Mcc Powers

Roderick J Dougherty, Jr

Kenneth P Belau

Robert L Old, Jr

Darrell N Chelcun

Communications methods and apparatus are disclosed for multiple subsystem intercommunication for supervisory and control systems such as can be found in heating, air conditioning, energy control and other environmental control equipment that are installed in buildings and the like. The present invention provides an improved system which includes improved distribution means wherein data from individual distribution panels is discriminantly transmitted to the host computer as a function of the present sampled data and the data previously transmitted, preferably wherein the present rate of data transmission to the host computer is determined as a function of the previous rate of transmission. The present invention provides distribution means wherein the characterization or definition of the specific function operations that are to be performed by individual control point apparatus can be carried out by instructions that are provided by an operator from a central or host computer. A distribution means is provided whereby the present rate of data transmission from a remote unit to a host computer may be selectively determined as a function of the previous rate of transmission from that remote unit, and may also be determined as a function of the rate of communication (bandwidth) of communication to the host unit from the remote units. Means are provided for adapting change of value band limits which must be exceeded for transmission of an information signal (corresponding to the sampled data signal) to be output from a remote unit to the host unit. Additionally, means are provided for adjusting the change of value discriminant band limits as a function of the sampled data signal.

Supervisory and control system having dynamic significant change of

An improved distribution system for use in supervising and controlling temperature and other environmental conditioning equipment of a building or the like is disclosed. The distribution system is used in conjunction with a host or central computer. The distribution system includes one or more distribution panels which communicate with the host computer as well as with various control point apparatus that gather temperature, humidity, and other types of values, or gather status information regarding electrical switch states and the like. Other types of control point apparatus control electric motor starters, motors, or other control equipment for controlling environmental conditions or general energy use. The distribution panels have various function means therein which are capable of receiving digital input signals, providing digital output signals to control point apparatus, receiving frequency analog input signals, pneumatic analog input and output signals, and the like. The function means have the capability of being uniquely characterized with respect to the type of operation that is to be performed and certain function means can also be characterized to selectively provide change of value reporting to the central computer as well as significant change of value reporting. Moreover other function means can be characterized to provide output signal levesl or output pulses depending upon the characterization and such characterization is accomplished by an operator at the central or host computer with no switching or other manipulation being required at the distribution panel.

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Oak Park, IL, United States of America

Roderick J Dougherty, Jr