customer premises. The two microcomputers communicate with each other and with the various load control modules via the network/data bus.

System for measuring electrical power interruptions

Abstract: A system for measuring electrical power interruptions in an electrical power distribution system to a customer premises, controlling the restoration of loads to the electrical power grid after power is restored following an outage, and facilitating preventive maintenance on the electrical power distribution system so that the reliability of power distribution is enhanced. A load control module is associated with each load whose power restoration is to be controlled. Following the occurrence of a power outage, when power is restored, an instruction is transmitted to each load control module by a controller at the premises to enable reconnection of the associated load to the power distribution system in a predefined sequence. At each customer premise, the power feed cable is monitored for the presence of a power signal thereon. When a power interruption occurs, the elapsed time is measured; and upon resumption of power delivery on the cable, a message is transmitted to the energy provider containing an indication of the occurrence of the interruption and the time thereof.

Energy management and building automation system energy management and building automation system

Abstract: An energy management and building automation system including a local area network or home automation data bus such as the CEBus. Each load is connected to the bus via a control module which may contain a circuit breaker to disconnect the load from the mains upon command or upon occurrence of a power outage. Current monitoring control modules measure load current and power monitor modules monitor power consumed by selected loads, both modules transmitting bus messages indicating load status and status changes. A first microcomputer preferably is external to the customer premises, adjacent the electric utility power meter. A second microcomputer preferably is inside the customer premises. The two microcomputers communicate with each other and with the various modules via the network/data bus. The first microcomputer communicates with the utility company via any appropriate communications link. The second microcomputer serves, in part, as an input/output terminal for the system, allowing the customer to set parameters and query the system as to power usage, displaying reports requested by the customer and messages transmitted by the utility company and by either microcomputer. The first microcomputer acts as a master controller and/or network server, communicating with the world outside the premises, as a communications gateway between voice, video and data services, and being the primary data collector and operator of load control modules; the second microcomputer provides certain backup functions. The utility company can access selected utilization data and control at least some loads via messages to the first microcomputer.

Interactive television program guide with remote access

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc.

System and method for monitoring and controlling remote devices

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. In one aspect, a system is configured to monitor utility meters (613) in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters (614), each integrated into a sensor (612) adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers (221) that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway (210) to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer (260) on a network (230). The dedicated computer collects, compiles and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network. The computer further includes means for evaluating the received information and identifying an appropriate control signal to be applied at a designated actuator.

System and method of controlling an HVAC system

Abstract: A system and method manage delivery of energy from a distribution network to one or more sites. Each site has at least one device coupled to the distribution network. The at least one device controllably consumes energy. The system includes a node and a control system. The node is coupled to the at least one device for sensing and controlling energy delivered to the device. A control system is coupled to the node and distribution network for delivering to the node at least one characteristic of the distribution network. The node for controls the supply of energy to the device as a function of the at least one characteristic.

Interactive television program guide system having multiple devices within a household

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. The system coordinates the operation of the interactive television program guides so that the program guide settings that were adjusted with the given interactive television program guide are used by the other interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc. The operation of applications such as web browser applications, home shopping applications, home banking applications, game applications, etc. may also be coordinated.

Environmental condition control and energy-management system and method

Abstract: An indoor environmental condition control and energy-management system includes a plurality of inputs. A user input receives user input parameters including a desired indoor environmental condition range for at least one energy unit price point. An indoor environmental condition input receives a sensed indoor environmental condition. An energy price input receives a schedule of projected energy unit prices per time periods. A processor, coupled to the inputs, computes an environmental condition deadband range for multiple energy unit price points based on the user input parameters and controls at least one energy-consuming load device to maintain the indoor environmental condition within the computed deadband range for a then-current energy unit price point. In an embodiment, the environmental condition includes at least temperature and the at least one load device includes a heating and cooling system. The processor, in one embodiment, communicates through a communications link with at least one energy supply company and selects one energy supply company for a premise to minimize energy consumption cost.