GB2527134A

GB2527134A - A light switch interface for electronic devices fitted into a light fitting

Info

Publication number: GB2527134A
Application number: GB1410647.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alexander Joseph Dawood
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-14
Filing date: 2014-06-14
Publication date: 2015-12-16
Also published as: GB201410647D0

Abstract

A domestic electrical light switch interface that contains an electronic control system which is used to trigger specific actions in a device connected via associated electronic circuitry, where pre-defined or pre-programmed switching sequences trigger pre-defined or pre-programmed actions in the connected device. The interface may also contain a microprocessor that can sense patterns of power fluctuations in the applied power supply as applied by the activation of the switch. The microprocessor may preferably be able to translate a pattern of power fluctuation provided by the cycling of the light switch into a signal to initiate a specific programme in a device. The switch interface may be used on an existing lighting circuit or a power circuit. The devices that the interface system may be able to communicate with may preferably consist of a smoke detector or an audio player.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GB1410647.0 RTTVT Date:27November 2014 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Wi-FL Bluetooth.

Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.govuk A light switch interface for electronic devices fitted into a light fitting This invention relates to the control of an electronic device integrated into or connected to the mains voltage supply of a lighting circuit, particularly devices designed to be mounted inside a light fitting, by the use of an existing light switch mechanism.

Many electronic devices are designed to be mounted inside a light fitting, taking advantage of the power output and ease of installation provided by a pre-existing fitting.

This can cause issues with accessibility, as light fittings may be in hard to reach places such as ceilings.

Consequentially, controlling these types of light-fitting mounted devices can be difficult for the user; an example of this is the difficulty that may be experienced in pressing the test' button on a ceiling-mounted smoke detector. Some products use tools such as Bluetooth or motion sensors to overcome this issue, but this can significantly increase the technological complexity or the price of a product, and may be associated with a higher risk of malfunction than a direct hard-wired connection.

This embodiment provides for a device and associated circuitry, which may have been fitted into an existing light fitting, which is connected to the mains power supply via e.g. a wall switch.

The existing mechanical light switch is typically used to control power to the fitting.

By cycling this existing switch in a pre-defined manner e.g. cycling it on and off three times within an interval of one second, power to the associated circuitry is interrupted and reapplied in a pre-programed and specified manner -this timing may be programmed or pre-programmed to suit individual actions and circumstances.

This simple switching action of the power supply by the existing mechanical light switch is interpreted by a suitable electronic circuit within or associated with the device.

In this circuit, electricity pulse cycles as generated by the switching action of the light switch are detected, and programmed to cause the device to carry out a specific function, for example initiating a test of a connected smoke alarm, or changing track' with a connected music player. In this way different light switch on/off patterns can cause different functions to be performed by the connected device.

This device provides a cheaper, more direct, and potentially more robust method of communicating with a device mounted within a light fitting and/or connected to a lighting circuit, particularly in the case of an existing electrical switch and circuit, when compared to existing wireless methods such as Wi-Fi, motion sensors or Bluetooth.

Furthermore, a light switch is a familiar mechanism and so will easily be understood by, and is accessible for, most consumers. It is also an existing feature in most rooms therefore does not reguire any additional devices such as a remote controls that may go missing, require battery changes or add additional cost to a product.

Detailed Description

The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying block diagram in which: The light switch (2), that receives mains voltage (1) , provides a means of controlling electricity input to a device and associated circuitry, fitted to the light fitting (4) , via a power cable (3) This fitting may be used to power various types of electronic devices, other than, but also including, a light bulb, such as audio devices, alarms (including smoke and CO detectors), CCTV(closed circuit television) cameras, and any device that requires an electrical connection to the mains supply and an element of electronic control.

Creating a specific series of electrical pulses by switching on and off the power supply will trigger a particular function of the device The device can be controlled through use of an existing light switch. An electronic circuit which may, for example, contain a microprocessor will detect the electrical pulse sequences, and if a particular sequence is detected will trigger an associated function of the device to be executed.