FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to an automated switch panel with two way communication. More particularly, the present invention provides a control mechanism to control the switch panel from a local/remote location.
BACKGROUND & PRIOR ART OF THE INVENTION
The switch unit is coupled to the electrical circuitry such that it can open or close the electrical path of said electrical circuitry. The switch unit comprises a pair of separable contacts per phase, a pivoting contact arm per phase, an operating mechanism and an operating handle. In the over current condition, all the pairs of separable contacts are disengaged or tripped for opening the electrical circuitry. When the over current condition is no longer present, the circuit breaker can be reset such that all the pairs of separable contacts are engaged for closing the electrical circuitry.
In addition to manual over current protection via the operating handle, automatic over current protection is also provided via the trip unit. The trip unit, coupled to the switch unit, senses the electrical circuitry for the over current condition and automatically trips the circuit breaker. When the over current condition is sensed, a tripping mechanism included in the trip unit actuates the operating mechanism, thereby disengaging the first contact from the second contact for each phase.
Switchgear and switchboard are general terms used to refer to electrical equipment including metal enclosures that house switching and interrupting devices such as fuses, circuit breakers and relays, along with associated control, instrumentation and metering devices. The enclosures also typically include devices such as bus bars, inner connections and supporting structures (referred to generally herein as "panels") used for the distribution of electrical power. Such electrical equipment can be maintained in a building such as a factory or commercial establishment, or it can be maintained outside such facilities and exposed to environmental weather conditions. Typically, hinge doors or covers are provided in front of the switchgear or switchboard sections for access to the devices contained therein.
In addition to electrical distribution and protection of circuitry from over current conditions, components have been added to panels for the control of electrical power to loads connected with circuit breakers.
One system used for controlling electrical power to loads utilizes a remote-operated circuit breaker system. In such a system, the switch unit of the circuit breaker operates not only in response to an over current condition, but also in response to a signal received from a control unit separate from the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker is specially constructed for use as a remote-operated circuit breaker, and contains a motor for actuating the switch unit.
Known remote-operated circuit breaker systems or switch board systems requires a user to configure operation, such as programming on and off times and the like. The complexity of the desired operation may prove problematic and time consuming for a user to perform set up procedures.
Reference may be made to the following known arts:
US patent no 7,558,651 relates to a dynamically configurable electrical distribution system for selectively connecting an electrical power source to load devices. The system comprises an electrical distribution panel and a plurality of switching devices mounted in the panel, each electrically connected between an electrical power source and an associated load device for selectively delivering electrical power to the associated load device. A control system is mounted to the panel for controlling operation of the switching devices. The control system comprises a programmed controller for commanding operation of the switching devices and a memory that stores configuration information relating to operation of the switching devices.
US patent no 7,106,261 discloses a system for remotely controlling an electrical switching device. The system includes a mounting fixture configured to be mounted in a wall. An electrical switching device is supported by the mounting fixture. The system also includes a cover configured to cover at least a portion of the mounting fixture. The system further comprises a shielding plate configured to have a high electrical conductivity. The predetermined distance is selected to increase the capability of the RF antenna to forward and receive the RF signals.
Publication no JP2007035971 provides a controller for capacitive switch. The controller singularly checks an operation independently and prevents a switch from malfunctioning even if an interfering wave applies.
Publication no CN2395496 is directed to an intelligent multiple control switch which is suitable for the occasions such as families or public lighting places where the illumination of multiple places is controlled at one location. The intelligent multiple control switches comprising a switch box body, a membrane switch which is fixed on a panel in the switch box body and a circuit board of an electronic element.
Publication no CN101436319 relates to an intelligent control method for an appliance switch. The intelligent control method for the appliance switch comprises a controller which sends out a control signal to a computer intelligent control center through a communication network. After receiving the control signal, the computer intelligent control center verifies the account number and password of an intelligent appliance switch to be controlled and then sends a control signal to a corresponding receiver which is arranged inside the controlled appliance. After receiving the control signal, the receiver sends an execution signal to an actuator to realize the switching control of the appliance. Then after completing the switching action, the actuator sends a corresponding message to the controller. The method is suitable for the automatic turning-on control of appliances, car doors and door locks.
Publication no JP2073405 discloses an integrated controller for home electrical appliance. The invention improves the handling performance of the home electrical equipments by connecting a command input means, a time setting means, the type setting means and a lock means which are controlled all at once, to an arithmetic control means and actuating this control means via a communication means as well as an electric light wire.
US patent no 7,233,831 is directed to a system and method for controlling programmable lighting systems. The control system may be adapted to control one or more lighting systems (e.g. stand-alone or networked lighting systems). The control system may also have a user interface (e.g. dial or button) such that a user can make a program selection and/or alter a lighting control feature. The user may make a selection on the enablement system such that only the two desired programs are available from through the user interface.
US patent no 6,970,751 relates to a method and apparatus for providing a simple user interface for programming scenes and multi-way groups in a home automation and control system . Each device participating in the home automation and control system is equipped with control logic for providing the simple programming interface.
US patent no 6,813,525 relates to a system for incorporating energy management circuit breakers (EMCBs) in new or existing electrical distribution panels. A programmable control system includes a control module having one or more inputs to which an external sensor device may be connected and one or more outputs to which an external actuator device capable of manual override and providing a status feedback signal may be connected.
US patent no 7,566,986 provides a system for selectively distributing electrical power from an electrical power source to a plurality of load circuits. The system includes a plurality of remote operated devices, each device being electrically connected to the electrical power source and to one of the plurality of load circuits for selectively delivering the electrical power to the one load circuit; a serial communications line interconnecting the plurality of remote operated devices and a

plurality of select lines, each remote operated device being connected to a single select line, each select line being connected to at most one remote operated device wherein each remote operated device is configured to execute commands received on the serial communications line only upon assertion of the select line connected to the remote operated relay.
Publication no CN2729983 (Y) relates to a remote control electrical shock circuit breaker. The utility model is composed of a detecting electrode, a detecting circuit, a remote control coding signal generating and transmitting circuit, a remote control coding signal receiving and decoding circuit, a trip signal generating circuit and a breaking actuating mechanism wherein, the remote control coding signal reception and code translation and a trip signal generation can also be made into independent receiving and control apparatuses. This invention is a shock break circuit.
Publication no CN201336755 relates to a switch comprising a casing, a panel clamped at the mouth part of the casing, a manual switch arranged on the panel, a receiver module arranged inside the casing and a receiving hole corresponding to the receiver module arranged on the panel, wherein, the receiver module receives radio control signals and outputs a switching value signal. This invention is controlled by IR signals and limited to lighting loads only. This does not includes remote monitoring.
US patent no 3,673,484 relates to unique remote control circuit is used to permit the automatic control of switches and switchboards from a remote location. The remote control circuit of this invention permits such control with only one low-power control wire per switch.
The control circuit is a simple transistorized comparator circuit which drives a rotary solenoid which causes the controlled or slave switch to move to a position corresponding to the position of the control or master switch.
Publication no MX2010001007 relates to a wireless lighting system includes an enclosure containing a lighting load. The enclosure has a panel that is movable to access an inside of the enclosure, and the panel has a closed position and at least one open position. The system also includes a self-energizing switch that is actuated to transmit a wireless signal by a movement of the panel to or from the closed position. A receiver is operable to selectively couple the lighting load to a power supply in response to the signal from the self-energizing switch. This patent does not include two way communication and remote monitoring.
Publication no EP2058829 relates to a wireless switch module is fitted with a frame (1) and a covering board to form a wireless switch assembly (100a) for installing on a wall or assembled into a movable adapted-box. The wireless switch module comprises one switch cell (5) and one control unit (7). The switch cell (5) comprises a switch circuit (54), a switch button (52) and a relay (53). The control unit (7) comprises a micro control circuit (72) coupled with the relay (53). This patent does not include two way communication and remote monitoring/ management.
Publication no 20090058681 relates to a system for wirelessly controlling marker lights comprising a remote controller comprising a transmitter and one or more marker lights. Each of the marker lights comprise a receiver and processing means, and each of the marker
lights have a configuration mode in which the processing means is adapted to cause the receiver to wirelessly receive data from the transmitter. This patent does not include two way communication and remote monitoring/management.
Some of the conventional systems talk about monitoring through remote location. No such switch panel with two way communication exists which communicates with the circuit breaker (CB) through a controller and provides a secure method of monitoring and control/automation through a local/remote location. In light of the above, there is a requirement of a switch panel which can perform the operation as per the user's instructions from the local/remote location.
In order to overcome the above said drawbacks, the present invention provides a controller based automated switch panel with the two way communication, which can be monitored and controlled through local/remote location. The invention discloses a secure system and method for the control/automation of electrical panels.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Primary object of the present invention is to provide a controller based automated switch panel which can be controlled from a remote location.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a switch panel which communicates with the circuit breaker (CB) through a controller.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a secure system and method for the automation of electrical panels.
Yet another object is to provide a switch panel which can be programmed by the user from a remote location.
Yet another object is to provide a method and system in which a user can give the command for the operation from a remote location through a hand held device.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a switch panel which communicates with the user through a circuit breaker.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an automated switch which communicates through a wireless communication media.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an automated switch panel which saves panels from faulty conditions.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for a switch panel which saves the panels from damage due to abnormal conditions.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a user interface device comprising a touch screen display or a screen with keypad used by the user to enter configuration information.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a controller based automated switch panel which can be controlled by the user from a local/remote location. The panel comprises such as but not limited to switches, controllers, a memory to remember the condition of the switch when the power goes off, a toggle switch, a membrane pad, a keypad, a display and a charger unit connected to each other. The loads can also be controlled from the local /remote location through a hand held device. The user interacts with the panel through a communication media. The switch can be on or off with which the load can be switched on or off. The user can check the status of the load from any location. Any person can operate the same and check the parameters displayed on the display of the hand held device.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the invention provides a secure method of automated switch panel which is locked and protected by the password or unique identification with one hand held device when the user desires to program with other hand held device.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the switches are connected to the controller of the panel or alternately each switch has its own controller which communicates with the main controller of the panel. Switches used in the panel are digital or analog controlled switches.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the light can be On/ Off/ Dim through these switches as per the requirement. A switch is provided on the board which is used for performing On/ Off/ Dimming operations.
In another embodiment of the present invention, other functions such as but not limited to the speed control or voltage or current control can also be preformed through the above said system.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION
According to this invention, there is provided a controller based automated switch panel comprising of atleast one switch connected to load wherein each of the switches is connected to sub controller, a main controller connected to sub-controller(s) or switches, a memory unit, a toggle switch, a membrane pad, a keypad, a display unit, charger unit and a wired/ wireless communication system connected to each other via communication media wherein the switch/s and sub-controllers are assigned a unique identification number and controlled locally/remotely using a handheld device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Further objects and advantages of this invention will be more apparent from the ensuing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing and wherein:
Fig. 1 shows block diagram of the automated switch panel according to the present invention.
Fig 2 shows the flow chart according to the present invention
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO
THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
Reference may be made to fig. 1 and 2 wherein the present invention discloses a controller based automated switch panel 10 which can be controlled by the user from a local/remote location using a handheld device. The panel 10 comprises such as but not limited to plurality of switches 101, 102, 103...... N or N+l, sub-controllers 201, 202,
203 N or N+l connected to each of the switches101, 102, 103
N or N+l, a main controller 200 connected to either sub- controllers
201, 202, 203 N or N+l or directly connected to switches, a
memory unit 301 to remember the conditions of the switch, a toggle switch 401, a membrane pad 501, a keypad 601, a display 701, a charger unit 801, a power storing equipment(1000) and a wired/ wireless communication system 901 connected to each other. The switches may be selected from any automatically operated digital or analog controlled switches such as but not limited to the circuit
breaker. The switches 101, 102, 103. N or N+l are connected to the
main controller 200 of the panel or alternately each switch 101, 102,
103 N or N+l has its own controller 201, 202, 203 N or N+l
respectively which communicates with the main controller 200 of the
pane110. Switches 101, 102, 103. N or N+l used in the panel 10
are digital or analog controlled switches. The main controller 200
controls the switches 101, 102, 103 N or N+l as well as the sub-
controllers201, 202, 203 N or N+l. Unique codes are generated
and assigned to the switches 101, 102, 103 N or N+l and sub-
controllers 201, 202, 203 N or N+l respectively which are stored
in the memory 301 of panel 10. The memory 301 also stores the configuration information relating to operation of the switches 101,
102, 103. Thus, the information of the switches 101, 102, 103 N
or N+l of the panels 10 gets forwarded to the controller 200 of the CB. The controller 200 of the CB transfers the information of all the panels to the user at local/remote location through wired or wireless
communication media. A hand held device 20 with such as but not limited to the touch screen display or a screen with keypad is provided for the user interface so as to enter configuration information by user. The user receives/ accesses the information through hand held device 20 at local/remote location. The user gives the command to the controller of the CB so as to control the panel/ switches (by describing the codes) on the panel 10. The codes are the list of predefined commands which is recognized at all layers of communication. The size of code list is not restricted to any number or count. The controller is equipped with both standard and user configurable codes. Standard codes perform the standard functionalities and activities, which are related to basic features of switch panels. Configurable commands can be used by user/operator to create his own code sets. This provides users freedom to make their own customized commands and action codes. Thus the load connected to the respective switch is controlled remotely as per the user's choice or configuration. The identified codes are then converted to respective task list categorized by switch identification number which is either identified by the controller or configured by user/operator as shown in flowchart. The master controller executes the scripts defined against each code and sends it to the sub-controllers. The sub-controllers against each switch act as a client and follow the instructions of master controller 200. Apart from managing the sub-controllers, master controller also takes care of all external interfaces and interrupts. The master controller processes the read/write operations in memory. It is the main interface between switches and charging unit, input devices. The master controller also interfaces external communication media including wired/wireless. Sub-controller is in synchronization with master controller, which monitors the electricity profile and other output/ load based details like power consumption, abnormal
conditions. These all details transfer to remote monitoring location. The information requested on each setup screen is dynamically updated based on previous information entered by the user. The panel 10 has a touch screen display or a screen 701 with keypad 601 so that user can enter the information from the panel 10 itself. The touch pad screen provides interactive user interface using graphics/light and sound. The panel 10 can be configured to accept up to any number of switches. The panel gives voice/sound notification for any warning on critical/non critical condition.
There is provided a user interface in switch panel to configure the various options through touch screen or hand held device or through web interface. This interface contains without limitation the network settings for communication settings which includes communication selection, network layer settings for a particular communication channel, user management includes such as but not limited to new user creation, user information insertion/edition/deletion, access configuration, list of users with user name, badge details, administration state. User needs to login himself by completing the authorization process. If authorization fails for 3 or predefined times, an alarm will be raised.
The panel and switches are connected together by a common bus or some other communication means. The types of communications media can be utilized such as but not limited to twisted pair wire, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or other similar media. By this feature the switch panel is controlled over Internet platform. All the details available in memory of switch panel are accessible at any point of access. Additionally, wireless communications media, such as without limitation infrared ("IR") or radio frequency ("RF"), GSM, Bluetooth, Zig-Bee may also be utilized to provide inter-device communication. The user may also interact with the home automation and control system (such as but not limited to the lights, shutter, doors, air-
conditioner), security and alarm system, IP phone/door phone through the use of a personal or internet gateway computer. The radio frequency antenna can also be used to communicate with a hand held device.
The switch panel also provides data, information on such as but not limited to the energy management, comfort, security, budgeting, services.
The user can program the switches on the panel for conditions such as to ON and OFF the switches at predefined time by using handheld device. The user can check the status of load from any location. Any person can operate the same and check the parameters displayed on the display of the hand held device. The invention provides a secure method of automated switch panel which is locked and protected by the password or unique identification with one hand held device when the user desires to program with other hand held device. The light can be switched on/ switched off/ dimmed through these switches as per the requirement. A switch is provided on the panel which is used for performing on/ off/ dimming operations. Similar other functions but not limited to the speed control or voltage or current control can also be preformed through the above said system.
Based on the techniques the energy consumption and budgeting is done, which can be shared across any internet platform. The user/operator needs to login to webpage and estimate the energy consumption, electricity profile, abnormal conditions, events, pricing, usage forecasting, budgeting. The communication interface in switch panel provides the remote access to all data logged by switch panel. These data can be further extended to any web server and utilized to
estimate the various details. The user generates report on electricity profile, any abnormal conditions, blackout, brownout, condition based analysis for all switches and different parameters between any duration. Summary report and graphs are also being extracted for the system.
The controller of each switch also monitors the voltage fluctuation or any faulty condition so that the operations of the switches are controlled as per defined conditions. These abnormal conditions are logged into memory and accessible through any global communication technology. The controller also calculates the power related information such as but not limited the energy consumption, cost of energy consumed through each panel, load power factor and power analysis. In energy management the user interface provides current readings, intensity graph, power graph, spot pricing, consumption etc. User performs load balancing through switch panel. If the power measured by the switch panel reaches the limit then the switch panel performs shutdown of defined prioritized load to manage the load balance. There is a provision to set the warning/critical level for various parameters like voltage, frequency, load and other alarm conditions for example output short-circuited, output over voltage etc.
The control system comprises a controller to command the switching devices. A memory stores configuration information relating to operation of the switching devices. Unique codes are generated and assigned to the switches and controllers which are stored in the memory of the CBs and panels. The control system further comprises a user interface device. The controller is programmed to perform predefined instructions of the operation of switching devices, by the user using interface unit. These predefined instructions or scripts are executed in different ways such as but not limited to user interface in switch panel or through web access/WAP.
The switch panel is configured with any security system which is powered by panel. The particular switch is configured to operate the security equipment with high accuracy. The switch panel provides a user interface to execute the security script. When ever there is an intrusion or theft the security device encounters the event and transfers it to the log. This is also configured to broadcast to the concerned personnel. In same way other equipments are also configured to execute the comfort equipments like fan, air-conditioner, night lamps, and bulbs external to building etc.
Also there is a provision that makes the whole switch panel in digital photo frame. When the system is in standby/sleep mode the touch screen will show images stored in memory of switch panel. User uses USB storage media to project his/her own photographs/images. This screen saver feature is enabled/disabled in configuration panel.
Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

WE CLAIM;
1. A controller based automated switch panel comprising of atleast one switch connected to load wherein each of the switches is connected to sub controller, a main controller connected to sub-controller(s) or switches, a memory unit, a toggle switch, a membrane pad, a keypad, a display unit, charger unit, and a wired/ wireless communication system connected to each other via communication media wherein the switch/s and sub-controllers are assigned a unique identification number and controlled locally/remotely using a handheld device.
2. The controller based automated switch panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unique codes are generated and assigned to the switches and sub-controllers which are stored in the memory of panel.
3. The controller based automated switch panel as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the switches are selected from any automatically operated digital or analog controlled switches such as circuit breaker, relay etc.
4. The controller based automated switch panel as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the switches are connected to the main controller of the panel or each switch has its own controller which communicates with the main controller of the panel.
5. The controller based automated switch panel as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the handheld device controls the operation of the switch/s and/or sub-controller comprising a keypad and a display screen or touch screen for providing configuration settings.
6. The controller based automated switch panel as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the user sends configuration settings to the main controller for specific unique identification number using handheld device which identifies the number and commands the respective panel/ switches.
7. The controller based automated switch panel as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller of each switch monitors the voltage fluctuation or any faulty condition for controlling operation of the switches as per defined conditions.
8. The controller based automated switch panel as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller calculates the power related information such as energy consumption, cost of energy consumed through each panel, load power factor and power analysis, wherein the users make their own customized commands and action codes by using configurable commands.
9. The controller based automated switch panel as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein communication media are selected from the twisted wire pair, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or other similar media, in which wired/ wireless communications media are selected from infrared ("IR"), radio frequency ("RF"), internet and Bluetooth for communication.
10. A controller based automated switch panel substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings