WO2022035419A1

WO2022035419A1 - Environment sensing active units

Info

Publication number: WO2022035419A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/045678
Authority: WO
Inventors: D. Scott OWEN; Jeremy C. Smith; Darren C. Knight; R. Camden Robinson; Jonathan S. Jensen; Jesse J LEISHMAN
Original assignee: Snaprays, Llc Dba Snappower
Priority date: 2020-08-10
Filing date: 2020-08-10
Publication date: 2022-02-17

Abstract

A variety of principles are disclosed that are related to active units that may include a light source, a motion sensor, and a user selectable mode wherein the active unit detects motion and sends out a signal to other active units but does not illuminate the light source. The active units may function as nightlights.

Description

ENVIRONMENT SENSING ACTIVE UNITS

BACKGROUND

[0001] Motion activated nightlights are used to illuminate dark areas but have a number of limitations, including illuminating areas that are better left dark and not adequately illuminating areas prior to sensing motion in the area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] The accompanying drawings illustrate various examples of the principles described herein and are a part of the specification. The illustrated examples are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0003] Figures 1A-1D are views of two different switches, according to one example of principles described herein.

[0004] Figures 2A and 2B are diagrams of electrical systems that include a switch and a load controlled by the switch, according to one example of principles described herein.

[0005] Figures 3A-3C show an illustrative active cover plate for a rocker light switch, according to one example of principles described herein.

[0006] Figures 4A-4C show an illustrative active cover plate for a toggle light switch, according to one example of principles described herein.

[0007] Figure 5 shows an active cover plate installed over a rocker light switch, according to one example of principles described herein.

[0008] Figure 6 is a diagram of a system for controlling loads with active cover plates, according to one embodiment of principles described herein.

[0009] Figures 7A-7Y show illustrative examples of active cover plates with protrusions that provide additional volume for circuitry and/or sensors, according to one example of principles described herein.

[0010] Figures 8A-8B are diagrams representing the structure and functions of illustrative circuits for a connected active cover plate system, according to one example of principles described herein.

[0011] Figures 9A-9C show illustrative examples of the operation of a group of active cover plates, according to examples of principles described herein. [0012] Figure 9D shows an illustrative example of a nightlight, according to one example of principles described herein.

[0013] Figure 10 shows one illustrative example of a motion sensing active cover plate configured for use with a light switch, according to one example of principles described herein. [0014] Figure 11 shows an illustrative example of a motion sensing active cover plate that illuminates an overhead light when motion is sensed, according to one example of principles described herein.

[0015] Figure 12 shows an illustrative example of an active cover plate that controls a load, according to one example of principles described herein.

[0016] Figure 13A shows an illustrative example of an active cover plate with wireless communication, according to one example of principles described herein.

[0017] Figure 13B shows an illustrative example of an active switch cover plate, according to one example of principles described herein.

[0018] Figures 14A-14C shows illustrative features and methods of a connected lighting system, according to one example of principles described herein.

[0019] Figures 15A and 15B shows an illustrative example of a range of components that could be used in a connected lighting system, according to one example of principles described herein.

[0020] Figure 15C shows one example of an active unit, according to one example of principles described herein.

[0021] Figure 16 shows one example of a first active unit and a second active unit, according to one example of principles described herein.

[0022] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present systems and methods. It will be apparent, however, that systems and methods may be practiced without these specific details. It is understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale. Reference in the specification to “an example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least that one example, but not necessarily in other examples. Additionally, features shown and/or described in connection with one figure may be combined with features shown and/or described in connection with other figures.

[0024] Switches and outlets are standard electrical receptacles/fixtures in modem homes. Switches are typically placed near entryways or doors so that a person entering or leaving an area can easily turn on or off the lights or appliances. The position of the switch installations makes them ideal for incorporating nightlights, guidelights, or illuminated images. For example, if a switch installation incorporated a nightlight, the nightlight would illuminate the entryway, the floor around the entryway and the light switch itself. The nightlight would provide a valuable reference point to allow a home owner to orient themselves and properly navigate the area. [0025] While the attractiveness of nightlights incorporated into switch installations is clear, there are a number of significant challenges in designing a nightlight that is easy to install and provides the desired level of illumination without adverse effects.

[0026] Standard switches in North America (Canada, United States, Mexico, etc.) have two standard styles: toggle and decor. While the principles are described with reference to these receptacles, the principles are broadly applicable to a range of electrical receptacles and lighting throughout the world. North American electrical receptacles are used as examples throughout the specification, but the principles described herein can be applied to a broad range of electrical receptacles. Figures 1A and IB show a decor switch (100), also called a rocker switch. The switch (100) includes a rocker paddle (105) and a body (110). To change the state of the switch and its controlled load, the user depresses either the top or bottom of the paddle (105). This changes the internal state of contacts within the switch (105) to either connect or disconnect the electrical load from a power source. The body (110) of the switch includes two screw terminals (115, 120) and a yoke (130). The screw terminals (115, 120) serve as attachment points for electrical wiring. For example, a “hot” wire may be attached to one of the terminals and a traveler wire may be attached to the other terminal. The hot wire supplies electrical power to the switch and the traveler wire connects the switch to the electrical load. When the switch (100) is in the ON position, internal contacts connect the first screw terminal (115) to the second screw terminal (120) and electrical energy is available to the load. When the switch is in the OFF position, the internal contacts do not make a connection between the screw terminals and there is no electrical power available to the load.

[0027] The yoke (130) provides a structure to connect the switch (100) to a housing such as an electrical box. In some switches, the yoke or bracket (130) is metal and may be connected to a ground screw terminal (125). A ground wire may be connected to the ground screw terminal (125) to ensure that if there is a fault in the electrical system and electricity is applied to the yoke (130), this electricity will be dissipated through the ground wire.

[0028] Figures 1C and ID show an illustrative example of a toggle switch (150). The switch (150) includes a toggle (165), a yoke (160), two screw terminals (172, 175) and a ground terminal (155). To operate the toggle switch (150) a user moves the toggle (165) either up or down to change the state of the internal contacts in the toggle switch (150). As discussed above, this either connects or disconnects the internal electrical path between the two screw terminals (172, 175). The yoke (160) in this example is metal and can be electrically connected to a ground wire using the ground screw terminal (155).

[0029] One method of connecting the wires to the screw terminals (172, 175) includes loosening the screws and wrapping the electrical wire around the shaft of the screw, then tightening the screw to sandwich the wire between the head of the screw and the switch body (170). Figure ID also shows an alternative mechanism for connecting wires to the screw terminals. This alternative connection uses stab-in connectors (177, 179). The end of the electrical wire is stripped and forced into the stab-in connectors (177, 179) to make an electrical connection with the internal contacts without utilizing screw terminals. Even when stab in connectors are used the screw terminals (172, 175) remain part of the electrical circuit.

[0030] Figure 2A is a block diagram showing an illustrative electrical system (200) for controlling a load. In this example, the system (200) includes a switch (202), wiring (215, 210, 225) and an exterior load (220). In this case the exterior load (220) is illustrated as an overhead light, but the load could be any electrical load that can be controlled by a switch, including lamps, motors, fans, air conditioners, etc. Terminal A (217) of the switch (202) is connected to a hot wire (215). The hot wire (215) is part of the power distribution in the house or building and delivers electricity to the system. The switch (202) includes internal contacts (235) which control the flow of electrical current through the switch. In this case the internal contacts (235) are closed. This allows a current flow (240) through the switch to terminal B (218) which is connected to a traveler wire (210) that is connected to the load (220). The current passes through the load (220) and into the neutral wire (225). The neutral wire (225) acts as a sink for the electrical current.

[0031] Figure 2B is a block diagram showing an illustrative electrical system (200) for controlling a load (220) that has been modified by placing an active cover plate (205) over the switch (202). In this example, the internal contacts (235) are open so that no current flows through the switch (202) and the light (220) is nominally OFF. This creates a voltage differential across the terminals (217, 218), with terminal A (217) having a high voltage because it is connected to the hot wire (215) and terminal B (218) having a lower voltage because it is disconnected from the hot wire (215) and is connected to the neutral wire (225) through the load (220).

[0032] The active cover plate (205) contacts the terminals (217, 218) of the switch (202) to extract electrical power. Thus, in the configuration shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the active cover plate can only extract power when there is a voltage difference across the terminals (217, 218). When the internal contacts (235) are closed, the two terminals are electrically connected by the internal contacts and are at substantially the same voltage. There may be a very small voltage difference between the two terminals that is related to the contact resistance of the internal contacts. Ordinarily, this small voltage difference does not provide a useful amount of current. Thus, the load (230) inside the active cover plate (205) in the configuration shown in Fig. 2B may only have access to substantial amounts of electrical power when the internal contacts (235) are open and the switch is OFF.

[0033] The bypass current (241) passes from terminal A (217) to terminal B (218) through the load (230) in the active cover plate (205). Thus, the active cover plate (205) bypasses the switch (202) and independently introduces a current into the traveler wire (210) that then passes through the exterior load (220) and to the neutral wire (225).

[0034] Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show a rear, side, and front view, respectively, of an illustrative active cover plate (300) for a rocker or decor light switch (see e.g. Figs. 1A, IB). Fig. 3A shows that the active cover plate (300) includes a face plate (305), a back plate (310), and two prongs (315) extending rearward from the face plate (305). The prongs (315) are configured to contact the screw terminals (115, 120; Fig. 1A) of the decor light switch (100; Fig. 1A). A circuit board (311) represented by the dashed shape is sandwiched between the face plate (305) and the back plate (310). The circuit board (311) is connected to the prongs by conductors (312) represented by the dotted lines. When electrical power is available at the prongs (315) (i.e. when there is a voltage difference between the prongs) the circuit board (311) can produce illumination (314). In this case, the illumination (314) extends downward from a bottom edge of the active cover plate (300). There are a wide variety of other ways that the active cover plate (300) could be configured. For example, the illumination may project out of different locations and/or be presented in different patterns. The illumination may be a continuous bar or may be segmented into two, three or more segments. The illumination could be produced by individual LEDs, LED filaments or other light sources. The location and size of the circuit board is just one example. In other embodiments, the circuit board may be a different size such as a simple rectangle and/or may be divided into multiple sections or may be in other locations with respect to the cover plate. Further, the prongs may have different shapes, quantities and locations. For example, there may be two, three, four or five prongs at various locations and with various shapes on the cover plate. Several illustrative examples are described below.

[0035] Figure 3B shows a side view of the active cover plate (300) with the prongs (315) extending rearward from the face plate (305). Figure 3C shows a front view of the active cover plate (300) with the prongs (315) visible through the rectangular aperture of the face plate (305). The prongs (315) include contacts (322) that may be configured to contact the side screw terminals of a light switch (see e.g. 115, 120; Fig. 1A-1B).

[0036] In general, users of active cover plates may desire some amount of control over the light output or other functionality within the active cover plate. For example, the user may install an active cover plate over a light switch in an entryway and another active cover plate over a light switch in an adult bedroom. The user may want high levels of illumination near the entryway, but lower levels of illumination in the adult bedroom. Additionally or alternatively, the user may wish to turn the illumination function off for a period of time. Further, the user may wish to perform any number of other operations, including changing the color or color temperature of the illumination. The switch/lens cover (320) can provide this control by allowing the user to manually select various functions of the cover plate (300).

[0037] Figures 4A, 4B and 4C show a front, side, and rear perspective view, respectively, of an illustrative active cover plate (400) for a toggle or standard light switch (see e.g. Figs. 1C, ID). Figure 4A shows a front of the active cover plate (400), including the face plate (405) and the switch (420) in the lower left comer of the face plate. Figure 4B shows a side view of the active cover plate (400) with prongs (415) extending rearward from the faceplate (405). [0038] Fig. 4C shows that the active cover plate (400) includes a faceplate (405), a back plate (410), and two prongs (415) extending rearward from the face plate (405). The prongs (415) are configured to contact the screw terminals (172, 175; Fig. ID) of the toggle light switch (150; Fig. ID). The prongs (415) include insulating hoods (412) and contact surfaces (422). The insulating hoods (412) provide for smooth installation and prevent undesired electrical contact with surrounding conductors when the cover plate is installed over the switch (150, Fig. 1C). The contact surfaces (422) are configured to contact the screw head or other conductors of the side screw terminals (172, 175; Fig. ID) on the light switch.

[0039] Figure 5 is an end view of an active cover plate (300) installed over a decor switch (100). The faceplate (305) of the active cover plate fits around the rocker/paddle (105) of the light switch (100). The prongs (315) extend rearward around the shoulder (111) of the switch body (110) so that the contact surfaces (322) electrically contact the screw terminals (115, 120, Figs. 1A, IB). The contact between the contacts (322) and the screw terminals (115) supplies electrical power to the circuit in the active cover plate (300). This is only one example of a technique for extracting power from the switch or wiring. A variety of other techniques could also be used. For example, the cover plate may have wires with a stripped portion or spade connectors that could be attached to the screw terminals on the switch or directly to the wiring that supplies electrical power to the switch.

[0040] Figure 6 shows an illustrative system (600) that uses various active cover plates (602, 603, 608, 617) to control various loads, provide illumination and/or sense environmental conditions. In one embodiment, several of the active cover plates (602, 603) contain a circuit that includes the principles described with respect to Figures 11A and 1 IB. Specifically, the active cover plates (602, 603) are capable of activating a load without changing the position of the manual switch. In this example, a first active cover plate (602) has activated the load (606) by routing the current through the cover plate while the manual light switch remains off. The second active cover plate has switched the load (607) off. Thus, control of the internal switch (1102, Figure 11A, 1 IB) in the active cover plates (602, 603) provides for control of their respective loads (606, 607). The active cover plates (602, 603) may have wireless or wired interconnectivity to send and receive signals from other devices. In this example, the active cover plates (602, 603) connect to a network (604) as represented by the nodes adjacent to the active cover plates. The network may be of any appropriate type, including a mesh network, a broadcast network, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Thread, Zigbee, Z-Wave, 802.11 based mesh networks, or other appropriate or future developed network. Although the network is illustrated as being a network with interconnected nodes, other network topologies and protocols may be appropriate. For example, master/slave or broadcast networks may be used. A second WiFi network (606-1 to606-6) is also shown. However, because the WiFi network may consume a large amount of power, power constrained devices such as battery powered sensors (616) and active cover plates (e.g. 602, 603) connected to light switches may use the lower power mesh network protocol (604). In other embodiments, the active cover plate(s) mounted over light switches may actuate to manually change the position of the switch mounted in the electrical box upon receiving an externally or internally generated command.

[0041] The system (600) may also include various mobile devices (620), routers (614), various smart devices such as Google Home (612) or Amazon’s Alexa (610) devices, various home security devices (e.g. 615), motion active cover plates (617), and various sensors (616). In one embodiment, an active cover plate (608) can be used as a bridge to translate/relay data from the mesh network (604) to devices that use other protocols. For example, if the network uses Zigbee or Z-Wave, the bridge active cover plate (608) could translate the communications into another protocol such as Wi-Fi or BLE so that more devices could participate. One significant consideration of which protocol to use for the mesh network is the power consumption required to participate. It may be beneficial for devices that have limited power input or reserves for the network/protocol to have lower power requirements. Examples of devices with more limited available power may include battery or solar powered sensors, mobile devices, active cover plates connected to sensitive loads, etc. Network protocols that have lower power requirements may include BLE, Zigbee, security communications in designated or other bands (e.g. 433 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, etc.) and Z-Wave networks. Future arising networks and custom networks may also be used. In this example, the bridge active cover plate (608) is shown as a cover plate that is configured for outlets, where there are fewer power restrictions than light switches. Consequently, it has access to more power and can transmit and receive at multiple frequencies and with higher powered protocols than other devices with more limited power.

[0042] In one example, a user may wish to turn off a light (606) but is out of the house. Using their mobile phone(620), the user communicates over the intemet/cell network to the router (614) which may not have direct access to the low power protocol/mesh network to control the BLE lighting control active cover plate (602). The router sends a Wi-Fi signal which is accepted by the bridge active cover plate (608) and translated into BLE protocol and passed through the mesh (604) to the lighting control active cover plate (602) which then changes the configuration of its internal switch or other element to turn the light (606) off. For example, the configuration of the internal switch may be changed from making a connection between terminals A and B (as shown in Figure 1 IB) to making a connection between A and C (as shown in Figure 11 A).

[0043] The previous examples are directed to single pole switches that have two screw terminals for connection of hot and neutral wires and one additional screw terminal for connection of a ground wire. These single pole switches are used where only one switch controls the exterior load. However, the principles described herein also apply to situations where multiple switches control the load and multi-pole switches are used. For example, three- way and four-way switches are used in rooms with multiple entrances, such as hallways, stairways, and larger rooms. One light switch is located at each entrance so that a user entering from any entrance can control the overhead lights. The electrical system is configured so that changing the state of any switch results in a change in the load state. Consequently, the lights can be turned ON or OFF from any entryway/switch.

[0044] The embodiments described above are only illustrative. The network may have more components or less components than illustrated. For example, a group of active cover plates that contain motion detectors (e.g. 616, 617) or other sensors may communicate between each other without other components or networks. For example, there may be a network of motion sensing active cover plates that include one or more cover plates with motion sensors. There may be additional active cover plates that are connected to the network or receive commands from the network that do not have motion or other sensors. When motion is detected by an active cover plate, it may send a signal to other active cover plates that signals them to take an action. For example, a motion sensing active cover plate (617) may be located near an entrance to a home. When the motion sensing active cover plate (617) senses motion, it may take an internal action (such as illuminating the surrounding area or turning on an exterior light) as well as sending a signal to other active cover plates that are connected to its network or subnetwork. These active cover plates may then respond by taking appropriate actions such as illuminating, increasing illumination, decreasing illumination, turning off illumination, forwarding the command/signal to other active cover plates, etc. In some embodiments, a subnetwork or channel may be manually or electronically selected by a user to group the cover plates. For example, a user may select a “group 1” designation for an entryway motion detector active cover plate and hallway guidelight active cover plates. This can be performed manually by moving a switch on the selected active cover plates to a position labeled “1”. After this grouping, when the motion detector guidelight (e.g. 617) at the entryway detects motion, it will illuminate and signal other guidelights in the group to also illuminate. This signaling could be accomplished through electronic, sound, optical or other communication techniques. Guidelights that are not in “group 1” will not illuminate. In another example, the user may have two motion sensing active cover plates in different entryways to a kitchen, with illuminating active cover plates mounted over the kitchen counter. The user designates this group of active cover plates as “group 2”. If either of the motion sensing active cover plates detects motion, they send a signal that causes the illuminating active cover plates over the kitchen counter to brighten for a specific amount of time after motion ceases to be detected. There are a variety of other implementations. For example, each active cover plate in a group may be configured to detect motion. Upon sensing motion, a first active cover plate sends an optical signal to any other guidelight in its group by flashing its lights in a manner that isn’t detectable by the user. Any active cover plate in the group that detects this optical signal then illuminates and repeats the signal. In this situation, the active cover plates in the group may sequentially illuminate as the optical signal spreads throughout the group. In this example, strict grouping may not be necessary because only those cover plates that can optically see/receive the signal from adjacent cover plates turn on.

[0045] Figure 7A is a top view of an active cover plate (700) that shows a faceplate (702), with prongs (704) extending from the rear of the active cover plate, a protrusion (706) extending from the front of the faceplate, and a PIR lens (708) extending from the front of the protrusion. [0046] Figure 7B is a front view of an active cover plate (700), showing a faceplate (702) that has two duplex holes passing through it, and a protrusion (706) extending from the front of the faceplate and a PIR lens (708) extending from the front of the protrusion. In this example, the active cover plate includes three switches (710, 712, 718) that can be used to manually configure parameters relating to the function of the active cover plate (700).

[0047] Figure 7C is a right side view of an active cover plate (700) showing the faceplate (702) with the prongs (704) extending from the rear of the faceplate (702) and a protrusion (706) extending from front of the faceplate . The right switch (718) is also shown on the right side of the protrusion/face plate.

[0048] Figure 7D is a bottom view of an active cover plate (700) showing one example of a transparent or translucent window (714) through which light can be transmitted to illuminate the surrounding area. Also shown are the prongs (704) that are used to extract electrical power from an electrical outlet.

[0049] Figure 7E and Figure 7F are a rear view and a left side view, respectively, of an active cover plate (700) showing a backplate (716) that is connected to a rear surface of the face plate (702). In this example, a base of the prongs (704) are sandwiched between the face plate and the back plate. Figure 7F shows the faceplate (702) with prongs (704) extending out of the rear of the faceplate (702) and a protrusion (706) extending from a front face of the faceplate (702). [0050] Figure 7G is a bottom perspective view of an active cover plate (700), showing the transparent or translucent window (714) on the bottom side of the protrusion (706), the front switch (710) and one example of a PIR lens (708). The left switch (712) is also shown.

[0051] Figure 7H is top perspective view of an active cover plate (700) showing the face plate (702), protrusion (706), front switch (710), and the right-side switch (718). The active cover plates (700) shown in Figures 7A-7H may be controlled by any combination of light sensors, motion sensors, and/or electrical signals.

[0052] Figure 71 is a front view of an active cover plate (700) with the PIR lens (e.g. 708, Fig. 7G) removed to show the PIR sensor (720) and the light sensor (722), both of which reside in a cavity behind the PIR lens. Figure 7 J shows an illustrative embodiment of the active cover plate (700) with the backplate removed to show the circuit board (726) which is supplied with power by conductors (724) connecting the prongs (704) to the circuit board. The circuit board (726) may have a variety of shapes and may provide a variety of functionality for the active cover plate (700).

[0053] Figures 7K, 7L and 7M show views of the left, front and right switches according to one embodiment of principles described herein. The switches may be any appropriate type of switch including push button switches, toggle switches, momentary switches, touch sensitive switches, multiple position switches, etc. In this example, Figure 7K shows the left switch (712) which may be used to select one of three different zones for the active cover plate. As discussed herein, zones or groups may refer to active cover plates and other devices that interact to share information and/or take combined action. For example, when one unit senses motion, it may transmit a signal that is received and processed by other units in the group. All the units in the group can then use the information to take appropriate action (e.g. illuminating). Units outside of the group may or may not receive a signal from units outside of the group but will not take action based on the information. Figure 7L shows the front switch (710) which allows the user to select three different levels of brightness for the active cover plate lights. These brightness levels are OFF, LO, and HI. Figure 7M shows the right switch (718) which allows the user to select the On-time setting of the active cover plate. This setting allows the user to change how long the light remains on after motion stops being detected by the sensor in the active cover plate. These settings may have any appropriate time periods. For example, this setting allows the user to select 10 seconds, 30 seconds, and 60 seconds as the ON time or the settings may be 15 seconds, 1 minute, and 5 minutes, or any other appropriate time.

[0054] Figures 70 through 7U show an active cover plate (750) that is configured to be installed over a decor outlet. The active cover plate (750) may also be configured to be installed over a GFCI outlet if appropriate prongs were attached to the rear of the faceplate (702). In the embodiment shown in Figures 70 through 7U, the active cover plate (750) includes a face plate (702), prongs (704) extending from the face plate, a protrusion (706), at least one sensor (708, showing a PIR motion sensor/lens), and three switches (710, 712, 718) and a light source/light pipe (704). In this example, Fig. 70 is a top view of the active cover plate (750) and Figures 7P, 7Q, and 7R are front, right side, and bottom views, respectively. In this example, the left side view may be substantially similar to the right side view and the rear of the cover plate is not visible when the active cover plate is installed/in use. Figure 7S shows a rear view of the active cover plate (750) with the back plate (716) installed. Figure 7T shows a right side view of the active cover plate (750). Figure 7U shows a perspective view of the active cover plate (750). As discussed herein, the active cover plate shown in Figures 7O-7U could be used in a variety of configurations and over a variety of different electrical receptacles including GFCI outlets, decor outlets, and toggle rocker switches. In some situations, the only external geometric change that is required for the active cover plate to be used with different electrical receptacles is that the active cover plate needs to be configured with appropriate prongs for the target electrical receptacle. This may include changes to mounting configurations to support the appropriate prongs. Other changes may also be made, including changes to the internal circuitry.

[0055] Figures 7V-7Y show various configurations for light pipes (714) on the bottom of the active cover plate (750). For example, in Figure 7V, the light pipe (714) may be a relatively wide oval, racetrack shape, or rounded rectangle. In Figure 7W, the light pipe (714) may be narrower but may have approximately the same shape. The light pipe (714) may have any of a variety of lengths, segments, and locations on the active cover plate (750). For example, at least a portion of the light may be transmitted from the face of the active cover plate rather, or in addition to, light emitted from the bottom of the active cover plate. Figure 7X shows a multiple segment light pipe (714) that transmits light from an interior source to the exterior of the active cover plate (750). Figure 7Y shows a light pipe (714) shows that has multiple rectangular segments.

[0056] According to principles described herein, a nightlight may include a light source, a motion sensor that may be configured to produce a signal when motion is detected, a first user configurable switch that may be configured to group the nightlight with other compatible nightlights such that a wireless broadcast illuminates the other compatible nightlights in the group when motion is detected by the nightlight, a second user configurable switch configured to adjust the time the light source remains illuminated following detection of motion, a third user configurable switch configured to adjust brightness of the light source when motion is detected, wherein the third user configurable switch comprises an off, dim and bright setting; and a decision module configured to detect settings of the first, second, and third switches and configured to accept a signal from the motion sensor and illuminate the light source according the switch settings. In some examples, the nightlight may be an active cover plate and/or an electrical receptacle cover plate. The nightlight may be a cover plate that can be configured to be placed over a light switch, wherein the nightlight illuminates an overhead light controlled by the light switch.

[0057] Figure 8A is a block diagram of an illustrative circuit (800) for one example of zone controlled active cover plates. The circuit may be formed on the circuit board (e.g. 726, Fig. 7 J) . Zone controlled active cover plates are active cover plates that are grouped into “zones” so that their functions can be controlled as a group. For example, a zone of guidelights may change state when a command is received from an external source. Additionally or alternatively, a zone of guidelights may illuminate when a signal is received from one or more of the active cover plates in the zone. For example, one active cover plate may sense motion, illuminate, and send a signal out to the other active cover plates in the zone, which can then illuminate. This may provide significant advantages for individuals navigating dark rooms or other spaces. For example, a zone of active cover plates may include a unit installed in a bedroom, a unit installed in a hallway, and a unit installed in a bath room. When a child gets up, the unit in the bedroom detects the motion, illuminates and sends an electronic message to the other units in the hallway and bathroom, instructing them to illuminate. The child can then safely navigate to the bathroom without turning on a light or waking others. [0058] Each of the modules represented in this and other figures described herein are only exemplary. For example, when a module or other similar element is described, it may be made up from different submodules or alternative units/elements. Figure 8A shows a power supply/regulator (803) that regulates power and supplies it to other components in the circuit (800). Other components include a timing component/module (812), communication module (814), a processor (810), an event sensor (806) and an action module (804). The power supply (803) provides power to one or more of the components. In this example, the power supply (803) is directly connected to the processor (810) and the action module (804). The event sensor (806) detects one or more events, such as temperature, motion, sound, humidity, etc., and communicates these events to the processor. The timing module (812) may detect timing from an external source or may be a time keeping unit such as a crystal. The processor (810) accepts input from the event sensor (806) and timing module (812) and may send commands to the communication module (814) to transmit to other devices/units and the action module (804). The action module (804) may take any appropriate action. For example, group 1 may include Unit A (802), Unit B (815), Unit C (817), and Unit D (819). Each of the units may include a circuit (800).

[0059] Figure 8B shows an illustrative circuit (800) that includes a power supply/regulator (802) that accepts AC Power In and outputs Regulated DC Out and Rectified AC out. The AC Power In can be supplied by conductors (724) and prongs (704) such as those shown in Figure 7J or in any other suitable manner. The Rectified AC Out can be supplied to lights (804) or any other suitable circuit component. The regulated DC output may be created in a variety of ways, including using a linear regulator. The regulated DC output may have any suitable voltage, including 5 volts or 3.3 volts, to power chips in the circuit. For clarity, connections between the chips/blocks and regulated DC output are not shown in this diagram. A phase detector (812) is connected to the AC Power In and has an output connected to a processor/micro-controller (810). The phase detector (812) may detect the phase of the AC power entering the circuit in a variety of ways, including for example, using a zero crossing detector/optical isolator to determine when the AC sine wave crosses the zero voltage threshold. The phase detector (812) can then output a digital or analog signal to the processor (810) so that the processor (810) can use the phase of the AC signal for timing and communication purposes. A motion sensor (806) may be used to detect motion around the active cover plate. In some embodiments, the motion sensor may include a passive infrared detector and integrate processor. The motion sensor (806) may send an output to the processor/micro-controller (810). Similarly, a light sensor (816) may be connected to the processor (810). At least one switch (818) can be connected to the processor (810) to accept input from a user. In this example, there are three switches (SW1, SW2, SW3) that allow the user to select settings such as the brightness of the light output, the amount of time the light is on, and the zone that an active cover plate is assigned to.

[0060] There may also be a Tx/Rx module (814) that may transmit and receive electronic messages that influence the state of the active cover plate. In one embodiment, the processor (810) may control a phase width modulated switch to control the brightness/tum ON/tum OFF the lights (804). In this and other embodiments, there are a wide range of approaches/elements that can be used according to principles described herein. For example, timing or phase detection may be acquired using radio time standard broadcast at 10 Mhz, using a GPS to acquire a time, connecting to Wi-Fi or other wireless network to acquire a time stamp. The communication module (here shown as Tx/Rx module 814) can use a variety of methods to communicate including but not limited to sound, lights, wireless signals, or other appropriate technique. The detector module may use a variety of methods to sense a range of environmental or other variables. For example, a motion or presence sensor may use a variety of techniques including PIR, ultrasound, radio, piezo electric, Al, sensing, GPS distortion, Wi-Fi distortion or other technique. The brightness control (808) may use a range of techniques to control lighting or other variables including PWM, pulse frequency modulation (PFM), digital control, analog control such as current control and/or voltage control, triggering a silicon control rectifier (SCR). These are only a few examples of elements/techniques that could be used.

[0061] Figures 9A, 9B and 9C show illustrative examples of the operation of a group of active cover plates. In this example there are four active cover plates, one active cover plate (Plate 1, 900) that is in a lighted area (903) and three active cover plates (Plate 2, 905; Plate 3, 910; Plate 4, 915) that are in dark areas (907). For example, the first plate (900) may be installed in an entry way that is lighted either by ambient or artificial light. The other active cover plates (905, 910, 915) are in dark areas such as a living room (905, 910) and a kitchen (915). The active cover plates may communicate with each other in a variety of ways. For example, they may use a mesh network, broadcast communication, one-way communication, two-way communication, packetized communication, master/slave communication, a combination of communication methods or other appropriate communication. The communication mechanism/protocol may include any of a variety of different approaches, including wireless, wired, optical or other communication techniques. In one example, each of the active cover plates (900, 905, 910, 915) is configured to broadcast a signal when it senses a change in a predetermined parameter. For example, these predetermined parameters may include presence of an object, absence of an object, motion of an object, electrical or wireless signals produced by an object, sound, temperature, humidity, presence or absence of water, light, elapsed time, or other desired parameter. Other active cover plates receive/sense the signal and determine if they should take action based on the signal. In the illustrative implementation shown in Fig. 9A, the first active cover plate (900) senses an object (920). As discussed above, the active cover plates may use a variety of different techniques for sensing objects, the presence of objects, and/or motion of objects. For example, the active cover plate could use ultrasound, radio frequency signals, detection of signals produced by the object (e.g. a mobile device may produce signals that can be detected by the active cover plate), infrared/temperature signatures, visible images, sound, etc. [0062] When the active cover plate senses a desired/selected parameter, such as motion of an object, it broadcasts a signal that can be received by other active cover plates. In some examples, the active cover plates receive the signal and rebroadcast it, actively respond to the signal by broadcasting/sending a different signal, or may not take additional signaling action. Regardless of what signaling action is taken, the active cover plates that receive the signal determine if they are intended recipients for the signal. If they determine that they are, they may take an appropriate (predetermined) action.

[0063] In the example shown in Figure 9B, all of the active cover plates (905, 910, 915) in the dark areas illuminate in response to receiving a signal (925) from the first active cover plate (900) that it detected motion. The first active cover plate (900) may or may not illuminate when it detects motion. In this example, the first active cover plate (900) does not illuminate even though it detected a change in a parameter it was monitoring (such as motion of an object). There may be a number of advantages to this approach. For example, if motion of a person was sensed in a lighted area (e.g. Light Area, 903), there is no need for the active cover plate in that area to illuminate. However, in darker areas (e.g. Dark Areas, 907), it may be desirable for other active cover plates (e.g. 905, 910, 915) to illuminate to light the path of the person. By not illuminating the active cover plate in the lighted area, energy can be conserved, while still illuminating dark areas where additional lighting (930, 935, 940) is needed. Further, the dark areas (907) can be illuminated before the person enters the dark areas. This can improve safety and reliability of the system. For example, some of the active cover plates may not be positioned/configured to directly sense the person as they enter the dark area but they will still illuminate when they receive a signal from an active cover plate that does sense motion of the person. For example, one active cover plate may be located outside of a kitchen, while other active cover plates are distributed around the kitchen. All the active cover plates in this example are configured to communicate with the others when they sense motion. The active cover plates in the kitchen may not directly detect a person before they enter the kitchen. There may be a variety of reasons for this, including but not limited to, objects on a counter covering the sensor of active cover plates on the back splash, active cover plates are located on a far side of an island and are facing away from the person entering the kitchen, the active cover plates in the kitchen may be too far away to sense the motion, and/or the viewing angle of one or more active cover plates in the kitchen may not be optimal for detection of the motion. However, because there may be one or more active cover plates outside the kitchen (e.g. in a hallway, adjoining room, or entry way), the combined sensing capabilities of the active cover plate system can detect the person before they enter the room. This distributed motion sensing system increases both the number of sensors that combine to detect parameters and the range/coverage of the system.

[0064] For some implementations, interference between units (e.g. where units are in the same groups/zone in two adjacent houses) could potentially be a problem. In some embodiments, the units could be reprogrammed with the phone app/phone shown in Figure 13A could be used to reprogram the devices to move their transmissions/reception to a different channel/time zone. For example, the phone/app could send a basic unlock code that unlocks a settings section of the processor and allows for the code to be altered. The modifications and/or program could be stored in nonvolatile memory/programmable flash.

[0065] In Figure 9C, all of the active cover plates are in the dark areas (907). In this example, Plate 1 (900) is in an adult bedroom, Plate 2 (905) is in a hallway, Plate 3 (910) is in a bathroom over a sink and Plate 4 (915) is in the bathroom next to a toilet. In this example, the user has determined that they do not want the light in active cover plate 1 (900) to illuminate when motion is sensed. This could be for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to, wanting to keep the room dark regardless of motion in the bedroom. For example, if there are multiple people sleeping in the bedroom, it may be undesirable for the light to come on when one person gets up because the light may disturb the sleep of the other person. Additionally, it may be undesirable for the light to come on when it senses motion such as a person rolling over in bed. Consequently, the light on the active cover plate (900) may be turned off by using a switch to select the lighting off option, through wireless or wired communication, or through other appropriate techniques. However, the active cover plate (900) may still be configured to transmit a signal (an “I saw motion” signal or other signal) to the other active cover plates (905, 910, 915) in the group. Consequently, the active cover plates (905, 910, 915) will illuminate the hallway, bathroom sink area, and toilet area. This allows a user to get up in the night, have the hallway and bathroom illuminated before they get there while still keeping the bedroom dark. They can then exit the dark bedroom into the hallway and bathroom. When they are finished in the bathroom/hallway the active cover plates will automatically turn off when they stop sensing motion (and the lighting timer has expired). For example, the user may select a short lighting time setting/dim setting for the cover plates in the hall if they move through the hallway quickly, but may have a longer lighting time setting for the active cover plate in the bathroom. This would avoid the issue of having the lights go off in the bathroom if there are periods of relative stillness while the user is in the bathroom. The ability to select settings for the individual active cover plates provides for a customized experience. In the example above, a user gets out of bed to go to the bathroom, but the active cover plate in the bedroom does not illuminate, the hallway lights dimly illuminate, providing guidance/orientation to the user, while the bathroom lights are on brighter and illuminate longer. This may provide time for the user’s eyes to adjust to brighter light as they are moving into the bathroom. As they are in the bathroom and may not be moving a lot, the bathroom active cover plates will remain illuminated for a longer period of time (e.g. 1 minute or 5 minutes) while the active cover plate(s) in the hallway may fade to off. The fading to off minimizes lighting into the bedroom. Further, the fade to off rather than snapping off avoids sudden changes in lighting that may cause disruption to sleep and/or disorientation. The fade provides time for the user’s eyes to adjust to lower light levels and/or time to move to a desired location. In some examples, some of the active cover plates or other units in the group may be set to “detect motion and illuminate” but do not transmit to other units in the group. For example, the bathroom active cover plates may be set to illuminate but not transmit to other units. This may prevent active cover plates in the hallway from repeatedly illuminating when motion is sensed in the bathroom. As the user exits the bathroom, the light from the bathroom will illuminate a portion of the hall and the hallway active cover plates will directly sense motion and illuminate as the user moves through the hallway to the bedroom. The active cover plate (900) in the bedroom will remain off (not illuminate) throughout the example. Additionally, if the bathroom/hallway is shared, then other people moving through the area will not illuminate the active cover plate in the adult bedroom.

[0066] This feature (turning off one or more of the active cover plate lights while still allowing the active cover plate to transmit motion to other units in its group) can be useful in a variety of other situations. For example, it may be desirable that the person, animal or object triggering the motion sensor to be unaware that their motion has been sensed. This could be the case when it is desired to monitor motion through an entry door. The active cover plate next to the entry door may have its lighting feature turned off, but still transmit to other active cover plates/units within the house. For example, an active cover plate in a study may illuminate when motion is sensed at a garage door. This would provide notification to a user in the study (or other location) that motion was sensed at the garage door. If the motion (entry of a person from the garage) was unexpected, the user could take mitigating action with or without alerting the person who entered the garage.

[0067] In another example, an active cover plate or other unit could be placed in a child’s bedroom but its light could be turned off (all the time or only during specific times of the night). However, the active cover plate could be in a group with one or more active cover plates in a hall, bathroom, parent’s bedroom, den or other location. By turning off the light in the child’s bedroom (all the time or using a timer or other mechanism to turn it off during a desired time frame), motion of the child in the bedroom does not illuminate the bedroom and consequently doesn’t wake the child up or wake up other children in the room. In some situations, the timer may be preprogrammed or may be able to be programmed on the while in use. Additionally or alternatively, the cover plate may have a user input that controls/influences the timing. If the child is awake and up, the parents could be notified by illumination of the active cover plate or other unit in the den, hallway, or their bedroom. Although the descriptions above use lighting as the signaling mechanism, a wide range of other signaling mechanisms could be used, including a sound (such as a chime), a change in lighting (such as a change in color, intensity, or illumination pattern), a signal to a mobile device, a smell (such as an air freshener/oil diffuser) dispensing unit, etc. For example, if a child gets out of bed in the night, an oil diffuser could dispense lavender to help them go back to sleep. For pets, an active cover plate (or group of active cover plates or other units) could monitor and report motion of the pet. For example, an active cover plate could monitor a cat door and notify the owner that their cat entered/left the cat door without illuminating. The cat has excellent night vision and would not need the additional light. Additionally, scents that animals enjoy (catnip, some essential oils, scents that the animal associates with their owner or other calming experience) could be dispensed.

[0068] As discussed above, the signaling unit may not illuminate even though it may have the capability and is situated to do so. This is contrary to the standard practice and understanding in the field, where if a unit detects motion and the area is dark, the unit illuminates. This is the normal and accepted operation of motion activated lights. They illuminate when motion is detected to illuminate the moving object and its surroundings. For example, when a person approaches a motion activated light, the light is triggered and illuminates the area to allow the person to more easily navigate the area and to alert the owner of the light that someone has moved into the sensor area of the light. This allows the owner of the light to more easily see/identify the person or other moving object.

[0069] However, in a variety of examples described herein, the signaling unit does not illuminate/take action even though it has the capability to do so and the conditions are correct for illumination (e.g. motion has been detected, the surrounding area is dark and sufficient power is available). The signaling unit not illuminating addresses a problem that has not been previously recognized/addressed by motion activated linked lights. In particular, it may not be desirable to illuminate the area where motion is occurring, but to signal other units to illuminate/take action. For example, if you wish to maintain night vision, not disturb the object/entity triggering the motion detector, or do not wish to illuminate an area where others are resting/sleeping. This is a longstanding but unrecognized and unmet need.

[0070] In some examples, the active cover plates or other units may not illuminate in a way that is directly visible to the triggering person/animal. For example, one or more active cover plates in a group may sense motion and illuminate at a different light frequency (e.g. in the IR or other frequency) that would provide illumination for night vision goggle or night vision security cameras. Additionally, an active cover plate could signal the user/owner that an active cover plate has been triggered. The user/owner may then be able to monitor the area where the active cover plate or other unit has been triggered using the night vision equipment and additional IR illumination that is provided by the active cover plate or other units. For example, if the user is a pet owner, they could monitor the behavior of their pets in the house or yard to ensure that they are safe, healthy and are not escaping or undesirably interacting with other animals/humans. If the user is passionate about nature, they could watch animals that have triggered the devices. If there is a security risk, the user could take appropriate action. In some cases, the active cover plates could be placed in an area that is not directly visible to the user such as an outbuilding, a back door to a garage, or a gate to a yard. If someone enters or moves in these areas, the user would be notified, but the person/object triggering the signal may or may not be notified.

[0071] Thus, in one example, a nightlight may include a light source, a motion sensor, wherein the nightlight is configured to broadcast a signal when motion is detected, and a first user selectable mode comprising a sleep mode wherein the nightlight detects motion and sends out the signal but does not illuminate the light source. The nightlight may include a second user selectable mode wherein the nightlight detects motion, sends out the signal and illuminates the light source. The nightlight may also include a third user selectable mode, wherein the nightlight detects motion, does not send out a signal and illuminates the light source. The signal may comprise a broadcast to other nightlights in proximity to the nightlight. The signal may include an optical signal that may be accepted and rebroadcast by the other nightlights. The nightlight may further include a user configurable group setting and wherein the signal comprises an RF signal to other nightlights that have been configured to have a same group setting as the nightlight. The night light may also include an ambient light sensor and a fourth user selectable mode, wherein the ambient light sensor determines that ambient light exceeds a threshold and the nightlight broadcasts the signal to the other nightlights. In response, the other nightlights in dark areas may illuminate in response to receiving the broadcasted signal.

[0072] Additionally or alternatively, the first unit/nightlight/plate (900) and other units in the group (905, 910, 915) may illuminate even when the area(s) is lighted. This may be useful in a variety of situations where signaling is important. For example, a user may wish to be notified if motions or other environmental parameters are sensed even if the room they are in is illuminated. Consequently, the unit(s) may be configured to illuminate even if the area is dark. The examples given herein may be using the term “nightlight” and “illumination” as an example, the principles could be extended to a variety of different configurations. For example, the units or action modules within the units may be equipped with a variety of actuators including speakers that could operate along the principles described herein. For example, if one unit detects an environmental parameter, it may not take any action, except to signal other units. These units may chime or given another indication that the environmental parameter has been sensed. These units may also take action to influence the environmental variable. For example, a pest, pet or other animal may be detected in an unwanted area of the house/yard. One or more of the units may use an ultrasonic signal to deter the animal. [0073] Thus, according to principles described herein, an active unit may include a sensor to detect a change in an environmental variable and transmit a sensor signal and an action module configured to influence the environmental variable. The active unit may also include a communication module, a processor module configured to accept the sensor signal and determine if the environmental variable exceeds a threshold and to instruct the action module not to take action to influence the environmental variable, and instruct the communication module to transmit a signal to other active units that the environmental variable has exceeded the threshold. In one embodiment, the action module may include a light source. The active unit may be configured by user input to instruct the processor module not to illuminate when the area is dark and motion is detected. The active unit may further be configured by user input to instruct the processor to broadcast a signal indicating that motion has been detected.

[0074] Figure 9D shows one example of a nightlight (950) and its interaction with other units. As described herein, a nightlight (950) may include a light source (966), a motion sensor (954) configured to produce a signal when motion is detected, and a first user configurable switch (960) configured to group the nightlight with other compatible nightlights (968) such that a wireless broadcast (976) illuminates the other compatible nightlights (968) in the group when motion is detected by the nightlight (950). A second user configurable switch (962) may be configured to adjust brightness of the light source (966) when motion is detected, wherein the second user configurable switch (963) comprises off, dim and bright settings. The nightlight (950) may include a decision module (952) configured to detect settings of the first and second switches and configured to accept a signal from the motion sensor (954) and illuminate the light source (966) according to settings of the switches (960, 962). The decision module (952) may be digital or analog and may include a processor and/or hardwired logic to make decisions and process signals and determine settings. For example, settings of switches and readings of sensors may be in the form of an analog or digital voltage, current, resistance or other parameter. These parameters may be accepted by the decision module and converted into digital format for processing and/or may be processed in an analog fashion by analog circuit components.

[0075] In some embodiments, the nightlight (950) may take the form of an active cover plate and/or an electrical receptacle cover plate, but as described herein, the nightlight may have a variety of forms. For example, the nightlight (950) may be a cover plate that can be configured to be placed over a light switch, wherein the nightlight (950) illuminates an overhead light controlled by the light switch. The switches (960, 962) can be placed in a number of configurations including configurations that create a first user selectable mode/configuration (970) (“sleep mode”) wherein the first user configurable switch (960) is configured such that the nightlight broadcasts (976) motion events (as detected by motion sensor 954) to other compatible nightlights in a group (968); and the second user configurable switch (962) is configured such that the light source (966) remains off when motion is detected by the motion detector/sensor (954).

[0076] The nightlight (950) may also be placed in a second user selectable mode/configuration (972) (a “linked illumination mode”) wherein the first user configurable switch (960) is configured such that the nightlight (950) broadcasts (by wireless broad cast 976 or through other broadcast techniques) motion events to other compatible nightlights in a group (968). The second user configurable switch (962) is configured such that the light source (966) turns on when motion is detected by the motion detector (954).

[0077] The nightlight may also be configured in a third user selectable mode/configuration (974) (a “stand alone mode”) wherein the first user configurable switch (960) is configured such that the nightlight does not broadcast motion events to other compatible nightlights in a group (968) and the second user configurable switch (962) is configured such that the light source (966) turns on when motion is detected by the motion detector (954).

[0078] In some embodiments, the nightlight (950) may include a third user configurable switch (964) configured to adjust the time the light source (966) remains illuminated following detection of motion. In some examples, the ambient light sensor (956) may be configured to measure ambient light. The nightlight (950) may be configured to be in a fourth mode/configuration (976), wherein the fourth mode is configured such that the decision module (952) is configured to accept an output from the ambient light sensor (956) and determine that the output exceeds a threshold (i.e. the area/room is well lit and there is no need for additional light) and when the output exceeds the threshold, the decision module (952) does not illuminate the light source (966) and sends the wireless broadcast (976) to the other nightlights in the group (968), and wherein the other nightlights in dark areas (i.e. their decision modules determine that output from their light sensors do not exceed a threshold, which may be somewhat different for each nightlight) illuminate in response to receiving the wireless broadcast (976).

[0079] Thus, as described herein, a nightlight (950) may include a light source (966), a motion sensor (954), and a first user selectable configuration (970) comprising a sleep mode wherein the nightlight (950) detects motion and sends out a signal (976) to other nightlights (978, 968) but does not illuminate the light source (966). The nightlight may include a second user selectable mode (972) wherein the nightlight detects motion, sends out the signal (976); and illuminates the light source (966). The nightlight may further include a third user selectable mode (974) wherein the nightlight detects motion but does not send out the signal (976) and illuminates the light source (966).

[0080] As discuss herein, the signal (976) may comprise a broadcast to other nightlights (978) in proximity to the nightlight (950). The signal may include or consist of an optical signal that may be accepted and rebroadcast by the other nightlights (978 and/or 968). This rebroadcast may be performed by all the nightlights in proximity (978) that receive the signal (976) or the rebroadcast may be performed by a selected group of nightlights such as nightlights that are in the same group (968). For example, the nightlight (950) may include a user configurable group setting (i.e. via the settings of the first switch (960) and the signal (976) that includes an RF signal to other nightlights (968) that have been configured to have a same group setting as the nightlight (950). In some embodiments, the nightlight may further comprise an ambient light sensor (956), wherein the ambient light sensor determines that ambient light exceeds a threshold and consequently does not illuminate the light source (966) but sends the signal (976) and the nightlight sends the signal to the other nightlights in the same group (968), and wherein the other nightlights in the same group (969) that are in dark areas illuminate in response to receiving the signal (976). The use of nightlights is only an example, the principles described herein can be broadly applied to a variety of units with different/more capability.

[0081] Figure 10 shows one illustrative example of an active cover plate (1000) that is configured for use with a light switch (e.g. 1004). As discussed above, active cover plates may be used on a variety of different electrical receptacles including toggle and rocker light switches. The active cover plates may have any of a variety of functions, including sensing a parameter and taking appropriate action based on the sensed information. In this example, the active cover plate (1000) may include a faceplate (1002), a motion detector (1005) and a variety of switches (1010, 1018) to configure the function of the active cover plate (1000). These switches or other settings may have a variety of functions, including those described above and subsequently shown.

[0082] Figure 11 shows an illustrative example of an active cover plate (1100) configured to mount over a light switch (1105). In this example, the active cover plate (1100) senses motion or other parameters and may take one or more actions based on the information. The parameter may be any parameter described herein or any other desired parameter. For example, the active cover plate may sense smoke or detect activation of a fire alarm. The active cover plate may take appropriate action, which may include transmission of the detected information or other signal, unlocking a door, illuminating an exit indication, activating a mitigation system (e.g. a sprinkler) or illuminating an overhead light. The active cover plate may operate similarly based on any of a number of other parameters and situations. For example, the active cover plate may detect humidity and open a vent, activate a fan, transmit a signal to another device, or other appropriate action. In some cases, the active cover plate may mechanically or electrically actuate the switch that it is mounted over.

[0083] In the example shown in Figure 11, the active cover plate (1100) detects motion of a person (1115) and illuminates an overhead light (1120) that the switch (1105) it is mounted over controls. However, some examples the active cover plate could control/influence various loads/lighting that is not directly associated with the electrical receptacle it is mounted over. As discussed above, the active cover plate (1100) may bypass the switch (1105) to allow electrical current to flow through to the light (1120). The electrical current may or may not be controlled or controlled by the active cover plate (1100). In one example, a small amount of electrical current is allowed to bypass the light switch (1105) through the active cover plate (1100). This small amount of current may partially or fully illuminate an overhead light or other load. In this example, the overhead light (1120) illuminates a stairway (1125). For example, the overhead light (1120) may dimly illuminate to preserve the night vision of the individual while still providing adequate lighting to navigate the area. In addition to illuminating the overhead light, the active cover plate may or may not illuminate additional lights. For example, the cover plate may illuminate one or more of: a light bar, the light switch, the floor/wall/area in proximity to the stairs or other lighting unit and/or the cover plate area. If the individual desires additional illumination, they can then see the light switch to turn on the overhead light (1120).

[0084] There may be various ways to select or control the amount of current passing through the active cover plate. This may be desirable for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to, the capability to illuminate a variety of lighting types and configurations. For example, a large amount of current may be necessary to illuminate an incandescent load while a lower amount of current may be adequate to illuminate a fluorescent or LED load. Similarly, it may take more current to illuminate multiple bulbs than a single bulb or other lighting source. Consequently, it may be desirable for the amount of current passing through the active cover plate to be selected or actively controlled. There are a variety of approaches that could be used, including providing a user configurable switch that allows the user to select settings that influence the amount of current that passes through the active cover plate and/or the amount of illumination desired in the area when a parameter is sensed. In one embodiment, an amount of desired illumination in the area is selected or is predetermined and the active cover plate allows a current to pass into the controlled circuit and senses changes in the lighting that result. If the desired amount of lighting in the area is not detected, then additional current is passed into the circuit until the desired level of lighting is achieved.

[0085] In addition to a user mechanically manipulating a switch, there are a variety of different ways that the function of the active cover plate could be influenced/determined. For example, the active cover plate may include predetermined parameters, the active cover plate may communicate with other devices and receive parameters from the other devices, the active cover plate may sense the surroundings and make an algorithmic determination of what parameters/levels are applicable, the active cover plate may include other inputs (such as time, location, etc.) that allow it to make an algorithmic determination of what parameters/set points should be used, or other appropriate technique. In some embodiments, the active cover plate may detect or receive a signal that shows that a specific parameter has changed and may make a decision about what action should be taken. For example, if an active cover plate receives a signal that shows that motion has been detected in a stairway, the active cover plate may evaluate a number of additional parameters, including that state of the switch that it is mounted over, the time of day, the amount of light that is present in the area, if there are any alarms sounding, etc. Depending on which parameters/states are detected, the active cover plate may take appropriate action such as increasing the amount of light in the stairway, locking or unlocking a door, sending an additional signal to another device, or other appropriate action.

[0086] In some embodiments, the user may also select a parameter to be sensed. In some cases the active cover plates may have multiple sensors and a user may determine which sensor(s), parameter(s), or combination of sensor(s)/parameter(s) are used to take an appropriate action. For example, if an active cover plate includes both a light sensor and a motion sensor, the user may determine that the active cover plate should only be controlled by the light sensor (e.g. the active cover plate illuminates when it is dark regardless of whether motion is sensed) or controlled by the motion sensor (e.g. the active cover plate illuminates when it detects motion regardless of whether the area is light or dark), or a combination of the two parameters (e.g. the active cover plate illuminates when it is dark in the area and motion is detected), or other appropriate combination of parameters/actions. For example, an active cover plate may include a transmitter that can send various signals to other devices. Additionally or alternatively, the active cover plate may make one or more of these selections/configuration settings by itself or they may be predetermined and stored in the active cover plate. The active cover plate may be configured by the user in a variety of ways, including manually flipping a switch, using another device to communicate with the active cover plate (e.g. wireless or optical communication with the active cover plate), manipulating a power source to the active cover plate (for example, a light switch may be toggled on/off in a specific sequence to program an active cover plate mounted over the light switch), using touch sensitive pads, or through a variety of other techniques.

[0087] Figure 12 shows an illustrative example of an active cover plate that controls a load. In this example, the load is a fan such as those found in bathrooms. In some situations, it may be desirable for a fan to remain running for a period of time after a bathroom is used. For example, after a person takes a shower it may be desirable for the fan to continue running for a period of time to remove water vapor from the room. However, if the fan is left on after the user exits the bathroom, the user may be required reenter the bathroom to turn the fan off after all the moisture has been removed. This may requires the user to remember to turn the fan off after a specific amount of time. The user may not wish to take this additional action, may forget to take this action, or may turn off the fan before all the moisture has been removed.

[0088] In this example, the active cover plate (1200) is a double gang plate that covers both the switch for the overhead light and the switch for the fan. The switch for the fan is connected to the switch by electrical conductors (1225). In this embodiment there is a switch (1205) on the face of the active cover plate (1200). As described above, this may provide the user with options to select one or more parameters or actions. For example, the user may move the switch (1205) to the right to activate a timer that automatically continues the fan (1220) operation for a predetermined period of time. The active cover plate (1200) may activate the fan (1220) in response to any of a number of parameters, including sensing the light in the room, activation of the fan or light switch, sensing increased humidity, sensing motion in the bathroom, or other appropriate parameter or situation. The active cover plate (1200) keeps the fan running for a period of time that may be preset or conditional on one or more parameters or sensed variables. For example, the active cover plate may keep the fan running for 5 minutes after the last motion in the room was sensed or for 10 minutes after the light is turn off or other parameter.

[0089] As discussed above, active cover plates may communicate in a variety of ways with a variety of other devices/objects. In the example shown in Figure 13, an active cover plate (1300) senses motion of a person (1305) and communicates that information with a mobile device (1315). This communication may take place in a variety of ways, including direct communication (1320) with the mobile device, communication through a network with a mobile device, and/or communication (1320) through a bridge device (1330) with the mobile or other device.

[0090] Thus, as described and taught herein an active switch cover plate may be configured to control power to the attached load. For example, an active switch cover plate may be configured to illuminate an overhead light. In one embodiment, an active switch cover plate may include an extraction element that may be configured to extract power from a switch that the active switch cover plate is configured to be installed over, thereby supplying electrical power to the active switch cover plate. The active switch cover plate may also include a motion sensor configured to detect motion in an area around the active switch cover plate and a load module configured to supply electrical energy to a load controlled by the switch in response to motion detected by the motion sensor. The extraction element may include prongs configured to contact screw terminals of the switch or other configurations. The active switch cover plate may also include a processor or other evaluation module that is configured to accept a signal output by the motion sensor indicating that motion has been detected and instructing the load module to activate. The active switch cover plate may also include a light sensor configured to detect ambient light in an area around the active cover plate and produce a light level signal. The active switch cover plate may also include a light module configured to illuminate the area around the active switch cover plate and a user input to control aspects of the active switch cover plate’s operation. In some embodiments, a user input may include a manually manipulable switch on the active cover plate. This manually manipulatable switch may have a variety of functions, including but not limited to adjusting load module settings to supply more or less power to the load. The load module may electrically bypass the receptacle switch to supply electrical power to the load. The load may be an overhead light and sufficient power may be supplied by the load module to illuminate the overhead light. In one embodiment, the active switch cover plate may include a manually manipulable switch to control the amount of power supplied to the load by the load module. In one embodiment, the load module supplies sufficient power to dimly illuminate one or more overhead lights that are controlled by the receptacle switch. The active switch cover plate may or may not change the configuration of the receptacle light switch. Additionally or alternatively, the active switch cover plate may include an actuator configured to change the configuration of the receptacle light switch.

[0091] Figure 13B shows one example of an active switch cover plate (1354) may be configured to be installed over a switch receptacle (1320) and may include an electrical connection (1352) to the switch receptacle. This electrical connection may include prongs and/or connectorized connections. These connectorized connections may include cords extending from the switch/cover plate, connectors/contacts on one or more of the switch/cover plate or other types of connections. Additionally or alternatively, the electrical connection may include prongs configured to contact screw terminals of the switch receptacle or other configurations. In some embodiments, the electrical connection may be configured to extract power from the switch receptacle, thereby supplying electrical power to the active switch cover plate.

[0092] The active switch cover plate (1354) may also include a control module (1356) configured to control electrical energy passing through a load (1362) connected to the switch receptacle (1350). The active switch cover plate (1354) may be configured to leave the manually manipulable portion (1358) of the switch receptacle accessible for manual manipulation. For example, the active switch cover plate may be configured with an aperture (1360) that leaves a handle (1358) to the switch receptacle (1320) available for normal use by the user.

Alternatively, the active switch cover plate may secure the manually manipulable portion in a specific orientation/state or may cover the manually manipulatable portion entirely. This may allow the active cover plate to perform more optimally or take additional actions. For example, if the active cover plate only receives power when the light switch is off, having the light switch in the OFF position allows the active cover plate to maintain power at all times. In other embodiments, the active cover plate may be configured to maintain power for short periods of time if the light switch is temporarily turned ON. Thus, it may be desirable for the active cover plate have something akin to a spring return mechanism that allows the user to move the light switch into the ON position temporarily, but the spring return mechanism moves the light switch back into the OFF position after the user removes force on the manually manipulable portion. The electrical current may flow to the light or other load at first through the switch that is temporarily turned ON, and then through the active cover plate as the switch is turned OFF. [0093] In some examples, the active switch cover plate may include one or more sensors (1364), including a sensor (1366) that may be configured to monitor behavior of the load (1362) and/or electrical energy passing to the load and produce an output signal. The control module (1356) may be configured to change an amount of electrical energy passing through the load based on the output signal produced by the sensor. For example, if the load (1362) is a light, the sensor (1366) may be a light sensor and may detect brightening of the area as the electrical energy is supplied to the light and produce a corresponding output signal. The control module (1356) can use this output signal to control the brightness of the light to the desired level and to avoid undesirable effects such as flashing. In embodiments where the sensors (1364) include a motion detector (1368), it may trigger the control module to supply electrical energy to the light (or any other load) and the light sensor may detect illumination from the light and the control module may make adjustments to the electrical energy based on the output of the light sensor. If the load is a fan, the sensors (1364, 1370, 1372) include a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, microphone, or any other sensor that measures an environmental variable that is influenced by operation of the fan. In one embodiment, the active switch cover plate may include a motion sensor (1368) configured to detect motion in an area around the active switch cover plate and the control module may be configured to supply electrical energy to the load (1362) connected to the switch receptacle (1350) in response to motion detected by the motion sensor.

[0094] As shown in previous figures, wherein the electrical energy controlled by the control module (1356) may bypass the switch receptacle (1350) by passing through the electrical connection (1352). For example, the electrical energy can pass through the active switch cover plate (1354) rather than through the switch (1350) the cover plate is mounted over.

[0095] In some embodiments, the active switch cover plate (1354) may include a timer (1374) and the control module (1356) may be configured to control the electrical energy at least partly based on the timer. The active switch cover plate may include a user input (1376) to control aspects of the active switch cover plate’s operation. The user input (1376) may take a variety of forms including a manually manipulable switch on the active cover plate, wherein the manually manipulatable switch on the active cover plate adjusts one or more of the operating parameters of the active switch cover plate. For example, the switch could adjust the amount of electrical power supplied to the load, the amount of time that power is supplied, any of a number of thresholds (such as motion threshold, light threshold, or other environmental variable), or other parameter. For example, the user input (1376) could be used to manually set a power level such that it is sufficient to illuminate lights connected to the switch receptacle to a desired illumination level. For example, the user may desire that the active switch cover plate may dimly illuminate one or more overhead lights that are controlled by the switch receptacle. The user input could include one or more switches. Additionally or alternatively, the user input (1376) may be through a different type of interface on the active cover plate or via wireless communication with an exterior device such as an app running on a mobile device.

[0096] In some examples, the active switch cover plate (1354) may include an actuator (1378) configured to change a position of the manually manipulable portion (1358) of the switch receptacle (1350), thereby changing the electrical configuration of the switch receptacle. In one embodiment, the active switch cover plate may be configured to change a position of the manually manipulable portion of the switch receptacle when motion is detected and the light sensor detects that the area is dark. The actuator (1378) may or may not leave the light switch in a particular configuration or available for manual manipulation in all positions. In some embodiments, the actuator/active switch cover plate leaves the manually manipulable portion (1358) of the switch receptacle (1350) open for use at any time by the user. In one example, the active switch cover plate/actuator accommodates user input to the manually manipulable portion even when the actuator has moved the position of the manually manipulable portion or is in the process of moving the manually manipulable portion.

[0097] In some examples, the active switch cover plate (1354) may include its own internal light source (1378). The internal light source may be controlled independently from other loads or may be controlled in conjunction with the loads. For example, when motion is detected, the internal light source (1378) may be illuminated independently or together with the load (1362) connected to the switch receptacle (1320). As discussed herein, the light from the internal light source (1378) may be projected outside of the active switch cover plate to illuminate the area surrounding it. The description above is only illustrative of principles described herein and may take a variety of different forms based on the situation and the desires of the user.

[0098] Figure 14A shows a plan view of a house and yard (1400) that incorporate both outdoor and indoor connected lighting. In this example, the house and yard (1400) include a house with various rooms such as the garage (1455), a central area (1440), and bedrooms (1435, 1445). The yard may include sidewalks (1485), a driveway (1465), a patio (1425), a pool (1405), lawn (1472), a fence (1474) illustrated by dash dot lines, and other features such as trees and outbuildings. This is only one example. The principles described herein can apply to a wide variety of different living arrangements.

[0099] In this example, there are a variety of distributed units (1410, 1415, 1420, 1430, 1450, 1460, 1475, 1480) that may include a variety of sensors and active components. As discussed above the sensors may include a range of options, including light sensors, environmental sensors such as light, temperature, humidity, motion, vibration, microphones, cameras, gas sensors and other sensors. The active components may include a range of different devices including lights, mechanical actuators such as speakers, relays, latches, etc., electronic modules (receivers, transmitters, storage, logic, or other modules). There may be other modules such as power generating modules, power storage modules, power conditioning modules, etc. The distributed units may have a range of configurations and shapes, including configurations that can be altered by the user. For example, the distributed units may have mechanical switches that can be manipulated by a user, electronic configuration options, mechanical configuration options and other options that can be selected by a user to obtain the desired configuration for a particular use, location or situation. In this example, there are distributed units (1475) along a walkway, units (1480) at the driveway (1465), unit(s) (1460) at a gate, units (1430) along a fence (1474), units (1420) mounted to an exterior of the dwelling, units (1415) along the patio (1425), units (1410) around or in the pool (1405), as well as a variety of units (1450) inside the dwelling. [00100] Figure 14B shows the front portion of the house and yard (1400). For example, there may be distributed units (1475) that are located along a walkway. These units (1475) may have a variety of sensors and active components. In one embodiment, at least one of the units (1475) may include a proximity or motion detector and be connected to other units. For example, one or more of the units (1475) may detect a person (1476) walking up the path and transmit a signal to other units such as other units along the walkway, a unit (1452) on the porch, a unit in an entryway on the interior of the house (1451) or other units. If the area is dark, these additional units may provide additional lighting that may provide a number of benefits, including illuminating the path of the person (1476) in advance, providing notice to people in the house that someone is approaching (e.g. through taking some action such as illuminating, illuminating in a specific color or pattern, sounding a chime, etc.), or other benefit. As discussed above, the units may connect to a variety of other devices, including bridge devices, mobile devices, home security systems, environmental control units or other devices or entities. For example, if visitors are not desired/expected, the units could sound an alarm, lock doors, turn on sprinklers, activate cameras or take other action. In some examples, the person (1476) on the walkway may be a delivery person who sets a package on the porch. The unit (1452) on the porch may include a variety of functions that may facilitate the delivery/receipt of the package. For example, the unit (1452) may illuminate, indicating where the delivery person should place the package. The unit (1452) or another unit may include a sensor that detects changes in the environmental surroundings (for example using light, RF or ultrasound). This may allow the unit (1452) to detect when the package is placed on the porch and when it is picked up. The unit (1452) may send a signal to a unit or other device on the interior of the home to indicate a package has been delivered. The interior unit/device (for example, unit 1451) may indicate visually or audibly that someone has approached the house and/or left something at the house. This indication may be temporary or may continue until conditions change (e.g. the package is removed, the door is opened, the owner acknowledges the indication, etc.). This may assist the homeowner in timely receipt of the packages and reduce the chance of theft.

[00101] In the lower left of Fig. 14B there is a mailbox (1482) and illustrated next to the mailbox is a unit (1484). This unit (1484) may have any or all of the features and functions discussed herein. In this example, the unit (1484) is configured as a sensor. This unit (1484) and other units shown may or may not be drawn to scale. For example, the unit (1484) is drawn larger than scale for purposes of illustration. This unit and other units described herein may have a variety of physical and functional configurations and locations. For example, the unit (1484) may be placed on the mailbox, in the mailbox, attached to the post of the mailbox, or may be placed elsewhere, such as on a post in the lawn, in shrubbery or other landscaping feature. The unit may have a variety of sensors, including motion sensors, proximity sensors, presence sensors, etc. For example, if the unit is located outside the mailbox, it may detect the presence of a mail delivery person, vehicles parked/moving near the mailbox or yard, or other objects. The unit may have a variety of different sensors or configurations. In one embodiment, the unit is placed on the mailbox and may detect the vibration/motion/light change of the mailbox being opened and objects being placed/removed from the mailbox. In other embodiments, the unit may be placed inside the mailbox and may detect motion, pressure, change in objects surrounding it, light from opening of the mailbox, vibration, sound, etc. This unit could then communicate in a variety of ways that the environment has changed, or an event has occurred. This communication may be to any unit or device. For example, this exterior unit (1484) may communicate with an interior unit (1451) that is over a console table in the entryway where mail is typically placed or sorted upon entering the home. The interior unit (1451) may chime, illuminate, communicate with other devices or take other action to indicate that mail has arrived. In one embodiment, the interior unit may illuminate until it detects a change that indicates that the mail has been retrieved (e.g. additional motion on a walkway, followed by motion/removal of the mail at the mail box, and/or a change in objects that are on the credenza, etc.). This is only one example of interaction between interior and exterior units.

[00102] Another example may include units (1480) that are located in proximity to a driveway (1465). These units (1480) may include any active element or function. In one embodiment, the units (1480) may consistently illuminate when the area is dark regardless of motion that is detected or may brighten when motion is detected to mark the location of the driveway. The units may have characteristics that allow them to be distinguished from other lights and objects so that the user can be confident they are driving into the right location. For example, the units may have a unique illumination pattern or color or may be brighter than other illumination in the area. The units may only illuminate at specific times (e.g. in the evenings before midnight, or when they receive a signal that a vehicle is approaching). For example, there may be additional units (e.g. 1484) that may detect motion/approach/presence of a vehicle (1481) before the vehicle arrives. The units (1480) flanking the driveway may illuminate or brighten prior the arrival of the vehicle at the driveway when they receive the signal from the other disparate unit(s).

[00103] Units (e.g. 1421) mounted to the exterior of the house and/or in the yard/surrounding area may have a variety of interactions with interior units (e.g. 1451, 1452, 1450, 1453). For example, if an exterior unit detects motion without motion in the interior of the house (e.g. late at night, without a door opening), the exterior unit may take different action than when it appears that the owner has exited the house into the yard. For example, if no exit by the user is detected and an exterior unit (1421) detects motion, it may sound an alarm and/or illuminate one or more interior units, or illuminate more brightly, or illuminate differently than it would otherwise. For example, if the user has exterior night vision cameras, the unit may provide additional infrared illumination so that the camera has better lighting and view of the surroundings. For example, the illumination may make additional objects visible including the parked vehicle (1483) and sidewalk (1485) and exterior of garage (1455).

[00104] Figure 14C shows the backyard portion and interior of the house (1400). In this example, there is a gate (1461) in the side yard that provides access to the rear of the house. There may be a number of units (1421, 1460, 1430-1) that are located in proximity to the gate (1461). For example, there may be a unit (1421) located on the exterior of the home, there may be a unit (1460) that is located near the gate (1461) and there may be a unit (1430-1) that is located on the interior of the yard. The combination of these units can provide insight into the use of the gate and communicate with other units to take appropriate action. For example, if the exterior unit (1421) detects motion/presence prior to the gate unit (1460) detecting the gate motion, it can be inferred that the person/animal/object is entering the backyard from the front of the house. If one or more of the units on the fence (1430-2, 1430-1) detect motion/presence before the gate unit (1460) triggers, it can be inferred that the animal/person/object is exiting the backyard to the front of the house. This information may be useful in a variety of situations. For example, the units could respond to motion at the gate and this response could be different depending on the direction of travel through the gate. For example, if motion through the gate from the outside is detected by the units (e.g. 1421, 1460) then units could be activated in the backyard/house. If the entry is determined to be benign, then lighting/units around the fence and patio could be activated/brighten/change. In some examples units within the house could activate to alert the homeowner of the entry/exit. For example, a chime could sound, a warning could be annunciated, a unit could illuminate/change illumination, a message could be sent to a mobile device, a camera could begin recording, doors could lock/unlock, or other appropriate action could be taken. For example, if neighborhood children enter the backyard, a gate to the pool area could be locked when they enter the backyard, the lights (1410) in the pool could be turned on, and units in the interior could be activated. If they approach the pool or house, additional units (e.g. 1430, 1415, 1420) track their location/motion. If intruders are anticipated, the units in the backyard could flash and/or sound an alarm to draw attention to the entry. The security of the doors could be checked. The above descriptions are only examples of principles that described possible unit functions and interactions. The principles are not limited to the specific examples given.

[00105] In some examples, the distribution of units/sensors could be used to more concretely provide location information for animals, people and objects. For example, if it is desirable for the location of a dog to be tracked in the yard/house, the distribution of sensors throughout the area could provide an instantaneous or time sequence of the dog’s location. In some embodiments, the sensors on the units may have limited range, sensitivity, and/or field of view. By simply communicating which sensors detect motion, the approximate location of the dog can be ascertained. For example, if the dog is resting on the patio, an exterior sensor (1420) may detect the dog’s motion/presence. If the dog gets up and goes to the fence (e.g. near fence unit 1430-2) and further motion in the yard is not detected, it can be inferred that the dog exited the yard within the sensing area of the fence unit (1430-2). The owner can then be notified that the dog has left the yard and check the appropriate location to see if the dog dug under the fence, if the fence needs repair or if the dog jumped the fence at that location. Further, the owner can then take appropriate action to retrieve the dog from the neighboring property. Similarly, if the dog exited the back yard through the gate, the units can detect the exit and appropriate action can be taken (e.g. retrieve the dog, secure the gate, etc.).

[00106] In one example, the first active unit and second active unit may be active cover plates that are configured to be installed over electrical receptacles, and wherein the sensor module in the first active unit comprises a light sensor and a motion sensor and wherein the action module in the first active unit comprises an illumination source, and wherein the second active unit comprises a sensor module comprising a light sensor and a motion sensor, and the action module in the second active unit comprises an illumination source. In some embodiments, the first active unit checks the ambient light sensor before illuminating, and if the surroundings are bright then the first active unit doesn’t turn on the illumination source, but still signals the second active unit.

[00107] In some embodiments, the communication module of the first active unit may broadcast a signal to the second active unit. In general, this broadcast signal may be received/acted on by an unlimited number/all of active units that are within range. As discussed above in some embodiments, the active units may be divided into groups and only the group that the first active unit belongs to will take action. The signal from the first active unit may be made under a variety of circumstances, including when the first active unit is configured not to take action, is in a lighted area, or other circumstances. In some embodiments, the broadcast takes place without arbitration or anti-collision measures and may use synchronous timing for the broadcast, but the active unit(s) may or may not take other asynchronous actions.

[00108] In some embodiments, the active units may be active cover plates that are configured to be installed over electrical receptacles. These active cover plates may include a faceplate and prongs that extend off the back of the faceplates. The active units may also include outdoor active units, which may be powered in a variety of ways, including batteries and/or solar power. In some examples, solar cells may charge a battery or capacitor to provide power when the area is dark. These active cover plates installed over the electrical receptacles may be indoors or may be installed on outdoor outlets. There may be wireless communications between the active cover plates and the other active units that are not installed over outlets. As used herein, the term “active unit” refers broadly to active cover plates and to other units that contain circuitry and sense environmental parameters and/or take action based on environmental parameters. The active units may or may not have communication capabilities.

[00109] Figure 15A shows one embodiment of a modular unit (1500) that could be used in a variety of ways. In this example, the modular unit may include an active unit (1506) and a spike (1510). The active unit (1506) may include a motion/light sensor (1502), a body (1504) with solar panels, and an illuminating portion (1503). The active unit (1506) and spike (1510) may include a connection mechanism. In this case, the connection mechanism is shown as tabs with apertures that can be joined together. However, a variety of different mechanisms could be used, including twist, snap, magnets, slots, etc. to join the active unit (1506) to the spike (1510) or other surface(s)/object. For example, the active unit (1506) may be attached to a ceiling (1526), a fence/wall (1524), or other surface. In some embodiments, an active unit (1506) may be placed on the ground or in water (1528). The active units may have a variety of configurations, including configurations that only include sensors, configurations that do not include sensors (such as the active unit shown in the water), or other configurations. As discussed above with respect to active cover plates and other units, these active units (1506) may connect/interact with a wide variety of other devices in a variety of ways, including those described above. For example, the active units may connect to or have very bright lights that may dazzle an intruder and highly illuminate them while preventing them from seeing anything behind the light.

[00110] Figure 15B shows an illustrative example of a kit/lighting system (1530) that include multiple units that can be joined into a single group/zone. In this example, the kit includes several spikes (1510) that can be pushed into the ground/lawn, several active units (1506) that include lighting and motion sensors, two active units that only include sensors without lighting (1532), two units (1534) that don’t include sensors but have lighting, a number of active cover plates (1536), and a variety of other sensors/units (1538, 1540). These other sensors/units may include magnetic sensors (1538) that could sense opening of doors/windows/gates, etc. Other sensors (1540) could include accelerometers, magnetometers, GPS, etc.

[00111] Figure 15C shows an illustrative active unit (1554) and its interaction with other units. In one embodiment, an active unit (1554) may include at least one sensor (1564) to detect a change in an environmental variable and generate a sensor signal (1563) and an action module (1556) configured to influence the environmental variable (1557). The active unit (1554) may include a communication module (1574) and a processor/decision module (1578) configured to accept the sensor signal (1563). The processor (1578) can determine if the environmental variable (1557) exceeds a threshold and to instruct the action module (1556) not to take action to influence the environmental variable, and instruct the communication module (1574) to transmit a signal to other active units (1583) that the environmental variable has exceeded the threshold. In one example, the at least one sensor (1564) includes a motion sensor (1566) and the active unit (1554) may further be configured by user input (1575) to instruct the processor (1578) to broadcast a signal (1576) indicating that motion has been detected. The active unit (1554) may or may not include prongs (1553) that are configured to contact screw terminals (1551) of an electrical receptacle (1550), thereby supplying electrical power to the active unit (1554). For example, indoor active units may plug into an outlet, be an active cover plate, be battery operated or use alternative power sources. Outdoor active units may be solar powered, wirelessly powered, and/or operate on battery power.

[00112] In one example, sensor(s) (1564) may include a motion sensor (1566) configured to detect motion in at least a portion of the area around the active unit (1554) and produce a sensor output signal (1567) indicating that motion has been detected. The sensor(s) may also include a light sensor (1568) configured to detect ambient light in an area around the active unit and produce a light level signal (1569). The action module (1556) may include a light module (1579). The processor (1578) may be configured not to illuminate the light module (1579) when the area is dark and motion is detected. Consequently, in this example, the environmental variables in question are first, motion in the area surrounding the active unit and second, the amount of light in the area around the active unit. The active unit (1554) is fully capable of sensing the environmental variables and influencing at least one (by illuminating the light module to brighten the area) but, in this case is configured such that the light module intentionally remains unilluminated. However, the active unit may still send out/broadcast a signal (1576) to other active units. In one example, the processor (1578) is configured to instruct the communication module (1574) to broadcast a signal (1576) indicating that motion has been detected in the area around the active unit even though the processor has instructed the light module (1579) not to illuminate. In some embodiments, the processor (1578) may be configured to accept a sensor output signal (1567) indicating that motion has been detected, accept a light level signal (1569) indicating that the area around the active unit is dark, instruct a light module (1579) in the action module (1556) not to illuminate the area around the active unit, and instruct the communication module (1574) to broadcast a signal (1576) indicating that motion has been detected in an area around the active unit. The active unit (1554) may further include a first user input (1560) configured to instruct the processor (1578) not to illuminate the light module (1579) when the area is dark and motion is detected and a second user input (1562) configured to instruct the processor (1578) to broadcast a signal (1576) indicating that motion has been detected. This is only one example. In other configurations, the second user input may provide the instruction not to broadcast the signal and/or the first user input (1560) may instruct the light module (1579) to dimly illuminate or brightly illuminate. In some examples, the first user input includes a first manually manipulatable switch with a setting configured to instruct the processor not to illuminate the light module when the area is dark and motion is detected; and the second user input (1562) comprises a second manually manipulatable switch with a setting configured to instruct the processor to broadcast a signal indicating that motion has been detected while the light module is not illuminated. However, there are a number of different ways that the first user input (1560) and second user input (1562) could be sensed/input. For example, a touch screen or touch sensitive surface could be used. Additionally or alternatively, the input could be collected on a different device and transmitted to the active cover plate (1554). The communication module (1574) may be configured to broadcast a signal indicating that motion has been detected to all other active units (1583) within range. This broadcast signal (1576) may take a variety of forms including an optical signal and/or a radio frequency signal.

[00113] In some embodiments, the active unit may include a selectable group setting configured to designate groups of active units that communicate with each other. This may take the form of a third user input (1571) which may have a variety of different ways of being collected/stored/communicated. For example, the third user input (1571) may take the form of a multi-position mechanical switch where each position corresponds to a different group. The active unit may be configured to receive a signal from another active unit indicating that a change in the environmental variable has been detected. The processor (1578) may be configured to determine if the signal from another active unit(s) (1581) is from an active unit in the same group (1582). If the signal is from another active unit in the same group the processor may accept the signal and determine to take no action based on a user selectable setting (e.g. user inputs 1575). This may occur even if all other indications indicate that the action module (1556) should be activated to influence the environmental variable(s) (1557) toward an otherwise desired state. This inaction may also be applied even though other active units are taking action to influence the environmental variable. In some examples, the active unit may be configured such that the processor, even if it does not illuminate the light module (1579) may rebroadcast (1585) the signal that was received or other indication that other active units have sent a signal. [00114] Figure 16 shows an illustrative example of a lighting system (1600) that includes a first active unit (1602) that may include at least one sensor (1612), an action module (1608), and a communication module (1604). The system may also include at least one second active unit (1618). The sensor(s) (1612) may be configured to sense at least one environmental variable (1616), wherein the first active unit (1602) is configured such that when the environmental variable (1616) exceeds a threshold for performing a designated action, the first active unit (1602) may transmit a signal (1614) indicating that the environmental variable (1616) has exceeded a threshold, and wherein the action module (1608) of the first active unit (1602) does not take the designated action. The designated action may be an action that influences/changes the environmental variable, such as illuminating an area when the area is dark, turning on a fan when the humidity is high, and/or opening/closing a vent in response to a temperature measurement. In other examples, the designated action may not be directly related to the environmental variable (for example, when motion is detected, turning on a light, sounding a chime, or locking/unlocking a door). The detected motion in the area is the environmental variable but it not directly influenced by turning on a light, sounding a chime, or other action. For example, just because a chime sounds doesn’t mean that the motion will necessarily increase or decrease, particularly if the chime is sounding in a location that is distant to the location the action is taking place. Similarly, if a light is illuminated in a location that is distant from the location that the darkness/motion is sensed, it may not be directly related to the sensed environmental variable because the action does not substantially change the sensed environmental variable. Thus, the first action unit (1602) may sense an environmental variable (1616), signal (1614) the second active unit (1618) and the second active unit may take an action that is based on the signal. The action taken may or may not be directly related or directly influence the environmental variable (1616). Although the same environmental variable(s) (1616) is shown in the graphic, the first active unit and second active unit may sense the same or different environmental variables. For example, the first active unit may sense light and motion and the second active unit may sense position/state of an object (e.g. is a door/gate open or closed). The communication between the active units may contain a variety of information, including but not limited to, the active unit that is transmitting, the group of the active unit, the environmental variable that was sensed, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the signals may indicate that a threshold has been reached without further information. The active unit may take predetermined action based on the information received and/or information from their own sensors. In some situations, the actions may not be predetermined, but may be calculated based on an algorithm or determined by an artificial intelligence.

[00115] The second active unit (1618) may include an action module (1624) and a communication module (1620) but may not necessarily be identical to the first active unit (1602). In some situations, the second active unit (1618) may contain a sensor (1628) and a communication module (1620) but may not have an action module (see e.g. 1532, 1538, 1540 Figure 15B) In some examples, the second active unit (1618) may be substantially identical in functions as the first active unit (1602) but may have different programming/settings. For example, the second active unit (1618) may include at least one sensor (1628), an action module (1624), and a communication module (1620). Additionally or alternatively, the second active unit (1618) may have substantially different mechanical structure (see e.g. 1506, 1536 Figure 15B) than the first active unit (1602).

[00116] As discussed above, the first active unit (1602) may be configured by the user to take no action when an environmental variable (1616) that is sensed by the sensor (1612) in the first active unit indicates that the threshold has been exceeded. In some situations, while the first active unit (1602) may take no action with the action module (1608) to directly influence the environmental variable (1616), it may take indirect action by sending a signal/broadcast (1614) to other active units (e.g. 1618) or other devices. Additionally or alternatively, the action module (1608) of the first active unit (1602) may be configured to take no action when a signal (1615) is received by its communication module (1604), wherein the signal (1615) indicates that a sensor (1628) in the second active unit (1618) has sensed an environmental variable (1616) that has exceeded a threshold.

[00117] In some examples, at least one of the first active unit (1602) and second active unit (1618) in the lighting system may be an active cover plate (see e.g. the lighting system 1530, Figure 15B). For example, one of the first active unit (1602) and second active unit (1618) may be installed over an electrical receptacle and one of the first active unit (1602) and second active unit (1618) may be an outdoor active unit. For example, the first active unit (1602) may be an outdoor unit and the second active unit (1618) may be an indoor active cover plate (see e.g. 1536) installed over an electrical receptacle. The first active unit (1602) may sense motion and the second active cover plate (1618) illuminates indoors. In other embodiments, the first active unit (1602) and second active unit (1618) may be active cover plates that are configured to be installed over electrical receptacles and the sensor (1612) module in the first active unit includes a light sensor (1666) and a motion sensor (1668) and the action module (1608) in the first active unit includes an illumination source (e.g. light module 1610). The second active unit (1618) may include a sensor module (1628) comprising a light sensor (1630) and a motion sensor (1632) and an action module (1624) in the second active unit includes an illumination source (1626). The first active unit (1602) may check the ambient light sensor (1666) before illuminating and if the surroundings are bright, then the first active unit doesn’t turn on the illumination source (1610), but still signals/broadcasts (e.g. 1614) to the second active unit (1618). The broadcast signal (1614) is received and processed by all active units that are within range of the broadcast signal (see e.g. Figure 15C). In one embodiment, there is no arbitrary or predefined limit on the number of units that can received the broadcast signal. The number units that can receive the signal may only be limited by the number of units that are physically in range to receive the signal. The lighting system (1600) may include a plurality of active units (e.g. 1554, 1583, Figure 15C; 1602, 1618), wherein the active units are divided into groups (see e.g. 1554, 1582, Figure 15C) and only the group that the first active unit belongs to will take action based on a signal from the first active unit. In this example, the first active unit (1602) is in the same group as the second active unit (1618). The signal from the first active unit (1602) may be broadcast even when the first active unit is configured not to take action and when the first active unit is in a lighted area. The signals from the active units (1602, 1618) may be broadcast in a variety of ways, including without arbitration or anti-collision measures using synchronous timing for the broadcast. Additionally, the active units (e.g. 1602, 1618) may take synchronous or asynchronous action. For example, an active unit may take action as soon as it determines an environmental variable has changed, either by its own observation or by receiving information from other units or it may wait until other units are ready and they all take action together.

[00118] In some embodiments, the active units (e.g. 1602, 1618; Fig. 16) may include active cover plates (e.g. 1536, Figure 15B; 750, Figure 7A-7U) that are configured to be installed over electrical receptacles. These active cover plates may include a faceplate and prongs that extend off the back of the faceplates. The active units may also include outdoor active units (1500, Figure 15A) powered by solar cells. At least a portion of the active cover plate units and outdoor units may be grouped together in a group and may be connected using wireless communication. The active units in the group, both the indoor and outdoor units may illuminate in response to the one unit in the group detecting motion. All the units may illuminate or only a portion of the units.

[00119] Thus in one example, a system may include a first active unit may include at least one sensor (e.g. motion, light, temperature, humidity, microphone, gas sensor, or other sensor that detects an environmental variable or changing an environmental variable); an action module (e.g. one or more lights, a speaker, an actuator, load, fan, or a module that is configured to act on an external lights, loads, etc.), and a communication module. The system may include at least one second active unit. The sensor module of the first active unit may be configured to sense at least one environmental variable that exceeds a threshold that indicates an action should be taken and may transmit a signal indicating that the environmental variable has exceeded a threshold. The action module of the first active unit may not take the action. The second active unit may receive the signal and may take action based on the signal. The second active unit may include an action module and a communication module and may be substantially identical to the first active unit. For example, the second active unit may include at least one sensor, an action module, and a communication module. The first active unit may be configured by the user to take no action when an environmental variable that is sensed by the sensor in the first active unit indicates that the threshold has been exceeded. The action module of the first active unit may be configured to take no action when a signal is received by its communication module where the signal indicates that a sensor in the second active unit has sensed an environmental variable that has exceeded a threshold. In one example, at least one of the first active unit and second active unit may comprise an active cover plate. The active cover plate may be installed over an electrical receptacle and one of the first active unit and second active unit may be an outdoor active unit. For example, the first active unit may be an outdoor unit and the second active unit may be an indoor active cover plate installed over an electrical receptacle, wherein the first active unit senses motion and the second active cover plate illuminates indoors. In some embodiments, the active units may be all indoors or all outdoors.

[00120] In one embodiment, an active cover plate or other active unit may include a light source with a first lighting configuration and a second lighting configuration; an environmental light detector configured to detect an ambient light level; a sensor wherein the sensor is configured to detect presence, proximity, or motion of an object; and a controller. The environmental light detector may be configured to detect an ambient light level above a threshold and produce a first signal. The sensor may detect a presence, proximity or motion of an object, and may produce a second signal. The controller is configured to accept the first signal and the second signal and produce a third signal (such as a transmission or broadcast signal). For example, a system of active cover plates/units may include a light source with a first lighting configuration and a second lighting configuration; an environmental light detector configured to detect an ambient light level; a sensor that may be configured to detect presence, proximity, or motion of an object; and a controller. The first active cover plate/unit may be configured to use the detector to detect an ambient light level above a threshold and produce a first signal and the sensor may be configured to detect a presence, proximity or motion of an object, and produces a second signal. The controller may be configured to accept the first signal and the second signal and produce a third signal transmitted wirelessly, wherein a second active cover plate/unit receives the third signal and changes from a first lighting configuration to a second lighting configuration. In some configurations, the first active cover plate/unit may not change its lighting configuration after accepting the first signal and second signal. In some examples the first active cover plate/unit may not change lighting configuration when the environmental light detector detects an ambient light level above a threshold. In other examples, the first active cover plate/unit may not change lighting configuration because it has been set/instructed/configured not to respond. In some illustrative systems, one or more active cover plate/unit further comprises a face plate and prongs extending rearward from the face plate to interface with side screw terminals on an electrical outlet or light switch. The third signal may include an asynchronous broadcast. The asynchronous broadcast, or other third signal may be configured to be received by an unlimited number of active cover plates/units. The limitation on how many active cover plates/units is not based on a mesh network protocol or other limited interaction between plates/units, but on the power of the signal received by the receiving unit. The power of the signal received may be based on any of a number of parameters, including the broadcast strength, the distance between the units, antenna configurations, and any intervening elements that may shield, absorb or block the third signal, or rebroadcast parameters. In one embodiment, the third signal may include a synchronous transmission/broadcast without corruption or degrading the signal, such that the third signal does not require arbitration or anticollision measures. The third signal may or may not be a serialized transmission. In some embodiments, each of the active cover plates/units may include a channel setting where the active cover plates/units on the same channel communicate. For example, each of the active cover plates/units may further include channel setting(s) where the active cover plates on the same channel receive communication from other active cover plate on the same channel.

[00121] In some illustrative embodiments, an active cover plate/unit may include a faceplate configured to fit around outlets; prongs extending from faceplate to contact a side screw terminal on outlets; and a light source. The plate/unit may include integrated electronics with a first switch configured to adjust brightness of the light source; a second switch configured to select a send/receive channel for wireless communications; and a third switch configured to select timeout duration. The first, second, and third switches are manually manipulatable for selection by the user. In any or all of the embodiments described herein, the active cover plate may be configured to fit around outlets and/or to be programmed using a mobile device.

[00122] In one embodiment, a system may include a first active unit with at least one sensor module, an action module, and a communication module; and a second active unit. The sensor module of the first active unit senses at least one environmental variable that exceeds a threshold that indicates an action should be taken, and transmits a signal indicating that the environmental variable has exceeded a threshold, and the action module of the first active unit may not take the action; and wherein the second active unit receives the signal and takes action based on the signal. The second active unit may include an action module and a communication module. The second active unit may include at least one sensor, an action module and a communication module. In some cases the second active unit may be substantially identical to the first active unit but may be configured to take action based on detected events, environmental variables, received signals, etc. The first active unit may be configured by the user to take no action when an environmental variable that is sensed by the sensor in the first active unit indicates that the threshold has been exceeded. For example, the action module of the first active unit may be configured to take no action when a signal is received by its communication module, wherein the signal indicates that a sensor in the second active unit has sensed an environmental variable has exceeded a threshold. In some embodiments, one or both of the first active unit and second active unit may be active cover plates that are configured to be installed over an electrical receptacle or one or both of the first active unit and second active unit may include an outdoor active unit. In one embodiment, the first active unit is an outdoor unit and the second active unit is an indoor active cover plate installed over an electrical receptacle, wherein the first active unit senses motion and the second active cover plate illuminates indoors. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second active units are active cover plates configured to be installed over electrical receptacles, and wherein the sensor module in the first active unit may include a light sensor and a motion sensor and the action module in the first active unit may include an illumination source. The second active unit may include a sensor module with a light sensor and a motion sensor and the action module in the second active unit may include an illumination source. In some examples, the first or second unit checks the lighting sensor before illuminating. If the area is bright, it will not illuminate but will still signal the other unit.

[00123] In some examples, the active units may operate even when the area is illuminated and detect motions to send out a signal to other active units. For example, an active unit may operate continuously to gather information from its sensors regarding environmental parameters. In some embodiments, the active unit may operating in sunlight to detect motion and send a notification to other active units when an event occurs (e.g. the mailman/deliveryman drops off a package and the user may want a chime to ding, a door to unlock, or illuminate an active unit indoors, etc.).

[00124] In one embodiment, an active cover plate may include a light source with a first lighting configuration and a second lighting configuration; an environmental light detector configured to detect an ambient light level; at least one sensor wherein the sensor is configured to detect presence, proximity, or motion of an object; and a controller. The environmental light detector may detect an ambient light level above a threshold and produces a first signal. The sensor may detect a presence, proximity or motion of an object, and may produce a second signal; the controller may be configured to accept the first signal and the second signal and create a transmitted signal and/or send instructions to an action module.

[00125] The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe examples of the principles described. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit these principles to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A nightlight comprising: a light source; a motion sensor configured to produce a signal when motion is detected; a first user configurable switch configured to group the nightlight with other compatible nightlights such that a wireless broadcast illuminates the other compatible nightlights in the group when motion is detected by the nightlight; a second user configurable switch configured to adjust brightness of the light source when motion is detected, wherein the second user configurable switch comprises off, dim and bright settings; and a decision module configured to detect settings of the first and second switches and configured to accept a signal from the motion sensor and illuminate the light source according to settings of the first switch and second switch.

2. The nightlight of claim 1, wherein the nightlight comprises an active cover plate and/or an electrical receptacle cover plate.

3. The nightlight of claim 1, wherein the nightlight comprises a cover plate that can be configured to be placed over a light switch, wherein the nightlight illuminates an overhead light controlled by the light switch.

4. The nightlight of claim 1, comprising a first user selectable mode comprising a sleep mode, wherein: the first user configurable switch is configured such that the nightlight broadcasts motion events to other compatible nightlights in a group; and the second user configurable switch is configured such that the light source remains off when motion is detected by the motion detector.

5. The nightlight of claim 1, comprising a second user selectable mode comprising a linked

47 illumination mode wherein: the first user configurable switch is configured such that the nightlight broadcasts motion events to other compatible nightlights in a group; and the second user configurable switch is configured such that the light source turns on when motion is detected by the motion detector.

6. The nightlight of claim 1, comprising a third user selectable mode comprising a standalone mode wherein: the first user configurable switch is configured such that the nightlight does not broadcast motion events to other compatible nightlights in a group; and the second user configurable switch is configured such that the light source turns on when motion is detected by the motion detector.

7. The nightlight of claim 1, further comprising a third user configurable switch configured to adjust the time the light source remains illuminated following detection of motion.

8. The nightlight of claim 1, further comprising an ambient light sensor configured to measure ambient light and a fourth mode, wherein the fourth mode is configured such that the decision module is configured to: accept an output from the ambient light sensor; determine when the output exceeds a threshold; and when the output exceeds the threshold, do not illuminate the light source and send the broadcast to the other nightlights in the same group, and wherein the other nightlights in the same group that are in dark areas illuminate in response to receiving the broadcast.

9. A nightlight comprising: a light source, a motion sensor, and a first user selectable mode comprising a sleep mode wherein the nightlight detects motion and sends out a signal to other nightlights but does not illuminate the light source.

10. The nightlight of claim 9, further comprising a second user selectable mode wherein the

48 nightlight: detects motion, sends out the signal; and illuminates the light source.

11. The nightlight of claim 9, further comprising a third user selectable mode, wherein the nightlight: detects motion but does not send out the signal, and illuminates the light source.

12. The nightlight of claim 9, wherein the signal comprises a broadcast to other nightlights in proximity to the nightlight.

13. The nightlight of claim 9, wherein the signal includes an optical signal that may be accepted and rebroadcast by the other nightlights.

14. The nightlight of claim 9, further comprising a user configurable group setting and wherein the signal comprises an RF signal to other nightlights that have been configured to have a same group setting as the nightlight.

15. The nightlight of claim 9, further comprising an ambient light sensor wherein the ambient light sensor determines that ambient light exceeds a threshold and the nightlight sends the signal to the other nightlights in the same group, and wherein the other nightlights in the same group that are in dark areas illuminate in response to receiving the signal.

49