{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853828","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853828","title":"Method and apparatus for managing energy through virtualization by grouping terminal controllers","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2012-09-05T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","H04L"],"num_claims":14,"abstract":"A terminal control apparatus and a central control apparatus may control at least one terminal device that consumes energy in an energy management system while obtaining the same effect as when virtual equipment is used. A first terminal control apparatus may receive a control command related to a first terminal device from a central control apparatus or a second terminal control apparatus included in the energy management system. The first terminal control apparatus may determine whether the first terminal device matches the first terminal control apparatus, and selectively transmit the control command to a third terminal control apparatus or selectively control the first terminal device according to the control command, based on the determination."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Method and Apparatus for Managing Energy Through Virtualization by Grouping Terminal Controllers patent addresses the inefficiencies of traditional energy management systems by introducing a virtualized approach to controlling terminal devices. The core innovation lies in the ability to group terminal controllers, enabling centralized management and optimized energy allocation. This system solves the problem of energy waste and inefficient resource utilization by providing granular control over energy consumption across multiple devices. The key technical approach involves virtualizing the control process, allowing the system to adapt to changing energy demands and device configurations. This technology offers significant business value by reducing operational costs, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing scalability. The market opportunity is vast, with applications in smart buildings, industrial environments, and data centers, where energy consumption is a critical factor. This patent has the potential to transform energy management practices and contribute to a more sustainable future.","layman_explanation":"The Method and Apparatus for Managing Energy Through Virtualization by Grouping Terminal Controllers addresses the problem of inefficient energy consumption in buildings and industrial facilities. Existing energy management systems often lack the ability to effectively control and optimize energy usage across multiple devices, leading to significant waste and higher costs.\n\nThis patent works by creating a virtualized environment where energy-consuming devices are grouped and managed centrally. Think of it like a smart thermostat for your entire building, but much more sophisticated. Instead of just controlling the temperature, it manages the energy usage of all devices, such as lighting, HVAC systems, and machinery. The system uses data and algorithms to allocate energy only where it is needed, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.\n\nThis innovation matters because it can significantly reduce energy costs and improve sustainability. By optimizing energy usage, businesses can lower their operational expenses and reduce their environmental impact. The system also provides valuable insights into energy consumption patterns, allowing organizations to identify areas for further improvement. Imagine a large office building where the system automatically adjusts lighting and HVAC settings based on occupancy levels, saving a significant amount of energy without sacrificing comfort.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology has the potential to be integrated with smart grids and demand response programs, further enhancing its capabilities and expanding its applications. As energy costs continue to rise and environmental concerns grow, the Method and Apparatus for Managing Energy Through Virtualization by Grouping Terminal Controllers is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of energy management. The adoption timeline will depend on factors such as regulatory incentives, technological advancements, and market demand, but the long-term investment implications are clear: this technology offers a pathway to more sustainable and cost-effective energy practices.","technical_analysis":"The Method and Apparatus for Managing Energy Through Virtualization by Grouping Terminal Controllers patent presents a sophisticated system architecture designed to optimize energy consumption through intelligent control and virtualization. The technical architecture comprises terminal control apparatuses (TCAs), a central control apparatus (CCA), and a communication network facilitating data exchange. Each TCA monitors and controls the energy consumption of individual terminal devices, such as lighting systems, HVAC units, and machinery. The CCA aggregates data from the TCAs and implements algorithms to optimize energy allocation based on predefined policies and real-time conditions.\n\nImplementation details involve deploying TCAs at each terminal device, configuring communication parameters, and integrating the system with existing energy management infrastructure. The CCA utilizes advanced algorithms to analyze energy consumption patterns, predict future demand, and allocate resources accordingly. These algorithms can incorporate factors such as occupancy levels, weather conditions, and energy prices to optimize energy usage. Integration patterns include standard communication protocols such as Modbus, BACnet, and TCP/IP, ensuring interoperability with a wide range of devices and systems.\n\nPerformance characteristics of the Method and Apparatus for Managing Energy Through Virtualization by Grouping Terminal Controllers are optimized for low latency and high reliability. The system is designed to respond quickly to changing energy demands and to maintain stable operation under varying conditions. Code-level implications involve developing efficient algorithms for data processing, communication, and control. The system also incorporates security measures to protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats. The virtualization aspect of the system allows for dynamic allocation of resources, ensuring that energy is used efficiently and effectively. This technology represents a significant advancement in energy management, offering a pathway to more sustainable and cost-effective energy practices.","business_analysis":"The Method and Apparatus for Managing Energy Through Virtualization by Grouping Terminal Controllers patent holds substantial business potential across various sectors. The market opportunity is significant, driven by increasing energy costs, growing environmental concerns, and the demand for more efficient energy management solutions. The competitive advantages of this technology include its ability to provide centralized control, optimize energy allocation, and adapt to changing energy demands. This results in reduced operational costs, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced scalability.\n\nRevenue potential can be realized through several business models, including licensing the technology to energy management companies, providing turnkey solutions for smart buildings and industrial environments, and offering subscription-based energy management services. Strategic positioning involves targeting industries with high energy consumption, such as manufacturing, data centers, and commercial real estate. ROI projections indicate that organizations implementing this technology can achieve significant cost savings and improve their bottom line. The business implications of this patent are far-reaching, offering a pathway to more sustainable and cost-effective energy practices. The technology aligns with the growing trend towards smart grids and demand response programs, positioning it as a key enabler of the future energy landscape. This innovation has the potential to disrupt the energy management market and create new opportunities for growth and innovation.","faqs":null,"topics":["energy management","virtualization","terminal controllers","energy efficiency","smart buildings","article","provides","detailed"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Energy Virtualization Patent - Method and Apparatus for Managing Energy Through Virtualization by Grouping Terminal Controllers","description":"Optimize energy with Method and Apparatus for Managing Energy Through Virtualization by Grouping Terminal Controllers. Centralized control, reduced waste, and efficient allocation.","keywords":["energy management","virtualization","terminal controllers","energy efficiency","smart buildings","data centers","patent","patent US-9853828"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853828","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853828","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Method and apparatus for managing energy through virtualization by grouping terminal controllers\" (US-9853828). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853828","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853828","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853828","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T04:05:52.733Z"}