U.S. patent application number 13/633895 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-04 for systems and methods for wireless control and management.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Dana Paul Gruenbacher, Erik John Hasenoehrl, William Paul Mahoney, III, Faiz Feisal Sherman.
Application Number | 20130082817 13/633895 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47991411 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130082817 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gruenbacher; Dana Paul ; et
al. |
April 4, 2013 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WIRELESS CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT
Abstract
Included are embodiments for wireless control and management.
Some embodiments include receiving a first signal regarding a
device condition of a service device in an environment, determining
a condition type of the device condition, and sending a first
request for to correct the device condition, based on the condition
type. Some embodiments also include receiving a second signal
indicating whether the device condition was corrected.
Inventors: |
Gruenbacher; Dana Paul;
(Fairfield, OH) ; Hasenoehrl; Erik John;
(Loveland, OH) ; Sherman; Faiz Feisal; (Mason,
OH) ; Mahoney, III; William Paul; (Liberty Township,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company; |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE
COMPANY
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
47991411 |
Appl. No.: |
13/633895 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61542312 |
Oct 3, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/3.44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/30 20180101;
H05B 47/19 20200101; A61L 9/035 20130101; A61L 2209/111 20130101;
A61L 9/127 20130101; A61L 9/125 20130101; A61L 2209/14 20130101;
A61L 9/12 20130101; A61L 9/14 20130101; H04W 4/70 20180201; Y02D
30/70 20200801; A61L 9/037 20130101; A61L 2209/11 20130101; G05B
15/02 20130101; A61L 2209/133 20130101; G05F 1/66 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/3.44 |
International
Class: |
G05B 23/02 20060101
G05B023/02 |
Claims
1. A system for wireless control and management comprising: a
memory component that stores logic that when executed by the
system, causes the system to perform at least the following:
receive a first signal regarding a device condition of a service
device in an environment; determine a condition type of the device
condition; send a first request for to correct the device
condition, based on the condition type; and receive a second signal
indicating whether the device condition was corrected.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the logic further causes the
system to provide an interface indicating whether the device
condition is corrected.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the device condition includes at
least one of the following: an odor in the environment, an absence
of perfume ingredients in the environment, a lighting intensity in
the environment, and a power usage in the environment.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the logic further causes the
system to determine whether the service device requires a
replacement part.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein, in response to a determination
that the service device requires the replacement part, the logic
further causes the system to facilitate ordering the replacement
part.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein, in response to receiving a
response from the service device indicating that the device
condition is not corrected, the logic further causes the system to
determine whether there is a malfunction with the service
device.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein in response to receiving a
response indicating that the device condition is not corrected, the
logic further causes the system to determine whether the device
condition was affected by the service device in response to the
first request.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a gateway device for
wirelessly communicating with the service device.
9. A method for wireless control and management comprising:
receiving a first signal regarding a device condition of a first
service device in an environment; determining a condition type of
the device condition; sending a first request for a second service
device to correct the device condition, based on the condition
type; receiving a second signal from the second service device
indicating that the device condition is corrected; sending, by a
computing device, a second request to the first service device to
determine whether the device condition is corrected; receiving a
response from the first service device regarding whether the device
condition is corrected; and providing an interface indicating
whether the device condition is corrected.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the device condition includes at
least one of the following: an odor in the environment, an absence
of perfume ingredients in the environment, a lighting intensity in
the environment, and a power usage in the environment.
11. The method of claim 9, further comprising determining whether
the second service device requires a replacement part.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising, in response to a
determination that the second service device requires the
replacement part, facilitating ordering the replacement part.
13. The method of claim 9, further comprising, in response to
receiving a response from the first service device indicating that
the device condition is not corrected, determining whether there is
a malfunction with the second service device.
14. The method of claim 9, further comprising, in response to
receiving a response from the first service device indicating that
the device condition is not corrected, determining whether the
device condition was affected by the second service device.
15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium for wireless control
and management that stores a program that causes a computing device
to perform at least the following: receive a first signal from a
first service device regarding a device condition of the first
service device an environment; determine a condition type of the
device condition; send a first request for a second service device
to correct the device condition, based on the condition type;
receive a second signal from the second service device indicating
that the device condition is corrected; send a second request to
the first service device to determine whether the device condition
is corrected; receive a response from the first service device
regarding whether the device condition is corrected; and provide an
interface indicating whether the device condition is corrected.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15,
wherein the device condition includes at least one of the
following: an odor in the environment, an absence of perfume
ingredients in the environment, a lighting intensity in the
environment, and a power usage in the environment.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15,
wherein the program further causes the computing device to
determine whether the second service device requires a replacement
part.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17,
wherein the program further causes the computing device to
facilitate ordering the replacement part, in response to a
determination that the second service device requires the
replacement part.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15,
wherein the program further causes the computing device to
determine whether there is a malfunction with the second service
device, in response to receiving a response from the first service
device indicating that the device condition is not corrected.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15,
wherein the program further causes the computing device to
determine whether the device condition was affected by the second
service device, in response to receiving a response from the first
service device indicating that the device condition is not
corrected.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present application relates generally to wireless
control and management and specifically to wirelessly controlling
devices in an environment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As environments such as homes, offices, retail
establishments, etc. become more automated; many of the devices
within those environments may be configured for wireless
communication. As an example, many homes include a router for
facilitating wireless communication with a plurality of devices.
While the router may facilitate updates of software on the devices,
current solutions do not utilize the wireless functionality to
control the devices in the environment. Accordingly, many users
within an environment are forced to manually control those devices
to set their own lighting, monitor air fresheners, control cleaning
devices, order replacement parts, etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Included are embodiments of a method for wireless control
and management. More specifically, one embodiment of a system
includes a memory component that stores logic that, when executed
by the system, causes the system to receive a first signal
regarding a device condition of a service device in an environment,
determine a condition type of the device condition, and send a
first request for to correct the device condition, based on the
condition type. In some embodiments, the logic further causes the
system to receive a second signal indicating whether the device
condition was corrected.
[0004] Also included are embodiments of a method. Some embodiments
of the method include receiving a first signal from a first service
device regarding a detected a device condition of the first service
device in an environment, determining a condition type of the
device condition, and sending a first request for a second service
device to correct the device condition, based on the condition
type. Similarly, some embodiments include receiving a second signal
from the second service device indicating that the device condition
is corrected, sending, by a computing device, a second request to
the first service device to determine whether the device condition
is corrected, and receiving a response from the first service
device regarding whether the device condition is corrected. Still
some embodiments include providing an interface indicating whether
the device condition is corrected.
[0005] Also included are embodiments of a non-transitory
computer-readable medium. Some embodiments of the non-transitory
computer-readable medium include a program that when executed by a
computing device causes the computing device to receive a first
signal from a first service device regarding a device condition of
the first service device in an environment, determine a condition
type of the device condition, and send a first request for a second
service device to correct the device condition, based on the
condition type. Similarly, in some embodiments the program causes
the computing device to receive a second signal from the second
service device indicating that the device condition is corrected,
send a second request to the first service device to determine
whether the device condition is corrected, and receive a response
from the first service device regarding whether the device
condition is corrected. In still some embodiments, the program
causes the computing device to provide an interface indicating
whether the device condition is corrected.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description describe various
embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework
for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject
matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the various embodiments, and are incorporated into
and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings
illustrate various embodiments described herein, and together with
the description serve to explain the principles and operations of
the claimed subject matter.
[0007] FIG. 1 depicts a computing environment for wireless control
and management, according to embodiments disclosed herein;
[0008] FIG. 2 depicts a gateway device, such as may be used for
wireless control and management, according to embodiments disclosed
herein;
[0009] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart for adjusting a device in an
environment, according to embodiments disclosed herein;
[0010] FIG. 4 depicts another flowchart for adjusting a device in
an environment, according to embodiments disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart for correcting an odor and
ordering replacement parts for a service device, according to
embodiments disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart for adjusting the lighting in an
environment, according to embodiments disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart for controlling power usage of
devices in an environment, according to embodiments disclosed
herein; and
[0014] FIG. 8 depicts an interface for wirelessly controlling and
managing service devices in an environment, according to
embodiments disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for
wirelessly controlling and managing service devices in an
environment. A service device may include any device for performing
a service, such as an air freshener, a light source, a cleaning
robot, a television, an electronic component, an appliance, a tooth
brush, a cleaning supply, pet food, etc. Some embodiments disclosed
herein may be configured to utilize a gateway device to control a
plurality of different devices in an environment. In some
embodiments, the gateway device may be configured to communicate
with the service devices using a wired and/or wireless
communication protocol. The gateway device may additionally be
configured to communicate with other local and/or remote devices.
The communication with the other devices may be performed via a
wireless router, a wide area wireless protocol and/or a mid-range
wireless protocol. Accordingly this gateway device may control the
operation and manage the use of the service devices to provide a
more fully automated environment, as well as operate the service
devices more efficiently. In some embodiments, no gateway device
may be necessary, as the service devices may be configured to
communicate directly.
[0016] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a computing
environment for wireless control and management, according to
embodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated, a network 100 may be
coupled to a user computing device 102, a router 104, and an
external computing device 106. The router 104 may be coupled to a
gateway device 108, which may be coupled to service devices 110a,
110b, 110c (referred to as "service device 110" to indicate one or
more of the service devices 110a, 110b, 110c). The service devices
110 may include any device that is utilized in an environment and
may be configured to measure weight, location, temperature,
movements, humidity, usage, color, chemical markers, biochemical
markers, particles, micro organism, etc. in the environment. In
some embodiments this and/or other functionality may be achieved by
the service devices 110. As such, the service devices 110 may be
configured to monitor/measure aspects of an environment and perform
a corresponding action according to the measured environment
characteristic. While in some embodiments the corresponding action
may be to correct and/or change the environment, in some
embodiments, the corresponding action may include communicating
with an external computing device to prompt a service call or other
action to be performed. Additionally, in some embodiments, the
service devices 110 may be configured with wired and/or wireless
communication infrastructure (such as Bluetooth.TM. and/or near
field communication capabilities for communicating directly with
the user computing device 102 and/or with the other service devices
110. Additionally, the service devices 110 may be configured to
communicate utilizing the network 100 utilizing 3G, 4G, WiMax,
and/or other wireless or wired wide area communication protocol.
Communication between the service devices 110 and the router 104
may be facilitated via a static IP address on one or more of the
service devices 110.
[0017] As an example, in some embodiments, a first service device
110 (which may be a light fixture) may be configured to determine a
device condition, such as identifying the presence of a person in a
room. Once the first service device 110 makes this determination,
the first service may activate, as well as send a direct signal to
a second service device 110 (which may be a television) to activate
as well.
[0018] The network 100 may include a wide area network and/or a
local area network and thus may be wired and/or wireless. The user
computing device 102 may include any portable and/or non-portable
computing device, such as personal computer, laptop computer,
tablet computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile phone,
etc. The user computing device 102 may additionally include other
communication infrastructure, such as infrared, Wi-Fi.TM., near
field communication, Zigbee, 6lowpan, JennetIP, IPV6 etc. In some
embodiments, the user computing device 102 may use one or more of
these protocols to function as a remote control of one or more of
the service devices 110, as depicted in FIG. 1. Examples of devices
and/or software that may be utilized in the embodiment of FIG. 1
may include those produced and/or sold by Energate.TM.,
Energyhum.TM., EnOcean.TM., Frostdale.TM., Greenwave.TM., HAI.TM.,
Home Seer.TM., HomeLogic.TM., Insteon.TM., JDS Technologies.TM.,
Lagotek.TM., Levitron.TM., Lite Touch.TM., Lutron.TM., Merten.TM.,
PLCBus.TM., Promixis.TM., Pulse Worx.TM., RTI.TM., Savant.TM.,
Schlage.TM., Stardraw.TM., Vantage.TM., Vivint.TM., X10.TM.,
Zensys.TM., and Zigbee.
[0019] The gateway device 108 may be coupled to the router 104 and
may include a memory component 140 that stores operation logic 144a
and replacement logic 144b. The operation logic 144a may include
software, hardware, and/or firmware for providing operational
commands to one or more of the service devices 110. Similarly, the
replacement logic 144b may include software, hardware, and/or
firmware for determining whether the service device 110 is in need
of a replacement part, as well as for facilitating the ordering of
the replacement part.
[0020] Additionally, the external computing device 106 may be
configured as a server and/or other computing device for
communicating information with the other devices in FIG. 1. In some
embodiments, the external computing device 106 may be configured as
a web server for placing replacement product orders. Similarly, in
some embodiments, the external computing device 106 may be
configured to provide a user interface for a user to monitor and/or
control the functionality of the service devices 110.
[0021] It should be understood that while the user computing device
102, the router 104, the external computing device 106, and the
gateway device 108 are represented in FIG. 1 each as a single
component; this is merely an example. In some embodiments, there
may be numerous different components that provide the described
functionality. However, for illustration purposes, single
components are shown in FIG. 1 and described herein.
[0022] It should also be understood that while FIG. 1 depicts each
of the devices 102-110 as being physically coupled to other
devices, this is merely an example. More specifically, the
embodiment of FIG. 1 is depicted to illustrate a communicative
connection between devices. This communicative connection may take
the form of a wired connection and/or a wireless connection. Thus,
depending on the particular embodiment, a physical connection may
or may not actually be implemented. On a similar note, the wireless
connection may take any of a number of different forms, including a
near field communication protocol (such as Bluetooth.TM. RF4CE,
etc.), a mid-range wireless protocol (such as Wi-Fi.TM., Wi-Di.TM.,
etc.), and/or a long range wireless protocol (such as WiMax, 3G,
4G, etc.).
[0023] It should additionally be understood, that while FIG. 1
depicts an example configuration, other configurations are also
contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure. More
specifically, in some embodiments, the user computing device 102
may act as the gateway device and may be configured to communicate
directly with the service device 110. Similarly, in some
embodiments, the gateway device 108 may be configured as a router
as well and thus may facilitate communication between the user
computing device 102 and the service devices 110.
[0024] FIG. 2 depicts a gateway device 108, such as may be used for
wireless control and management, according to embodiments disclosed
herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the gateway device 108
includes a processor 230, input/output hardware 232, network
interface hardware 234, a data storage component 236 (which stores
settings data 238a, history data 238b, and/or other data), and the
memory component 140. The memory component 140 may be configured as
volatile and/or nonvolatile memory and as such, may include random
access memory (including SRAM, DRAM, and/or other types of RAM),
flash memory, secure digital (SD) memory, registers, compact discs
(CD), digital versatile discs (DVD), and/or other types of
non-transitory computer-readable mediums. Depending on the
particular embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable medium
may reside within the gateway device 108 and/or external to the
gateway device 108.
[0025] Additionally, the memory component 140 may store operating
logic 242, the operation logic 144a, and the replacement logic
144b. The operation logic 144a and the replacement logic 144b may
each include a plurality of different pieces of logic, each of
which may be embodied as a computer program, firmware, and/or
hardware, as an example. A local communication interface 246 is
also included in FIG. 2 and may be implemented as a bus or other
communication interface to facilitate communication among the
components of the gateway device 108.
[0026] The processor 230 may include any processing component
operable to receive and execute instructions (such as from the data
storage component 236 and/or the memory component 140). The
input/output hardware 232 may include and/or be configured to
interface with a monitor, positioning system, keyboard, touch
screen, mouse, printer, image capture device, microphone, speaker,
gyroscope, compass, and/or other device for receiving, sending,
and/or presenting data. The network interface hardware 234 may
include and/or be configured for communicating with any wired or
wireless networking hardware, including an antenna, a modem, LAN
port, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) card, Bluetooth.TM. hardware, WiMax
card, mobile communications hardware, and/or other hardware for
communicating with other networks and/or devices. From this
connection, communication may be facilitated between the gateway
device 108 and other computing devices.
[0027] The operating logic 242 may include an operating system
and/or other software for managing components of the gateway device
108. Similarly, as discussed above, the operation logic 144a may
reside in the memory component 140 and may be configured to cause
the processor 230 to control and/or manage one or more of the
service devices 110. Similarly, replacement logic 144b may be
configured for facilitating the replacement of one or more parts of
the service devices 110. Other functionality is also included and
described in more detail, below.
[0028] It should be understood that the components illustrated in
FIG. 2 are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope
of this disclosure. While the components in FIG. 2 are illustrated
as residing within the gateway device 108, this is merely an
example. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may
reside external to the gateway device 108. It should also be
understood that while the gateway device 108 in FIG. 2 is
illustrated as a single device, this is also merely an example. In
some embodiments, the operation logic 144a and/or the replacement
logic 144b may reside on different devices. Additionally, while the
gateway device 108 is illustrated with the operation logic 144a and
the replacement logic 144b as separate logical components, this is
also an example. In some embodiments, a single piece of logic may
cause the gateway device 108 to provide the described
functionality.
[0029] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart for adjusting a device in an
environment, according to embodiments disclosed herein. As
illustrated in block 330, a first signal regarding a device
condition of a first device in an environment may be received. In
block 332, a condition type of the device condition may be
determined. In block 334, a first request for the service device to
correct the device condition may be sent, based on the condition
type. In block 336, a second signal indicating whether the device
condition was corrected may be received.
[0030] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart for adjusting a device in an
environment, according to embodiments disclosed herein. As
illustrated in block 430, a signal may be received from a first
service device regarding a device condition of the first service
device in an environment. A device condition may include any number
of condition types, including an odor detected by a service device
(and/or type of odor), an absence of perfume ingredients that are
dispensed into the air by the service device for predetermined
amount of time (and/or type of odor), a lighting intensity of the
service device (and/or the degree deficient), a power usage of the
service device (and/or the degree deficient), and/or other
condition. As an example, the first service device may be an odor
sensor that detects a foul odor in a room of a house. After
detecting the foul odor, the odor sensor may send a signal to a
gateway device. In block 432, a determination may be made regarding
the nature of the device condition (e.g., the type of device
condition and/or the intensity of the device condition) and a
request for a second service device may be sent to correct the
device condition.
[0031] Continuing with the previous example, the gateway device
determines that that device condition is the detection of a foul
odor and may additionally determine the type of odor. The gateway
device may then send a request to an air freshening device to
neutralize the odor. The neutralization may be based on the
determined type of odor. In block 434, a signal from the second
device may be received indicating that the device condition has
been corrected. In block 436, a request may be sent to the first
service device to determine whether the device condition has
actually been corrected. As the air freshening device may or may
not have an odor sensor, the first service device may again be
contacted by the gateway device to determine whether the foul odor
has been neutralized. In block 438, a response may be received from
the first device regarding whether the device condition has been
corrected. In block 440 a determination has been made regarding
whether the device condition has been corrected. If so, the process
may return to block 432. If not, the process may end.
[0032] It should be understood that in some embodiments the air
freshening device may be configured to dispense a first perfume
into the air of an environment and then, to prevent scent
habitation, dispense a second scent. As such, the gateway device
may determine whether the first scent has been present for a
predetermined time and, if so, then send a request to the air
freshening device to provide the second scent. Examples of such
devices may be provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,981,367.
[0033] Additionally, some embodiments may be configured to create
an environment that affects the mood of users in that environment.
As an example, a first perfume ingredient may be dispensed into the
air of the environment to create a relaxed atmosphere, while a
different perfume may be dispensed to create an alert atmosphere.
Depending on the time of day, the user, a user selection, the
season, and/or other factors, these perfumes may be (independently
or collectively) used to create the desired effect.
[0034] Similarly, in some embodiments, the number and/or identity
of users that enter the environment may also be determined. More
specifically, in some embodiments, the service devices and/or
gateway device may detect the presence of one or more smart phones,
key fobs, etc. Based on the communication with the smart phones,
key fobs, etc., a number of users and their identities may be
determined. Then, based on the identities and numbers of users, a
determination regarding the effects provided to the environment may
be made. Examples may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,198
[0035] Further, some embodiments may be configured to sense and
clean the air of contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds,
malodors, particulates, dust, harmful gasses, viruses, bacteria,
pollen, mold, etc. In such embodiments, a determination may be made
regarding the type of contaminants present in the environment.
Then, the air freshener device may receive an instruction to
dispense to appropriate combatant (or otherwise perform an action)
to remove that determined contaminant. Examples of such detection
and/or treatment may be found in U.S. Patent Publication Number
2008/0182506 and U.S. Patent Publication Number 2009/0293211.
[0036] It should also be understood that while the examples
provided above relate to an odor detector and air freshener as
separate devices, this is merely an example. In some embodiments,
the first service device and the second service device may be
implemented as a single device. Additionally, while the embodiment
described above refers to odor detection and treatment, this is
also an example, as any device condition may be detected and/or
treated.
[0037] Similarly, while the examples provided above relate to the
detection of an odor in an environment, other device conditions may
additionally be detected and treated. More specifically, in some
embodiments, the device condition may be that a toothbrush needs to
be replaced. Accordingly, the toothbrush may communicate with the
gateway device 108, which may send a signal to the user computing
device 102 (and/or the toothbrush) to replace the toothbrush. The
user computing device 102 and/or the toothbrush may send a signal
back to the gateway device 108 indicating that a new toothbrush has
been ordered (and indicate a time for replacement). After the time
for replacement, the gateway device 108 may send a signal to
determine whether the toothbrush has been replaced. If so, the
process may end. If the toothbrush has not been replaced, the
gateway device 108 may repeat the process to ensure that the
toothbrush is replaced. This process may be utilized to address
other device conditions, such as replacement of dog food, laundry
detergent, and cleaning supplies, the maintenance of appliances,
etc.
[0038] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart for correcting an odor and
ordering replacement parts for a device, according to embodiments
disclosed herein. As illustrated in block 530, a signal may be
received from a first service device regarding a detected odor. In
block 532, a determination may be made regarding the nature of the
odor and a request may be sent for a second service device to
correct the odor. In block 534, a signal may be received from the
second service device that the odor correction is complete. In
block 536, a request may be sent to the first service device to
determine whether the odor correction is complete. In block 538 a
determination may be made regarding whether the odor correction is
complete. If not, in block 540, a determination may be made
regarding whether the second service device is currently
experiencing a malfunction. If not, the process may return to 532.
If so (or if the odor correction is complete in block 538), in
block 542, a determination may be made regarding whether the second
service device requires a replacement part (which could be the
malfunction). In block 544, in response to a determination that the
second service device requires a replacement part, ordering of the
replacement part may be facilitated.
[0039] FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart for adjusting the lighting in an
environment, according to embodiments disclosed herein. As
illustrated, in block 630, a signal from a first service device may
be received regarding presence of a user in an area of an
environment. In block 632, lighting data may be requested from
light sources in the area. In block 634, the lighting condition of
the light sources may be determined. In block 636, determination
may be made regarding whether the light sources need replacement
parts. If so in block 638, ordering of the replacement parts may be
facilitated. If not (and/or after replacement parts have been
ordered), in block 640, an overall lighting ambience may be
determined for the area, as well as whether an adjustment is
desired. In block 642, in response to determining that an
adjustment is desired, a determination may be made regarding which
light source to adjust. In block 644, an option may be provided to
a user for overriding the adjustment. More specifically, the user
may wish to not make the adjustment and may provide this indication
to the system. In block 646, a signal may be sent to the light
source to make the adjustment. In block 646, a determination may be
made regarding whether the adjustment is adequate. If not, the
process may return to block 640. If the adjustment is adequate, the
process may end.
[0040] Additionally, it should be understood that some embodiments
may automatically determine when to activate various features. More
specifically, if an embodiment determines that a user returns to an
environment every Monday-Friday around 5:30 PM, a signal may be
sent to automatically change lighting, air fresheners, air quality,
etc. to match the preferences for that user at those times.
Similarly, if the user prefers a predetermined scent, sound, and/or
lighting to sleep or wake, these environmental preferences may be
implemented based on those preferences, and at the times that the
user sleeps and wakes. See U.S. Pat. No. 7,016,933 for
examples.
[0041] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart for controlling power usage of
devices in an environment, according to embodiments disclosed
herein. As illustrated in block 730, a power usage may be
determined for an environment. In block 732, a desired power usage
threshold and/or a desired cost threshold may be determined. In
block 734, a determination may be made regarding whether the
environment is currently exceeding the determined threshold. If
not, the process may end. If the threshold is currently being
exceeded, in block 736 a determination may be made regarding a
service device that may be deactivated (or otherwise altered) to
return the usage to a level below the threshold. In block 738, a
user option may be provided for a user to override deactivation. In
block 740, a signal may be sent to deactivate the determined
device. In block 742, a determination may be made regarding whether
the environment now meets (or is below) the threshold. If not, the
process returns to block 736. If the threshold is meeting (or is
below) the threshold, the process may end.
[0042] FIG. 8 depicts an interface 800 for wirelessly controlling
and managing devices in an environment, according to embodiments
disclosed herein. Depending on the particular embodiment, the
interface 800 may be provided by the user computing device 102 with
data received from the gateway device 108 and/or from the external
computing device 106. Regardless, the interface 800 includes a
listing of the current status of one or more of the service devices
110. Additionally included is a manual option 802 to manually
control functionality of the service devices 110. Also included is
a listing of current orders for replacement parts, as well as an
edit option 804 to edit the parameters of the orders. A current
power usage may also be provided with a threshold option 806 to
manually change a power and/or cost threshold.
[0043] Also included is a determine lifestyle option 808. By
selecting the lifestyle option 808, the user may be provided with
one or more questions for determining a lifestyle of the user. Once
the questions are answered, a theme may be determined to be
implemented for the user.
[0044] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0045] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0046] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be understood to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
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