WO2015061831A1 - Système adaptable d'alimentation multimodale, d'éclairage et d'automatisation sans fil - Google Patents

Système adaptable d'alimentation multimodale, d'éclairage et d'automatisation sans fil Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015061831A1
WO2015061831A1 PCT/AU2014/001007 AU2014001007W WO2015061831A1 WO 2015061831 A1 WO2015061831 A1 WO 2015061831A1 AU 2014001007 W AU2014001007 W AU 2014001007W WO 2015061831 A1 WO2015061831 A1 WO 2015061831A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
peer
power control
control unit
smartphone
microcontroller
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2014/001007
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Barrie Davis
Benjamin Davis
Original Assignee
Kortek Industries Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2013904180A external-priority patent/AU2013904180A0/en
Application filed by Kortek Industries Pty Ltd filed Critical Kortek Industries Pty Ltd
Priority to EP14858596.1A priority Critical patent/EP3063594A4/fr
Priority to US15/032,313 priority patent/US9929876B2/en
Priority to AU2014344788A priority patent/AU2014344788A1/en
Priority to JP2016526332A priority patent/JP2017504982A/ja
Priority to CA2928625A priority patent/CA2928625A1/fr
Priority to CN201480071225.4A priority patent/CN105849655A/zh
Publication of WO2015061831A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015061831A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2816—Controlling appliance services of a home automation network by calling their functionalities
    • H04L12/282—Controlling appliance services of a home automation network by calling their functionalities based on user interaction within the home
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/70—Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2807—Exchanging configuration information on appliance services in a home automation network
    • H04L12/2809—Exchanging configuration information on appliance services in a home automation network indicating that an appliance service is present in a home automation network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01—Protocols
    • H04L67/12—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
    • H04L67/125—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks involving control of end-device applications over a network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L2012/284—Home automation networks characterised by the type of medium used
    • H04L2012/2841—Wireless
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L2012/2847—Home automation networks characterised by the type of home appliance used
    • H04L2012/285—Generic home appliances, e.g. refrigerators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L41/00—Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
    • H04L41/08—Configuration management of networks or network elements
    • H04L41/0803—Configuration setting
    • H04L41/0806—Configuration setting for initial configuration or provisioning, e.g. plug-and-play
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/80—Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W84/00—Network topologies
    • H04W84/02—Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
    • H04W84/10—Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
    • H04W84/12—WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to the control of mains power, lighting and automation in domestic and commercial applications using standard portable computing devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptop/notebook/netbook/ultrabook computers and similar items to act as a personal controller utilizing an adaptable wireless communications link.
  • the present disclosure includes two parts: a power control unit with adaptable wireless communication capabilities; and a battery powered personal controller able to communicate with a power control unit via a wireless communications link. It will be appreciated that reference herein to "preferred” or “preferably” is intended as exemplary only.
  • the power control unit is preferably configured to wirelessly operate: as an adaptable Wi-Fi Direct and network Wi-Fi device, either individually or concurrently, using Wi-Fi-Direct and/or network Wi-Fi technologies; and optionally as a Bluetooth device using Bluetooth SIG class 2.1+EDR or later technologies including Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth 4.0 and protocol layers such as CSRMesh,
  • network Wi-Fi refers to the Wi-Fi. Alliance definition as any "wireiess local area network (WLAN) products that are based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards" including any amendments, extensions o proprietary implementations.
  • Wi-Fi Direct refers to a device configured to support the Wi-Fi Alliance Wi-Fi Direct specification and amendments, extensions or proprietary implementations of Wi-Fi peer-to-peer technology.
  • Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth are peer-to-peer capable communication technologies.
  • Peer-to-peer communication method and control aspects that may be incorporated into the power control unit are described in more detail in PCT Application No. PCT/AU2011/001666, filed December 29, 2011 , titled "Wireless Power, Light and Automation Control," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • Network Wi-Fi is a communication technology that allows devices to communicate through a WLAN.
  • Adaptable network, peer-to-peer communication methods and system attributes that may be incorporated into the power control unit are described in more detail in PCT Application No. PCT/AU2012/000959, filed August 15, 2012, titled
  • the personal controller is preferably a commercially available cellular or mobile phone commonly known as a smartphone that supports at least network Wi-Fi and may also support Wi-Fi Direct and/or Bluetooth and/or Near Field Communications (NFC).
  • NFC Near Field Communications
  • the personal controller will be described in terms of a smartphone, though the disclosure is not so limited.
  • the personal controller may be any portable device which can download or install fay other means an Applications Program (App), have a suitable interface the user can interact with to control the App in order to execute required functions, and have the wireless
  • App Applications Program
  • Examples of personal controllers include smartphones, tablets, laptops, u!trabooks and notebook personal computers.
  • the power control unit can preferably form a communications link with a smartphone using Wi-Fi Direct and/or network Wi-Fi.
  • a smartphone with Wi-Fi capability connected to the same WLAN can use an appropriate App to communicate with the power controi unit. That is, a user can enter a command into their smartphone and send it to the power control unit via the WLAN.
  • the smartphone could be in the vicinity of the WLAN access point, or the smartphone could be at a remote location and communicate with the WLAN access point via the Internet if so configured.
  • a power control unit operating in Wi-Fi Direct mode can communicate peer-to-peer with a smartphone without the requirement of a WLAN.
  • the power control unit preferably simulates a Wi-Fi access point or operates as a software access point (softAP) if the smartphone is not using Wi-Fi Direct to communicate; or if the smartphone is using Wi-Fi Direct to communicate, the power controi unit and smartphone can negotiate which device will assume the Wi-Fi Direct group owner role and establish a peer-to-peer connection. Once a peer-to-peer connection has been established, the user is able to send commands directly from a smartphone to the selected power controi unit without the need for any other
  • the present disclosure in one preferred embodiment sets forth a power controi unit with wireless communication capabilities derived from any number of radios, transceivers and controllers that provide both a network Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct connection individually or concurrently.
  • the power control unit may also include the necessary radios, transceivers or components to support a wireless Bluetooth connection.
  • the wireless communication capabilities of the power control unit may be achieved by using: an number of discrete radios, aerials, transceivers, microprocessors and controllers either individually, collectively, or as a system in a package (SiP) or as a system on a chip (SoC); a combination or "combo" chip that aggregates the functionality of a number of discrete transceivers and controllers of different standards as a SiP or SoC; or using any combination of combo chip/s, SiP/s, SoC/s and/or discrete radios, aerials, transceivers and controllers.
  • SiP system in a package
  • SoC system on a chip
  • the power control unit may utilize single or multiple wireless bands, physical channels, virtual channels, modes or other coexistence technologies and algorithms, the methods of which are already known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are not described herein.
  • the power control unit may also include shared antenna support and shared signal receiving paths to eliminate the need for an external splitter or reduce the number of aerials required.
  • the present disclosure in one preferred embodiment sets forth a power control unit with wireless communications that in a first mode provide a peer-fo-peer connection and in a second mode can be configured by the user to operate as a network Wi-Fi device and connect to a WLAN as a client.
  • the power control unit has its wireless communications set to initially function in peer-to-peer mode, preferably utilizing Wi-Fi Direct, irrespective of its final
  • Wi-Fi Direct provides a peer-to-peer connection, as soon as power is applied to power control unit, it can be recognised by a smartphone
  • a smartphone App is preferably used to configure any operational aspects and control the functional capabilities of the power control unit. Once a communications link is established, the user is able to activate a smartphone App which preferably uses the data path between the smartphone and power control unit. Using a smartphone App, the user can choose if the power control unit is to continue running in peer-to-peer mode, swap to network Wi-Fi mode, or run both modes concurrently where supported, and set the power control unit with any operational parameters required for a network Wi-Fi or peer-to-peer device, name the device, set an encryption key, enter a password and any other requirements that may be required or desirable. When this procedure has been completed, the user can command the power control unit to "restart", at which time it will configure itself according to the parameters which have been specified during the setup process.
  • This may include security measures in addition to any native security measures of Wi-Fi Direct such as Wi-Fi Protected Access or Wi ⁇ Fi Protected Access 2.
  • the smartphone App would configure the necessary parameters for the power control unit to connect to a WLAN.
  • the power control unit When the power control unit restarts, it wouid connect as a client device on the WLAN. It wouid then preferab!y be accessible to devices which are also connected to the same WLAN.
  • a peer-to-peer wireless mode of the power control unit is preferably used to configure the necessary parameters for the access administrator to connect to a WLAN as a client,
  • a smartphone App is preferably used to control the functional capabilities of the power control.
  • the smartphone App In network Wi-Fi mode, the smartphone App
  • the smartphone App communicates with the selected power control unit via a WLAN access point, in peer-to- peer mode utilizing Wi-Fi Direct, the smartphone App communicates directly with the selected access administrator machine to machine.
  • the power control unit could allow third party access via a Wi-Fi Direct connection without allowing access to the concurrent WLAN connection, thus
  • a smartphone App would also preferably be used to control and program various automation and interactive functions of the power control unit.
  • this could include the ability to set a specific response to an ambient light threshold determined from an embedded ambient light sensor in the power control unit.
  • this could include the ability to set a specific response in relation to a proximity event determined from an embedded proximity detector in the power control unit, in another preferred embodiment this could include specifying a colour hue from a graphical approximation displayed on the smartphone screen.
  • a Bluetooth peer-to-peer connection between a smartphone and power control unit may be used to enter information for configuration of the power control unit as a network Wi-Fi device and/or Wi-Fi Direct access point group participant and/or peer-to-peer Wi-Fi device, or to facilitate the
  • Wi-Fi connection and/or Wi-Fi Direct connection and/or peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection.
  • Wi-Fi Direct connection and/or peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection.
  • peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection a Bluetooth
  • connection between a power control unit and smartphone may be used as a peer-to- peer communication channel to exchange data with a power control unit.
  • the power control unit may have an exposed human interface such as a mechanical switch(s), button(s), or capacitive/proximity touch area(s). In one preferred embodiment, it may be desirable to have no exposed human interface in order to reduce the incidence of vandalism or create a highly weather resistant unit.
  • the power control unit can be incorporated into many different forms of lighting products.
  • the present disclosure sets forth a device for linking a personal controller to a lighting element, the persona! controller having a processor, a user interface, and a wireless communications transceiver.
  • the device includes a wireless communications module operable for secure two-way wireless communication with the personal controller, the wireless communications module including an aeria! and a radio transceiver, the wireless communications module being configured to communicate with the personal controller selectively using a non-peer-to-peer communications link and a peer-to-peer communications link established by simulating a network access point.
  • the device further includes a microcontroller configured to operate the wireless communications module in more than one mode, the
  • the device further includes a power control circuit configured to implement a command from the microcontroller to vary the supply of electricity to the lighting element based at least in part on instructions communicated from the personal controller.
  • the present disclosure sets forth a device for linking a personal controller to a lighting element, the personal controller having a processor, a user interface, and a wireless communications transceiver.
  • the device includes a wireless communications module operable for secure two-way wireless communication with the personal controller, the wireless communications module including an aerial and a radio transceiver, the wireless communications module being configured to communicate with the personal controller using a peer-to-peer
  • the device further includes a microcontroller configured to obtain network parameters of a WLAN from the personal controller using the peer-to-peer communications link established between the wireless communications module and the personal controller, the microcontroller being programmed to operate the wireless communications module as a client of the WLAN based on the network parameters obtained from the personal controller through the peer-to-peer communications link.
  • the device also includes a power control circuit configured to implement a command from the microcontroller to vary the supply of electricity to the lighting element based at least in part on instructions communicated from the personal controller.
  • the present disclosure sets forth a method for linking a smartphone to a lighting element.
  • the method includes providing a power control unit physically connectable to a power circuit configured to operate the lighting element, the power control unit including a microprocessor and a radio transceiver operable for establishing a peer-to-peer communications link with the smartphone; establishing a wireless peer-to-peer connection between the power control unit and the smartphone by operating the power control unit as a simulated access point;
  • the smartphone determines, with the smartphone, whether the power control unit is configured as a client in a WLAN within range of the power control unit; and configuring the power control unit as a client of the WLAN if the power control unit is not already confi a client
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a smartphone for use in one preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the functional elements of a power control unit in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 3 is a system pictorial representation of the smartphone of Fig. 1 and the power control unit of Fig. 2 used in a peer-to-peer communications link with each other, and used in a Wi-Fi WLAN in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary configuration procedure utilizing the smartphone of Fig. 1 to configure the power control unit of Fig. 2 as a client device in Wi-Fi WLAN of Fig. 3 in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective representation of a smartphone 10 which uses a wireless link to communicate with a power control unit (described in more detail below).
  • Smartphone 10 is preferably a commercially available, conventional smartphone.
  • Some of the basic functions the smartphone preferably includes are: a touch sensitive graphical screen interface 12; a compatible radio transceiver; and the ability to run an application program, hereby termed a "Product App", specific to the individual smartphone and/or power control unit.
  • the Product App is always used in combination with one or more processors, and where it is hosted, configures what might otherwise be a general purpose processor into a special purpose processor according to the functions and parameters of the Product App.
  • the Product App may reside in a non-transitory medium such as the processor of a mobile
  • the Product App is downloaded to smartphone 10 and operates as a human interface for the control, configuration , programming and/or interrogation of a power control unit, in the examples that follow, specific coding for the Product App has been omitted for simplicity as a person of ordinary skill in the art would be able to understand and reproduce the functionality of the described embodiments without the need for a discussion on particular coding.
  • Smartphone 10 is preferably configured to operate across a range of wireless communications technologies, including the technology to communicate via at least network Wi-Fi, Smartphone 10 may additionally include capability for Wi-Fi Direct and/or Bluetooth and/or NFC. While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure use a smartphone as its controller, and specifically a smartphone incorporating at least network Wi-Fi, other wireless communications methods and systems could be used depending on the specific requirements of the application of the diseiosure.
  • Power control unit 200 has wireless communications 202, perpetual clock calendar 204, sensor module 206, system microcontroller 208 with embedded memory, an aerial 210, power control circuit 212 and electrical apparatus 214. in some preferred embodiments, it may be preferable for system microcontroller 208 to support external memory in addition to, or instead of, embedded memory. In some preferred embodiments, it may be preferable for system microcontroller 208 and communications module 206 to be fully integrated.
  • Perpetual clock calendar 204 preferably includes a power backup by the way of a battery or super capacitor enabling real time to be accurately maintained in instances where a mains power outage occurs.
  • perpetual clock calendar 204 may be omitted where power control unit 200 does not perform any clock or date dependant operations or receives clock data from an external source via wireless communications.
  • perpetual clock calendar 204 may be integrated into system microcontroller 208.
  • Power control circuit 212 is preferably adapted to vary the electrical power to an electrical device 214 and includes a suitable physical connection interface.
  • power control unit 200 may be wholly integrated into an electrical device such as, by way of example, door mechanisms, gate mechanisms, motorized blind and awning mechanisms, motorized screen mechanisms, light switches, lighting controllers, lighting fixtures, lamps, luminaries, power control mechanisms, power outlets, fans, climate control equipment such as thermostats and air conditioning units, vending machines, sprinkler and watering systems, pumps, pool filtration systems, gas metering and control equipment, electricity meters, peripheral computer equipment, consumer electronics, whitegoods. and alarm systems.
  • an electrical device such as, by way of example, door mechanisms, gate mechanisms, motorized blind and awning mechanisms, motorized screen mechanisms, light switches, lighting controllers, lighting fixtures, lamps, luminaries, power control mechanisms, power outlets, fans, climate control equipment such as thermostats and air conditioning units, vending machines, sprinkler and watering systems, pumps, pool filtration systems, gas metering and control equipment, electricity meters, peripheral computer equipment, consumer electronics, whitegoods. and alarm systems.
  • power control unit 200 preferably includes a suitable physical interface, such as terminal block, allowing power control unit 200 to be directly integrated into the electrical mains of a building or structure, or the electrical system of a vehicle or boat.
  • power controi unit 200 may be configured with a flying lead compatible with the NEMA 5-15 North American mains power standard in order to plug into a mains power genera! purpose outlet.
  • power control unit 200 may be configured as a plug in pack with integrated power pins compatible with the NEMA 5-15 North American mains power standard in order to plug directly into a mains power general purpose outlet, it will be appreciated that power control unit may be configured according to the current, voltage and power pin requirements of various countries or applications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
  • Wireless communications 202 preferably includes any number of radios, transceivers, microprocessors, controllers and aerials that provide a network Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct connection individually or concurrently, with the ability to optionally support Bluetooth. Examples of wireless communications are described in PCT Application No. PCT/AU2012/000959, filed August 15, 2012, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.
  • wireless communications 202 may include only a Wi-Fi radio, a combination of Wi-Fi radios, or any combination of: Wi-Fi Radio/s, wireless radio/s and a Bluetooth radio.
  • the wireless communication capabilities may be achieved by using: any number of discrete radios, aerials, transceivers,
  • microprocessors and controllers either individually, collectively, or as a system in a package (SiP) or as a system on a chip (SoC); a combination or "combo" chip that aggregates the functionality of a number of discrete transceivers and controllers of different standards as a SiP or SoC; or using any combination of combo chip/s, SiP/s, SoC/s and/or discrete radios, aerials, transceivers and controllers.
  • the power control unit may utilize single or multiple wireless bands, physical channels, virtual channels, modes or other coexistence technologies and algorithms, the methods of which are already known to those of ordinary skill in the art and ar not described herein.
  • wireless communications 202 may also include shared antenna support and shared signal receiving paths to eliminate the need for an external splitter or additional aerials. If desired, an additional aerial or aerials may be added wher shared antenna support is not feasible.
  • wireless communications 202 When wireless communications 202 operates using a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi standard, preferably Wi-Fi Direct, it can communicate with devices that support network Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct on a peer-to-peer basis without the need for any intermediary hardware.
  • Wireless communications 202 is preferably configured to operate according to the Wi-Fi Direct specification as both a Wi-Fi Direct group participant and Wi-Fi Direct access point or SoftAP, allowing the power control unit 200 to appear to devices communicating with network Wi-Fi as a Wi-Fi access point.
  • wireless communications 202 is able to establish a peer-to-peer communications link with a network Wi-Fi device even though the network Wi-Fi device may not support Wi-Fi Direct, in this instance, a device using network Wi-Fi to communicate will receive a device discovery message from power control unit 200 as if from a Wi-Fi access point and be able to establish a peer-to-peer communications link with power control unit 200 as though it were connecting to a Wi-Fi access point.
  • the procedure of establishing a communications link between a Wi-Fi Direct device and network Wi-Fi devices are defined in the Wi-Fi Alliance specifications and would be understood by practitioners skilled in communications systems protocols.
  • Wi-Fi Direct has a number of advantages which simplify communications between a power control unit and a smartphone operating as a controller. Significant advantages include mobility and portability, where a smartphone and power control unit only need to be within radio range of each other to establish a wireless communications link. Wi-Fi Direct offers secure communications through means such as Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 protocols and encryption for transported messages, ensuring the system remains secure to qualified devices. Most importantly, Wi-Fi Direct allows a smartphone with only network Wi-Fi to engage in peer-to-peer data exchange with a power control unit even though the smartphone network Wi-Fi was never intended to support on- demand, peer-to-peer communications.
  • Wi-Fi Direct support in addition to network Wi-Fi.
  • the smartphone 0 and power control unit 200 will negotiate which device will assume the role of group owner in accordance with the Wi-Fi Alliance Wi-Fi Direct specification, and a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi Direct communication link will be established.
  • Wi-Fi Direct specification allows any Wi-Fi Direct device to be a group owner, and depending on the capabilities of the device, the negotiation procedure determines the most suitable device to perform this role.
  • System microcontroller 208 preferably incorporates a firmware program which defines the operation and functions of power control unit 200 and assumes responsibility for running program code and system elements, including specifying and controlling the operation of wireless communications 202, interrogation of the perpetual clock calendar 204, control and interrogation of a sensor module 206, and operation of power control circuit 212.
  • System microcontroller 208 preferably includes a non-volatile memory to store any program data.
  • perpetual clock calendar 204 may be an embedded function of system microcontroller 208,
  • non-volatile memory may be external to system microcontroller 208.
  • more than one microcontroller may be used.
  • system microcontroller 208 When power control unit 200 is manufactured, system microcontroller 208 preferably holds the firmware to operate power control unit 200 as a network Wi-Fi device and Wi-Fi Direct access point group participant. When power is applied to power control unit for the first time, system microcontroller 208 preferably starts wireless communications and control module 202 in Wi-Fi Direct mode and begins transmitting discovery messages that can be detected by a smartphone within wireless range.
  • a power control unit operating as a Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participant can communicate directly with a smartphone without needing a Wi-Fi WLAN.
  • Power control unit 200 preferably appears as a Wi-Fi access point if smartphone 10 is not using Wi-Fi Direct to communicate; or negotiates with smartphone 10 as to which device will assume a Wi-Fi Direct grou owner role if smartphone 10 is using Wi-Fi Direct to communicate. The user is then able to establish a peer-to-peer communications link and send commands directly to the selected power control unit without the need for any other device,
  • wireless communications 202 in a peer-to-peer mode may be configured to preferably simulate a Wi-Fi access point or operate as a SoftAP without support for Wi-Fi Direct-
  • a smartphone would preferably establish a peer-to-peer communications link with a power control unit as if connecting to a Wi-Fi access point, but could not negotiate with the power control unit a Wi-Fi Direct connection even if smartphone 10 supported Wi-Fi Direct.
  • a preferred method for configuring and controlling a power control unit is through a related Product App.
  • Installation instructions for the Product App are preferably included with the power control unit.
  • the Product App preferably adopts the same centralized app store installation methods common to ail smartphone platforms.
  • the Product App may communicate with any mix of wireless elements and radio technologies that seamlessly provide the best communications link with a power control unit.
  • the Product App preferably controls smartphone 10 wireless
  • the Product App may preferably display preconfigured and new power control units via graphical elements on smartphone touch screen 12,
  • the Product App When the Product App starts, it will preferably scan for power control units and identify any new power control units that need to be initially configured. At this point, if a wireless peer-to-peer connection has not already been established between the smartphone and a new power control unit, the Product App preferably allows the user to establish a wireless peer-to-peer connection with the desired power control unit and determine if it is: to continue operating in peer-to-peer mode and remain a Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participant or SoftAP oniy; to operate in network Wi-Fi mode and connect to a WLAN as a client and become a network Wi-Fi device; or, where supported by wireless communications 202, operate concurrently in peer-to-peer mode and network Wi-Fi mode.
  • th user may use any mechanism provided by the smartphone to establish a peer-to-peer communication link with a power control unit prior to starting the Product App.
  • the user wants the new power control unit to run in a peer-to-peer mode, preferably utilizing Wi-Fi Direct, they preferably select this option in the Product App, The Product App then leads the user through a series of data inputs using the
  • the Product App communicates with system microcontroller 208 and replaces the general parameters used for the initial connection to specific parameters which define the power control unit as a unique product. These may include: setting a unique encryption key so ail data transfers between power control unit and the smartphone are protected; setting the power control unit name to a unique, easily recognisable identifier; and setting a password in the power control unit used to establish a secure link with a smartphone.
  • the Product App preferably maintains a record of these specific parameters in the smartphone memory for future identification of, and connection to, the configured power control unit,
  • the Product App preferably
  • the power control unit firmware commands the power control unit firmware to "restart".
  • the applications firmware restarts, the power control unit will use the user specified data to populate and create its own unique identity.
  • the smartphone which was used to set this identity will be able to automatically connect to that power control unit because the new specific parameters are known.
  • the Product App can then be used to preferably automatically establish a communications link with the power control unit each time the user selects that particular device in the Product App.
  • any other smartphone can only connect with it if the user knows the specific parameters that are now unique to that particular power control unit, if a second smartphone searches for Wi-Fi access points or Wi-Fi Direct devices, it will see the configured power control unit with the
  • the Product App is still preferably required to control the power control unit and this may have additional security measures depending on the nature of the application.
  • the user chooses it to operate in network Wi-Fi mode, this is selected as the required option and the Product App determines if there are one or more WLANs available for the power control unit to connect to as a client.
  • the Product App requests the user to confirm the preferred network and asks the user to confirm and/or input any necessary network parameters such as the network password so the power control unit can connect to the WLAN as a client.
  • the microcontroller 208 sets the parameters needed for the power control unit to establish itself as a network Wi-Fi device which ma include any parameters that uniquely identify the power control unit on the network.
  • the Product App commands the power control unit to restart as a network Wi-Fi device.
  • the power control unit then connects to the WLAN as a client and is accessible by the smartphone Product App via the WLAN access point.
  • the power control unit running as a network Wi-Fi client can then be controlied by other smartphones on the same WLAN.
  • the smartphone is configured to determine from a power control unit's wireless signal that the power control unit is a new wireless device that can be configured as a WLAN network client
  • the smartphone preferably allows a user to automatically input the necessary network parameters of a known WLAN network from the smartphone's memory into the power control unit wireless!y using a peer-to- peer communications link to automatically configure the power control unit as a network client of the known WLAN network.
  • the smartphone may also preferably be able to determine from the power control unit's wireless signal a product identifier allowing the smartphone to automatically download the power control unit's related Product App from the appropriate app store.
  • a power control unit Once a power control unit has been configured as a peer-to-peer device or a network Wi-Fi device, it preferably continues to operate in that mode even after it has been powered off and then on again. All of the specific operating parameters for each mode are preferably saved in the non-volatile memory and are retained if power is removed. When power is restored, system microcontroller 208 powers up in the same Wi-Fi mode that was running before power was removed, and the appropriate firmware and operating parameters are restored from non-volatile memory,
  • system microcontroller 208 Each time the Wi-Fi mode is changed, the parameters for the new mode are preferably retained by system microcontroller 208 in the event power is disconnected or lost. When power is restored, system microcontroller 208 powers up in the same Wi-Fi mode as previously operating before power was removed, and the appropriate operating parameters are restored from the non-volatile memory. Thus, system microcontroller 208 preferably is configured with an adapted default setting that can be restored from the non-volatile memory.
  • the Product App is preferably able to communicate with a power control unit and command it to re-initialise to the factory default configuration. In this case, all user-defined parameters that were loaded into the power control unit are lost and it is returned to its factory default state, ready to receive new user-defined parameters.
  • the power control unit may incorporate a human interface in the form of a switch(s), button(s), or a capacitive/proximity touch pad(s), which the user could use to cause power control unit to: perform a control function; re-initialise to the factory default configuration without the use of a smartphone or Product App; reboot the system; or assist in a Wi-Fi Protected Setup. If desired, the power control unit may be configured for operation without any manual inputs on the device itself.
  • wireless communications 202 may include Bluetooth communication capabilities in addition to Wi ⁇ Fi Direct and network Wi-Fi capabilities.
  • a peer-to-peer Bluetooth communication link between smartphone 10 and power control unit 200 may be used by the Product App to enter parameters for establishing a Wi-Fi Direct or network Wi-Fi communications link, or open a Wi-Fi Direct or network Wi-Fi communications link, or may in its own right operate as a peer-to-peer communications link for exchange of data between the Product App and power control unit 200.
  • the Product App, or a human interface on power control unit in the form of touch pad(s), button(s) or switch (s) may facilitate the establishment of a Bluetooth peer-to-peer connection between access administrator 200 and smartphone 10.
  • the Product App may be configured to allow a user to specify Bluetooth as the preferred peer-to-peer communication method between a power control unit 200 and smartphone 10.
  • the Bluetooth connection preferably utilizes the secure transmission methods and protocols native to the chosen Bluetooth standard.
  • the power control unit 200 and smartphone 10 are preferably configured to use the handshake,
  • Wi-Fi Wi-Fi negotiation methods, protocols and configuration requirements particular to that proprietary implementation of peer-to-peer Wi-Fi or adaptation of Wi-Fi Direct and may incorporate any hardware, software, firmware or authentication schemes necessary, and may use Bluetooth to facilitate the process where supported.
  • the power control unit may include NFC capability that the Product App could use when first communicating with a new power control unit to automatically establish a Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth or other peer-to-peer communications link on smartphones that support NFC. This process is commonly referred to as "bootstrapping" and is an established method for initializing
  • the user can, using the Product App in its simplest form, command system microcontroller 208 to actuate power control circuits 212 to supply electrical power to electrical device 214 or disconnect electrical power to electrical device 214,
  • the Product App is also preferably configured to be able to program power control unit 200 with more complex functions and scheduling.
  • microcontroller 208 as a timed sequence from a trigger event, such as a countdown timer, or as a specified task at a predetermined date and/or time of day for a single, continual or defined period.
  • a trigger event such as a countdown timer
  • Single or multiple event start and stop times, selected day timers, repetition timers, weekly timers, combinational timers, specific date timers and many other functions are all possible and contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.
  • the absolute time and date parameters of perpetual clock calendar 204 are preferably synchronized with smartphone 10 time and date parameters when a communications link is established.
  • electrical device 214 includes of a lighting element comprised of an array of segmented light emitting technologies
  • the intensity of light from the segmented light emitting technologies can preferably be separately and individually controlled by system microcontroller 208 and power control circuits 212.
  • electrical device 214 may include of a lighting element comprised of an array of coloured light emitting diodes (LED) capable of generating a spectrum of different colours through a process of colour mixing.
  • Colour mixing typically involves generating a specific colour through varying the intensity or light output of a combination of red, green and blue LEDs. While the present disclosure anticipates the ability to use an array of coloured LEDs, it is not specifically limited to the use of red, green and blue LEDs, and may use any mixture of white and/or coloured light emitting technologies in order to achieve the desired colour mixing and spectrum capabilities.
  • the Product App In order for a user to choose or vary a colour, the Product App preferably provides a visual interface that represents an approximation of the spectrum of colours the lighting element is able to generate. Where user selects a colour in th Product App, the Product App preferably calculates the intensity of the component colours in the lighting element needed to deliver an approximation of the user's chosen colour at the current brightness level. Product App preferably commands system microcontroller 208 to vary power control circuits 212 to supply the necessary power to each component colour in the lighting element in order to generate a lighting colour closest representing the approximation chosen by the user in the Product App,
  • calculation of component colour mixing may preferably be handled by system microcontroller 208 or a dedicated mixing component in power control unit 200 rather than Product App.
  • power control unit 200 may include sensor module 206.
  • sensor module 206 preferably includes an ambient light sensor and a proximit sensor.
  • sensor module 208 will be described as if including an ambient light sensor and a proximity detector, though the disclosure is not so limited.
  • a user through the Product App is preferably able to set an ambient light threshold that system microcontroller 208 can use as a trigger for executing an associated task.
  • the ambient light threshold may be pre-stored in the Product App, or the Product App through a wireless communications link with power control unit 200 may request an immediate ambient light measurement from sensor module 206 to use as a threshold.
  • Any ambient light levels set in the Product App as a threshold are preferably stored in the non-volatile memory of power control unit 200 and can be used by system microcontroller 208 to actuate power control circuit 212 when system microcontroller 208 determines that sensor module 206 is reporting the conditions matching a threshold for a trigger event.
  • System microcontroller 208 is preferably able to process multiple different thresholds, triggers, and sequencing which may be combined with time based modifiers; filters; and/or processes that could include those designed to reduce the likelihood of false positive conditions.
  • system microcontroller 208 may be programmed by the Product App to actuate power control circuit 212 at a specified ambient light threshold.
  • System microcontroller 208 preferably analyses measurements from sensor module 206 over a period of time to ensure the ambient light threshold has been met and is not being caused by an intermediate condition such as something temporarily covering sensor module 206.
  • system microcontroller 208 may be programmed by the Product App to actuate power control circuit 212 at a specified ambient light threshold.
  • System microcontroller 208 preferably analyses measurements from sensor module 206 over a period of time to ensure the ambient light threshold has been met and is not being caused by an intermediate condition such as something temporarily covering sensor module 206.
  • microcontroller 208 may be programmed by the Product App to only use a threshold as a trigger event after a particular time of day. In that way, a user could set a power control unit to only use ambient light measurements after say 5pm.
  • a threshold may be specified based on spectral analysis of an ambient light measurement. This is a form of filtering known by those skilled in the art that allows an ambient light threshold to be determined from the level of natural light without interference from artificial lighting.
  • system microcontroller 208 may be programmed to turn power control circuit 212 on at a specified ambient light threshold and off at a different ambient light threshold with, or without, using a time based modifier. This could be by way of setting an actual time of day at which measurement for different thresholds occur, or a specifying a period of time after one threshold event that system
  • microcontroller 208 starts scanning for the next threshold event.
  • the senso module is preferably a single integrated component, however in some embodiments it may be preferable to use a discrete ambient light sensor and/or a discrete proximity sensor.
  • the proximity detector may be omitted and replaced with a button or switch.
  • the ambient light sensor may be omitted, in on preferred embodiment, power control unit 200 may not include sensor module 206.
  • sensor module 206 is configured with a proximity sensor
  • the proximity sensor is preferably configured to initiate a task that may otherwise be performed by a mechanical or electro-mechanical switch.
  • a power control unit 200 may be programmed by the Product App to monitor the proximity detector in sensor module 206 for a proximity event such as a user's hand approaching and/or touching power control unit 200 that system microcontroller 208 can use as a trigger to actuate power control circuit 212 in varying power to electrical device 214 as though a mechanical switch had been activated.
  • a proximity event may be the detection of proximity less than a predetermined proximity threshold such as proximity within predetermined distance from the proximity detector.
  • the predetermined distance may be configured as, for example only, anywhere within in a single room, hallway, corrido or open area within a building.
  • the predetermined distance may be specifically calibrated for a range from the proximity detector, for example from 1cm to 1m, or more preferably between 0cm to 15cm.
  • microcontroller 208 may actuate power control circuit 212 to supply power to an electrical device 214 for a user defined period of time, sa 30 mins. In that way a power control unit could be used to, for example, only activate a lamp at night for a set period of time when a user touches or is detected by the power control unit, thereby saving considerable power by not running the lighting continuously.
  • a user via the Product App may specify that the wireless communications and control module 202 only activate on the detection of a proximity event by sensor module 206.
  • the proximity detector capability of sensor module 206 is preferably used to detect a user's hand in front of, and/or near and/or touching power control unit 200 and send a control signal to system microcontroller 208 that a proximity event has occurred.
  • System microcontroller 208 on determining that a proximity event has occurred would preferably initialize wireless communications 202 to allow
  • System microcontroller 208 would preferably only run wireless communications for a pre-defined active period after a proximity event and return wireless communications to a passive sleep state if a wireless communications link was not established during that period. If a wireless communications link was established during th pre-defined active period, system microcontroller 208 would preferably keep wireless communications active while the communications link was active, and return to a sleep state a short time after the communications link was terminated.
  • a physical button may be used to activate the wireless communications of power control unit 200 where a user wishes to establish a wireless communications link rather than have the wireless communications run continuously drawing power.
  • power control unit 200 can be programmed into power control unit 200 by combining the processing capabilities of system microcontroiler 208 with the timing capabilities of perpetual clock calendar 204 and sensing capabilities of sensor module 206.
  • power control circuits 212 may include a single semiconductor switch, or relay, or electro-mechanical relay configured to vary the supply of power to an electrical device 214 in a simple on/off fashion.
  • power control circuits 212 may include a number of relays configured to vary the supply of powe to different devices separately or grouped in a simple on/off fashion.
  • power control circuits 212 may include any number and mix of semiconductor switches, mixers, relays, or electromechanical relays configured to vary the supply of power to individual components in a lighting element, or to various lighting elements.
  • power control circuits 212 may include a dimming control or controls.
  • a dimming control is used to vary the amount of power transferred to a lighting element, or a component of a lighting element, where they have the appropriate characteristics to allow the light output to be varied anywhere from fully on to fully off, or some intermediate range of light output if appropriate, as directed by system microcontroller 208.
  • dimming in power control circuits 212 under the control of system microcontroller 208, the amount of electrical power transferred to a lighting element can be regulated. Because the electrical load presented to the dimming control can be resistive, inductive or capacitive depending on the light type and arrangement, the dimming unit can provide leading edge, trailing edge, pulse width modulation or other suitable methods of variable power control.
  • power control unit 200 may not contain any embedded power control circuits 2 2 and interface entirely with external power control circuits allowing for a custom number of circuits to meet the particular requirements of the application at hand.
  • power control unit 200 may do so through a physical connection (for example only, a wired connection) or may alternately use a wireless link.
  • a wireless extension may require the addition of a supporting radio to power control unit 200 that may be a transmitter, or a
  • the supporting radio may be configured by system microcontroller 208 to operate at a number of different carrier frequencies. Data could be modulated onto those carrier frequencies such that the encoded data could be received, decoded and acted upon by a compatible radio receiver or transceiver in a remote power control circuit configured to operate, or integrated into, devices such as, for example only, door mechanisms, gate mechanisms, motorized blind and awning mechanisms, motorized screen mechanisms, light switches, lighting controllers, lighting fixtures, lamps, luminaries, power control mechanisms, power outlets, fans, climate control equipment such as thermostats and air conditioning units, vending machines, sprinkler and watering systems, pumps, pool filtration systems, gas metering and control equipment, electricity meters, peripheral computer equipment, consumer electronics, whitegoods, and alarm systems.
  • devices such as, for example only, door mechanisms, gate mechanisms, motorized blind and awning mechanisms, motorized screen mechanisms, light switches, lighting controllers, lighting fixtures, lamps, luminaries, power control mechanisms, power outlets, fans, climate control equipment such as thermostats and air conditioning units, vending machines, sprinkler
  • the supporting radio may be capable of FSK, GFSK, MSK, OOK or other modulation methods and be able to operate over a wide frequency range including the license free Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequencies, or may support specific standards such as ZigBee, Z-wave, Thread or equivalent standards. While these specifications are applicable to most wireless sensor networks, home and building automation, alarm and security systems and industrial monitoring and control, there may be applications where a system compatible transceiver with specific frequency and modulation specifications is required. In these situations, a specific supporting radio could be provided within the embodiment described herein.
  • ISM Industrial Scientific and Medical
  • power control unit 200 is configured with a Bluetooth radio and controls externa! power control circuits
  • power control unit 200 and power control circuits may preferably communicate wirelessly utilizing Bluetooth, including the use of mesh enabled protocol layers such as CSRMesh.
  • Power control circuit 212 may be configured to control an external device such as a blind, fan, shutter, gate, door and lights, allowing power control unit 200 to manage a range of external devices according to programmed schedules and ambient light conditions where a sensor module is included.
  • an external device such as a blind, fan, shutter, gate, door and lights
  • power control unit 200 may include a power measurement capability allowing the electrical parameters of the electricity transferred through power control circuit 212 to be measured. These parameters are available to system microcontroller 208 and may include instantaneous voltage, current and power, irms and Vrms, average real and apparent power and energy-to-pulse conversion. Some or all of the measured electrical parameters could be sent to smartphone 10 via the communications link where the Product App would be able to perform additional calculations or conversions if required and display the results in a graphical format on the smartphone's touch sensitive screen for the user to view. Suitable processing of these parameters allows information such as the instantaneous power being used by an electrical device 214 to be displayed.
  • Power usage over time, total power used and trend analysis are also some of the useful representations of the basic electrical data that are preferably measured and could be displayed to the user.
  • the Product App could access a power company's rates and charges, and provide the user with usage and cost comparisons.
  • system microcontroller 208 may continuously measure various electrical parameters through a power measurement circuit allowing system microcontroller 208 to detect possible error conditions in order to cause power control circuit 212 to reduce or cut power to a electrical device 214 to protect both power control unit 200 and the electrical device, in another preferred embodiment, system microcontroller 208 through a power measurement circuit may take a measurement of power control circuit 212 under operational load to establish a normal operating threshold.
  • microcontroller 208 could periodically or continuously monitor the power measurement circuit and report to the Product App any deviation from the operating threshold. By way of example only, this could be used to measure the operating load of a group of lights connected to power control circuit 212 and allow a user through the Product App to determine if any lights had blown based on the change in power being consumed rather than having to inspect each luminaire.
  • sensors 206 may be wired to power control device 200, or wirelessly connected.
  • a sensor module may be located in one portion of a room while the power control device is at another portion of the room. More than one sensor may be utilised.
  • ambient light sensors may be positioned in multiple rooms throughout a structure or building. Sensors other than light or proximity may be used. For example, motion, temperature and/or microphone may be utilised if desired.
  • the sensor module may include any
  • Fig. 3 is a pictorial representation of system 100 showing an exemplary arrangement of smartphone 10.
  • Wi-Fi WLAN access point 14, internet connection 16, power control unit 200 and the communications systems connecting each of the elements, Wi ⁇ Fi WLAN has an access point 14.
  • Access point 14 has Internet connection 16.
  • WLAN communications preferably pass through access point 14.
  • power control unit 200 is configured to operate in network Wi-Fi mode, it preferably operates as a client of access point 14.
  • smartphone 10 For smartphone 10 to communicate with power control unit 200 running as a network Wi-Fi client, smartphone 10 must also preferably connect to access point 14 as a client. Messages from smartphone 10 could then pass through access point 14 to power control unit 200.
  • smartphone 10 were not in wireless range of access point 14, it may still b able to communicate with access point 14 via internet connection 16 if so configured.
  • the communications between a smartphone and an access point through an Internet connection would be well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • power control unit 200 may be configured to operate in peer-to-peer mode preferably utilizing Wi-Fi Direct.
  • smartphone 10 can wirelessly connect directly to power control unit 200 peer-to-peer without requiring any other device. Accordingly, it can be seen that: (1) access point 14 is not required for peer-to-peer communications; (2) th communications link is formed on an "as needed" basis; and (3) that smartphone 10 needs to be within radio range of power control unit 200 to establish a direct
  • a peer-to-peer connection between smartphone 10 and power control unit 200 could be by way of Bluetooth or by power control unit 200 simulating a Wi-Fi access point or operating as a SoftAP.
  • a network Wi-Fi connection and a Wi-Fi Direct connection offer a different mix of convenience and security.
  • a power control unit operating as a network Wi-Fi device may be remotely controlled by a smartphone where access point 14 has an internet connection 16, however the power control unit then becomes exposed to the outside world and may be vulnerable to external threats such as hacking.
  • a Wi-Fi Direct connection by virtue of its limited wireless range and peer-to-peer architecture offers a higher level of security, The balance between operational modes is usually subjective and dependant on the application at hand. In some instances infrastructure limitations such as the availability of a WLAN may further constrain operational modes,
  • Power control unit 200 may be configured to provide a received signal strength indicator, or received channel power indicator, of access point 14 which power control unit 200 may preferably report to the Product App for display on smartphone screen 12.
  • a received signal strength indicator, or received channel power indicator is a measurement of the power present in a received radio signal and allows a user to locate wireless products such as power control unit 200 close enough to access point 14 in order to ensure a sufficiently strong wireless signal exists between the two devices to provide the best environment for a stable and reliable communications link.
  • the Product App also preferably displays on smartphone screen 12 a received signal strength indicator, or received channel power indicator, for power control unit 200 measured by smartphone 10.
  • power control unit 200 may be configured with a visual indicator capable of displaying a received signal strength indication for any wireless signal that power control unit 200 may be capable of measuring.
  • a visual indicator capable of displaying a received signal strength indication for any wireless signal that power control unit 200 may be capable of measuring.
  • smartphone 10, power control unit 200 and Product App may be configured to preferably utilize only those communication pathway(s) that allow for control of a power control unit without smartphone 10 having to disconnect a WLAN connection with access point 14, in that way, power control unit 200 may also be configured as a client of access point 14, however it may not always be possible or desirable to configure power control unit 200 as a client of access point 14. in that instance, communications between smartphone 0 and power control unit 200 would need to utilize a peer-to-peer communication standard supported by power control unit 200 and smartphone 10.
  • power control unit 200 configured with Wi-Fi Direct and smartphone 10 could preferably form a Wi-Fi Direct communications link, allowing smartphone 10 to remain connected to access point 14 while concurrently connected peer-to-peer to power control unit 200.
  • power control unit 200 preferably appears as a Wi-Fi access point, however white it is not usually possible for a smartphone to connect to two access points at the same time, some smartphones are capable of connecting to an access point and a SoftAP or simulated access point at the same time so that smartphone 10 could remain connected to access point 14 and connect to power control unit 200 simulating a Wi-Fi access point or operating as a SoftAP, Where smartphone 10 cannot connect to access point 14 and a power control unit 200 simulating a Wi-Fi access point simultaneously, power control unit 200 may preferably be configured to communicate peer-to-peer with smartphone 0 using Bluetooth.
  • the Product App may preferably be able to use a smartphone's cellular or network Wi-Fi capabilities to exchange data with an external service provider in order to facilitate the remote control or interrogation of power control unit 200 through internet connection 16 and access point 14, where power control unit 200 operates as a network client of access point 14.
  • a communications link or mode utilising IEEE802.11 ad-hoc mode (as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art) is hereby expressly excluded.
  • an exemplary configuration procedure 300 is show for config uration of power control unit 200 as a network Wi-Fi device by smartphone 10 in a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. While configuration procedure 300 has been described in relation to a smartphone operating system, configuration procedure 300 is not so limited and may be performed by the Product App where the Product App is able to control smartphone wireless communications as required.
  • smartphone 10 is connected to a network access point, such as Wi-Fi network access point 14 in Fig. 3.
  • a network access point such as Wi-Fi network access point 14 in Fig. 3.
  • power is applied to power control unit 200 for the first time, allowing power control unit 200 to run all of its systems.
  • wireless communications module 202 configured to simulate a network access point or operate as a SoftAP, begins to wirelessiy beacon its network
  • the wireless beacon preferably includes an identifier that reports power control unit 200 as an unconfigured Wi-Fi network device to Wi-Fi devices configured to interpret the identifier.
  • the smartphone operating system through the smartphone's wireless transceiver, receives power control unit 200 beacon, determines from the identifier in the beacon that power control unit is an unconfigured power control unit and reports to the user via the smartphone touch screen that it has detected a new and unconfigured power control unit.
  • the smartphone operating system asks the user if they would like power control unit 200 to join a known network, preferably the network smartphone 10 is currently connected to.
  • the user through a touch input on the smartphon screen confirms they would like th
  • unconfigured power control unit to Join a network known by the smartphone operating system.
  • smartphone operating system may require the user to enter a desirable or required parameter, such as a security code used in establishing a communications link between smartphone 10 and system microcontroller 208, or giving unconfigured power control unit 200 a specific name to be used during configuration as a network client, it can be appreciated that step 314 may be excluded where providing the quickest and easiest mechanism for configuration of a power control unit 200 by smartphone 10 as a network client of a network known by smartphone 10 is desirable, or where elements of step 314 may be performed after power control unit 200 is configured and connected to a network as a client, such as giving power control unit 200 a unique name.
  • a desirable or required parameter such as a security code used in establishing a communications link between smartphone 10 and system microcontroller 208, or giving unconfigured power control unit 200 a specific name to be used during configuration as a network client
  • the smartphone operating system establishes a secure peer-to- peer wireless connection with power control unit 200 preferably configured to simulate a network access point or operate a a SoftAP.
  • the opening of a secure peer-to-peer connection may include the utilization of authentication hardware, firmware or software integrated into power control unit 200 and smartphone 10, so that power control unit 200 may automatically establish a secure connection with smartphone 10 utilizing an authentication handshake without requiring the user to input any security credentials manually.
  • smartphone 10 may disconnect from the network access point in order to establish a secure peer-to- peer connection with power control unit 200.
  • the smartphone operating system configures power control unit 200 with the network credentials of a known network, including the network password, and any other desirable or necessary parameters so that power control unit 200 can join the specified network as a network Wi-Fi client device.
  • the smartphone operating system terminates the peer-to-peer connection with power control unit 200.
  • the smartphone operating system if the smartphone operating system disconnected from a network access point in order to establish a peer-to-peer connection with power control unit 200 at step 316, the smartphone operating system preferably re-establishes a connection with the network access point.
  • power control unit 200 using the network configuration data from the smartphone operating system, configures itself according to the network parameters supplied as a network Wi-Fi device and connects to the specified network access point as a client device, after which power control unit 200 and smartphone 10 are preferably able to communicate with each other through the network access point.
  • power control unit 200 and smartphone 10 may be preferable for power control unit 200 and smartphone 10 to utilize Wi-Fi Direct in establishing a peer-to-peer connection in configuration procedure 300.
  • configuration procedure 300 may be adapted for execution by the Product App rather than a smartphone operating system.
  • the smartphone operating system may cause power control unit 200 to start its configuration procedure after confirmation by the power control unit that it has successfully received the network parameters from the smartphone, or system microcontroller 208 of power control unit 200 may terminate the peer-to-peer connection with the smartphone and start its configuration procedure after successfully receiving network parameters from the smartphone without the smartphone operating system needing to initialize the configuration process.

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  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
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Abstract

Cette invention concerne un dispositif et un procédé de commande à distance de l'alimentation électrique d'un élément d'éclairage. Ledit dispositif (200) comprend un module de communication sans fil (202) conçu pour établir des communications poste à poste, ainsi qu'un microcontrôleur (208). L'alimentation électrique est régulée en fonction d'une commande reçue par l'intermédiaire du module de communication sans fil, ladite commande comprenant, selon un mode de réalisation, la spécification d'une ou plusieurs DEL particulière(s) afin de générer un spectre de couleurs différentes à partir de l'élément d'éclairage.
PCT/AU2014/001007 2013-03-15 2014-10-28 Système adaptable d'alimentation multimodale, d'éclairage et d'automatisation sans fil WO2015061831A1 (fr)

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EP14858596.1A EP3063594A4 (fr) 2013-10-29 2014-10-28 Système adaptable d'alimentation multimodale, d'éclairage et d'automatisation sans fil
US15/032,313 US9929876B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2014-10-28 Adaptable multi-mode wireless power, light and automation
AU2014344788A AU2014344788A1 (en) 2013-10-29 2014-10-28 Adaptable multi-mode wireless power, light and automation
JP2016526332A JP2017504982A (ja) 2013-10-29 2014-10-28 適合型マルチモードワイヤレス電源、ライト、および自動化
CA2928625A CA2928625A1 (fr) 2013-10-29 2014-10-28 Systeme adaptable d'alimentation multimodale, d'eclairage et d'automatisation sans fil
CN201480071225.4A CN105849655A (zh) 2013-10-29 2014-10-28 自适应多模式无线供电、照明和自动化

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AU2013904180A AU2013904180A0 (en) 2013-10-29 Adaptable Multi-Mode Wireless Power, Light and Automation
AU2013904180 2013-10-29

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EP3063594A1 (fr) 2016-09-07
AU2014344788A1 (en) 2016-05-26
JP2017504982A (ja) 2017-02-09
CN105849655A (zh) 2016-08-10
EP3063594A4 (fr) 2017-06-07
CA2928625A1 (fr) 2015-05-07

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