{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854653","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854653","title":"Scalable building control system, method, and apparatus","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2017-01-31T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04W","H04W","H04W"],"num_claims":39,"abstract":"A scalable lighting control system comprising a plurality of room lighting control systems each comprising a load controller electrically connected to a lighting load and one or more in-room devices, such as lighting control devices, occupancy sensors, and light sensors. Each in-room device is configured for transmitting room control messages to the load controller over a room wireless network. The scalable lighting control system further comprises a plurality of network bridges each configured for removably coupling to at least one load controller of a room lighting control system to connect the room lighting control system to a centralized wireless network. Each network bridge is configured for receiving centralized control messages over the centralized wireless network and transmitting the centralized control messages to the connected load controller. The load controller is configured for controlling the electrically connected lighting load in response to the room control messages and the centralized control messages."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Scalable Building Control System, Method, and Apparatus patent details a comprehensive system for managing lighting and environmental controls in buildings. The core innovation lies in its modular, distributed architecture, which comprises room-level controllers connected via wireless bridges to a central management platform. This design allows for granular control and monitoring of lighting loads, occupancy sensors, and light sensors, enabling optimization based on real-time conditions and user preferences. The problem being solved is the inefficient and inflexible nature of traditional building management systems, which often lead to significant energy waste and occupant discomfort. The key technical approach involves a wireless mesh network of room-level controllers, each capable of communicating with its neighbors and with a central management platform. This architecture provides redundancy, resilience, and scalability. The business value and applications of this technology are significant, as it can help reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and improve occupant comfort in commercial and residential buildings. The market opportunity is substantial, with the global building automation market projected to reach billions of dollars in the coming years. This system offers a compelling solution for building managers seeking to optimize their energy performance and improve the sustainability of their operations.","layman_explanation":"The Scalable Building Control System, Method, and Apparatus addresses the problem of inefficient energy use in buildings, particularly related to lighting. Existing solutions often rely on manual controls or basic automation, which fail to adapt to real-time conditions like occupancy and natural light levels. This leads to wasted energy and increased operating costs. This patent offers a solution through a network of smart lighting controllers and sensors. Instead of a single central system, each room or area has its own controller that communicates wirelessly with a central management platform. These controllers use occupancy sensors to detect when people are present and light sensors to measure the amount of natural light available. Based on this information, the controllers automatically adjust the lighting levels to provide optimal illumination while minimizing energy consumption. Think of it like a smart thermostat for your lights. Just as a smart thermostat learns your heating and cooling preferences and adjusts the temperature accordingly, this system learns your lighting needs and adjusts the lights automatically. This matters because it offers a more efficient and cost-effective way to manage lighting in buildings. By reducing energy consumption, it lowers operating costs and reduces the building's carbon footprint. It also improves the comfort and productivity of building occupants by providing optimal lighting conditions. The potential market impact is significant, as building owners and managers are increasingly seeking ways to reduce energy costs and improve sustainability. Future applications could include integration with other building management systems, such as HVAC and security, to create a fully integrated and automated building environment. The adoption timeline will depend on factors such as the cost of installation and the availability of incentives for energy-efficient upgrades.","technical_analysis":"The Scalable Building Control System, Method, and Apparatus patent outlines a sophisticated building automation system characterized by its distributed architecture and wireless communication infrastructure. At its core, the system comprises room-level controllers, each responsible for managing lighting loads and integrating data from in-room devices such as occupancy and light sensors. These controllers communicate wirelessly, forming a mesh network that enhances reliability and coverage. Each room lighting control system includes a load controller electrically connected to a lighting load and one or more in-room devices, such as lighting control devices, occupancy sensors, and light sensors. Each in-room device is configured for transmitting room control messages to the load controller over a room wireless network. A critical component is the network bridge, which serves as a gateway connecting the room-level network to a centralized wireless network. This bridge receives centralized control messages and transmits them to the connected load controller. The load controller is configured for controlling the electrically connected lighting load in response to both the room control messages and the centralized control messages. Implementation details include the use of standard wireless protocols (e.g., Zigbee, Wi-Fi) for seamless integration with existing building infrastructure. The system leverages advanced signal processing techniques to mitigate interference and ensure reliable communication. Integration patterns involve APIs for connecting to other building management systems, such as HVAC and security. Performance characteristics are optimized for low latency and high throughput, enabling real-time control and monitoring. Code-level implications include the use of embedded software for the room-level controllers and cloud-based software for the central management platform.","business_analysis":"The Scalable Building Control System, Method, and Apparatus patent presents a compelling business opportunity within the burgeoning building automation market. This innovation addresses a critical need for energy efficiency and personalized comfort in commercial and residential buildings. The market opportunity size is substantial, with the global building automation market projected to reach billions of dollars in the coming years. Competitive advantages include the system's modular architecture, wireless communication infrastructure, and intelligent control algorithms. These features enable scalability, flexibility, and ease of installation, differentiating it from traditional centralized building management systems. The revenue potential is significant, with multiple business models available, including hardware sales, software subscriptions, and managed services. Strategic positioning involves targeting building owners, property managers, and energy service companies. ROI projections indicate a strong return on investment, with reduced energy consumption, lower operating costs, and improved occupant comfort driving value creation.","faqs":null,"topics":["building automation","lighting control","energy efficiency","wireless network","IoT","scalable","building","control"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Scalable Building Control System - Wireless Lighting Patent","description":"Discover the Scalable Building Control System, Method, and Apparatus: a wireless lighting control system for energy efficiency. Patent analysis and technical details.","keywords":["building automation","lighting control","energy efficiency","wireless network","IoT","smart buildings","occupancy sensors","light sensors","centralized control","patent","patent US-9854653"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854653","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-9854653","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Scalable building control system, method, and apparatus\" (US-9854653). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854653","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854653","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854653","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T06:11:58.258Z"}