GB2491895A

GB2491895A - Energy saving device

Info

Publication number: GB2491895A
Application number: GB1110289.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Howard Thomas; Paul Hirchfield
Original assignee: Powersave & Ltd
Current assignee: Powersave & Ltd
Priority date: 2011-06-17
Filing date: 2011-06-17
Publication date: 2012-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 2031-06-17
Also published as: GB2491895B; GB201110289D0

Abstract

An energy saving device automatically disconnects (switches off) the electrical supply to an electrical device 12 when the energy saving device 10 detects that a user is not located within a presence detection zone 14. The energy saving device 10 comprises a presence detector 16 to detect the presence of a user within its detection zone 14 and a controller having a timer to provide a predetermined period of time from the detector indicating the absence of a person before disconnecting the power supply from the device 12. The device may further comprise a controller that is user programmable to configure operating parameters such as the size of the zone and the length of the delay period. The presence sensor may detect presence but not movement; and comprise a thermopile or a radio frequency identification device (RFID) an RFID transmitter/receiver and an RFID tag worn by a user. The controller and sensor can communicate wirelessly or by Ethernet and comprise a main/standby pair in which the standby unit takes over should the main unit fail. The energy saving device does not require intervention by a user who need not remember to power down a device such as a computer and its peripheral devices, which can be plugged into a multi plug socket.

Description

Energy Saving Device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an energy saving device and a method of reducing energy consumption. In particular, the present invention relates to an energy saving device for an electrical device to disconnect the power supply to the electrical device when the electrical device is not required and a method of reducing energy consumption of an electrical device together when the electrical device is not required.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Electrical equipment and, in particular, computer equipment are frequently left running whilst a user is not actually using the equipment. For example, users may forget to turn the equipment off or may believe that they will be returning to the equipment shortly only to find that they do not return as quickly as thought. During this time, the electrical equipment is using electrical power which is not cost effective or good for the environment.

There are many devices available in the market today that can apply or remove mains power to equipments such as PCs, laptops, TVs, printers and the like.

These can be remote controlled or set by a timer.

Typically these require some action by a user. For example, pressing a button on a remote control which in turn signals to an external mains switch to which the equipment is connected for its mains power, to remove or apply power to equipment. However, often these devices are not used as the user may forget or cannot be bothered with activating the device or the remote control or the appropriate button may not be readily available to the user at the moment that the user is leaving the equipment. In many cases, perhaps in the workplace, the user may envisage a short break from using this equipment, but then is delayed in returning. Such devices may be left on for prolonged periods whilst not in use, for example they may be left on overnight.

Around the home, many devices are left on, or in "standby" mode which should really be turned off to conserve power, money and carbon dioxide (green house gas) emissions.

Prior art devices are available whereby the hard drive of a computer is plugged into a master socket and the peripheral devices are plugged into connected sockets. Once the hard drive is turned off, then the prior art device may automatically turn off the power supply to the connected peripheral devices. Such prior art devices may be used with televisions, audio equipment and any relevant peripheral equipment in the same way. These devices all rely on the user actively turning the device off which is connected into the master socket which then signals for the peripheral devices to be turned off.

In addition, there are prior art devices which use a remote control in order to power equipment down. This prevents electrical equipment being permanently left in either a fully on state or in a "standby" mode which still uses electricity.

In relation to computer equipment, GB 2 464 653 discloses a power saving device connected to a USB connection of a computer whereby the device includes a button by which a user can immediately switch the computer into a standby mode in order to conserve power.

Accordingly, the above prior art devices all require the input of the user in order to actuate the energy saving mechanism and, therefore, all rely on the user actively remembering to power off the devices and to activate the energy saving device.

Motion sensors are available for detecting the movement of a person within a predetermined area. Automatic motion sensors are used to operate security lighting where a light is automatically switched on when a sensor detects the movement of a person with a predetermined area. However, in particular environments, for example at a work station, a user may remain relatively stationary for periods of time and such motion sensors do not detect the presence of such users within the predetermined area. Accordingly, such motion sensors provide false readings regarding the presence or absence of a person within the predetermined area and they can only be used to provide an alert of a person entering an area, leaving an area or moving within the area.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an energy saving device which is arranged to switch off an electrical device without any user intervention, the energy saving device comprising control means and a presence sensor for detecting the presence of a person within a presence detection zone of the presence sensor, the electrical device being connected, in use, to a power supply, the control means being arranged, in use, to disconnect the power supply to the electrical device when the presence sensor indicates that a person in not located in the presence detection zone, wherein the control means comprises a timer to provide a predetermined period of time from the time the presence sensor indicates that a person is not within the presence detection zone before disconnecting the power supply to the electrical device.

Preferably, the control means comprises a programmable controller in order for a user to configure operating parameters of the energy saving device.

The programmable controller may be configured as a protected main/standby pair such that if the main working unit fails the standby protecting unit takes over.

The operating parameters may comprise the size of the area of the presence detection zone.

The operating parameters may comprise the length of the predetermined period of time before disconnecting the power supply to the electrical device.

The energy saving device may connect the power supply to the electrical device when the presence sensor detects the presence of a user within the presence detection zone.

The energy saving device may be arranged to switch on the electrical device without any user intervention The electrical device may be located remote from the presence sensor.

The electrical device may be located outside the presence detection zone.

The electrical device may be located within the presence detection zone.

The area of the presence detection zone may be varied by a user.

The presence sensor is solely a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person within a presence detection zone and the presence sensor is unable to detect movement.

The presence sensor may comprise a temperature sensor which is arranged to detect the temperature of a person against the ambient temperature.

The presence sensor may comprise a thermopile.

The presence sensor may comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) device.

The RFID device may comprise an RFID transmitter and an RFID receiver. The RFID transmitter may comprise an RFID tag. The RFID tag may be arranged to be worn or carried by a user. The control means of the energy saving device may be arranged to identify the individual RFID tag. The energy saving device may comprise a plurality of RFID tags. The control means may determine and set the operating parameters of the energy saving device depending upon the particular individual RFID tag detected. For example, the predetermined period of time may be adjusted depending upon the individual RFID tag detected and/or the ability to operate a particular electrical device may be allowed or prevented depending upon the individual RFID tag detected.

The presence sensor may be mounted on the electrical device.

The presence sensor may be provided in a housing which may include securement means to enable the presence sensor to be secured to a surface, for example a wall, a ceiling, an electrical device.

The energy saving device may be arranged to disconnect the power supply to a plurality of electrical devices.

The energy saving device may be arranged to simultaneously disconnect the power supply to a plurality of electrical devices.

The energy saving device may be arranged to disconnect the power supply to a plurality of electrical devices at set times from the detection of the absence of a person within the presence detection zone and wherein the set times are different and may be programmed by a user.

The electrical device may comprise a computer.

The energy saving device may be arranged to disconnect the power supply to a computer and to one or more associated peripheral devices, for example one or more of the following, a printer, a scanner, a monitor, one or more speakers.

The energy saving device may comprise a detector circuit which is in communication with the presence sensor.

The energy saving device may comprises a detector circuit wherein the detector circuit is configured as a protected main/standby pair such that if the main working unit fails the standby protecting unit takes over.

The communication between the detector circuit and the presence sensor may comprise a wired connection or may comprise a wireless connection. The communication between the detector circuit and the presence sensor may comprise an Ethernet connection.

The control means may comprise a control circuit.

Preferably the control means comprises a control circuit which is in communication with the detector circuit.

The energy saving device may comprise a control circuit wherein the control circuit is configured as a protected main/standby pair such that if the main working unit fails the standby protecting unit takes over.

The control circuit may be integral and/or may share a housing with the detector circuit.

The communication between the control circuit and the detector circuit may comprise a wired connection or may comprise a wireless connection. The communication between the control circuit and the detector circuit may comprise an Ethernet connection.

The energy saving device may comprise a power controller which is arranged, in use, to selectively connect and/or disconnect the electricity supply to the or to each electrical device.

Preferably the power controller is in communication with the control circuit. The communication between the power controller and the control circuit may comprise a wired connection or may comprise a wireless connection. The communication between the power controller and the control circuit and/or the detector circuit may comprise an Ethernet connection. The power controller may be integral with the control circuit and the power controller may share a housing with the control circuit.

The power controller may comprise a plug socket whereby a user can manually plug and unplug an electrical device. The power controller may comprise a multi plug socket where a user can manually plug and unplug a plurality of electrically devices.

Preferably the power controller may comprise a plug which is arranged to be plugged into a mains plug socket.

The energy saving device may comprise input means in order for a user to configure the energy saving device.

The energy saving device may be in communication with a computer or may be connectable to a computer such that a user can use software on the computer to configure and/or control the energy saving device. The energy saving device may be connectable to a computer using a USB connection.

The input means may comprise a series of buttons on the energy saving device whereby a user can configure and/or control the energy saving device. The input means may comprise a display in order for the energy saving device to display operating parameters.

The input means comprises a mobile application whereby a user can configure and/or control the energy saving device.

The energy saving device may comprise a plurality of presence sensors. Each presence sensor may have an associated presence detection zone and wherein these presence detection zones may be independent of each other. The presence detection zones may coincide entirely or one may be located within another or they may overlap or they may be separate from each other.

The energy saving device may control a plurality of electrical devices distributed throughout a building and/or a plurality of buildings (for example, across a campus) and the energy saving device may comprise a plurality of presence sensors and associated presence detection zones.

The energy saving device may comprise activity detection means to detect the activity of a user on the electrical device and the energy saving device may be arranged to disconnect the power supply to the electrical device if the activity detection means indicates that a user has not actively used the electrical device for a predetermined period of time.

The energy saving device may be connected to a computer and wherein the energy saving device may be arranged to detect inactivity of the computer and, in the absence of activity for a predetermined period of time, the energy saving device is arranged to place the computer in a hibernation state or a standby mode or to switch the computer off. The energy saving device may also place any peripheral computer devices into a state of hibernation, standby or to be turned off as a result of a detection of inactivity of a computer over a predetermined period of time.

The energy saving device may comprise a periodic setting which automatically connect or disconnects the electrical supply to the or each electrical device at a predetermined time of the day. The presence sensor may be arranged to override the periodic setting. Alternatively, the periodic setting may be arranged to override the presence sensor.

The or each electrical device may comprise a battery powered device.

The energy saving device may comprise at least one thermopile and at least one RFID device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an energy saving device wherein the electrical device is located within the predetermined presence detection zone.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an energy saving device with the electrical device located remote from the predetermined presence detection zone.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of an energy saving device for use with disconnecting electrical devices! Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an energy saving device including a controller.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of an energy saving device for use in controlling the power supply to a computer and a lamp.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides an energy saving device 10 which automatically disconnects (i.e. switches off) the electrical supply to an electrical device 12 when the energy saving device 10 detects that a user is not located within a predetermined presence detection zone 14 of the energy saving device 10. In particular, the energy saving device 10 comprises user detection means in the form of a presence sensor 16 which is able to detect the presence or absence of a user within the predetermined presence detection zone 14 of the presence sensor 16.

As shown in Figure 1, the electrical device 12 may be located within the presence detection zone 14. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2, the electrical device 12 may be located outside of the presence detection zone 14. Accordingly, the energy saving device 10 can be used to turn off electrical devices 12 which are located remote from the sensor 16.

The term electrical device refers to any device powered by electricity, for example lights, lamps etc. and includes electronic devices such as computers, televisions, video equipment (DVD players/recorders, Blu-ray players/recorders etc), television receivers (satellite, cable, terrestrial television receivers), audio equipment, peripheral computer equipment (speakers, monitor, printers, scanners, wireless router etc).

As shown in Figure 5, in the preferred embodiment, the electrical device 12 comprises a desktop computer. However, the electrical device 12 could be a light 28, a laptop, audio or visual equipment, television equipment, or other electrical device. The electrical device 12 is a mains powered device.

The energy saving device 10 comprises a presence sensor 16 in the form of a thermopile 16. The thermopile 16 is an electronic device that is able to detect or sense temperature. In the present invention, the thermopile 16 is programmed to detect the heat generated by a person against the ambient temperature.

Accordingly, the thermopile 16 functions as a person detector such that when a person 15 is not located within the pre-determined presence detection zone 14 of the thermopile 16, the energy saving device 10 is activated. The thermopile 16 is -11 -able to measure the temperature of a person 15 against varying ambient conditions and the output is communicated to the detector circuit 20 where the presence or absence of a person is detected. The present invention does not use a movement detector or sensor and, therefore, does not rely on a person making large or significant movements within a detection zone. This prevents the system incorrectly switching the electrical devices off due to a lack of detected movement or incorrectly keeping the electrical devices on due to a detection of background and irrelevant movement (for example, vibrations within a building).

The present invention aims to provide an energy saving device 10 that automatically switches off a computer 12 (or other electrical device) when a person 15 is not located within the presence detection zone 14. For example, if a person leaves a workstation area for a break or lunch or at the end of the day, then the energy saving device 10 will detect the prolonged absence of the person and will automatically switch the computer 12 off.

As shown in Figure 5, the thermopile 16 is mounted on a monitor 18 of a desktop computer 12. The thermopile 16 can be mounted in an enclosure suitable for mounting on a monitor 18, laptop screen, table, desk top or it may be adapted for mounting to the ceiling or a wall or in a ceiling rose, light fitting etc. In further embodiments, the thermopile 16 is integrated into a PC, laptop, monitor or webcam or other suitable device.

The energy saving device 10 includes a detector circuit 20 which is connected to a control circuit 21, as shown in Figure3. The control circuit 21 is connected to an electrical power controller 24. The electrical power controller 24 comprises a switch (or switches) which locates between the electrical power supply 26 and the electrical device 12.

As shown in Figure 4, in the preferred embodiment, the control circuit is in communication with a programmable controller 22. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the control circuit is in direct communication with the external mains switch (power controller) 24.

As shown in Figure 4, the programmable controller 22 enables a user to configure the energy saving device 10 and to configure the system by varying and inputting operational parameters. The programmable controller 22 thereby controls the electrical power controller 24 which comprises a multi-socket adaptor 24 which is plugged into a mains socket 30. The hard drive 11 of the computer 12 is plugged into the multi-socket adaptor 24. Similarly, any peripheral computer equipment, for example the monitor 18, speakers, printer etc., may also be plugged into and powered from the multi-socket adaptor 24. Furthermore, auxiliary electrical devices, for example a lamp 28, may also be plugged into the multi-socket adaptor 24.

In use, as a person leaves and exits the presence detection zone 14 of the thermopile 16, the thermopile 16 detects the absence of the heat of the person 15 within the detection circuit 20. The connection between the thermopile 16 and the detection circuit 20 may comprise a wired connection or may comprise a wireless connection, for example a radio frequency (RF) interface.

This absence is communicated to the control circuit 21 which is under the operation of the parameters from the programmable controller 22. In particular, the control circuit incorporates a timer which is arranged to commence on the detection of the absence of a person 15 in the presence detection zone 14. Again, the connection between the detection circuit 20 and the programmable controller 22 may comprise a wired connection or may comprise a wireless connection, for example a radio frequency (RF) interface. In some embodiments, the detection circuit 20 and the programmable controller 22 are integral and are provided in a single unit. Accordingly, the connection between the detection circuit 20 and the programmable controller 22 would be internal.

In an embodiment, the connection between the detection circuit 20 and the programmable controller 22 is a wired interface that is proprietary or one that complies with Ethernet standards (or ATM or lP etc.). This may enhance the system and this system may be connected throughout a building and numerous electrical devices around the building can be controlled. For example, electrical devices on different floors of the building can all be linked into such a system.

In a further embodiment, the connection between the programmable controller 22 and the electrical power controller 24 is a wired interface that is proprietary or one that complies with Ethernet standards (or ATM or IP etc.). This may enhance the system and this system may be connected throughout a building and numerous electrical devices around the building can be controlled. For example, electrical devices on different floors of the building can all be linked into such a system.

The Ethernet connection (and the other mentioned connections) include within a single building or throughout a complex including several different buildings. For example, the controller could send messages across a campus (multiple buildings on a LAN) using Ethernet to power down/up devices in remote buildings.

The timer provides a pre-determined delay before switching off the electrical device 12. For example, the electrical device 12 will not instantaneously switch off since the user may only be absent for a very short period of time. This pre-determined delay may be set by a user using the programmable controller 22.

The programmable controller 22 may be controlled using buttons or switches or other input means. In a preferred embodiment, the programmable controller 22 is controlled using a computer. The programmable controller 22 may be connected to a USB port of the computer and dedicated software may then enable a user to set and change specific functions of the energy saving device 10. For example, the user may set the delay time to be five minutes such that once the thermopile 16 detects the absence of the user, a period of five minutes is allowed to lapse before the electrical device 12 is switched off. The programmable controller may be connected to the computer using a USB connection, USB2 connection, a -14 -FireWire or a similar connection. In one embodiment, the programmable controller 22 has a processor and a display to enable a user to configure the energy saving device 10. This enables a user to customise and configure the settings of the energy saving device 10. The energy saving device 10 may be programmed as a security system to provide security lighting when a building is not occupied.

The programmable controller may be connected to or in communication with a mobile device (for example, a mobile telephone) in order for a user to configure the system. For example, the present invention may provide a mobile application (mobile App) as an alternative interface to the programmable controller.

One embodiment of the present invention also includes the ability to protect the programmable controller with a standby unit. The energy saving device 10 is provided with two programmable controllers, a main programmable controller and a standby programmable controller. If the main programmable controller malfunctions and/or fails then a protection circuit diverts to the use of the standby programmable controller. This can prevent the malfunction of the electrical supply throughout a building which could result in high financial costs and lost time within a large office complex.

The detector circuit could also be provided with a standby detector circuit which would be arranged to be used in the event of a failure or malfunction to the main detector circuit. Similarly, the control circuit could also be provided with a standby control circuit which would be arranged to be used in the event of a failure or malfunction to the main control circuit.

In an embodiment, the programmable controller is connected to the hard drive of a computer and is arranged to automatically power down or put the hard drive into "hibernation" in a similar way to GB 2 464 653. However, the present invention is arranged to activate this procedure automatically rather than requiring user intervention as shown in the prior art device where a button must be pressed.

The programmable controller 22 is in communication with the electrical power controller 24 which may be a multi-socket adaptor 24. The connection between the programmable controller 22 and the electrical power controller 24 may comprise a wired connection or may comprise a wireless connection, for example a radio frequency (RF) interface.

The electric power controller 24 has a unique identification code via a suitable message interface such that the communication between the programmable controller 22 and the electric power controller 24 is specific to the device and also enables individual plus sockets within the electrical power controller to be individually controlled, if necessary.

The electrical power controller 24 is essentially a switch which applies mains electricity to, or removes mains electricity from, the external mains powered devices.

After the five minute period has lapsed, the electrical power controller 24 switches off the electrical power supply to the electrical device 12 and any peripheral devices and any auxiliary devices plugged into the multi-socket adaptor 24.

Accordingly, the present invention does not require any user intervention and, therefore, it does not rely on the user remembering to activate anything.

In one embodiment, the programmable controller 22 may be set to only turn off the power supply to particular devices plugged into the multi-socket adaptor. For example, the programmable controller 22 may switch off the power supply to the peripheral devices and any auxiliary devices but may maintain the power supply to the hard drive. In addition, the delayed time may be individually set for each device such that a light may be turned off almost instantaneously, whereas there may be a short delay before turning off the peripheral devices and there may be a long delay before switching off the hard drive.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the presence sensor may comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) device. The RFID device comprises a RFID tag and an RFID reader located within the energy saving device. A person is arranged to carry the RFID tag and, for example, the RFID tag may be located within a work identity card. Accordingly, as the user enters the presence detection zone 14, the RFID reader detects the presence of a person and may activate the electrical device(s). As previously explained, when the person leaves the presence detection zone 14, the reader will detect the absence within the presence detection zone and this will trigger the timer to commence the switch down procedure. If a person re-enters the presence detection zone 14 then the switch down procedure will be cancelled and reset.

The use of a RFID system provides further opportunities for providing a bespoke system. Since each person has an individual RFID tag, the system will be able to detect the actual person within the presence detection zone. The system may be arranged to only allow access to particular electrical devices and/or may restrict the access within a device. For example, a cleaner may have a RFID tag which only activates the lighting whereas an office worker has a RFID tag which triggers the lighting and the computer equipment. In addition, the timer may be individually set such that the electrical devices switch off quicker for some individual compared to others. For example, since you would not expect a cleaner to be going back and forth frequently into an office, the timer may be set to a short time such that if the RFID reader detects the absence of the cleaner for one minute the lighting will shut off. Similarly, if the RFID reader detects the absence of an office worker for over five minutes only then will the computer equipment and/or the lighting will be closed down.

The energy saving device 10 may also include a periodic setting such that at specific set times the electrical devices are automatically switched off and/or switched on. For example, a lighting or heating circuit may be set to come on and/or off at a specific time of the day. This may or may not be set to be overridden by the presence detector.

The thermopile or the RFID reader could be integrated into a mains socket, light switch or plug in mains controller to directly control lighting or the mains electricity supply to mains powered equipment. Furthermore, the energy saving device could be used with battery powered equipment and this would, therefore, preserve and prolong the life of the battery.

As explained above, the programmable controller 22 can be programmed to turn off the mains supply to a number of external electrical equipment but could also switch on the mains electricity to one or a number of these devices as configured by the user. Whilst the main application is to turn off the electrical power to the devices when a person is absent, the energy saving device 10 can be programmed to power on devices such as a security system or security lighting.

The present invention provides a system for automatically powering down and/or powering up mains powered equipment depending on the configuration and the subsequent detection of presence or absence of a person.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a method and system for automatically powering down or powering up mains powered devices automatically without any user intervention.

The present invention can be incorporated in a simple system controlling one device to a more complex system which can be configured to turn multiple devices off and in some cases on depending on the presence or absence of a user.

In a preferred embodiment, the energy saving device 10 incorporates both a thermopile 16 as a first presence detector and an RFID system. Accordingly, the electrical devices may be selectively switched on and off merely be the presence of the person within the thermopile presence detection zone. In addition, the energy saving device may also individualise the switching depending upon the individual data detected from the RFID system. Furthermore, one embodiment provides a system having two presence detection zones. A first presence detection zone is associated with the thermopile and a second presence detection zone may be associated with the RFID system. The two presence detection zones may be identical or one may be incorporated in the other or they may have an overlap or they may be entirely separate depending upon the particular situation. The sizes of both zones may also vary depending upon the layout of the area.

The user can also set the programmable function to turn devices on and/or off according to the time of day. For example, at night time, security lights can be automatically switched on.

In a yet further embodiment, the user can set the programmable function to turn devices on and/or off by the time of day. This could be controlled by a real time clock or an integrated timer.

In an embodiment, the energy saving device 10 includes activity detection means to detect the activity of a user on the electrical device and particularly a computer 12. The energy saving device 10 is also arranged to disconnect the power supply to the computer 12 if the activity detection means indicates that a person has not actively used the computer 12 for a predetermined period of time.

Some embodiments of the present invention use a thermopile which is programmed to accurately measure temperature and specifically to measure the temperature of a person for the purpose of detecting if a person is present or not.

The output from the thermopile is used to turn off electrical devices (eg. a PC, printers and other peripherals) that do not need to be powered up when the user is absent. The present invention use simple electronics to do the switching or it can be used with existing products to do the switching. One main benefit of the present invention is that the energy saving device is automatic and no user intervention is required. The term user intervention is used to refer to a specific act required by the user, for example, a user intervention may require a person to press a button or use some sort of input means to inform the device whether the user wants to turn a device on and/or off. The present invention can be used to turn on/off lights, TVs and other entertainment equipment, routers etc and the present invention can be used in the home or office environment.

The embodiments of the present invention that use RFJD devices may be more suitable to the office/business environment where the RFID tags could, for example, be built into the security pass of a user. These embodiments would then be user specific unlike the thermopile embodiments where devices that are powered down could be turned on by accident by anyone else passing into the presence detection zone. These embodiments could be expanded to be controlled by a specific group of people.

Claims

-20 -CLAIMS1. An energy saving device which is arranged to switch off an electrical device without any user intervention, the energy saving device comprising control means and a presence sensor for detecting the presence of a person within a presence detection zone of the presence sensor, the electrical device being connected, in use, to a power supply, the control means being arranged, in use, to disconnect the power supply to the electrical device when the presence sensor indicates that a person in not located in the presence detection zone, wherein the control means comprises a timer to provide a predetermined period of time from the time the presence sensor indicates that a person is not within the presence detection zone before disconnecting the power supply to the electrical device.
2. An energy saving device according to Claim I in which the control means comprises a programmable controller in order for a user to configure operating parameters of the energy saving device.
3. An energy saving device according to Claim 2 in which the programmable controller is configured as a protected main/standby pair such that if the main working unit fails the standby protecting unit takes over.
4. An energy saving device according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 in which the operating parameters comprise the size of the area of the presence detection zone.
5. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the operating parameters comprise the length of the predetermined period of time before disconnecting the power supply to the electrical device.
6. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the energy saving device connects the power supply to the electrical device when the presence sensor detects the presence of a user within the presence detection -21 -zone.
7. An energy saving device according to Claim 6 in which the energy saving device is arranged to switch on the electrical device without any user intervention
8. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the electrical device is located remote from the presence sensor.
9. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the electrical device is located outside the presence detection zone.
10. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the presence sensor is solely a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person within a presence detection zone and the presence sensor is unable to detect movement.
11. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the presence sensor may comprise a thermopile.
12. An energy saving device according to any one of Claim 1 to Claim 10 in which the presence sensor may comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) device.
13. An energy saving device according to Claim in 12 which the RFID device comprises an RFID transmitter and an RFID receiver and the RFID transmitter comprises an RFID tag and wherein the RFID tag is arranged to be worn or carried by a user.
14. An energy saving device according to Claim 13 in which the control means of the energy saving device is arranged to identify the individual RFID tag.
15. An energy saving device according to Claim 14 in which the energy saving -22 -device comprises a plurality of RFID tags and the control means determines and sets the operating parameters of the energy saving device depending upon the particular individual RFID tag detected.
16. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the presence sensor is provided in a housing which includes securement means to enable the presence sensor to be secured to a surface.
17. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the energy saving device is arranged to disconnect the power supply to a plurality of electrical devices.
18. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the energy saving device is arranged to simultaneously disconnect the power supply to a plurality of electrical devices.
19. An energy saving device according to any one of Claim I to Claim 17 in which the energy saving device is arranged to disconnect the power supply to a plurality of electrical devices at set times from the detection of the absence of a person within the presence detection zone and wherein the set times are different and may be programmed by a user.
20. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the energy saving device is arranged to disconnect the power supply to a computer and to one or more associated peripheral devices, for example one or more of the following, a printer, a scanner, a monitor, one or more speakers.
21. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the energy saving device comprises a detector circuit and wherein the detector circuit is configured as a protected main/standby pair such that if the main working unit fails the standby protecting unit takes over.-23 -
22. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the energy saving device comprises a detector circuit which is in communication with the presence sensor and wherein the communication between the detector circuit and the presence sensor comprises a wireless connection.
23. An energy saving device according to any one of Claim 1 to Claim 21 in which the energy saving device comprises a detector circuit which is in communication with the presence sensor and wherein the communication between the detector circuit and the presence sensor comprises an Ethernet connection.
24. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the energy saving device comprises a control circuit and wherein the control circuit is configured as a protected main/standby pair such that if the main working unit fails the standby protecting unit takes over.
25. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the control means comprises a control circuit which is in communication with the detector circuit and the communication between the control circuit and the detector circuit comprises a wireless connection.
26. An energy saving device according to any one of Claim I to Claim 24 in which the control means comprises a control circuit which is in communication with the detector circuit and the communication between the control circuit and the detector circuit comprises an Ethernet connection.
27. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the energy saving device comprises a power controller which is arranged, in use, to selectively connect and/or disconnect the electricity supply to the or to each electrical device.
28. An energy saving device according to Claim 27 in which the power -24 -controller is in communication with the control circuit and wherein the communication between the power controller and the control circuit comprises a wireless connection.
29. An energy saving device according to Claim 27 in which the power controller is in communication with the control circuit and wherein the communication between the power controller and the control circuit comprises an Ethernet connection.
30. An energy saving device according to any one of Claim 27 to Claim 29 in which the power controller comprises a plug socket whereby a user can manually plug and unplug an electrical device.
31. An energy saving device according to Claim 30 in which the power controller comprises a multi plug socket where a user can manually plug and unplug a plurality of electrically devices.
32. An energy saving device according to any one of Claim 27 to Claim 31 in which the power controller comprises a plug which is arranged to be plugged into a mains plug socket.
33. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the energy saving device comprises input means in order for a user to configure the energy saving device.
34. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the energy saving device is connectable to a computer such that a user can use software on the computer to configure and/or control the energy saving device.
35. An energy saving device according to Claim 33 or Claim 34 in which the input means comprises a series of buttons on the energy saving device whereby a user can configure and/or control the energy saving device.-25 -
36. An energy saving device according to Claim 35 in which the input means comprises a display in order for the energy saving device to display operating parameters.
37. An energy saving device according to any one of Claim 33 to Claim 36 in which the input means comprises a mobile application whereby a user can configure and/or control the energy saving device.
38. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the energy saving device comprises a plurality of presence sensors and wherein each presence sensor has an associated presence detection zone.
39. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the energy saving device controls a plurality of electrical devices distributed throughout a building and the energy saving device comprises a plurality of presence sensors and associated presence detection zones.
40. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the energy saving device controls a plurality of electrical devices distributed throughout a plurality of buildings and the energy saving device comprises a plurality of presence sensors and associated presence detection zones.
41. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the energy saving device comprises activity detection means to detect the activity of a user on the electrical device and the energy saving device is arranged to disconnect the power supply to the electrical device if the activity detection means indicates that a user has not actively used the electrical device for a predetermined period of time.
42. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the energy saving device is connected to a computer and wherein the energy saving -26 -device is arranged to detect inactivity of the computer and, in the absence of activity for a predetermined period of time, the energy saving device is arranged to place the computer in a hibernation state or a standby mode or to switch the computer off.
43. An energy saving device according Claim 42 in which the energy saving device also places any peripheral computer devices into a state of hibernation, standby or to be turned off as a result of a detection of inactivity of a computer over a predetermined period of time.
44. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the energy saving device comprises a periodic setting which automatically connects or disconnects the electrical supply to the or each electrical device at a predetermined time of the day.
45. An energy saving device according to Claim 44 in which the presence sensor is arranged to override the periodic setting.
46. An energy saving device according to Claim 44 in which the periodic setting is arranged to override the presence sensor.
47. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the or each electrical device comprises a battery powered device.
48. An energy saving device according to any preceding claim in which the energy saving device comprises at least one thermopile and at least one RFID device.