U.S. patent application number 14/529155 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-26 for wireless power, light and automation control with ambient light and proximity detection.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kortek Industries Pty Ltd. Invention is credited to Barrie Davis, Benjamin Davis.
Application Number | 20150056979 14/529155 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49514093 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150056979 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis; Benjamin ; et
al. |
February 26, 2015 |
Wireless Power, Light and Automation Control With Ambient Light and
Proximity Detection
Abstract
A device and method for remotely controlling the supply of
electricity to an electrical apparatus or system. The device (200)
includes a wireless communications control module (202) configured
for peer-to-peer communications, a microcontroller (208), and a
sensor module (206) configured to detect at least one of light or
proximity. The electrical supply is varied based on a command
received through the wireless communications control module that
may include specifying a threshold where data received from the
sensor module that matches a predetermined threshold triggers a
variance in the electrical supply.
Inventors: |
Davis; Benjamin; (Alderley,
AU) ; Davis; Barrie; (Sanctuary Cove, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kortek Industries Pty Ltd |
Brisbane |
|
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
49514093 |
Appl. No.: |
14/529155 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/AU2013/000438 |
Apr 30, 2013 |
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14529155 |
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61641166 |
May 1, 2012 |
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61652485 |
May 29, 2012 |
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61678020 |
Jul 31, 2012 |
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61678810 |
Aug 2, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/420 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 20/46 20130101;
H04L 12/282 20130101; G05B 2219/25022 20130101; H04L 12/2816
20130101; H04M 1/72533 20130101; H04W 88/08 20130101; H04L 12/2803
20130101; Y02B 20/40 20130101; G08C 17/02 20130101; H04L 12/2829
20130101; G05B 19/4185 20130101; H04M 1/7253 20130101; H05B 47/11
20200101; H05B 47/19 20200101; H04L 12/2832 20130101; H04W 4/80
20180201; H04W 84/12 20130101; G05B 15/02 20130101; G05B 2219/23297
20130101; H04L 2012/2841 20130101; G08C 2201/40 20130101; G08C
2201/93 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/420 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/725 20060101
H04M001/725; H04L 12/28 20060101 H04L012/28; G05B 15/02 20060101
G05B015/02 |
Claims
1. A power control device for controlling an electrical apparatus
or system through a peer-to-peer wireless communications link with
a personal controller so as to control a supply of electricity to
the electrical apparatus or system, the personal controller having
a processor, a memory, a user interface, and a wireless
communications transceiver, said device comprising: a wireless
communications control module operable for wireless communication
with the personal controller, said wireless communications control
module including an aerial and a radio transceiver, said radio
transceiver being configured to communicate with the personal
controller using a peer-to-peer communications standard; a sensor
module configured to sense at least one of light and proximity; a
microcontroller configured to control the electrical apparatus or
system based at least in part on instructions communicated from the
personal controller through said wireless control module, and based
at least in part on a signal sent to said microcontroller by said
sensor module, the signal from said sensor module being used by
said microcontroller to determine the occurrence of a predetermined
trigger event; and a power control circuit configured to implement
a command from said microcontroller to vary the supply of
electricity to the electrical apparatus or system.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said sensor module includes an
ambient light sensor.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the trigger event is based at
least in part on a predetermined threshold of light sensed by said
ambient light sensor.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said sensor module includes a
proximity detector configured to detect presence
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the trigger event is based at
least in part on the detection of presence at a predetermined
distance from said proximity detector.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein said sensor module includes at
least one ambient light sensor and at least one proximity
detector.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the trigger event is the
detection of an ambient light threshold being sensed by said
ambient light sensor, said microcontroller being configured to use
the trigger event to begin monitoring said proximity detector.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said sensor
module is in wireless communication with said microcontroller.
9. The device of claim 1, further comprising a timer for measuring
a predetermined period of time for assessing whether the trigger
event has occurred.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein said timer forms a portion of
said microcontroller.
11. The power control device of claim 1, further comprising a power
measurement module for measuring electrical parameters of
electricity transferred through said power control circuit.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein said power measurement module
operates continuously.
13. The device of claim 11, wherein said microcontroller is
configured to compare data provided by said power measurement
module with a predetermined operating threshold associated with the
electrical apparatus or system.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein said microcontroller is
configured to issue a notification if the data measured by said
power measurement module varies from the predetermined operating
threshold.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the notification includes an
alert concerning a burnt-out luminaire.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein said power control circuit is
wired to said microcontroller.
17. The device of claim 1, wherein said power control circuit is
wired to the electrical apparatus.
18. The device of claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is
configured to open a peer-to-peer wireless communications link with
the personal controller by simulating a Wi-Fi access point.
19. The device of claim 1, wherein the peer-to-peer communications
standard is Wi-Fi Direct.
20. A method for remotely controlling an electrical apparatus or
system to control a supply of electricity to the electrical
apparatus or system, the method comprising: sensing, with a sensor
module, presence in proximity to a power control device, the power
control device controlling the supply of electricity to the
electrical apparatus or system, the power control device having a
wireless communications control module operable for wireless
peer-to-peer communications with a personal controller; determining
whether the presence matches a predetermined threshold; powering
the wireless communications control module from a sleep state to an
active state after determining the presence sensed matches the
predetermined threshold; opening a wireless peer-to-peer
communications link between the personal controller and the power
control device; receiving at the power control device through the
communications link a communication from the personal controller
containing at least one command for varying the supply of
electricity to the electrical apparatus or system; and varying the
supply of electricity to the electrical apparatus or system in
accordance with the command.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the predetermined threshold for
presence is based on detection of presence within a predetermined
distance from the sensor module.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the predetermined threshold is
adjustable via commands sent to the power control device from the
personal controller over the communications link.
23. The method of claim 20, further comprising measuring a period
of time during which it is determined whether the presence matches
the predetermined threshold.
24. The method of claim 20, further comprising measuring electrical
parameters of the electricity supplied to the electrical apparatus
or system.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising comparing the
measured parameters to a predetermined operating threshold
associated with the electrical apparatus or system.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising issuing an alert if
the measured parameters vary from the predetermined operating
threshold.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the alert concerns a burnt-out
luminaire.
28. The method of claim 20, wherein the opening of the peer-to-peer
wireless communications link between the power control device and
the personal controller includes simulating a Wi-Fi access point by
the power control device.
29. The method of claim 20, wherein the opening of the peer-to-peer
wireless communications link includes opening a Wi-Fi Direct
communications link.
30. A method for remotely controlling an electrical apparatus or
system to control a supply of electricity to the electrical
apparatus or system, the method comprising: opening a two-way,
peer-to-peer wireless communications link between a personal
controller and a power control device, the power control device
controlling the supply of electricity to the electrical apparatus
or system; receiving at the power control device through the
communications link a communication from the personal controller
containing at least one command for varying the supply of
electricity to the electrical apparatus or system; sensing, with a
sensor module, at least one of light and/or proximity to the power
control device; determining whether the light and/or proximity
matches a predetermined threshold; and varying the supply of
electricity to the electrical apparatus or system if the light
and/or proximity sensed by the sensor module matches the
predetermined threshold, otherwise varying the supply of
electricity to the electrical apparatus or system in accordance
with the command received from the personal controller.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the sensing includes sensing
ambient light.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the predetermined threshold for
light is based on detection of the ambient light falling below or
above normal daylight.
33. The method of claim 30, wherein the sensing includes sensing
proximity.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the predetermined threshold for
proximity is based on detection of presence within a predetermined
distance from the sensor module.
35. The method of claim 30, wherein the sensing includes sensing
light, further including sensing for proximity after determining
that the light sensed matches the predetermined threshold.
36. The method of claim 30, wherein the predetermined threshold is
adjustable via commands sent to the power control device from the
personal controller over the communications link.
37. The method of claim 30, further comprising measuring a period
of time during which it is determined whether the light and/or
presence is outside of the predetermined threshold.
38. The method of claim 30, further comprising measuring electrical
parameters of the electricity supplied to the electrical apparatus
or system.
39. The method of claim 38, further comprising comparing the
measured parameters to a predetermined operating threshold
associated with the electrical apparatus or system.
40. The method of claim 39, further comprising issuing an alert if
the measured parameters vary from the predetermined operating
threshold.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein the alert concerns a burnt-out
luminaire.
42. The method of claim 30, wherein the opening of the peer-to-peer
wireless communications link between the power control device and
the personal controller includes simulating a Wi-Fi access point by
the power control device.
43. The method of claim 30, wherein the opening of the peer-to-peer
wireless communications link includes opening a Wi-Fi Direct
communications link.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of International
Application No. PCT/AU2013/000438, filed 30 Apr. 2013, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/641,166, filed
1 May 2012; 61/652,485, filed 29 May 2012; 61/678,020, filed 31
Jul. 2012; and 61/678,810, filed 2 Aug. 2012. The entire contents
of each of the above-identified applications is hereby incorporated
by reference herein.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the control of
mains power, lighting and automation in domestic and commercial
devices by allowing a standard smartphone, tablet or similar item
to act as a personal controller using a wireless peer-to-peer
communications link.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] Many residential and commercial buildings have electrical
power, lights, doors, gates, shutters, awnings and blind mechanisms
that can be operated or programmed using buttons, switches or
remote controls. In some instances these devices can perform tasks
automatically based on the amount of ambient light detected.
[0004] In recent years, the proliferation of smartphones has placed
powerful computing devices in the hands of the public. While these
devices can generate and transmit wireless control commands, their
generic wireless systems are not compatible with the standards
currently used in domestic or commercial appliances and mechanisms,
so they cannot natively communicate with such in order to transfer
programming or control commands.
[0005] It can be appreciated that manufacturers of controllable
power, light, door, gate, shutter, awning and blind mechanisms may
find it highly advantageous for customers to program and control
their products natively from a smartphone.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, the system utilizes two parts:
a power control unit with wireless communication capabilities and a
sensor module; and a battery powered personal controller able to
communicate with a power control unit via a wireless peer-to-peer
communications link. It will be appreciated that reference herein
to "preferred" or "preferably" is intended as exemplary only.
[0007] The power control unit is preferably configured to operate
as a Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participant using Wi-Fi Direct
and/or network Wi-Fi technologies, and may include additional
support for Bluetooth SIG class 2.1+EDR or later, and/or Near Field
Communications (NFC). As used herein, "network Wi-Fi" refers to the
Wi-Fi Alliance definition as any "wireless local area network
(WLAN) products that are based on the Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards" including any
amendments, extensions or proprietary implementations. As used
herein, the term "Wi-Fi Direct" refers to a device configured to
support the Wi-Fi Alliance Wi-Fi Direct specification and
amendments, extensions or proprietary implementations of Wi-Fi
peer-to-peer technology.
[0008] Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth are peer-to-peer communication
technologies. Peer-to-peer communication methods that may be
incorporated into the power control unit are described in more
detail in PCT Application No. PCT/AU2011/001666, filed Dec. 29,
2011, titled "Wireless Power, Light and Automation Control," the
entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0009] The personal controller is preferably a commercially
available cellular or mobile phone commonly known as a smartphone
that supports at least network Wi-Fi and may also support Wi-Fi
Direct and/or Bluetooth and/or Near Field Communications (NFC).
Unless otherwise noted, the personal controller will be described
in terms of a smartphone, though the disclosure is not so limited.
For example only, the personal controller may be any portable
device which can download or install by other means an App, have a
suitable interface the user can interact with to control the App in
order to execute required functions, and have the wireless
communications capability to establish communications with a power
control unit. Examples of personal controllers include smartphones,
tablets, laptops, ultrabooks and notebook personal computers.
[0010] The power control unit can preferably form a peer-to-peer
communications link with a smartphone using Wi-Fi Direct by
simulating a Wi-Fi access point or negotiating a Wi-Fi Direct
connection. It can be appreciated that a power control unit
operating as a Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participant can
communicate directly with a smartphone without the requirement of a
WLAN. A power control unit preferably simulates a Wi-Fi access
point or SoftAP if the smartphone is not Wi-Fi Direct enabled,
allowing the smartphone to connect peer-to-peer to a power control
unit in the same way it would otherwise connect to a standard Wi-Fi
access point. Where the smartphone is Wi-Fi Direct enabled, the
power control unit and smartphone preferably negotiate which will
assume the Wi-Fi Direct group owner role and establish a Wi-Fi
Direct peer-to-peer connection. Once a connection has been
established, the user is able to send commands directly to the
selected power control unit without the need for any other device,
intermediary or network.
[0011] The present disclosure in one preferred embodiment includes
a power control unit with wireless communication capabilities
derived from any number of radios, transceivers and controllers
that provide a Wi-Fi Direct connection with the ability to
optionally support Bluetooth and/or NFC. Depending on cost and
desired outcome, the wireless communication capabilities may be
achieved by using: any number of discrete radios, aerials,
transceivers and controllers either individually, collectively, or
as a system in package (SiP) or as a system on chip (SoC); a
combination or "combo" chip that aggregates the functionality of a
number of discrete transceivers and controllers of different
standards as a SiP or SoC; or using a combination of combo chip/s,
SiP/s, SoC/s and/or discrete radios, aerials, transceivers and
controllers. The power control unit may utilize single or multiple
wireless bands, physical channels, virtual channels, modes or other
coexistence technologies and algorithms, the methods of which are
already known to those skilled in the art and are not described
herein. Depending on the chosen hardware components, the power
control unit may also include shared antenna support and shared
signal receiving paths to eliminate the need for an external
splitter.
[0012] A smartphone App is preferably used to configure any
operational aspects and control the functional capabilities of the
power control unit. Once a link has been established, the user is
preferably able to activate a smartphone App which can use the data
path between the smartphone and power control unit. Using a
smartphone App, a user can preferably set the operational
parameters of a power control unit such as name the device, set an
encryption key, enter a password, configure any Wi-Fi Direct
specific parameters or configure any other parameters that may be
required or desirable. When this procedure has been completed, the
user can preferably command the power control unit to "restart", at
which time it will configure itself according to the parameters
which have been specified. The power control unit would then only
establish a communications link with smartphones that can fully
comply with its connection requirements. This may include security
measures in addition to any native security measures of Wi-Fi
Direct or Wi-Fi Protected Access.
[0013] In addition to configuring the operational aspects of the
power control unit, a smartphone App would also preferably be used
to control and program various automation functions of the power
control unit. In one preferred embodiment this could include the
ability to set a specific response to an ambient light threshold
determined from an embedded ambient light sensor in the power
control unit. In another preferred embodiment, this could include
the ability to set a specific response in relation to a proximity
event determined from an embedded proximity detector in the power
control unit.
[0014] In one preferred embodiment, a Bluetooth peer-to-peer
connection between a smartphone and power control unit may be used
to enter the information for configuration of the power control
unit as a Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participant.
[0015] The power control unit may have an exposed human interface
in the form of a mechanical switch, switches, or buttons, or a
capacitive/proximity touch pad or pads. In one preferred
embodiment, it may be desirable to have no exposed human interface
in order to reduce the incidence of vandalism or create a highly
weather resistant unit.
[0016] It can be appreciated that the power control unit can be
incorporated into many forms of power, light and automation control
systems and applications where power switches, power boards, light
switches, light dimmers, wall switches are some more common
examples.
[0017] In another aspect, the disclosure sets forth a power control
device for controlling an electrical apparatus or system through a
peer-to-peer wireless communications link with a personal
controller so as to control a supply of electricity to the
electrical apparatus or system, the personal controller having a
processor, a memory, a user interface, and a wireless
communications transceiver. The device includes a wireless
communications control module operable for wireless communication
with the personal controller, the wireless communications control
module including an aerial and a radio transceiver, the radio
transceiver being configured to communicate with the personal
controller using a peer-to-peer communications standard. The device
also includes a sensor module configured to sense at least one of
light and proximity, and a microcontroller configured to control
the electrical apparatus or system based at least in part on
instructions communicated from the personal controller through the
wireless control module, and based at least in part on a signal
sent to the microcontroller by the sensor module, the signal from
the sensor module being used by the microcontroller to determine
the occurrence of a predetermined trigger event. The device further
includes a power control circuit configured to implement a command
from the microcontroller to vary the supply of electricity to the
electrical apparatus or system.
[0018] In another aspect, the disclosure sets forth for a method
for remotely controlling an electrical apparatus or system to
control a supply of electricity to the electrical apparatus or
system. The method includes: sensing, with a sensor module,
presence in proximity to a power control device, the power control
device controlling the supply of electricity to the electrical
apparatus or system, the power control device having a wireless
communications control module operable for wireless peer-to-peer
communications with a personal controller; determining whether the
presence matches a predetermined threshold; powering the wireless
communications control module from a sleep state to an active state
after determining the presence sensed matches the predetermined
threshold; opening a wireless peer-to-peer communications link
between the personal controller and the power control device;
receiving at the power control device through the communications
link a communication from the personal controller containing at
least one command for varying the supply of electricity to the
electrical apparatus or system; and varying the supply of
electricity to the electrical apparatus or system in accordance
with the command.
[0019] In another aspect, the disclosure sets forth a method for
remotely controlling an electrical apparatus or system to control a
supply of electricity to the electrical apparatus or system. The
method includes: opening a two-way, peer-to-peer wireless
communications link between a personal controller and a power
control device, the power control device controlling the supply of
electricity to the electrical apparatus or system; receiving at the
power control device through the communications link a
communication from the personal controller containing at least one
command for varying the supply of electricity to the electrical
apparatus or system; sensing, with a sensor module, at least one of
light and/or proximity to the power control device; determining
whether the light and/or proximity matches a predetermined
threshold; and varying the supply of electricity to the electrical
apparatus or system if the light and/or proximity sensed by the
sensor module matches the predetermined threshold, otherwise
varying the supply of electricity to the electrical apparatus or
system in accordance with the command received from the personal
controller.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a smartphone for use in one
preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the functional elements of a
power control unit in accordance with one preferred embodiment of
the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Alternative embodiments in the disclosure will be apparent
to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification
and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended
that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary
only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being
indicated by the claims which follow.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective representation of a smartphone 10
which uses a wireless link to communicate with a power control unit
(described in more detail below). Smartphone 10 is preferably a
commercially available, conventional smartphone. Some of the basic
functions the smartphone preferably includes are: a touch sensitive
graphical screen interface 12; a compatible radio transceiver; and
the ability to run an application program (App) specific to the
individual smartphone that provides a control interface for the
power control unit. In the examples that follow, specific coding
for each App has been omitted for simplicity as a person of
ordinary skill in the art would be able to understand and reproduce
the functionality of the described embodiments without the need for
a discussion on particular coding.
[0024] Smartphone 10 is preferably configured to operate across a
range of wireless communications technologies, including the
technology to communicate via at least network Wi-Fi. Smartphone 10
may additionally include support for Wi-Fi Direct and/or Bluetooth
and/or NFC. While some examples described herein use a smartphone
as its controller, and specifically a smartphone incorporating at
least network Wi-Fi, other wireless communications methods and
systems could be used depending on the specific requirements
needed.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 2, a power control unit 200 is shown.
Power control unit 200 has wireless communications 202, perpetual
clock calendar 204, sensor module 206, system microcontroller 208
with embedded memory, an aerial 210, power control circuit 212 and
power measurement 214. In some exemplary embodiments, it may be
preferable for system microcontroller 208 to support external
memory in addition to, or instead of, embedded memory.
[0026] Perpetual clock calendar 204 preferably includes a power
backup by the way of a battery or supercapacitor enabling real time
to be accurately maintained in instances where a mains power outage
occurs. In some preferred embodiments, perpetual clock calendar 204
may be omitted where power control unit 200 does not perform any
clock or date dependant operations.
[0027] The commands and responses between system microcontroller
208 and smartphone 10 are communicated through a radio frequency
wireless link supported by wireless communications 202 and aerial
210. Wireless communications 202 preferably includes any number of
radios, transceivers and controllers that provide a Wi-Fi Direct
connection with the ability to optionally support Bluetooth.
Examples of wireless communications are described in PCT
Application No. PCT/AU2012/000959, filed Aug. 15, 2012, the entire
contents of which is incorporated by reference herein. Depending on
cost and the desired operational functions, wireless communications
202 may include only a Wi-Fi radio, a combination of Wi-Fi radios,
or any combination of: Wi-Fi Radio/s; wireless radio/s and a
Bluetooth radio. The wireless communication capabilities may be
achieved by using: any number of discrete radios, aerials,
transceivers and controllers either individually, collectively or
as a SiP or SoC; a combination or "combo" chip that aggregates the
functionality of a number of discrete transceivers and controllers
of different standards as a SiP or SoC; or using a combination of
combo chip/s, SiP/s, SoC/s and/or discrete radios, aerials,
transceivers and controllers. The power control unit may utilize
single or multiple wireless bands, physical channels, virtual
channels, modes or other coexistence technologies and algorithms,
the methods of which would be understood by those skilled in the
art and are not described herein. Depending on the chosen hardware
components, the power control unit may also include shared antenna
support and shared signal receiving paths to eliminate the need for
an external splitter.
[0028] When wireless communications 202 operates according to the
Wi-Fi Direct specification, it can communicate with devices that
support network Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct on a peer-to-peer basis
without the need for any intermediary hardware. Wireless
communications 202 is preferably configured to operate according to
the Wi-Fi Direct specification as both a Wi-Fi Direct group
participant and Wi-Fi Direct access point or SoftAP, allowing the
power control unit to appear to network Wi-Fi devices during
discovery as a Wi-Fi access point. After being discovered as a
Wi-Fi Direct access point, a Wi-Fi Direct device is able to
communicate peer-to-peer with network Wi-Fi devices that support
the IEEE 802.11 specification as amended from time to time. In this
instance, a network Wi-Fi device will receive a device discovery
message from the power control unit as if from a Wi-Fi access point
and be able to establish a peer-to-peer communications link with
the power control unit as though it were connecting to a standard
Wi-Fi access point. The procedure of establishing a communications
link between a Wi-Fi Direct device and network Wi-Fi devices are
defined in the Wi-Fi Alliance specifications and would be
understood by practitioners skilled in communications systems
protocols.
[0029] Wi-Fi Direct has a number of advantages which simplify
communications between a power control unit and a smartphone
operating as a controller. Significant advantages include mobility
and portability, where a smartphone and power control unit only
need to be within radio range of each other to establish a wireless
communications link. Wi-Fi Direct offers secure communications
through means such as Wi-Fi Protected Access protocols and
encryption for transported messages, ensuring the system remains
secure to qualified devices. Most importantly, Wi-Fi Direct allows
a smartphone with only network Wi-Fi to engage in peer-to-peer data
exchange with a power control unit even though the smartphone
network Wi-Fi was never intended to support on-demand, peer-to-peer
communications.
[0030] As smartphones continue to evolve, new models are starting
to include support for Wi-Fi Direct in addition to network Wi-Fi.
In one preferred embodiment, where a power control unit receives a
Wi-Fi Direct response to a device discovery message, the smartphone
and power control unit will negotiate which device will assume the
role of group owner in accordance with the Wi-Fi Alliance Wi-Fi
Direct specification, and a 1:1 or peer-to-peer Wi-Fi Direct
communication link will be established. The Wi-Fi Direct
specification allows any Wi-Fi Direct device to be a group owner,
and depending on the capabilities of the device, the negotiation
procedure determines the most suitable device to perform this
role.
[0031] Excluded in a preferred embodiment is the use of
conventional ad-hoc wireless technology as such technology is
overtly complex in relation to any benefits such technology may
otherwise provide.
[0032] System microcontroller 208 preferably incorporates a
firmware program which defines the operation and functions of power
control unit 200 and assumes responsibility for running all program
code and system elements, including specifying and controlling the
operation of wireless communications 202, interrogation of the
perpetual clock calendar 204, control and management of the sensor
module 206, interrogation and management of power measurement 214,
and operation of power control circuit 212. System microcontroller
208 preferably includes a non-volatile memory to store any program
data received from an App. In some preferred embodiments, perpetual
clock calendar 204 may be an embedded function of system
microcontroller 208. In some preferred embodiments, non-volatile
memory may be external to system microcontroller 208. In some
preferred embodiments, more than one microcontroller may be
used.
[0033] When power control unit 200 is manufactured, system
microcontroller 208 preferably holds the firmware to operate power
control unit as a Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participant. When
power is applied to power control unit for the first time, system
microcontroller 208 preferably starts wireless communications and
control module 202 in Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participant
mode and begins transmitting discovery messages or "pings" that can
be detected by a smartphone within wireless range.
[0034] It can be appreciated that a power control unit operating as
a Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participant can communicate
directly with a smartphone without needing a Wi-Fi WLAN. Power
control unit 200 either appears as a Wi-Fi access point if
smartphone 10 is not using Wi-Fi Direct; or negotiates with
smartphone 10 as to which device will assume a Wi-Fi Direct group
owner role if smartphone 10 supports Wi-Fi Direct. The user is then
able to establish a peer-to-peer communications link and send
commands directly to the selected power control unit without the
need for any other device.
[0035] A preferred method for controlling a power control unit is
through a related Product App. Installation instructions for the
Product App are preferably included with the power control unit.
The Product App preferably adopts the same centralized app store
installation methods common to all smartphone platforms.
[0036] The Product App communicates with any mix of wireless
elements and radio technologies to seamlessly provide the best
communications link. In one preferred embodiment, Product App
preferably controls smartphone 10 wireless communications in order
to initiate, search and establish a wireless communications link
with a power control unit. Product App preferably displays
preconfigured and new power control units via graphical elements on
smartphone touch screen 12.
[0037] When the Product App starts, it preferably scans for power
control units and identifies any new power control units that need
to be initially configured. At this point the Product App
preferably allows the user to establish a peer-to-peer connection
with a new power control unit. The Product App then leads the user
through a series of data inputs preferably using the smartphone's
touch screen 12 as a human interface. The Product App communicates
with system microcontroller 208 and replaces the general parameters
used for the initial connection to specific parameters which define
the power control unit as a unique Wi-Fi Direct product. These may
include: setting a unique encryption key so all data transfers
between power control unit and the smartphone are protected;
setting the power control unit name to a unique, easily
recognisable identifier, e.g., from a product name such as "Power
Control Unit" to "Garden Lights"; setting the power control unit's
unique Wi-Fi address ID so that it becomes an individual device in
its own right; and setting a password in the power control unit
used to establish a secure link with a smartphone.
[0038] The Product App preferably maintains a record of these
specific parameters in the smartphone memory for future
identification of, and connection to, the new power control
unit.
[0039] Once the setup procedure is complete, the Product App
preferably commands the power control unit firmware to "restart".
When the applications firmware restarts, the power control unit
will use the user loaded data to populate and create its own unique
Wi-Fi Direct identity. The smartphone which was used to set this
identity will be able to automatically connect to that power
control unit because the new specific parameters are known. The
Product App can then be used to preferably automatically establish
a communications link with the power control unit each time the
user selects that particular device.
[0040] Once a power control unit has been configured, any other
smartphone can only connect if the user knows the specific
parameters that are now unique to that particular power control
unit. If a second smartphone searches for Wi-Fi access points or
Wi-Fi Direct devices, it will see the power control unit identified
as, for example, "Garden Lights" with the characteristic that it is
"secure". To connect to it, the user will have to know the specific
password allocated to that power control unit, otherwise it will
not be able to establish a communications link. If the password is
known and entered into the smartphone when requested, a
communication link between the second smartphone and the power
control unit will be established. The Product App is still
preferably required to control the power control unit and may have
additional security requirements depending on the nature of the
application.
[0041] The operating parameters for power control unit are
preferably retained by system microcontroller 208 in the event
power is disconnected or lost. When power is restored, system
microcontroller 208 powers up with all of the operating parameters
and programming as previously operating before power was removed,
restoring the appropriate operating parameters from non-volatile
memory.
[0042] The Product App is preferably able to communicate with a
power control unit and command it to re-initialise to the factory
default configuration. In this case, all user-defined parameters
that were loaded into the power control unit are lost and it is
returned to its factory default state, ready to receive new
user-defined parameters.
[0043] The power control unit may incorporate a mechanical means
such as a button or switch which the user could activate to cause
the power control unit to re-initialise to the factory default
configuration without the use of a smartphone or Product App.
[0044] In one preferred embodiment, wireless communications control
module 202 may include Bluetooth communication capabilities in
addition to Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participant
capabilities. A peer-to-peer Bluetooth communication link between
smartphone 10 and power control unit 200 may be used by the Product
App to enter parameters for establishing a Wi-Fi Direct access
point/group participant communications link, or may in its own
right operate as a peer-to-peer communications link for transfer of
control commands between Product App and power control unit.
Similarly, NFC can be included and used where desirable.
[0045] In one preferred embodiment, the power control unit may
incorporate a means such as a button, switch, capacitive pad, or
proximity sensor that may facilitate the secure initialization of a
peer-to-peer connection.
[0046] In one preferred embodiment, the power control unit may
include an NFC tag that the Product App could use when first
communicating with a new power control unit to automatically
establish a Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participant
peer-to-peer communications link on smartphones that support NFC.
This process is commonly referred to as "bootstrapping" and is an
established method for initializing communications known by those
skilled in the art.
[0047] It will be appreciated that the steps described above may be
performed in a different order, varied, or certain steps added or
omitted entirely without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. By way of example only, where the smartphone operating
system does not allow the Product App to control the smartphone
wireless communications in order to establish a peer-to-peer link
with a power control unit, the user may use any mechanism provided
by the smartphone operating system to establish a peer-to-peer
communication link with a power control unit prior to starting the
Product App.
[0048] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the user can, using the
Product App in its simplest form, command system microcontroller
208 to actuate power control circuits 212 to supply electrical
power to an attached device or disconnect electrical power to an
attached device. The Product App is also preferably configured to
program power control unit 200 with more complex functions and
scheduling. Programmed, time dependant operations are preferably
executed by system microcontroller 208 as a timed sequence from a
trigger event, such as a countdown timer, or as a specified task at
a predetermined date and/or time of day for a continual or defined
period. Single or multiple daily start and stop times, selected day
timers, repetition timers, weekly timers, combinational timers,
specific date timers and many other functions are all possible and
contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0049] In one preferred embodiment, the absolute time and date
parameters of perpetual clock calendar 204 are preferably
synchronized with smartphone 10 when a communications link is
established.
[0050] Power control unit 200 preferably includes sensor module
206. As shown in FIG. 2, sensor module 206 preferably includes an
ambient light sensor and a proximity detector. Unless otherwise
mentioned, sensor module 206 will be described as if including an
ambient light sensor and a proximity detector, though the
disclosure is not so limited. It can be appreciated that the
automation of a range of tasks can be greatly facilitated by the
accurate measurement of ambient light and the setting of thresholds
that system microcontroller 208 can use to determine if a trigger
event has occurred in order to actuate power control circuit 212.
By way of example only, this could be setting an ambient light
level as a threshold for turning lights or other devices connected
to power control circuit 212 on and off at dusk and/or dawn. By way
of another example, this could be setting an ambient light level as
a threshold for lowering or raising a mechanised blind or
awning.
[0051] In one preferred embodiment, a user through the Product App
is preferably able to set an ambient light threshold that system
microcontroller 208 can use as a trigger for executing an
associated task. The ambient light threshold may be pre-stored in
the Product App, or the Product App through a wireless
communications link with power control unit 200 may take an
immediate ambient light measurement from sensor module 206 to use
as a threshold. Any ambient light levels set in the Product App as
a threshold are preferably stored in the non-volatile memory of
power control unit 200 and can be used by system microcontroller
208 to actuate power control circuit 212 when system
microcontroller 208 determines that sensor module 206 is reporting
the conditions matching a threshold for a trigger event.
[0052] System microcontroller 208 is preferably able to process
multiple different thresholds, triggers, and sequencing which may
be combined with time based modifiers; filters; and/or processes
designed to reduce the likelihood of false positive conditions. By
way of example only, system microcontroller 208 may be programmed
by the Product App to actuate power control circuit 212 at a
specified ambient light threshold. System microcontroller 208
preferably analyses measurements from sensor module 206 over a
period of time to ensure the ambient light threshold has been met
and is not being caused by an intermediate condition such as
something temporarily covering sensor module 206. By way of another
example, system microcontroller 208 may be programmed by the
Product App to only use a threshold as a trigger event after a
particular time of day. In that way, a user could set a power
control unit to only use ambient light measurements after say 5 pm.
By way of another example, where sensor module 206 includes
spectral analysis capabilities, a threshold may be specified based
on spectral analysis of an ambient light measurement. This is a
form of filtering known by those skilled in the art that allows an
ambient light threshold to be determined from the level of natural
light without interference from artificial lighting. By way of
another example, system microcontroller 208 may be programmed to
turn power control circuit 212 on at a specified ambient light
threshold and off at a different ambient light threshold using a
time based modifier. This could be by way of setting an actual time
of day at which measurement for different thresholds occur, or a
specifying a period of time after one threshold event that system
microcontroller 208 starts scanning for the next threshold
event.
[0053] The management of power, light and automation it is often
part of a broader energy conservation strategy. For that reason it
may be desirable for power control unit 200 to only activate its
wireless communications when a user wishes to establish a wireless
communications link rather than have it run continuously drawing
power. In one preferred embodiment, a user via the Product App may
specify that the wireless communications and control module 202
only activate on the detection of a proximity event by sensor
module 206. The proximity detector capability of sensor module 206
is preferably used to detect a user's hand in front of, and/or near
and/or touching power control unit 200 and send a control signal to
system microcontroller 208 that a proximity event has occurred.
System microcontroller 208 on determining that a proximity event
has occurred would preferably initialize wireless communications
202 to allow smartphone 10 to establish a wireless communications
link. System microcontroller 208 would preferably only run wireless
communications for a pre-defined active period after a proximity
event and return wireless communications to a passive sleep state
if a wireless communications link was not established during that
period. If a wireless communications link was established during
the pre-defined active period, system microcontroller 208 would
preferably keep wireless communications active while the
communications link was active, and return to a sleep state a short
time after the communications link was terminated.
[0054] In one preferred embodiment the sensor module is preferably
a single integrated component, however in some embodiments it may
be preferable to use a discrete ambient light sensor and/or a
discrete proximity sensor. In some preferred embodiments, the
proximity detector may be omitted and replaced with a button,
switch, or capacitive pad. In some preferred embodiments, the
ambient light sensor may be omitted.
[0055] In one preferred embodiment, while sensor module 206 is used
to activate wireless communications, it is not so limited and may
also initiate any task that may otherwise be performed by a
mechanical switch. By way of example only, a power control unit 200
may have a group of lights attached to power control circuit 212
and be programmed by the Product App with a low light ambient light
threshold that system microcontroller 208 uses as a trigger to
begin monitoring the proximity detector in sensor module 206 for a
proximity event such as a user's hand approaching and/or touching
power control unit 200. A proximity event may be the detection of
proximity less than a predetermined proximity threshold (e.g.,
proximity within predetermined distance from the proximity
detector). The predetermined distance may be configured as, for
example only, anywhere within in a single room, hallway, corridor
or open area within a building, and/or an area outside of a
building. The predetermined distance may be specifically calibrated
for a range from the proximity detector, for example only, between
0 cm to 3 m, more preferably 1 cm to 1 m. On detection of a
proximity event, system microcontroller 208 may actuate power
control circuit 212 to supply power to attached lights for a user
defined period of say 3 mins. In that way a power control unit
could be used in a building to only activate a group of lights at
night for a set period of time when a user touches or is detected
by the power control unit, thereby saving considerable power by not
running the lighting continuously or not allowing the lighting to
be used during the day when there is sufficient natural light.
[0056] It can be appreciated that a number of sophisticated and
complex automation and control schemes can be programmed into power
control unit 200 by combining the processing capabilities of system
microcontroller 208 with the timing capabilities of perpetual clock
calendar 204 and sensing capabilities of sensor module 206.
[0057] In one preferred embodiment, power control circuits 212 may
include a single relay configured to vary the supply of power to
attached devices in a simple on/off fashion. In another preferred
embodiment, power control circuits 212 may include a number of
relays configured to vary the supply of power to different devices
separately or grouped, such as lights or banks of lights, in a
simple on/off fashion. In another preferred embodiment, power
control circuits 212 may include a dimmer control. A dimmer control
is used to vary the amount of power transferred to attached lights
which have the appropriate characteristics to allow the light
output to be varied anywhere from fully on to fully off as directed
by system microcontroller 208. Using a dimmer in power control
circuits 212 under the control of system microcontroller 208, the
amount of electrical power transferred to the attached light can be
regulated. Because the electrical load presented to the dimmer
control can be resistive, inductive or capacitive depending on the
light type and arrangement, the dimmer unit can provide leading
edge, trailing edge, pulse width modulation or other suitable
methods of variable power control.
[0058] In one preferred embodiment, power control unit 200 may not
contain any embedded power control circuits 212 and interface
entirely with external power control circuits allowing for a custom
number of circuits to meet the particular requirements of the
application at hand.
[0059] Where power control unit 200 controls external power control
circuits, it may do so through a physical connection (for example
only, a wired connection) or may alternately use a wireless link
such as sub-1 GHz radio. The use of a wireless extension may
require the addition of a supporting radio that may be a
transmitter only, or a transmitter and receiver, depending on the
requirements of the external power control circuits. The supporting
radio may be configured by system microcontroller 208 to operate at
a number of different carrier frequencies. Data could be modulated
onto those carrier frequencies such that the encoded data could be
received, decoded and acted upon by a compatible radio receiver in
a remote power control circuit to operate lights or a device such
as, for example only, a door lock, alarm system, boom gate and/or
blind system.
[0060] The supporting radio may be capable of FSK, GFSK, MSK, OOK
or other modulation methods and be able to operate over a wide
frequency range including the license free Industrial Scientific
and Medical (ISM) frequencies, or may support specific proprietary
standards such as ZigBee, Z-wave or equivalent standards. While
these specifications are applicable to most wireless sensor
networks, home and building automation, alarm and security systems
and industrial monitoring and control, there may be applications
where a system compatible transceiver with specific frequency and
modulation specifications is required. In these situations, a
specific supporting radio could be provided within the embodiment
described herein.
[0061] It will be appreciated that the power control circuit 212
described above can be extended in many ways without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure. Power control circuit 212 may
be configured to control an external device such as a blind,
shutter, gate, door and lights, allowing power control unit 200 to
manage a range of external devices according to programmed
schedules and ambient light conditions.
[0062] In one preferred embodiment, power measurement 214 allows
the electrical parameters of the electricity transferred through
power control circuit 212 to be measured. These parameters are
available to system microcontroller 208 and may include
instantaneous voltage, current and power, Irms and Vrms, average
real and apparent power and energy-to-pulse conversion. Some or all
of the measured electrical parameters could be sent to smartphone
10 via the communications link where the Product App would be able
to perform additional calculations or conversions if required and
display the results in a graphical format on the smartphone's touch
sensitive screen for the user to view. Suitable processing of these
parameters allows information such as the instantaneous power being
used by an attached device or appliance to be displayed. Power
usage over time, total power used and trend analysis are also some
of the useful representations of the basic electrical data that are
preferably measured and could be displayed to the user. By using
the smartphone's Internet capability, the Product App could access
a power company's rates and charges, and provide the user with
usage and cost comparisons.
[0063] The inclusion of power measurement 214 allows more advanced
functionality other than simple metering to be offered by power
control unit 200. In one preferred embodiment, system
microcontroller 208 may continuously measure various electrical
parameters through power measurement 214 allowing system
microcontroller 208 to detect possible error conditions in order to
cause power control circuit 212 to reduce or cut power to an
attached device to protect both power control unit 200 and the
attached device. In another preferred embodiment, system
microcontroller 208 through power measurement 214 may take a
measurement of power control circuit 212 under operational load to
establish a normal operating threshold. System microcontroller 208
could periodically or continuously monitor power measurement 214
and report to the Product App any deviation from the operating
threshold. By way of example only, this could be used to measure
the operating load of a group of lights connected to power control
circuit 212 and allow a user through the Product App to determine
if any lights had blown based on the change in power being consumed
rather than having to inspect each luminaire.
[0064] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
system described above can be varied in many ways without departing
from the scope of the present disclosure. By way of example only,
elements of wireless communications 202, system microcontroller
208, perpetual clock calendar 204 may be aggregated into a single
or various SoCs or SiPs. Sensor module 206 may be wired to power
control device 200, or wirelessly connected. For example, a sensor
module may be located in one portion of a room while the power
control device is at another portion of the room. More than one
sensor may be utilised. For example, ambient light sensors may be
positioned in multiple rooms throughout a structure or building.
Sensors other than light or proximity may be used. For example,
motion, temperature and/or sound sensors may be utilised if
desired. The sensor module may include any combination of light,
proximity, motion, temperature and/or sound sensors.
[0065] Aspects of the present systems and methods described herein
may be used in a variety of environments. For example only, the
systems and methods described herein can be adapted for use with
lighting, gates, blinds, garage doors, fans, pools, timers, power
outlets, consumer electronics, computers, vehicles, power meters,
and air conditioning systems.
[0066] Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the
art from consideration of the specification and practice of the
disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification
and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and
spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following
claims.
* * * * *