GB2560368A

GB2560368A - A control unit

Info

Publication number: GB2560368A
Application number: GB1703819.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Laporta Giovanni
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-03-09
Filing date: 2017-03-09
Publication date: 2018-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-09
Also published as: GB201703819D0; GB2560368B

Abstract

A control unit 10 for controlling at least one device in a building receives an input from at least a first input device 20, controls at least a first output device based on the input, and is configured for installation in a standard pattress box. The input may be from a fire or smoke detector, a door bell 30, a switching mechanism 4 of a light switch 8, an occupancy sensor, or an indication of building power consumption. The output device may be a light fixture 5, an audible alarm, a light source for illuminating a face plate 3, a remote user display, a night light, or an intercom. The control unit may further enter a fire/panic mode when a light switch is actuated for a predetermined duration. The control unit may communicate wirelessly with an app on a mobile device and feature a wireless extender. A light source for illuminating a face plate may assume a colour, from a set of two or more colours, corresponding to a predetermined input.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Giovanni Laporta

467 Whippendell Road, WATFORD, Hertfordshire, WD18 7PS, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Giovanni Laporta (56) Documents Cited:

WO 2017/040729 A1 WO 2015/134755 A2

WO 2014/031798 A2 WO 2006/044816 A1

US 20150156031 A1 US 20030050737 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL G05B, G08B, H01R, H02G, H04L Other: EPODOC, WPI, Patent fulltext (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

CSY Herts

Helios Court, 1 Bishop Square, Hatfield, HERTFORDSHIRE, AL10 9NE, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: A control unit

Abstract Title: Home automation control unit installed in a pattress box (57) A control unit 10 for controlling at least one device in a building receives an input from at least a first input device 20, controls at least a first output device based on the input, and is configured for installation in a standard pattress box. The input may be from a fire or smoke detector, a door bell 30, a switching mechanism 4 of a light switch 8, an occupancy sensor, or an indication of building power consumption. The output device may be a light fixture 5, an audible alarm, a light source for illuminating a face plate 3, a remote user display, a night light, or an intercom. The control unit may further enter a fire/panic mode when a light switch is actuated for a predetermined duration. The control unit may communicate wirelessly with an app on a mobile device and feature a wireless extender. A light source for illuminating a face plate may assume a colour, from a set of two or more colours, corresponding to a predetermined input.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to control units for controlling at least one device in a building.

Background to the Invention

Home automation can generally include functions for light, climate control, security and surveillance systems, amongst other things. Complexity of installation and configuration can be a drawback with existing home automation systems.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a control unit for controlling at least one device in a building, the control unit comprising:

means for receiving an input from at least a first input device; and means for controlling at least a first output device based on the input from the first input device;

wherein the control unit is configured for installation in a standard pattress box.

Suitably the control unit is configured (i.e. sized and shaped) for installation in a standard pattress box. In preferred embodiments, the control unit is configured for integration in a light switch having a front and rear, the light switch having a face plate and a housing mounted to the rear of the face plate, the control unit being housed in the light switch housing in use. Preferably the control unit is housed in the light switch housing in use, together with the light switch switching circuitry and switching mechanism. Therefore, the lighting and control unit is configured for installation in a standard light switch. The light switch housing is configured to fit within a standard pattress box, with the light switch face plate mounted over the pattress box in use. The at least a first input device and at least a first output device may each be located on the light switch or remote from the light switch.

The present invention can be used in a home or commercial building. The invention is easy to install because it can simply replace an existing switch, socket or thermostat or other electrical actuator. Secondly, it does not consume significant additional space in or on the wall which may be undesirable due to practical constraints or because it may be aesthetically unpleasing. Thirdly, it allows the invention to connect to the existing electrical system and so further wiring and electrical connectivity does not need to be introduced. This reduces installation time as well as cost.

The control unit preferably comprises a processor coupled to the at least a first input device and the at least a first output device to control the at least a first output device in response to input signals from the at least a first input device.

Preferably the at least a first input device comprises a fire detector. Preferably said fire detector is a smoke detector. Alternatively the fire detector may be a heat sensor or some other suitable fire detector.

Preferably the at least a first output device is a light fixture, the control unit being configured to be electrically wired to the light fixture. The term fixture generally refers to a lighting fixture or the like, which is wired into the mains lighting system of the building.

Preferably the at least a first output device is an audible alarm. The audible alarm may be configured for mounting in the pattress box. The audible alarm may be housed in a light switch in use, wherein the light switch is configured for mounting to the pattress box. The audible alarm may be housed in the housing of the light switch in use.

Preferably the at least a first output device is a means for illuminating at least part of a face plate configured for mounting to the pattress box. The means for illuminating may be configured for mounting in the pattress box. The means for illuminating may be housed in a light switch in use, wherein the light switch is configured for mounting to the pattress box. The means for illuminating may be housed in the housing of the light switch in use.

Preferably the at least a first input device is a fire detector and wherein the control unit is configured to enter a fire mode when an input from the fire detector indicates that there is a fire in the building, wherein in fire mode at least one of the following output devices is caused to be activated by the control unit:

(i) a light fixture;

(ii) an audible alarm;

(iii) a means for illuminating at least part of a face plate configured for mounting to the pattress box; and (iv) a remote user display means.

Activation of the remote user display means when the control unit is in fire mode (or any other alert mode) may involve presenting a status indication to a user. The remote user display means may be a mobile phone or tablet computer with mobile application (“app”) for interfacing with the control unit.

Preferably the control unit further comprises wireless communication means for communicating with the at least a first input device and/or the at least a first output device. The wireless communication means may comprise a wireless receiver or transmitter. The receiver may be a transceiver which is capable of both transmitting and receiving the information. The wireless communication means may be RF communication means.

Preferably the control unit is configured to receive signals corresponding to the location of the at least a first input device. The control unit may be configured to receive signals to identify the location of the at least a first input device (e.g. the input device may be configured to relay its rough location to the control unit). For example, once the control unit and the at least a first input device are installed, the system can be provided with a location, e.g. a room name, that is associated with the at least a first sensor. The control unit may be configured to receive signals indicating a safe exit route depending on the location of the fire. The control unit may be configured to relay information on the safe exit route to the occupant(s).

Preferably the at least a first input device is a door bell. The control unit may receive an input signal, such as an RF signal, when the doorbell to the building is being activated.

Preferably the control unit is configured to enter a doorbell alert mode when an input from the doorbell indicates that the doorbell has been activated, wherein in doorbell alert mode at least one of the following output devices is caused to be activated by the control unit:

(i) a light fixture;

(ii) an audible alarm;

Preferably the control unit is configured to enter a doorbell alert mode when an input from the doorbell indicates that the doorbell has been activated, wherein in doorbell alert mode the control unit activates a light fixture to flash at least once. For example, if the light fixture is off when the doorbell is rung, it may be caused to flash off briefly and if the light fixture is on when the doorbell is rung, it may be caused to flash off then back briefly.

Preferably the at least a first input device is a switching mechanism of a light switch mounted to the pattress box in use.

Preferably the control unit is configured to provide a first output or a second output, the choice of output depending on the duration of actuation of the light switch.

Preferably the control unit is configured to control the on I off state of the light fixture if the light switch is actuated for less than a predetermined duration and wherein the control unit is configured to enter a fire mode when the light switch is activated for equal to or more than said predetermined duration, wherein in the fire mode at least one of the following output devices is caused to be activated by the control unit:

(i) a light fixture;

(ii) an audible alarm;

Preferably the control unit is configured to control the on and off state of the light fixture if the light switch is actuated for less than a predetermined duration and wherein the control unit is configured to enter a panic mode when the light switch is activated for equal to or more than said predetermined duration wherein in the panic mode at least one of the following output devices is caused to be activated by the control unit:

(i) an audible alarm;

(ii) a means for illuminating at least part of a face plate configured for mounting to the pattress box; and (iii) a remote user display means.

Preferably the at least a first output device is a light source means for illuminating at least part of a face plate configured for mounting to the pattress box. The light source means may be integrated with the control unit in use.

Preferably the control unit includes a light source means for illuminating at least part of a face plate configured for mounting to the pattress box.

Preferably the light source means is configured to assume a predetermined colour when a predetermined input is received from said at least a first input device.

Preferably the light source can selectively assume one colour from a set of two or more colours, each colour corresponding to a predetermined input.

Preferably the control unit can enter one of a set of two or more modes depending on the input from said at least a first input device, said light source assuming different predetermined colours corresponding to each mode.

Preferably the control unit is configured to receive signals from a first occupancy sensor.

Preferably the control unit is configured to receive signals indicating the power consumption for the building and is configured to control a power consumption indicator to indicate power consumption for the building.

Preferably the control unit further comprises a wireless extender.

Preferably the control unit is configured to communicate with an app executing on a mobile device. The mobile device may be a remote user display means.

Preferably the at least a first output device is a means for illuminating at least part of a face plate for use as a night light, the face plate being configured for mounting to the pattress box, wherein the control unit is configured to communicate with an app executing on a mobile device, the app being operable to activate and de-activate the means for illuminating the face plate.

Preferably the at least a first output device is an intercom unit configured for mounting in the pattress box.

The intercom unit may include a microphone and a speaker. The intercom unit may be mounted to a light switch in use. In such embodiments the intercom unit is therefore integrated with the light switch. Control units with intercom units may be installed at two or more locations in a building enabling a first user to communicate with a second user.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a light switch incorporating a control unit according to any aspect of the invention described above.

Preferably the light switch has a front and rear and comprises a face plate and a housing mounted to the rear of the face plate, the control unit being housed in the light switch housing in use. The light switch is configured for mounting over the pattress box. Preferably the control unit is housed in the light switch housing in use, together with the light switch switching circuitry and switching mechanism. The light switch housing is configured to fit within a standard pattress box, with the light switch face plate mounted over the pattress box in use. The at least a first input device and at least a first output device may each be located on the light switch or remote from the light switch.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a system comprising a control unit according to any aspect of the invention described above and at least a first input device and at least a first output device. The system may comprise two or more control units according to any aspect described above and at least a first input device and at least a first output device. Said at least a first input device and at least a first output device may be coupled to each of said two or more control units. Alternatively or in addition, each control unit may be coupled to at least one input device and/or output device that is not coupled to another control unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a standard pattress box and light switch;

Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic view of a system incorporating a control unit according to a first embodiment;

Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic view of some of the components within a control unit according to an embodiment of the invention and also a range of possible input and output devices that the control unit 10 can be configured to communicate with in different embodiments;

Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic view of a system incorporating a control unit according to a further embodiment.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The present embodiments represent currently the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice. But they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved. They are illustrated, and they will now be described, by way of example only. Any common features between the assemblies of the different figures are referenced by common reference numerals.

Standard light switch assemblies comprise a pattress box, also known as a wiring box or back box, for housing the electrical components, and a light switch which mounts over the pattress box and which includes the switching mechanism (such as a rocker switch, toggle switch, dimmer switch or push switch). The pattress box is sunken into the wall and has an opening for receiving electrical fittings, the light switch mounting over the opening. An exploded view of a typical light switch assembly 1 is shown in Figure 1. The assembly includes a pattress box 2 and a light switch 8, the light switch comprising a face plate 3 with switch mechanism 4 and a housing 9 mounted to the back of the face plate. In a standard light switch the housing 9 contains the electronics for controlling the power supplied to the light. In this example the face plate 3 has a push switch 4 to operate a light (not shown) between an on state and an off state.

The present invention provides a control unit that is sized and shaped to be installed into a standard pattress box for receiving inputs from one or more input devices, such as sensors, and for controlling one or more output devices. Pattress boxes for light switches are typically provided in a range of discrete depths, such as 16mm, 25mm, 35mm, 47mm. The control unit of the present invention is preferably sized and shaped to fit in a 25 mm depth pattress box. The control unit of the present invention is preferably sized and shaped to fit in a housing 9 of a light switch 8.

Referring to Figure 2, a diagrammatic view of a system incorporating a control unit according to a first embodiment is shown. The system includes a control unit 10 (not visible) installed in the pattress box (not visible) of a standard light switch 8. In this embodiment the system has a first input device (fire detector 20) and a first output device (light fixture 5) coupled to the control unit 10.

The light fixture 5 is powered by conventional AC household electrical mains power and the light switch 8 is installed so as to control passage of current to the light fixture 5, the light switch 8 being coupled to the light fixture 5 using existing wiring 6. The push switch 4 on the face plate 3 of the light switch 8 can be used to convert the light fixture 5 between an on state and an off state, as would be the case for a normal light switch.

The control unit 10 is paired with a fire detector 20, the control unit 10 and fire detector 20, preferably being configured to communicate via wireless transmission means, preferably radio frequency (RF) transmission means. However, other wireless transmission means may be used. The control unit may be adapted to operate according to the Zig Bee, Zwave, Bluetooth, or other wireless protocol. The control unit 10 can be configured to communicate with the fire detector 20 other than wirelessly, for example via optical or wired communication links.

Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic view of components that may be within the control unit 10 in a preferred embodiment and possible input and output devices that the control unit 10 can be configured to communicate with in different embodiments. Figure 3 includes a power supply 32, such as mains power, for powering the control unit 10 and some or all of the other devices in the system. The control unit 10 includes a processor 12, which may be configured to generate a warning indication in response to receiving an input from an input device. In the embodiment of Figure 2 the input device is the fire detector 20, and the control unit 10 is configured to generate a warning indication in response to receiving an input signal indicating that the fire detector has detected one or more predetermined conditions (such as presence of smoke, rate of rise of temperature above a threshold level etc). The control unit 10 also includes an RF module 14 or other communication means for communicating with any input device(s) and output device(s) that are configured to communicate with the control unit 10 via radio frequency communication.

When the fire detector 20 detects one or more predetermined conditions that are intended to give rise to a warning indication, the control unit enters a ‘fire mode’ in which control signal(s) are produced by the control unit 10 to generate the warning indication. In this example, the warning indication is provided by control of the light fixture 5 to convert the light fixture 5 to an on state (if it is in an off state). Research shows that the sound of conventional smoke alarms often fail to wake up sleeping children at night. A light switching on will provide a visual alert to occupant(s) that a fire has started. The triggering of the light fixture to convert to an on state will therefore provide an extra means for alerting sleeping occupants, increasing the chance that they wake up if a fire is detected.

In this example, the warning indication is provided by control of the light fixture 5 to convert the light fixture 5 to an on state, however the control unit can be configured to generate alternative or additional warning indications. For example, light switch 8 can optionally include a speaker 7 that sounds an audible alert when a fire is detected by the fire detector 20. In this case, the face plate 3 may have a grille 7a formed of a plurality openings in the face plate 3 to allow sound to travel out from the light switch face plate 3. When the fire detector 20 detects the one or more predetermined conditions that are intended to give rise to a warning indication and the control unit 10 therefore enters fire mode, a control signal is produced by the control unit 10 to activate the speaker 7. The control unit 7 may be configured to activate an electronically stored voice recording or synthesized voice that is played via the speaker 7. Research shows that voice alarms are more likely to waken sleeping children than conventional tone alarms. Of course, any audible alarm can be activated, including a voice or otherwise. The speaker 7 may be disposed separately from the light switch housing, but communicating with the control unit 10 as an output device.

Furthermore, the voice alarm may be configured to provide information, such as guidance on how to exit the building. This may be useful in systems in which there is more than one fire detector, each fire detector being in a different room or in a different part of the building. When the control unit 10 and fire detectors are installed, the fire detectors can be registered to the control unit 10 and identified with a corresponding location associated with each fire detector. For example, the control unit 10 can be calibrated by the installer to store within memory 13 an indication of where each fire detector is installed (eg.

downstairs or upstairs etc). Alternatively a radio frequency (RF) based tracking system could be used to identify the location of each fire detector incorporated in the system using RFID tags or similar mounted to each fire detector, the control unit being able to identify the rough location of each fire detector based on received signal strength. In this way, the voice alarm could provide audible instructions to occupants as to a safe exist route, such as to exit the home from upper floors, if a fire has started downstairs for example.

Referring to Figure 3, another warning indication that can be activated when the control system is in fire mode in addition to or instead of the warning indications described above is a means 16 for illuminating at least part of the face plate 3 of the light switch. In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit may be configured for coupling to a light source means or the control unit may include a light source means for illuminating at least part of the face plate 3. For example, the control unit 10 may be configured to activate red illumination of the face plate 3, or part of the face plate 3, when a fire is detected. This provides another visual alert that a fire has been detected. The light switch 1 may include a red light source means mounted behind a frosted diffuser forming at least part of the face plate for example.

The light source means may be configured to assume a predetermined colour when a predetermined input is received to the control unit 10 from the or a predetermined input device. Predetermined inputs can correspond to one of a set of two or more predetermined colours that can be assumed by the light source means. In this way, different statuses can be indicated visually to the occupant depending on the colour of the illumination of the face plate 3. The light source means may be a colour changing LED or set of colour changing LEDs that can assume different colours, depending on the output from the control unit 10, which in turn depends on the input received from input device(s). Alternatively the light source means may comprise a set of differently coloured LEDs, different LEDs being selectively activated depending on the input received by the control unit 10 from input device(s). The face plate may include an illuminating element such as a frosted diffuser forming at least part of the face plate, with the LED(s) mounted behind the illuminating element, the frosted diffuser glowing different colours depending on the colour of light that is activated. Table 1 below shows some example statuses that can be indicated by different illumination colours of the light switch.

Table 1

ILLUMINATION COLOUR	STATUS
Red	For a system including a fire detector as an input device, the light switch can glow red if a fire is detected
Blue	For a system that can interface with a mobile application (mobile “app”), the light switch can glow blue if activated through the app
Green	For a system including a door or window sensor as an input device, the light switch can glow green if an open door or window is detected in the room
Cool white	For a system including a doorbell as an input device, the light switch can glow white if the doorbell is activated

For a system that interfaces with a mobile app, the light switch can be activated to glow (e.g. to glow white) via the app, for example to serve as a night light.

In preferred embodiments the control unit 10 can be configured to provide a first output or a second output depending on the duration of the actuation of the light switch 4. In this case the light switch will be a push button light switch or similar. In an exemplary embodiment, if the light switch 4 is activated for less than a predetermined duration, the control unit 10 is configured to activate or deactivate the light fixture (i.e. to control the on I off state of the light fixture). In other words, a short press of the light switch 4 will turn the room light on or off, as a normal light switch would when operated. If the light switch 4 is activated for a length of time that is more than or equal to the predetermined duration, the control unit is configured to enter fire mode, wherein one or more of the warning indications described above can be activated by the control unit. Therefore, an occupant can use the light switch 4, when coupled to the control unit 10, to activate the fire warning indication system by holding the light switch button 4 down for at least the predetermined duration (e.g. a predetermined number of seconds), even if the fire detector has not yet detected a fire. This provides an early warning system for other occupants in the building.

Control unit 10 can be configured to enter into a mode other than fire mode if the push switch 4 is activated for at least the predetermined duration. For example, in a building that has separate manual fire mode activation devices (e.g. a device with a panel that is shattered by a user to act as a manual fire mode activation device), then the control unit could instead be configured to enter a ‘panic mode’ in response to a long press of the push switch 4. When in panic mode, the control unit may cause a suitable output device, such as an audible alarm as an output device to sound that corresponds to panic mode.

As mentioned above in Table 1, the control unit 10 can be configured to interface with a mobile app. For example, referring to Figure 3, a remote device 34 such as a mobile phone or tablet computer with mobile app installed can act as a user interface comprising an input device that the control unit 10 is configured to communicate with, preferably wirelessly via the wireless module of the control unit 10. Acting as an input device for the control unit 10, a remote device with mobile app can provide an input to the control unit 10 causing the light fixture to be operated (i.e. to turn it on or off). A remote device with mobile app can be used to cause the control unit 10 to enter fire mode, thus triggering the one or more warning indications described above. For a control system configured to illuminate the face plate 3 of the light switch when the control unit 10 has entered fire mode, the control system may be configured such that the light source means assumes a different colour if fire mode has been triggered by the detection of a fire by the fire detector than if fire mode has been triggered by via the mobile app. The control unit 10 can also be configured to communicate with the remote device 34 as an output device wherein the remote device acts as a remote user display means for presenting status indications to the user as to the status of the control unit (e.g. if it has entered fire mode or panic mode etc).

Referring to Figure 4, another input device that the control unit 10 may be configured to receive input signals from is a doorbell 30. The control unit 10 may be configured to communicate with the doorbell 30 via wired or optical communication links or via wireless transmission means, as is the case with other possible input devices for the control unit

10. If the door bell is activated (e.g. by a visitor), the control unit 10 is configured to enter a doorbell alert mode. The processor 12 is configured to generate a doorbell alert indication in response to an input signal to the control unit 10 from the doorbell 30 indicating that the doorbell has been activated. When in doorbell alert mode, the control unit 10 is caused to control one or more output devices to generate the doorbell alert indication. A first doorbell alert indication may be the sounding of an audible signal via the speaker 7 of the light switch as an output device. A further or alternative doorbell alert indication may be activation of the light fixture 5 as an output device to flash on or to flash off, depending on the status of the light fixture when the doorbell is activated. This provides a visual indication that someone is at the door. A further or alternative doorbell alert indication may be activation of an illumination source means as an output device to illuminate the face plate 3 of the light switch (as mentioned above in Table 1). A further or alternative doorbell alert indication may be activation of a remote device as an output device to provide a suitable indication to a user of the activation of the doorbell.

The control unit 10 may include means for coupling to a microphone and a speaker (which may or may not be the same speaker that produces an audible alarm in certain modes of the control unit, such as fire mode) and for communicating with other control units 10 in the building, preferably wirelessly. In this way, the control unit 10 installed in a light switch can operate as an intercom system to allow an occupant to talk an occupant in another room or another part of the building.

The or each control unit 10 in a system can act as a wireless extender, such as an RF extender to avoid the need for separate wireless extender devices.

Referring to Figure 3, control unit 10 may be configured to receive signals from an occupancy sensor 22 as an input device for the system. In such embodiments the control unit 10 may be configured to provide an output to a remote device as an output device, such as a mobile phone or tablet computer with mobile app installed, to provide an indication as to whether the room(s) containing an occupancy sensor is/are occupied or not. Occupancy sensors such as passive infra-red sensors, or other suitable occupancy sensors may be coupled to communicate, preferably wirelessly, with the control unit 10.

The control unit 10 may be configured to receive signals indicating power consumption for the building, such as a wireless energy monitor 24 as an input device for the system. In such embodiments the control unit 10 will be configured to control a power consumption indicator 26 as an output device to indicate the power consumption for the building. The power consumption indicator could be light source means for illuminating at least part of the face plate of the light switch, wherein the face plate would be caused to glow at differing intensity levels depending on the power consumption detected. For example, the higher the power consumption detected, the higher the intensity that the face plate would glow. This can provide a useful visual indication of how much electricity a home is consuming.

The control unit may be incorporated into a light switch that has a standard face plate, the control unit being configured to receive inputs from the switch mechanism of the standard face plate. Alternatively the control unit may be provided with a dedicated face plate that is configured to be used with the control unit as the face plate for the pattress box.

The control unit may have one or more input devices and one or more output devices paired with it. It will be understood that input and output devices other than those shown in Figure 3 may be paired with the control unit. A building may have a system of multiple such control units, e.g. in different rooms.

Although in the preferred embodiment the control unit is configured for installation in a standard pattress box for a light switch, it can be configured for installation in other types of pattress box, such as for a pattress box for a thermostat or socket. It is especially useful for installation in a pattress box of a device that is already wired into a home’s mains system, therefore the control unit can easily installed using the existing wall fittings and be connected to existing wiring, and in order to communicate with any input or output devices as desired that are wired into the home’s mains system. Alternatively however, the control unit can be configured for installation in any suitable housing. Said housing can be configured to be wall mounted (e.g. sunken into the wall, rather like a pattress box) or otherwise.

Claims

1. A control unit for controlling at least one device in a building, the control unit comprising:

2. A control unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least a first input device comprises a fire detector.

3. A control unit according to claim 2, wherein said fire detector is a smoke detector.

4. A control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least a first output device is a light fixture, the control unit being configured to be electrically wired to the light fixture.

5. A control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least a first output device is an audible alarm.

6. A control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least a first output device is a means for illuminating at least part of a face plate configured for mounting to the pattress box.

7. A control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least a first input device is a fire detector and wherein the control unit is configured to enter a fire mode when an input from the fire detector indicates that there is a fire in the building, wherein in fire mode at least one of the following output devices is caused to be activated by the control unit:

(i) a light fixture;

(ii) an audible alarm;

8. A control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit further comprises wireless communication means for communicating with the at least a first input device and/or the at least a first output device.

9. A control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit is configured to receive signals corresponding to the location of the at least a first input device.

10. A control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least a first input device is a door bell.

11. A control unit according to claim 10, wherein the control unit is configured to enter a doorbell alert mode when an input from the doorbell indicates that the doorbell has been activated, wherein in doorbell alert mode at least one of the following output devices is caused to be activated by the control unit:

(i) a light fixture;

(ii) an audible alarm;

12. A control unit according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the control unit is configured to enter a doorbell alert mode when an input from the doorbell indicates that the doorbell has been activated, wherein in doorbell alert mode the control unit activates a light fixture to flash at least once.

13. A control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least a first input device is a switching mechanism of a light switch mounted to the pattress box in use.

14. A control unit according to claim 13, wherein the control unit is configured to provide a first output or a second output, the choice of output depending on the duration of actuation of the light switch.

15. A control unit according to claim 14, wherein the control unit is configured to control the on I off state of the light fixture if the light switch is actuated for less than a predetermined duration and wherein the control unit is configured to enter a fire mode when the light switch is activated for equal to or more than said predetermined duration, wherein in the fire mode at least one of the following output devices is caused to be activated by the control unit:

(i) a light fixture;

(ii) an audible alarm;

16. A control unit according to claim 14, wherein the control unit is configured to control the on and off state of the light fixture if the light switch is actuated for less than a predetermined duration and wherein the control unit is configured to enter a panic mode when the light switch is activated for equal to or more than said predetermined duration wherein in the panic mode at least one of the following output devices is caused to be activated by the control unit:

(i) an audible alarm;

17. A control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit includes a light source means for illuminating at least part of a face plate configured for mounting to the pattress box.

18. A control unit according to claim 17, wherein the light source means is configured to assume a predetermined colour when a predetermined input is received from said at least a first input device.

19. A control unit according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the light source can selectively assume one colour from a set of two or more colours, each colour corresponding to a predetermined input.

20. A control unit according to claim 19, wherein the control unit can enter one of a set of two or more modes depending on the input from said at least a first input device, said light source assuming different predetermined colours corresponding to each mode.

21. A control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit is configured to receive signals from a first occupancy sensor.

22. A control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit is configured to receive signals indicating the power consumption for the building and is configured to control a power consumption indicator to indicate power consumption for the building.

23. A control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit further comprises a wireless extender.

24. A control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit is configured to communicate with an app executing on a mobile device.

25. A control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least a first output device is a means for illuminating at least part of a face plate for use as a night light, the face plate being configured for mounting to the pattress box, wherein the control unit is configured to communicate with an app executing on a mobile device, the app being operable to activate and de-activate the means for illuminating the face plate.

26. A control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least a first output device is an intercom unit configured for mounting in the pattress box.

27. A light switch incorporating a control unit according to any preceding claim.

28. A system comprising a control unit according to any preceding claim and at least a first input device and at least a first output device.

29. A system comprising two or more control units according to any preceding claim and at least a first input device and at least a first output device.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB 1703819.1 Examiner: Mr Alastair Cort