WO2020013897A1 - Systèmes et procédés permettant le fonctionnement d'un dispositif intelligent - Google Patents

Systèmes et procédés permettant le fonctionnement d'un dispositif intelligent Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020013897A1
WO2020013897A1 PCT/US2019/025407 US2019025407W WO2020013897A1 WO 2020013897 A1 WO2020013897 A1 WO 2020013897A1 US 2019025407 W US2019025407 W US 2019025407W WO 2020013897 A1 WO2020013897 A1 WO 2020013897A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
power
power state
smart
electric
switch
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2019/025407
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Matthew Wootton
Boris Dieseldorff
Original Assignee
Ivani, LLC
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 US16/035,141 external-priority patent/US10361585B2/en
Application filed by Ivani, LLC filed Critical Ivani, LLC
Publication of WO2020013897A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020013897A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
    • H02J13/00032—Systems characterised by the controlled or operated power network elements or equipment, the power network elements or equipment not otherwise provided for
    • H02J13/00036—Systems characterised by the controlled or operated power network elements or equipment, the power network elements or equipment not otherwise provided for the elements or equipment being or involving switches, relays or circuit breakers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
    • H02J13/00006—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment
    • H02J13/00022—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment using wireless data transmission
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02B90/20—Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
    • Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
    • Y04S40/00—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them
    • Y04S40/12—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them characterised by data transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated electrical equipment
    • Y04S40/126—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them characterised by data transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated electrical equipment using wireless data transmission

Definitions

  • This disclosure is related to the field of electrical wiring, and more particularly to systems, methods, and apparatus pertaining to an intelligent multi-way electric switch.
  • WLAN wireless local access network
  • participating smart home devices likewise comprise wireless transmitters for receiving instructions and transmitting status and other data, and computers for intelligent, programmatic management of the devices.
  • HVAC and security systems are typically operated via a main control, such as a thermostat or security panel.
  • main controls can simply be replaced with network-enabled smart device counterparts to enable home automation. This is easy to do even for an unskilled homeowner, as these remote panels usually operate on low-voltage circuits that pose little material risk to even the untrained homeowner, and have simpler configurations that can be easily transferred from an existing“dumb" device to a new smart device.
  • a home usually through overhead or buried power lines.
  • the home is connected to the power grid via a circuit breaker panel, which is usually located in a garage, basement, or electrical closet near the physical point where the power lines reach the dwelling.
  • the circuit breaker then splits the incoming power into a plurality of different independent circuits, each of which is separately controllable at the panel by throwing a circuit breaker on or off
  • certain high-load appliances may have dedicated circuits, typically an entire room or set of rooms with related functions are wired in parallel on a shared circuit.
  • an electric oven might receive its own circuit, but all lights and power outlets in a bedroom might all be wired together. This limits the degree of granularity by which circuits might be operable via the breaiker.
  • most homeowners lack the knowledge, expertise, or equipment to safely alter a circuit breaker. Thus, implementing smart home technology in light and power fixtures is not practical at the breaker.
  • FIGs. 1A, IB, and lC depict a simple conventional light switch wiring geometry.
  • a live power line (103) runs from the circuit breaker (or other equivalent power source) to a conventional switch (107) (here shown as a single-pole, single-throw, or SPST switch), and from there to a load ( 108), shown here at a light receptacle.
  • a neutral line (105) runs from the load (108) back to the power source, thereby completing the circuit
  • FIG. IA depicts both a schematic and electric diagram of such a circuit in which the switch (107) is in off position.
  • FIG IB shows the same circuit with the switch in“on” position, completing the circuit, allowing current to flow to the load, which is shown powered.
  • a smart light (109) receptacle generally includes a computer (I l l) and a wireless transmitter (113), as well as the load (108) itself (in this case a light receptacle).
  • the smart device (109) then contains its own independent switch (115) for operating the light, which is operated by the computer (111) in response to commands or instructions received wirelessly at the transceiver (113) from a user device or other external source.
  • a smart switch comprising: an electric power input adapted to receive electric power from an electric circuit; a measurement device in electric communication with the electric power input and adapted to measure at least one circuit characteristic of the electric circuit; and a transceiver in electric communication with the measurement device and adapted to receive from the measurement device a measure of power on the electric circuit; wherein the transmitter receives from the measurement device a reading of the power state of the electric circuit detected by the measurement device and transmits information about (he reading.
  • the circuit characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: power applied; current; voltage; and, phase.
  • the transmitted information indicates whether power is available on the electric circuit
  • the reading is made at least in part using the circuit characteristics.
  • the circuit characteristic is indicative of the power state based on a known mathematical relationship between the circuit characteristic and the power state.
  • the smart switch is adapted to electrically connect to the electric circuit using a power receptacle.
  • the smart switch further comprises a light-producing element.
  • the load is selected from the group consisting of: light element, dimmer control circuit, ceiling fan, and wireless range extender.
  • the smart switch further comprises a power converter adapted to draw power for the smart switch from the electric circuit.
  • the smart switch further comprises an energy storage medium adapted to supply electric power to the transceiver.
  • the energy storage medium is selected from the group consisting of; capacitor; inductor; battery; and, rechargeable battery.
  • the smart switch further comprises at least one capacitor, battery, or rechargeable battery.
  • a method for determining the state of electrical power comprising: providing an electric circuit operable among a plurality of power states by a control; providing a smart switch on die electric circuit; providing a computer server; operating the control to change the power state of the electric circuit; detecting, using the smart switch, the changed power state; and transmitting, using the smart switch, the changed power state to the computer server.
  • control comprises a mechanical switch.
  • the changed power state is from powered to unpowered.
  • the detecting further comprises the smart switch determining at least one characteristic of power to the smart switch.
  • the at least one characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: power applied; current; voltage; and, phase.
  • the method further comprises determining a state of the control based at least in part on the determined at least one characteristic.
  • the transmitted changed power state includes a final power state of the electric circuit after the change in the power state.
  • the transmitted changed power state includes an initial power state of the electric circuit before the change in the power state.
  • the transmitted changed power state includes an amount of change between an initial power state of the circuit before the change in power state and a final power state of the circuit after the change in power state.
  • the method further comprises controlling, using the computer server, a lighting system.
  • smart switch further comprises a light-producing element.
  • the method further comprises: providing one or more external devices in wireless communication with the computer server; receiving, at the computer server, the changed power state information; and transmitting, at the computer server, instructions to the one or more external devices, the instructions being determined at least in part based on the received changed power state.
  • the transmitted instructions to the one or more external devices are further determined at least in part based on one or more of: day of the week; date; time; light sensors; user settings; knowledge of prior system state; and, states of other inputs.
  • FIGs. 1A, I B, and 1C depict a prior art conversion of a conventional light to a smart light.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a prior art use of a smart light in a conventional circuit.
  • FIG. 3 depicts a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a circuit using a smart switch.
  • FIG. 4 depicts another an embodiment of a circuit using a smart switch with a central controller.
  • FIG. 5 depicts another an embodiment of a circuit using a smart switch with a central controller.
  • FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a smart switch
  • FIG. 7 depicts an alternative embodiment of a smart switch.
  • the term“computer” describes hardware which generally implements functionality provided by digital computing technology, particularly computing functionality associated with microprocessors.
  • the term“computer” is not intended to be limited to any specific type of computing device, but it is intended to be inclusive of all computational devices including, but not limited to: processing devices, microprocessors, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, workstations, terminals, servers, clients, portable computers, handheld computers, smart phones, tablet computers, mobile devices, server farms, hardware appliances, minicomputers, mainframe computers, video game consoles, handheld video game products, and wearable computing devices including but not limited to eyewear, wristwear, pendants, and clip-on devices.
  • a“computer” is necessarily an abstraction of the functionality provided by a single computer device outfitted with the hardware and accessories typical of computers in a particular role.
  • the term“computer” in reference to a laptop computer would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to include the functionality provided by pointer-based input devices, such as a mouse or track pad, whereas die term“computer” used in reference to an enterprise-class server would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to include the functionality provided by redundant systems, such as RAID drives and dual power supplies.
  • the functionality of a single computer may be distributed across a number of individual machines. This distribution may be functional, as where specific machines perform specific tasks; or, balanced, as where each machine is capable of performing most or all functions of any other machine and is assigned tasks based on its available resources at a point in time.
  • the term“computer” as used herein can refer to a single, standalone, self-contained device or to a plurality of machines working together or independently, including without limitation: a network server farm, “cloud” computing system, software-as-a-service, or other distributed or collaborative computer networks.
  • Devices of this type include but are not limited to: network hardware, print servers, file servers,
  • the term“software” refers to code objects, program logic, command structures, data structures and definitions, source code, executable and/or binary files, machine code, object code, compiled libraries, implementations, algorithms, libraries, or any instruction or set of instructions capable of being executed by a computer processor, or capable of being converted into a form capable of being executed by a computer processor, including without limitation virtual processors, or by the use of run-time environments, virtual machines, and/or interpreters.
  • software can be wired or embedded into hardware, including without limitation onto a microchip, and still be considered“software” within the meaning of this disclosure.
  • software includes without limitation: instructions stored or storable in RAM, ROM, flash memory BIOS, CMOS, mother and daughter board circuitry, hardware controllers, USB controllers or hosts, peripheral devices and controllers, video cards, audio controllers, network cards, Bluetooth® and other wireless communication devices, virtual memory, storage devices and associated controllers, firmware, and device drivers.
  • terms used herein to describe or reference media holding software including without limitation terms such as“media,”“storage media,” and“memory,” may include or exclude transitory media such as signals and carrier waves.
  • network generally refers to a voice, data, or other telecommunications network over which computers communicate with each other.
  • server generally refers to a computer providing a service over a network
  • client generally refers to a computer accessing or using a service provided by a server over a network
  • server and“client” may refer to hardware, software, and/or a combination of hardware and software, depending on context
  • server and“client” may refer to endpoints of a network communication or network connection, including but not necessarily limited to a network socket connection.
  • a“server” may comprise a plurality of software and/or hardware servers delivering a service or set of services.
  • “host” may, in noun form, refer to an endpoint of a network communication or network (e.g.,“a remote host”), or may, in verb form, refer to a server providing a service over a network (“hosts a website”), or an access point for a service over a network.
  • an embedded system is a special- purpose system in which the computer is mostly or completely encapsulated by the device it controls. Unlike a general-purpose computer, such as a personal computer, an embedded system generally performs more limited, pre-defined tasks, usually with very specific requirements to accomplish a limited and pre-defined set of operational tasks.
  • the system Since the system is dedicated to a specific task, it is more easily optimized for the task, reducing size and cost by eliminating unnecessary components found in general-purpose computers, and designing board circuitry and system geometry to improve operational efficiency, reduce manufacturing cost, and address operation-specific conditions, such as temperature extremes.
  • the term“mechanical switch” or“physical switch” refers to an electrical switch structure operable to an“on” or“off” position, in which the“on” position
  • contacts refers to the physical components of the switch which create or remove this gap, such as the poles and throws in a conventional light switch.
  • the term “contacts” refers to the physical components of the switch which create or remove this gap, such as the poles and throws in a conventional light switch.
  • toggle refers to a component of the switch that is (usually) electrically insulated from the current flow and physically manipulated to make or break the circuit.
  • the toggle In a conventional dwelling, the toggle is the part colloquially referred to as the“light switch” and move up or down to turn lights on or off, but should be understood in the context of this disclosure as meaning any human-operable means for a user to place the contacts in the desired on/off state.
  • a“toggle event” means the changing of the position of a toggle from a first position to a second position
  • Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for modifying an existing electrical system to utilize the power state output of a physical switch as an indicator or signal for the operation of a smart home device or system or network of such devices.
  • a physical switch simply provide, or break, the flow of power to the loads connected to a circuit
  • the operation of connected loads is dependent upon the presence or absence of electron flow on (he wire).
  • smart devices are characterized by receiving instructions about which state they should adopt, and containing software configured to set the devices state in accordance therewith, based upon external input provided to the smart device. It should be clear to a person of ordinary skill in the art that a smart device relies upon a continual supply of power in order to operate the software and related circuitry needed to carry out this function.
  • the apparatus and methods described herein include a“smart switch” device.
  • the smart switch detects or determines the power state of a circuit and infers the corresponding state of a mechanical switch that operates the circuit.
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a system (101) using an embodiment of a smart switch apparatus (117).
  • a conventional electrical circuit comprises a live power line (103) from a power source to a conventional switch (107) and then to a power receptacle (102A).
  • a neutral line (105) then runs from the receptacle (102A) back to the power source to complete the circuit
  • the power receptacle (102A) receives power when the switch (107) is closed, and does not have power when the switch (107) is open.
  • the switch (107) is closed, and unpowered when the switch (107) is open.
  • a smart switch apparatus (117) according to the present disclosure is attachable to the circuit by plugging the apparatus (117) into the power receptacle (102A).
  • the smart switch apparatus (117) contains circuitry, components and/or software configured to detect that the circuit is on and that the circuit state is powered. This is done by measuring or detecting current flowing into the device (1 17). Based on this information, the apparatus (117) may then utilize a transceiver to broadcast or transmit a wireless signal to other smart devices, such as the depicted ceiling lamp (109A), and floor lamp (109B). As can be seen in FIG. 3, this allows die apparatus (1 17) to control the ceiling lamp (109 A), and the floor lamp ( 109B), whether or not either device is on the same physical circuit as the apparatus (117) or tiie receptacle ( 102A).
  • the ceiling lamp For example, as will be clear to a person of ordinary skill in the art, the ceiling lamp
  • FIG. 3 is generally a ceiling mounted structure that is wired to a wall switch, which may be the same or a different switch as the switch (107) of the depicted circuit.
  • the second depicted power outlet (102B) may be operated by a different switch, or may not be operated by a switch at all, but rather may be under continuously available power.
  • the apparatus (117) is plugged into the receptacle (102A) controlled by the depicted switch (107). This has the effect of allowing the operation of the depicted switch (107) to operate the depicted ceiling lamp (109A) and floor lamp (109B), regardless of the wiring geometry and relationships of each device.
  • the apparatus will also provide a signal to the smart devices (109A) and ( 109B) that they should switch to a powered on mode. That is, when the smart switch (117) detects power (i.e., determines that the circuit is on), the smart switch
  • (1 17) may infer a user’s intent to turn on all lights, and then use a transceiver to instruct a smart light (109A) and (109B) to turn on.
  • this configuration allows the floor lamp ( 109B) equipped with a smart bulb (109B) to be moved elsewhere in the room, to any available socket, without affecting the operation of the lamp (109B) via the depicted switch (107).
  • the techniques and methods for pairing the apparatus (117) with the depicted smart devices (I09A) and (109B) are by now familiar and well known to a person of ordinary skill in the art and need not be explained here.
  • FIG. 3 depicts the smart devices (109A) and (109B) as a ceiling lamp (109A) and a floor lamp (109B), respectively, but it will be clear to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these are illustrative examples only and should not be understood or construed as limiting the scope or extent of the present disclosure.
  • Other smart devices may equally be used in conjunction with the depicted apparatus (117), and to the same effect.
  • the smart device may be a smart thermostat or security camera, which can receive a signal to alter the temperature or begin monitoring based on the state of the depicted switch (107).
  • the apparatus (117) may be enclosed in a housing and adapted to be plugged into a power receptacle (102 A), or may be a power receptacle itself which integrates the features and functions described herein, while also providing a power outlet into which other electrical devices may be plugged.
  • FIG. 6 depicts a logical diagram of an electric system using a smart switch apparatus
  • the apparatus (117) comprises two primary components, «id other optional components.
  • the two primary components are a device or means for detecting the flow of current (121), such as a current sensor, and a transceiver (125).
  • the apparatus (117) may optionally comprise a battery (131) or other secondary power source (131). These elements may be wired together in a circuitry configured such that when power is detected by the detection means (121), a broadcast signal is transmitted by the transceiver (125) indicating the presence of power.
  • the circuitry may be configured such that this causes the transceiver (125) to broadcast an indication that power is no longer being received.
  • the secondary power source (131) may be used to power the transceiver (125), and other elements of the apparatus (117), on a short-term basis as needed to complete the transmission. This may be necessary because when power is removed, if the device is configured to rely upon that source of power (c.g., the live power line (103)) then the removal of power will cause the circuits and components of the apparatus (117) to no longer function.
  • the detection means (121) it is very likely that the transceiver (125) lacks power to perform a transmission.
  • the secondary power source (131) can power die components of the apparatus (117) long enough to complete the transmission.
  • the secondary power source may continue to power the apparatus (117) for a longer period of time than is reasonably necessary to complete the transmission.
  • the particular circuit geometry and configuration of the apparatus (117) will vary from embodiment to embodiment depending upon factors such as the size and shape of the housing, components. and intended use case.
  • the program logic may be hard coded into a controller contained within the apparatus ( 117).
  • the apparatus (117) may include a microprocessor, along with program instructions stored on a computer-readable memory disposed within the apparatus (117).
  • FIG. 4 depicts an alternative embodiment of a system using an embodiment of an apparatus (117) according to the present disclosure.
  • the load (109) and apparatus (117) are integrated into a single physical device (e.g., disposed within the same housing).
  • this device is a floor lamp including a smart bulb (109).
  • the floor lamp is plugged into the power receptacle (102 A).
  • the system further comprises an external central controller (401). This configuration address a problem with smart devices whereby when a device is first supplied with power, it can operate but has not yet received any state information about the user’s desired settings.
  • the bulb when a smart bulb is first purchased and screwed into a floor lamp, and provided power, the bulb has no way of knowing what brightness level the user may desire, nor whether the user desires for the bulb to be on or off.
  • the device will be preprogrammed by the manufacturer with a default setting, such as turning on at full-brightness.
  • the bulb may reset to its default settings when power is restored.
  • the switch (107) is closed, the bulb (109) will thus re-illuminate at full brightness, even though the user had previously provided a half brightness setting.
  • the depicted embodiment solves this problem by integrating the apparatus (117) into a smart bulb (109), and communicating the state with a central controller (401).
  • This configuration may be best understood with reference to a non-limiting, illustrative example.
  • the user then subsequently alters the power state of the bulb (109) by sending instructions to the bulb to switch to half-brightness. This signal is also detectable by the apparatus (117), which then relays to the central controller (401) this updated state information.
  • the apparatus (117) can query the central controller (401) fin: the last known settings for the associated bulb (109).
  • the central controller (401) may respond to this message with data indicating that the bulb (109) was set to half-brightness before power was removed, and the apparatus (117) can then set the bulb (109) to that same setting. This allows settings to be retained across power states by storing them externally via the central controller (401).
  • The“power state” of the switch may be determined directly or indirectly, and that state may be transmitted or relayed using direct or indirect measurements. For example, a measurement of current could be taken and transmitted, where a non-zero measurement indicates“on” and a zero measurement indicates“off.”
  • the central controller (401) performs these functions by use of other component systems, such as a memory, and other circuitry and computer components necessary to receive the transmissions from the apparatus
  • the central controller (401) itself also comprises a transceiver, as well as other components.
  • This basic configuration can be expanded upon to use the central controller (401) as a central relay for instructions. That is, the central controller (401) may be a hub for additional inputs, which may be provided manually or by external data sources. For example, the central controller (401) may have access to date/time services (e.g., via a network time protocol server), and may be configured to use this information to vary the brightness upon power-up.
  • the central controller (401) may be a hub for additional inputs, which may be provided manually or by external data sources.
  • the central controller (401) may have access to date/time services (e.g., via a network time protocol server), and may be configured to use this information to vary the brightness upon power-up.
  • the central controller (401) may provide a power state corresponding to the time of day as determined via a network time service. For example, if the detected time hi noon, the central controller may indicate that the lamp should be left off.
  • brightness may be set to maximum.
  • the central controller (401) may maintain an archive of historical settings and use machine/eaming/trainmg to infer preferences. For example, the central controller (401) may note that at different times of day, and different times of year, the user prefers certain specific brightness settings. When the lamp is activated, the central controller (401) may consult the current time of day and of year, and return a default brightness setting consistent with prior user preferences.
  • time and day of year is exemplary only and should not be understood as limiting.
  • one or more additional smart devices (109A) and (109B) may also communicate via the central controller (401), and receive instructions from same.
  • the central controller (401) may reply to the apparatus (117) not only with instructions for how to set the power state of the bulb (109), but may also supply additional power state instructions to the one or more other connected smart devices (109A) and (109B).
  • the apparatus (117) does not have the optional secondary power source (131).
  • Such an embodiment would still be capable of functioning when power was supplied, but will generally not function when power was removed. This would reduce the utility of the device, but would simplify construction/manufacturing and reduce cost.
  • this setting contains an implicit assumption that when the garage lights are turned on, the occupants are leaving. Similarly, when returning home, the user may turn off the lights in die garage before going into die house. Using these same principles, a signal could be used to turn on the lights in the rest of the home in anticipation of the occupants returning.
  • the power signal into the smart switch (117) indicates whether power was supplied to or removed from a circuit
  • die precise steps taken in response to a change in power signal depend upon the particular programming of the apparatus (117), and/or the central controller (401). A limitless variety of interactions and secondary effects are possible, depending upon user preferences and programming.
  • FIG. 7 depicts an additional embodiment in which the smart switch (117) functionality is incorporated into a conventional wall-mounted mechanical switch structure (107) in order to allow for simultaneous control, via a single wall switch, or both conventional or“dumb 1 ’ lights
  • the switch (107) includes a first set of contacts
  • the mechanical switch is also connected to a second set of contacts (703) operable to close a second circuit, the second circuit including the transmitter
  • the two set of contacts (701) and (703) are operatively connected to the mechanical switch such that when one is open, the other is closed, and vice versa.
  • the switch Is turned“off” power flows through the second circuit and powers the transceiver (125) and related components, which can then communicate the power state to the smart light (109B) or other connected smart devices to operate them in accordance with the switch (107) state.
  • the switch is turned back“on,” the second circuit breaks and the first circuit closes, providing power to the conventional load (109A) on the first circuit
  • the transmitter (125) communicates the new switch ( 107) state to the smart light (109B) before losing power.
  • a secondary power supply can be included to ensure sufficient time to complete the transmission, as described elsewhere herein.
  • the outlet (102) may continue to be operated as a conventional outlet
  • smart devices (109A) can also be operated by the switch (107). All of this can be done without having to run new cabling or wiring, but rather by simply replacing a conventional wall switch.
  • the second set of contacts (703) may be omitted and replaced with a wire, allowing power to be continuously supplied to the transceiver (125) and other components.

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  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des dispositifs de commutation intelligents, des systèmes et des procédés pour modifier un système électrique existant afin d'utiliser la sortie d'état de courant d'un commutateur physique comme indicateur ou signal pour le fonctionnement d'un dispositif ou système domotique intelligent ou réseau de tels dispositifs pour faciliter l'interopérabilité de commutateurs physiques avec des dispositifs intelligents. Le commutateur intelligent détecte ou détermine l'état de courant d'un circuit et déduit l'état correspondant d'un commutateur mécanique qui permet d'actionner le circuit. Ces informations sont ensuite transmises à des dispositifs intelligents associés, qui peuvent ne pas être physiquement connectés au circuit commandé par le commutateur. Lorsque le commutateur mécanique est actionné, il peut commander à la fois des charges reliées électriquement, telles qu'une lampe ou un appareil classique, et commander sans fil des dispositifs intelligents non connectés.
PCT/US2019/025407 2018-07-13 2019-04-02 Systèmes et procédés permettant le fonctionnement d'un dispositif intelligent WO2020013897A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US16/035,141 US10361585B2 (en) 2014-01-27 2018-07-13 Systems and methods to allow for a smart device
US16/035,141 2018-07-13

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WO2020013897A1 true WO2020013897A1 (fr) 2020-01-16

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US20100076615A1 (en) * 2008-09-13 2010-03-25 Moixa Energy Holdings Limited Systems, devices and methods for electricity provision, usage monitoring, analysis, and enabling improvements in efficiency
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US20160192458A1 (en) * 2014-12-30 2016-06-30 Google Inc. Systems and methods of determining a type and feature set of a light source, and the control thereof

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009076484A2 (fr) * 2007-12-10 2009-06-18 Clevx, Llc Système de puissance stocké comprenant une gestion de puissance
US20100076615A1 (en) * 2008-09-13 2010-03-25 Moixa Energy Holdings Limited Systems, devices and methods for electricity provision, usage monitoring, analysis, and enabling improvements in efficiency
US20140265881A1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2014-09-18 Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. State change devices for switched electrical receptacles
US20150005900A1 (en) * 2013-06-26 2015-01-01 Green Edge Technologies, Inc. Devices and methods of function-based control in automation systems
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