U.S. patent application number 14/639905 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-10 for wall-mounted interactive sensing and audio-visual node devices for networked living and work spaces.
The applicant listed for this patent is Linker CHENG, Randall W. FREI, Robert J. PERA. Invention is credited to Linker CHENG, Randall W. FREI, Robert J. PERA.
Application Number | 20150256355 14/639905 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54018520 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150256355 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PERA; Robert J. ; et
al. |
September 10, 2015 |
WALL-MOUNTED INTERACTIVE SENSING AND AUDIO-VISUAL NODE DEVICES FOR
NETWORKED LIVING AND WORK SPACES
Abstract
Described herein are networked (smart) living and work spaces,
including a variety of different wireless nodes that may be
distributed, including wall-mounted and/or retrofitted over
existing electrical outlets and light switches, for providing data
streams to a digital hub or master controller. For example,
described herein are wall-mounted, interactive sensing and
audio-visual node device for a networked living/working space.
Inventors: |
PERA; Robert J.; (San Jose,
CA) ; FREI; Randall W.; (San Jose, CA) ;
CHENG; Linker; (San Jose, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PERA; Robert J.
FREI; Randall W.
CHENG; Linker |
San Jose
San Jose
San Jose |
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54018520 |
Appl. No.: |
14/639905 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61949918 |
Mar 7, 2014 |
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61954244 |
Mar 17, 2014 |
|
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62031106 |
Jul 30, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
700/90 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 12/2823 20130101;
H04W 84/18 20130101; H04L 12/2803 20130101; H04L 2012/285 20130101;
H04L 12/2809 20130101; H04L 12/2816 20130101; H04B 3/54 20130101;
H02J 4/00 20130101; H04L 12/10 20130101; H04L 2012/2841 20130101;
H04M 1/72533 20130101; G05B 15/02 20130101; H04W 88/08
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04L 12/28 20060101
H04L012/28; G05B 15/02 20060101 G05B015/02 |
Claims
1. A wall-mounted, interactive sensing and audio-visual node device
for a networked living/working space, the node device comprising: a
faceplate having an outer surface; a camera module comprising a
lens mounted in the faceplate; a microphone module mounted to
faceplate; at least one sensor module mounted on the faceplate, the
sensor module comprising one or more sensors selected from: a smoke
detector, a CO detector, a combustible gas sensor, a temperature
sensor, a humidity sensor, a CO.sub.2 detector, dust sensor; a
NO.sub.2 sensor, a formaldehyde sensor, and a volatile organic
compound (VOC) sensor; a wireless circuit configured to wirelessly
transmit and receive data; a local controller configured to process
information to and from the camera module, microphone module, and
sensor module, wherein the local controller encodes and prioritizes
information from each of the camera module, microphone module, and
sensor module for transmission on the wireless circuit, and
controls each of camera module, microphone module, and sensor
module based on information received by the wireless circuit; a
wall power input configured to connect to a wall power line;
wherein the faceplate is configured to be mounted to a wall so that
the outer surface of the faceplate faces away from the wall.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising an opening through the
faceplate for a light switch.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the local controller is
configured to receive control information from a remote hub and to
modify the operation of a one or more of the camera module,
microphone module and sensor module based on information received
from the remote hub.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the local controller is
configured to communicate with one or more other interactive
sensing and audio-visual node devices in a distributed computing
network, and to negotiate with the one or more other interactive
sensing and audio-visual node devices to modify the operation of
one or more of the camera module, microphone module and sensor
module.
5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a power line
communication (PLC) circuit coupled to the faceplate, the PLC
circuit configured to receive data from and transmit data on the
power line connected to the wall power input, the PLC circuit
connected to the local controller.
6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a USB port on the
faceplate.
7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a power over Ethernet
(PoE) output plug on the faceplate.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the lens of the camera module is
a very wide-angle lens.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to
detect motion using the camera module.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor module comprises a
motion sensor.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the faceplate is configured to
be mounted to an electrical box in a wall so that the faceplate
covers the opening into the electrical box.
12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a switch configured
to connect and disconnect power from the power line to a power
output.
13. A wall-mounted, interactive sensing and audio-visual node
device for a networked living/working space, the node device
comprising: a faceplate having an outer surface; a camera module
comprising a lens mounted in the faceplate; a display module,
comprising a touch screen, mounted on the faceplate; a microphone
module mounted to faceplate; a speaker module having an output
mounted on the faceplate; at least one sensor module mounted on the
faceplate, the sensor module comprising one or more sensors
selected from: a smoke detector, a CO detector, a combustible gas
sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a CO.sub.2
detector, dust sensor; a NO2 sensor, a formaldehyde sensor, and a
volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor; a wireless circuit
configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data; a local
controller configured to process information to and from the camera
module, display module, speaker module, microphone module and
sensor module, wherein the local controller encodes and prioritizes
information from each of the camera module, display module, speaker
module, microphone module and sensor module for transmission on the
wireless transmitter and receiver, and controls each of camera
module, display module, speaker module, microphone module and
sensor module based on information received by the wireless
transmitter and receiver; a wall power input configured to connect
to a power line and to distribute power from the power line to each
of the camera module, display module, speaker module, microphone
module and sensor module, wireless circuit and local controller;
wherein the faceplate is configured to be mounted to a wall so that
the outer surface of the faceplate faces away from the wall.
14. The device of claim 13, further comprising an opening through
the faceplate for a light switch.
15. The device of claim 13, wherein the local controller is
configured to receive control information from a remote hub and to
modify the operation of a one or more of the camera module,
microphone module and sensor module based on information received
from the remote hub.
16. The device of claim 13, wherein the local controller is
configured to communicate with one or more other interactive
sensing and audio-visual node devices in a distributed computing
network, and to negotiate with the one or more other interactive
sensing and audio-visual node devices to modify the operation of
one or more of the camera module, microphone module and sensor
module.
17. The device of claim 13, further comprising a power line
communication (PLC) circuit coupled to the faceplate, the PLC
circuit configured to receive data from and transmit data on the
power line connected to the wall power input, the PLC circuit
connected to the local controller.
18. The device of claim 13, further comprising a USB port on the
faceplate.
19. The device of claim 13, further comprising a power over
Ethernet (PoE) output plug on the faceplate.
20. The device of claim 13, wherein the lens of the camera module
is a very wide-angle lens.
21. The device of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to
detect motion using the camera module.
22. The device of claim 13, wherein the sensor module comprises a
motion sensor.
23. The device of claim 13, wherein the faceplate is configured to
be mounted to an electrical box in a wall so that the faceplate
covers the opening into the electrical box.
24. The device of claim 13, further comprising a switch configured
to connect and disconnect power from the power line to a power
output.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority to the following
provisional patent applications: U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/949,918, filed Mar. 7, 2014, and titled "DIGITAL
THERMOSTAT, POWER OUTLET, AND LIGHT DIMMER;" U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/954,244, filed Mar. 17, 2014, and titled
"MANAGING AN ARRAY OF ANTENNAE OF AN ACCESS POINT;" and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/031,106, filed Jul. 30, 2014,
and titled "DEVICES AND METHODS FOR NETWORKED LIVING AND WORK
SPACES." Each of these patent applications is herein incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this
specification are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication or
patent application was specifically and individually indicated to
be incorporated by reference.
FIELD
[0003] This disclosure is generally related to networking and/or
automation of habitable structure. Described herein are
outlets/switches with sensor arrays (e.g., camera, speaker, etc.),
including `smart` outlets and switches. Also described herein are
outlets and switches, and adapters for standard outlets and
switches, that a may be fed by power line communication and may act
as wireless access points. Any of the switches and outlets
described herein may be used with a local hub to allow `smart`
monitoring and control of the habitable structure (e.g., a home
automation system), including network-controllable digital
thermostats, power outlets, and light dimmers.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Home automation, or smart homes, has enhanced the quality of
life of their users. A home automation system may enable
centralized control of lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and
air conditioning), appliances, and other systems, thus providing
improved convenience, comfort, energy efficiency, and security.
Some automation systems provide a way to automate the control of a
device based on timed or environmental factors, such as in an HVAC
unit or a sprinkler system. However, these typical automation
systems provide automated control for an individual type of
appliance, and the different automation systems do not interface
with one another to provide a complete home automation
solution.
[0005] In contrast, in a smart home, electrical devices/appliances
in the house are integrated together to provide convenience and a
better living experience for its users. Moreover, the
ubiquitousness of the Internet connection has also made it possible
for a user to monitor and/or control his home remotely. For
example, a true smart home may allow a user, while away from the
home, to monitor activities in his home; and remotely turn on/off
various home appliances, arm security measures, or track air
quality indicators. Monitoring and control of various aspects of
the habitable space, weather home, office or other types of spaces,
has long been the goal of smart home systems. Unfortunately, this
goal has proven difficult to achieve in practice. Currently
available and proposed smart systems have not been able to keep up
with an increasing number of components (e.g., sensors, controls,
and appliances) that could be monitored and controlled. Further,
even limited systems have proven to be expensive and difficult to
operate. Most significantly, such systems often require a great
deal of cost and effort to install, requiring wiring, including
pulling cable and modifications to building infrastructures which
make them difficult, if not impossible to use.
[0006] For example, typical home automation technologies are often
implemented using specially designed control and monitor devices
that that can be under the control of a third-party service. In the
example of the home surveillance system, the surveillance system
controller is connected to various specially designed sensors
and/or cameras provided by the service provider. When the home
owner contracts the service provider to install the service, the
service provider may sell or lease each controller and sensor to
the home owner at a premium. To make matters worse, the home owner
may also need to pay a monthly subscription fee to the service
provider to monitor and maintain the surveillance system. Hence,
installing and using these third-party systems can be a large
expense to users that prefer to install, configure, and monitor
their own home automation system.
[0007] In general, it would be beneficial to provide apparatuses
(e.g., systems and devices) that are capable of forming a network
for use in controlling and/or monitoring a habitable space (e.g.,
home, apartment, office, factory, etc.).
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] Described herein are devices, including switches, outlets
and adapters for switches and outlets, that may be used to form a
network of components as part of a smart (or automated) network.
Any of the components described herein may be used separately or in
any combination. In particular, any of the apparatuses described
herein may be used as part of a smart network for a habitable
space/structure.
[0009] For example, described herein are networks of various
sensors and controllers (nodes) that may form a `smart` wirelessly
connected habitable space (e.g., home, office, work, etc.) network.
Specific examples of smart networks are provided herein, and may
include a digital hub that receives information from each of
plurality of nodes, processes the information from the nodes, and
applies one or more rules based on sensed data, and in particular
combinations of sensed data. The digital hub may connect to an
external server (e.g., a cloud computing), or be part of a cloud
computing service. One or more access devices, such as smartphones,
tablets, computers, etc. may connect to the smart network,
including the hub. Thus, described herein are the devices,
including a digital hub and a variety of different nodes that can
communicate with the hub, as well as methods of operating them and
methods of securing connecting them. In addition, any of the node
devices described herein may be operated independently (e.g., as
stand-alone devices) without requiring a digital hub. Any of the
nodes described herein may also be operated as a local network
without a digital hub (e.g., as a MESH network).
[0010] Also described herein are wireless access points that
integrate directly with electrical outlets or wall switches and
provide wireless connectivity to devices within a space via power
line communication to a local area network, and may be referred to
as power receptacle wireless access point (AP) devices or systems.
These devices and systems may allow establishing multiple Wi-Fi
access points (APs) thorough out an existing structure without
requiring any additional cabling (e.g., Ethernet cabling). For
example, a "standard" outlet or light switch may be converted into
an AP, wirelessly transmitting and received Wi-Fi signals and
converting these signals for transmission via power line
communication on the power line to a virtual switch that is also
connected to the local power line. These converted outlets/light
switches may also include one or more dedicated Ethernet ports or
outlets, including PoE ports. Any of the power receptacle wireless
access point (AP) devices and system described herein may also be
integrated or included with the smart home networks described
herein.
[0011] In general, the smart home networks are formed of a
plurality of sensing and audio-visual nodes distributed throughout
a habitable structure. Although the networks may be referred to as
smart "home" networks or automated home networks, they may be
applied in any habitable structure, including houses, apartments,
commercial spaces, offices, factories, or the like. The nodes
described herein are configured to wirelessly connect and may be
adapted to interface with entertainment (e.g., music, video, etc.)
libraries. In general, any of the smart networks described herein
may include a digital hub receiving and processing information from
each of the nodes.
[0012] Although smart homes (automated homes) have been described
before, such systems are typically relatively one-dimensional; they
include controls, timers and in some cases sensors (e.g., motion
detectors, etc.) that can be programmed to act automatically, for
example, to turn on or off an appliance at a certain schedule. What
is missing is the higher dimensional functionality that may be
possible when receiving information in a number of different data
streams (e.g., different sensing modalities) for different
locations within a structure. The digital hubs described herein may
be operated with one or nodes (including the nodes described
herein) to integrate information from a plurality of different data
streams and make higher-level decisions based on these data
streams.
[0013] For example, described herein are digital hub devices for
communicating with and processing data from a plurality of sensing
and audio-visual nodes distributed throughout a habitable
structure, the device comprising: a base housing; a wireless module
(comprising circuitry for operating as a wireless transmitter
and/or receiver) within the housing; a processor within the
housing, wherein the processor is programmed to: receive data from
the plurality of sensing and audiovisual nodes distributed
throughout the habitable structure; parse the received data into a
plurality of data streams, wherein each data stream corresponds to
a pre-defined parameter and includes data related to that
parameter, wherein data within each data stream is associated with
a location relative to the habitable structure; monitor the
plurality of data streams to determine if one or more parameter
values from one or more (e.g., a plurality) of the data streams
meets a triggering condition for applying a rule; and apply the
rule when the triggering condition is met; and a memory coupled to
the processor storing trigger conditions and rules.
[0014] A digital hub device for communicating with and processing
data from a plurality of sensing and audio-visual nodes distributed
at different locations throughout a habitable structure may
include: a base housing; a wireless module within the housing; a
display on an outer surface of the base housing; a processor within
the housing, wherein the processor is programmed to: receive data
from the plurality of sensing and audiovisual nodes distributed at
different locations throughout the habitable structure; parse the
received data into a plurality of data streams, wherein each data
stream corresponds to a pre-defined parameter and wherein data
within each data stream is associated with a location relative to
the habitable structure, further wherein at least two of the
parameters are selected from the group comprising: temperature,
motion, humidity, sound, smoke concentration, CO2 concentration,
NO2 concentration, CO concentration, electrical current, light
intensity, volatile organic compound concentration, and combustible
gas concentration; analyze the plurality of data streams to
determine occupancy of each location; monitor the plurality of data
streams to determine if one or more parameter values from one or
more of the data streams meets a triggering condition for applying
a rule; and apply the rule when the triggering condition is met;
and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing trigger
conditions and rules.
[0015] In some variations, a digital hub device for communicating
with and processing data from a plurality of sensing and
audio-visual nodes distributed at different locations throughout a
habitable structure, the device comprising: a base housing; a
wireless module within the housing; a display on an outer surface
of the base housing; a processor within the housing, wherein the
processor is programmed to: receive data from the plurality of
sensing and audiovisual nodes distributed at different locations
throughout the habitable structure; parse the received data into a
plurality of data streams, including an air quality data stream, a
temperature data stream, a visual data stream, and an audio data
stream; monitor the air quality data stream to determine air
quality at each of a plurality of locations relative to the
habitable structure, and trigger an alert if the air quality falls
outside of a predetermined air quality threshold range; monitor the
temperature data stream to determine the temperature at each of a
plurality of locations relative to the habitable structure, compare
the temperature at each of the plurality of locations to a
predetermined set temperature or set temperature range, and trigger
a temperature adjustment based on the comparison; and determine
occupancy of each region of the structure using the visual data
stream, the audio data stream or the visual data stream and audio
data stream for each of the plurality of different locations
relative to the structure.
[0016] A digital hub device may generally include a connector on
the base housing configured to connect to a data storage expansion
unit. Thus, the hub may be modular, allowing expansion of the
storage and/or processing by stacking (or otherwise adding)
additional modules. The digital hub may also include a display
(e.g., a screen, touchscreen, etc.) on an outer surface of the
device.
[0017] In general, the hub processor may be programmed to parse the
received data into the plurality of data streams, wherein each data
stream corresponds to a pre-defined parameter. Parameters may be
selected from the group comprising: temperature, motion, humidity,
sound, smoke concentration, CO.sub.2 concentration, NO.sub.2
concentration, CO concentration, electrical current, light
intensity, volatile organic compound concentration, and combustible
gas concentration. Each parameter typically corresponds to the
sensed information. Additional (second order) parameters may be
derived by the node from the sensed data, including combinations of
sensed data. An example of parameters may include motion (e.g.,
from video data), occupancy (e.g., from audio, motion/video data,
etc.) or the like.
[0018] The processor may be programmed to communicate with an
outside processor (e.g., smartphone, tablet, PC, etc.) such as a
handheld device, to display information about the parameters based
on the received data. The processor may be further programmed to
apply the rule by transmitting control instructions using the
wireless module to one or more elements within the habitable
structure. The processor may be programmed to apply the rule by
transmitting an alert, using the wireless module, to an emergency
services provider (e.g., ambulance, police, fire, etc.). The
processor may be further programmed to apply the rule by
transmitting an alert, using the wireless module, to a registered
user. The processor may be configured to receive input from a user
for modifying or adding to the trigger conditions and rules.
[0019] Also described herein are methods of communicating with and
processing data from a plurality of sensing and audio-visual nodes
distributed at different locations throughout a habitable structure
at a digital hub, the method comprising: receiving in a digital
hub, data from the plurality of sensing and audiovisual nodes
distributed throughout the habitable structure; parsing, in the
digital hub, the received data into a plurality of data streams,
wherein each data stream corresponds to a pre-defined parameter and
includes data related to that parameter, wherein data within each
data stream is associated with a location relative to the habitable
structure; monitoring, in the digital hub, the plurality of data
streams to determine if one or more parameter values from one or
more of the data streams meets a triggering condition for applying
a rule; and applying the rule when the triggering condition is
met.
[0020] As mentioned above, a hub may be used with a node, to
receive data and/or to execute a rule. For example, a node may
include one or more sensors and/or one or more actuators. A node
may generally be configured to be a wall-mounted, floor-mounted or
ceiling-mounted device that includes one or more sensors and
communicates wirelessly with the hub. In some variations the node
may communicate with other nodes, and/or may be operated without a
hub.
[0021] For example, a node may be a wall-mounted, interactive
sensing and audio-visual node device for a networked living/working
space. The node device may include: a faceplate having an outer
surface; a camera module comprising a lens mounted in the
faceplate; a microphone module mounted to faceplate; at least one
sensor module mounted on the faceplate, the sensor module
comprising one or more sensors selected from: a smoke detector, a
CO detector, a combustible gas sensor, a temperature sensor, a
humidity sensor, a CO2 detector, dust sensor; a NO2 sensor, a
formaldehyde sensor, and a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor;
a wireless module configured to wirelessly transmit and receive
data; a local controller configured to process information to and
from the camera module, microphone module, and sensor module,
wherein the local controller encodes and prioritizes information
from each of the camera module, microphone module, and sensor
module for transmission on the wireless module, and controls each
of camera module, microphone module, and sensor module based on
information received by the wireless transmitter and receiver; a
wall power input configured to connect to a power line and to
distribute power from the power line to each of the camera module,
microphone module, sensor module, wireless module and local
controller; wherein the faceplate is configured to be mounted to a
wall so that the outer surface of the faceplate faces away from the
wall.
[0022] Any of the nodes described herein may be wired directly to
the electrical wiring of the structure (residence, office, etc.).
For example, a wall-mounted, interactive sensing and audio-visual
node device for a networked living/working space may include: a
faceplate having an outer surface; a camera module comprising a
lens mounted in the faceplate; a display module, comprising a touch
screen, mounted on the faceplate; a microphone module mounted to
faceplate; a speaker module having an output mounted on the
faceplate; at least one sensor module mounted on the faceplate, the
sensor module comprising one or more sensors selected from: a smoke
detector, a CO detector, a combustible gas sensor, a temperature
sensor, a humidity sensor, a CO2 detector, dust sensor; a NO2
sensor, a formaldehyde sensor, and a volatile organic compound
(VOC) sensor; a wireless module configured to wirelessly transmit
and receive data; a local controller configured to process
information to and from the camera module, display module, speaker
module, microphone module and sensor module, wherein the local
controller encodes and prioritizes information from each of the
camera module, display module, speaker module, microphone module
and sensor module for transmission on the wireless transmitter and
receiver, and controls each of camera module, display module,
speaker module, microphone module and sensor module based on
information received by the wireless transmitter and receiver; a
wall power input configured to connect to a power line and to
distribute power from the power line to each of the camera module,
display module, speaker module, microphone module and sensor
module, wireless module and local controller; wherein the faceplate
is configured to be mounted to a wall so that the outer surface of
the faceplate faces away from the wall.
[0023] The device may be incorporated as part of a light switch
and/or power outlet. Any of these devices may include an opening
through the faceplate for a light switch. The device of claim 1 or
2, wherein the local controller is configured to receive control
information from a remote hub and to modify the operation of a one
or more of the camera module, microphone module and sensor module
based on information received from the remote hub.
[0024] The local controller may be configured to communicate with
one or more other interactive sensing and audio-visual node devices
in a distributed computing network, and to negotiate with the one
or more other interactive sensing and audio-visual node devices to
modify the operation of one or more of the camera module,
microphone module and sensor module.
[0025] Any of these devices may include a power line communication
(PLC) circuit. For example, the PLC circuit may be coupled to the
faceplate, and configured to receive data from and transmit data on
the power line connected to the wall power input, the PLC circuit
connected to the local controller.
[0026] Any of these node devices may also include a USB port on the
faceplate and/or an Ethernet connection on the faceplate. For
example, the node may include a power over Ethernet (PoE) output
plug on the faceplate.
[0027] In general, the lens of the camera module may be a very
wide-angle lens. This may allow visualizing of greater than
120.degree. of view relative to the faceplate. The controller may
be configured to detect motion using the camera module. The sensor
module may comprise a motion sensor. Alternatively a separate
motion sensor may be included.
[0028] The faceplate may be configured to be mounted to an
electrical box in a wall so that the faceplate covers the opening
into the electrical box. For example, as mentioned above, the node
may be used as a faceplate for an electrical wall outlet or switch
(light switch) and may be adapted to include or allow passage of
one or more outlets or switches. For example, the faceplate may be
adapted to replace a traditional faceplate of a switch and/or
outlet (for example, the node may include a switch, such as a light
switch, configured to connect and disconnect power from the power
line to a power output). In some variations the node includes an
integrate outlet and/or switch and can replace the entire outlet
and/or switch in the electrical box, rather than just covering it.
However, in some variations the node components (modules) are
compactly arranged on the faceplate so that they node can replace a
traditional faceplate of a switch or outlet.
[0029] Any of the nodes described above may also be configured as
wireless access points, which may connect (e.g., via an Ethernet
connection and/or by a PLC circuit) to a router forming a local
area network (LAN).
[0030] In addition, also described herein are switches/outlets that
are wireless access points fed by power line communication. These
device may not be nodes (e.g., do not include one or more sensors),
though they may be used over or in place of a traditional wall
outlet/switch. For example, a power receptacle wireless access
point (AP) device may include: a wall power input configured to
connect to a power line; a power line communication (PLC) circuit,
the PLC circuit configured to receive data from and transmit data
on a power line connected to the wall power input; at least one
antenna; a wireless AP circuit connected to the PLC circuit, the
wireless AP configured to receive data from the PLC circuit and to
wirelessly transmit the data using the at least one antenna, and
further configured to receive wireless data on the at least one
antenna and to transmit the received data to the PLC circuit; and a
mount configured to mount the device in or over an electrical
box.
[0031] A power receptacle wireless access point (AP) device may
include: a wall power input configured to connect to a power line;
a power line communication (PLC) circuit, the PLC circuit
configured to receive data from and transmit data on a power line
connected to the wall power input; at least one antenna; a wireless
AP circuit connected to the PLC circuit, the wireless AP configured
to receive data from the PLC circuit and to wirelessly transmit the
data using the at least one antenna, and further configured to
receive wireless data on the at least one antenna and to transmit
the received data to the PLC circuit; an electrical power outlet
configured to receive electrical power from the power line and
provide electrical power to a plug connected to the electrical
power outlet; and a mount configured to mount the device in an
electrical box.
[0032] A power receptacle wireless access point (AP) device, the
device comprising: a wall power input configured to connect to a
power line; a power line communication (PLC) circuit, the PLC
circuit configured to receive data from and transmit data on a
power line connected to the wall power input; at least one antenna;
a wireless AP circuit connected to the PLC circuit and to the at
least one antenna, the wireless AP configured to receive data from
the PLC circuit and to wirelessly transmit the data using the at
least one antenna, and further configured to receive wireless data
from the at least one antenna and to transmit the received data to
the PLC circuit for transmission on the power line; and a faceplate
configured to fit over an electrical box, wherein the wireless AP
circuit, antenna and power line communication circuit are connected
to the faceplate.
[0033] Any of the PLC circuits and the wireless AP circuits for the
power receptacle wireless access point devices described herein may
receive power from the wall power input. In general, the PLC
circuit may comprise a demodulator configured to demodulate a data
signal from the power line and/or a modulator configured to
modulate a data signal for transmission on the power line.
[0034] As mentioned, any of the devices described herein (including
the power receptacle wireless access point devices, may be
configured to include one or more electrical power outlet
configured to receive electrical power from the power line, so that
another device requiring power can be plugged into the power
outlet. In some variations the power receptacle wireless access
point (AP) device may be configured as a faceplate to go over a
standard power outlet, and connect to the power line, so that an
integrated power outlet is not necessary.
[0035] As also mentioned above, any of the devices described herein
(including the power receptacle wireless access point devices) can
be configured to include a light switch (including a manual/toggle
style switch, a three-way switch (or other multi-way switch), a
touch switch, a dimmer switch, or the like. Thus, the device may
include a switch configured to connect power from the power line to
a power output; the power outlet may be connected to a light and/or
other fixture, including a power outlet.
[0036] In general, any of the devices (and particularly the power
receptacle wireless access point devices) described herein may
include a housing configured to house the PLC circuit, antenna and
wireless AP circuit, and any other components. Any of the power
receptacle wireless access point devices may also include a
faceplate configured to fit over an electrical box in a
wall/ceiling/floor, wherein the wireless AP circuit, antenna and
power line communication circuit are connected to the
faceplate.
[0037] The antenna in the power receptacle wireless access point
device may be any appropriate antenna for establishing a wireless
access point, and may include multiple antennas, such as a
transmission antenna and a receiving antenna, or the like. For
example, the at least one antenna may be a Wi-Fi antenna. In
general, the AP circuit may include any components necessary for
establishing a Wi-Fi access point, including a wireless radio,
transceiver, Wi-Fi controller, and the like. For example, the
wireless AP circuit may include a Wi-Fi radio circuit.
[0038] Any of the devices described herein and particularly the
power receptacle wireless access point devices, may include an
Ethernet (PoE) output plug into which an Ethernet cable can be
plugged. Thus, the outlets described herein may also provide a
wired connection to the AP through such an Ethernet plug, and may
provide PoE to a connected device.
[0039] In any variations described herein, the power receptacle
wireless access point devices may be adapted to be placed into a
standard-sized power box inserted into a wall, floor or ceiling.
The power receptacle wireless access point device may be
retrofitted into an existing power outlet or power switch and may
be sized to fit a standard electrical box for a power outlet/power
switch. In variations in which the power receptacle wireless access
point device includes a faceplate for covering the power box, the
device may include a mount (e.g., screws, etc.) for securing over a
power box, including securing to an existing power outlet. For
example, a mount may be a screw and/or an opening for a screw, to
which the device may be coupled. In variations in which the
faceplate comprises an opening for an electrical outlet (e.g. the
power receptacle wireless access point device is applied over an
existing outlet), the faceplate may be configured to screw into the
outlet and/or box, or separate to the wall. The circuitry within
the power receptacle wireless access point (AP) device in this
example may be configured to fit around the existing outlet,
including recessing into the power box and/or extending out of the
wall away from the outlet.
[0040] In addition to variations in which the power receptacle
wireless access point (AP) adapter device is configured to connect
into a wall, floor or ceiling (e.g., in a standard power box), also
described herein are power receptacle wireless access point devices
in which the devices are configured as power strips that may plug
into an existing outlet, or plug adapters/extenders (e.g., 3 prong
to 2 prong plug adapters, etc.). For example, a power receptacle
wireless access point (AP) device may include: a wall power input
configured to connect to a power line comprising a plug configured
to insert into a wall outlet; a power line communication (PLC)
circuit, the PLC circuit configured to receive data from and
transmit data on a power line connected to the wall power input; at
least one antenna; a wireless AP circuit connected to the PLC
circuit, the wireless AP configured to receive data from the PLC
circuit and to wirelessly transmit the data using the at least one
antenna, and further configured to receive wireless data on the at
least one antenna and to transmit the received data to the PLC
circuit. The power receptacle wireless access point device may also
include a plurality of electrical power outlets configured to
receive electrical power from the power line and provide electrical
power to a plug connected any of the electrical power outlets.
[0041] Also described herein are specific examples of networks of
various sensors and controllers (nodes) that may form a `smart`
wirelessly connected habitable space, including or configured as
thermostats or temperature controllers.
[0042] For example, described herein are networked digital
thermostats that monitor one or more network-accessible sensors to
control a heating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. During
operation, the digital thermostat can select a zone to monitor, and
obtains temperature measurements from one or more
network-accessible temperature sensors associated with the selected
zone. The digital thermostat then adjusts the zone's temperature
based on the obtained temperature measurements.
[0043] In some example, the devices/systems described herein
include node that is configured to sense and/or control power at an
electrical outlet. For example, a system may include a networked
power outlet device that can monitor an energy output from an
outlet port. During operation, the power outlet device can select
an outlet port to monitor, and measures energy output from the
port. The system also analyzes triggering conditions for one or
more rules to identify a rule triggered by the outlet port's energy
output, and performs the identified rule's action description.
[0044] As mentioned above, in some variations, the system includes
a node that monitors/controls a light switch or other power switch.
For example, any of the variations described herein may include a
networked light-dimmer device that comprises a touch-screen
interface that accepts touch-screen gestures as input for
controlling one or more light fixtures. During operation, the
light-dimmer device can determine a gesture performed by a user on
the touch-screen interface, and determines a target output lighting
level based on the gesture. The light-dimmer device then configures
an energy level for a target light fixture based on the target
output lighting level.
[0045] Also described herein are integrated power line
communication (PLC) adapter/data power cable devices. Any of these
devices may generally include PLC adapters that also provide
cabling and connection directly to a specific networking device.
The PLC adapter may be integral with the cable, and may be
positioned near the proximal end of the cable/cord, opposite the
end that plugs into an electrical outlet. For example, a PLC
adapter/data power cable device may include: a wall power plug
configured to connect to wall power outlet; an elongate power cord
coupled to the wall power plug at a distal end of the elongate
power cord; an adapter housing coupled to the elongate power cord
near a proximal end of the elongate power cord; a PLC circuit
within the adapter housing, the PLC circuit configured to receive
data from and transmit data on a power line connected to the wall
power plug; a power connector at the proximal end of the device,
the power connector configured to connect to a power inlet of a
networking device; and an Ethernet connector coupled to the adapter
and connected to the PLC circuit to transmit and receive the
data.
[0046] In some variations, the integrated power line communication
(PLC) adapter/data power cable device may include: an elongate
length of power cord; a plug at the distal end of the elongate
length of power cord; an adapter housing integrated into the
cabling within 24 inches of the proximal end of the elongate length
of power cord; a PCL circuit within the adapter housing comprising
a modem configured to transmit and receive a data signal on a power
signal; an Ethernet connector coupled to the adapter housing and
connected to the PLC circuit to transmit and received the data
signal; and a power connector extending from the proximal end of
the device and configured to mate with a power port on a networking
device.
[0047] For example, an adapter housing may be integrally mounted to
the elongate power cord. The adapter housing may be within 24
inches (e.g., within 20 inches, 18 inches, 16 inches, 14 inches, 12
inches, 11 inches, 10 inches, 9 inches, 8 inches, 7 inches, 6
inches, 5 inches, 4 inches, 3 inches, 2 inches, 1 inch, etc.) of
the proximal end of the elongate power cord.
[0048] The Ethernet connector may include an Ethernet port on the
adapter housing. For example, the Ethernet connector may comprise
an Ethernet cable extending from the adapter housing. The adapter
housing may further include an AC adapter circuit configured to
convert AC wall power received from the plug at the distal end of
the elongate power cord into DC power at the power connector
extending from the proximal end of the device.
[0049] Also described herein are methods to connect a networking
device to a power line communication (PLC) network, e.g., using any
of the devices described herein. For example a method of connecting
a networking device to a power line communication (PLC) network may
include: connecting a plug at a distal end of an integrated PLC
adapter/data power cable device to a power outlet coupled to a line
power; connecting a power connector extending from a proximal end
of the integrated PLC adapter/data power cable device to a power
port on a networking device; connecting an Ethernet cable in
communication with a PLC circuit within an adapter housing near a
proximal end of the integrated PLC adapter/data power cable device
to an Ethernet port on the networking device; and transmitting
signals encoded on the line power and decoded by the PLC circuit to
the networking device through the Ethernet cable.
[0050] Connecting the plug may include connecting the plug to a
wall outlet. Connecting the power connector may comprise plugging
the proximal end of the integrated PLC adapter/data power cable
device into the power port of the networking device.
[0051] Power may be supplied to the networking device using the
same cord (integrated PLC adapter/data power cable), which may
convert, in the adapter housing, the line power from AC to DC for
supplying to the networking device through the power port of the
networking device.
[0052] Connecting the Ethernet cable may include connecting a first
end of the Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on the adapter
housing and connecting a second end of the Ethernet cable to an
Ethernet port on the networking device.
[0053] Data may be transmitted in both directions (e.g., to/from
the networking device) using this method. For example, a method may
include receiving signals from the networking device through the
Ethernet cable, encoding the received signals and transmitting the
signals on the line power.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] The novel features of the invention are set forth with
particularity in the claims that follow. A better understanding of
the features and advantages of the present invention will be
obtained by reference to the following detailed description that
sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the
invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
[0055] FIG. 1A illustrates one example of a networked "smart" home
including a plurality of nodes reporting to a digital hub, as
described herein.
[0056] FIG. 1B is a variation of the system used in a home setting.
FIG. 1B is a flowchart illustrating a method for FIG. 1A.
[0057] FIG. 1C illustrates one variation of a digital hub
configured to receive data streams from multiple sensor nodes
throughout a structure.
[0058] FIGS. 2A and 2B show one variation of a digital hub
operating in a thermostat mode.
[0059] FIGS. 2C and 2D show top and bottom views, respectively, of
the digital hub of FIG. 2A and 2B.
[0060] FIGS. 2E and 2F illustrate an exemplary digital hub
operating in a thermostat mode including a user interface (UI).
FIGS. 2E and 2F also illustrate a UI display for adjusting a
thermostat temperature setting.
[0061] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary digital hub
operating as a thermostat.
[0062] FIGS. 4A-4C are process flow charts illustrating methods for
detecting sensing devices using a digital hub. FIG. 4A is a flow
chart illustrating a method for detecting temperature-sensing
devices of a computer network. FIG. 4B is a flow chart illustrating
a method for detecting motion-sensing devices of a computer
network. FIG. 4C is a flow chart illustrating a method for
controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
system.
[0063] FIGS. 5A-G illustrate view of a node configured as a power
outlet node for monitoring and/or controlling power through the
outlet(s). FIG. 5A illustrates a power outlet node. FIG. 5B
illustrates a side view of an exemplary faceplate. FIG. 5C
illustrates an exemplary power outlet node. FIG. 5D illustrates a
side view of an exemplary faceplate. FIG. 5E illustrates a
variation of a power outlet node. FIG. 5F illustrates a side view
of a faceplate. FIG. 5G illustrates a variation of a power outlet
node.
[0064] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary power outlet
node.
[0065] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an exemplary power
outlet node.
[0066] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for processing
a measurement from a power outlet node.
[0067] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method for
initializing a power outlet node.
[0068] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary light dimmer node.
[0069] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an exemplary light dimmer
node.
[0070] FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of an exemplary light
dimmer node.
[0071] FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method for processing
a user input for adjusting a brightness level.
[0072] FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method for
automatically adjusting an operation mode to accommodate a light
fixture.
[0073] FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate variations of nodes configured as
an integrated sensor panel.
[0074] FIGS. 15D-15F illustrate variations of systems using an
integrated sensor panel node.
[0075] FIG. 15G illustrates a functional block diagram according to
FIGS. 15A-15F.
[0076] FIGS. 15H-15K show exemplary displays for the wall-mounted
interactive sensing and audio-visual nodes shown in FIGS.
15A-15C.
[0077] FIGS. 16A-16B illustrate a standard (prior art) power outlet
and faceplate.
[0078] FIGS. 16C-16F illustrate one variation of a power receptacle
wireless access point (AP) device (node).
[0079] FIGS. 16G-16J illustrate another variation of a power
receptacle wireless access point (AP) device (node).
[0080] FIGS. 16K1 and 16L illustrate another variation of a power
receptacle wireless access point (AP) device (node).
[0081] FIG. 16K2 illustrates the variation of FIGS. 16K1 and 16L
installed on an existing electrical outlet.
[0082] FIG. 16M is another variation of a power receptacle wireless
access point (AP) device (node).
[0083] FIG. 16N is a block diagram for one variation of a power
receptacle wireless access point (AP) device (node).
[0084] FIG. 16o is a schematic of one variation of a PLC circuit,
AP circuit and antenna for a power receptacle wireless access point
(AP) device (node).
[0085] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate variations of systems using
power receptacle wireless access point (AP) devices.
[0086] FIGS. 17C-17E illustrate one variation of an antenna emitter
(feed) portion of an antenna for RF transmission that may be
connected to a wireless AP circuit (which may also connect to the
PLC circuit). The antenna is configured to wirelessly transmit RF
signals to/from the wireless AP circuit for transmission to/from
the PLC circuit.
[0087] FIGS. 18A-18E illustrate variations of systems including one
or more distributed nodes, including power receptacle wireless
access point (AP) device nodes, within different habitable
spaces.
[0088] FIGS. 19A and 19B show one variation of a power receptacle
wireless access point (AP) device configured as an adapter.
[0089] FIG. 20A shows one variation of an integrated PLC
adapter/data power cable connected to a network-enabled device
(computer) providing both power and connection to a PLC
network.
[0090] FIG. 20B shows another example of an integrated PLC
adapter/data power cable connected to a network-enabled device
(switch) providing both power and connection to a PLC network.
[0091] FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate top and side views,
respectively of another example of an integrated PLC adapter/data
power cable.
[0092] FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate top views of additional
examples of integrated PLC adapter/data power cables as described
herein.
[0093] FIGS. 23A-23C illustrate views of an adapter region of
integrated PLC adapter/data power cables as described herein.
[0094] FIG. 24 shows one variation of an integrated PLC
adapter/data power cable connected to a power line and the front of
a network-enabled device, similar to FIG. 20B.
[0095] FIGS. 25A-25B show front and side views, respectively, of
one variation of an integrated PLC power outlet.
[0096] FIG. 25C is another variation of a side view of an
integrated PLC power outlet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0097] In general, described herein are devices and systems for
monitoring, controlling, and networking a habitable structure such
as a home/residence, office, laboratory, hotel, factory, commercial
building, or the like. The system and devices described herein
include a variety of "nodes" which may act as either autonomous,
networked, or slaved sensors and/or actuators for monitoring one
(or preferably more) parameter and wirelessly communicating the
parameter(s) to other nodes and/or a digital hub, and/or wirelessly
receiving control instruction to control one or more attached
devices. A node may generally be mounted in or to a wall, ceiling
or floor, for directly connecting to a power line in the structure.
The node may be retrofitted into a power box and/or power outlet,
light switch, phone jack, or the like. In some variations the node
may be configured to include or fit around/over a power outlet
and/or switch (e.g., light switch), or to replace an existing
outlet and/or switch. In some variations, the node may include a
faceplate for a power box (e.g., light switch or outlet face place)
and may be attached or mounted to the power box. Some of the nodes
described herein are surface-mounting but do not install (or
require installation) into a power box or connect directly to a
power line. For example, any of these nodes may be configured to be
battery powered and/or separately wired.
[0098] In general, the nodes described herein may include one or
(more preferably) a plurality of sensors for detecting and/or
monitoring one or more parameters. Parameters may include:
temperature, motion, humidity, sound, smoke concentration, CO.sub.2
concentration, NO.sub.2 concentration, CO concentration, electrical
current (and/or electrical resistivity, voltage, etc.), light
intensity, volatile organic compound concentration, and combustible
gas concentration. Any of the nodes described herein may generally
include video camera (which may be included instead or in addition
to a motion sensor), and/or audio detector (microphone). In
addition to these sensor inputs, any of the nodes described herein
may also or alternatively include one or more outputs, including a
speaker (or any other audio output), video (including touch screens
or the like), LEDs, etc.
[0099] Any of the nodes described herein may also include one or
more user inputs, such as switches, toggles, sliders, buttons,
levers, or the like. The user output and user input may be
combined, e.g., a touchscreen.
[0100] In general, the nodes described herein may include one or
more wireless communication modules, for wirelessly sending and
receiving information, including the sensor information/data and/or
control information. For example, any of the devices described
herein may be configured for wirelessly connecting via Wi-Fi (or
Bluetooth, etc.). The wireless module may include one or more
antennas and associated control circuitry for wirelessly
communicating. In some variations the nodes described herein
include a power line communication (PLC) circuit configured to
receive data from and transmit data on a power line connected to
the wall power input. A PLC circuit may be included in addition to
or instead of the wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi) communication module.
[0101] Any of the nodes described herein may be referred to as
wall-mounted, interactive sensing and audio-visual nodes (or node
devices). Such nodes may generally include an outer surface that
may be exposed to a room of a habitable space. The outer surface
may be the outer surface of a faceplate, e.g., configured to cover
a power box, or an outer surface of a housing that may be mounted
to a wall (as used herein "wall" may refer to any surface of a
room, including floor and ceiling, unless the context specifies
otherwise). For example, a node (e.g., wall-mounted, interactive
sensing and audio-visual node), may include a faceplate having an
outer surface, a camera module comprising a lens mounted in the
faceplate, a microphone module mounted to faceplate; a speaker
module mounted to the faceplate; at least one sensor module mounted
on the faceplate, the sensor module comprising one or more sensors
selected from: a smoke detector, a CO detector, a combustible gas
sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a CO.sub.2
detector, dust sensor; a NO.sub.2 sensor, a formaldehyde sensor,
and a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor; a wireless module
configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data; a local
controller configured to process information to and from the camera
module, microphone module, and sensor module, wherein the local
controller encodes and prioritizes information from each of the
camera module, microphone module, and sensor module for
transmission on the wireless module, and controls each of camera
module, microphone module, and sensor module based on information
received by the wireless transmitter and receiver; and a wall power
input configured to connect to a power line and to distribute power
from the power line to each of the camera module, microphone
module, sensor module, wireless module and local controller. As
mentioned, the faceplate may be configured to be mounted to a wall
so that the outer surface of the faceplate faces away from the
wall.
[0102] In general, the nodes described herein may be used as part
of a smart home, and may communicate with a digital hub that can
receive and analyze the multiple types of data streams and provide
control information among the nodes and/or to a user or third party
based on the data streams. The different types of data streams may
include lighting (light intensity), video (wide-angle video
monitoring, motion sensing, etc.), sound (audio, ultrasound, etc.),
air quality (smoke, CO2, NO2, CO, etc.) or the like. In general,
the hub, which may be referred to as a digital hub, receives data
streams from each of the nodes and may process the data streams to
determine one or more parameters. In particular, the devices
described herein may combine information from a plurality of data
streams to derive information. The derived information and/or the
data stream information from the sensors may be monitored and may
trigger one or more actions. In general, the nodes typically
transmit both the information from the individual sensor(s) as well
as identifying (e.g., location) information. The hub may include a
map of the identifying information indicating the spatial
relationship between various nodes (zones, regions, rooms,
etc.).
[0103] The digital hub may generally reside within the structure
being monitored, and may communicate with one or more outside
devices (e.g., cloud computing). In some variations the hub is a
virtual hub that resides off-site (e.g., in a cloud computing
environment). In general, any of the nodes described herein may be
securely networked with the hub (e.g., registered); the network may
be closed, encrypted, secured, or the like.
[0104] In general, the digital hub may be accessed by a user (e.g.,
homeowner, etc.) either locally (at the hub) where a physical
digital hub is present, or remotely (e.g., via a laptop, phone,
pad, desktop computer, etc.). The digital hub may be programmable
or controllable, and may include software/firmware/hardware (or any
combination thereof) that allows a user to access and control the
digital hub, including providing rules or instructions to the hub.
In some variations the hub may be pre-set with a predefined set of
rules so that a user does not need to program the device but may
have the option to customize the device. For example, in some
variations the hub may be adapted to operate as (among other
things) a smart thermostat that is configured to maintain the
temperature within a habitable structure within desired ranges. The
temperature ranges and energy efficiency settings may be preset to
optimize comfort and energy efficiency, and may include deriving
habitation in certain room regions based on one or more additional
data streams (in addition to temperature and/or humidity data
streams), such as light sensors, noise and/or motion (video)
sensors, etc.
[0105] For example, a digital hub device for communicating with and
processing data from a plurality of sensing and audio-visual nodes
distributed throughout a habitable structure may generally include
a processor that is programmed to: receive data from the plurality
of sensing and audiovisual nodes distributed throughout the
habitable structure; parse the received data into a plurality of
data streams, wherein each data stream corresponds to a pre-defined
parameter and includes data related to that parameter, wherein data
within each data stream is associated with a location relative to
the habitable structure; monitor the plurality of data streams to
determine if one or more parameter values from one or more of the
data streams meets a triggering condition for applying a rule; and
apply the rule when the triggering condition is met.
[0106] FIG. 1A and illustrates one example of a smart home, that is
networked to allow monitoring, control and automation. In FIG. 1A,
the system is shown used in a home setting. As mentioned, it may be
used in any habitable structure (or multiple structures). In this
example, a digital hub 1908 provides central control to deployed
devices. Deployed devices can access the nodes, including
environmental controls, e.g. lighting 1912, heating, air
conditioning, thermostats 1920, hot water heaters, and gas
detectors 1902. The deployed devices may monitor usage of the
environmental controls, e.g. energy consumption or time. Deployed
node devices may include multi-sensory node devices 1904, power
outlets 1906, window sensors 1918, automated locks 1916, doorbells
1914, and the like. The user may access the digital hub 1908,
(which may include a user display) either locally or remotely,
through smartphones, tablets, and computers.
[0107] In another variation, each room may include a node having a
light sensor or integrated sensor panel connected into the
established network. The digital hub may receive the light sensor
signal (and any additional sensor data) as a data stream that
includes information identifying the source (node) of the data, and
may adjust the environmental parameters based on the light sensor
signal. Rather than lights being turned on at a set time, as in
typical security scenarios, the lights are turned if there is
insufficient lighting--a more realistic homeowner in residence
scenario. The hub may also include processing to determine
occupancy of the room, e.g., based on extrapolating from the data
stream (e.g., motion sensing, infrared camera, sound, etc.) and may
adjust lighting based on the occupancy as well.
[0108] Any of the nodes incorporated as part of the network forming
the smart home may include one or more actuator for controlling a
device connected to or through the node. For example, when the
nodes is a power outlet/light switch, the power supplied by the
outlet/switch may be regulated by commands provided from the node.
This may allow control of remote device. Alternatively a device
(e.g., stereo, computer, television, etc.) may be directly
connected as a node and my wirelessly connect to the hub.
[0109] For example, devices requiring adult supervision are
inserted into the access points. These devices include but are not
limited to computers, stereos, televisions, etc. Remotely from a
smartphone, a parent can limit access to media devices or adjust
the sound level. Alternatively, the digital hub may be programmed
to initialize the household devices in a desired order in the event
of a power disruption or to keep off line devices sensitive to
electrical spikes until the user has returned home.
[0110] In another variation, node devices may be registered to the
cloud and can be accessed, monitor, and/or controlled through the
cloud. As shown in FIG. 1B, in step 1902, the device requests
control of the network through the cloud. In step 1904, the device
receives permission. In step 1906, it is determined if any
application or application updates are required. If yes, in step
1908, the device acquires any needed application updates. In step
1910, status updates of devices on the network are requested and
received. In step 1912, commands based on the status updates are
issued. The commands may be user initiated.
[0111] FIG. 1C shows one example of a digital hub that may be used.
In this example, the digital hub includes a processor within the
housing 1950 enclosing the device. An outer surface (in this
example, the upper surface) of the hub includes a screen
(touchscreen 1954) that can be used to display and/or control the
operation of the hub locally. Internally, the hub also typically
includes a Wi-Fi transmitter/receiver (including antenna 1953) for
sending/receiving information to the various nodes connected to the
device. The hub shown in FIG. 1C is modular, and may include a
docking region 1959 on the bottom for connecting to one or more
additional modules, including data storage modules 1955. The data
storage modules in this example may stack with the rest of the hub,
and interface therewith.
[0112] In general, the hub may include a memory (which may be
expandable by the addition of the data storage module) for storing
data (e.g., historical data) from the nodes or for including the
command structures (e.g., rules) applied when monitoring the data
streams received from the nodes. The module may be self-contained,
and may also be configured to communicate with one or more remote
processors.
[0113] In another variation, the node devices may be configured in
a distributed computing fashion such that there is not a single
primary controller. The devices cooperate with each other to serve
as a functional unit. Each new device added to the system may
negotiate amongst the devices. The tasks are completed in a
distributed computing approach.
Example: Digital Thermostat
[0114] In one example, the smart home systems described herein may
be configured as a digital thermostat, or may include the
functionality of a digital thermostat. For example, FIG. 2A
illustrates an exemplary digital thermostat 100. In this example,
the digital hub is configured to include functionality as a digital
thermostat. Digital hub (thermostat) 100 can include a front face
102, a cover 104, and capacitive-touch display 106. Front face 102
can be manufactured of a plastic or glass material, to have a black
semi-transparent surface with a glossy finish. Cover 104 can be
manufactured of a metallic material (e.g., aluminum) with an argent
color. A front-facing surface of cover 104 (e.g., a surface
parallel to front face 102) can be manufactured to have a glossy
finish, and a side-facing surface of cover 104 can be manufactured
to have a textured finish.
[0115] In general, the digital hub 100 shown may be adapted to
display on the local hub the thermostat information, as illustrate
(e.g., local temperature, regional/zone temperatures, humidity,
etc.). The digital hub typically communicates with a plurality of
different nodes located throughout the habitable structure,
including in different rooms. These nodes may typically include a
sensor for sensing temperature, humidity, and the like as well as
additional parameters (forming additional data streams that are
linked to the placement location of the node).
[0116] Returning to FIG. 2A, the capacitive-touch display 106 can
display information to a user, and can include a matrix of
capacitive-touch sensors for receiving input from a user. The
capacitive-touch sensor can detect an increase in capacitance on
the surface of display 102 when a user touches the touch-sensitive
sensor. Each capacitive-touch sensor may generate an analog voltage
which corresponds to the amount of capacitance that was detected on
the surface of display 106 over the sensor.
[0117] Digital hub (thermostat) 100 can detect a user input by
analyzing information obtained from capacitive-touch display 106.
The user input can include any gestures made by the user by
touching and/or dragging a finger or stylus on capacitive-touch
display 106. The gestures can include a "tap" gesture on a portion
of capacitive-touch display 106 (e.g., a touch event to select a
display item), and a "swipe" gesture that moves along a surface
path of capacitive-touch display 106 (e.g., a drag event to scroll
a display item).
[0118] A Digital hub 100 can also include a proximity sensor to
detect when the user or the user's hand is within a close proximity
of capacitive-touch display 106, and generates an analog signal
based on the proximity of the detected object to the proximity
sensor. For example, the proximity sensor can include an infrared
proximity sensor, which emits an infrared signal from an infrared
emitter, and generates the analog signal based on an amount of
infrared light detected by an infrared detector (e.g., infrared
light that reflected off the user's hand).
[0119] In some embodiments, digital hub 100 can include a standby
mode while the user is not immediately in front of digital hub 100.
For example, the user interface presented in the stand-by mode may
be non-interactive, and displays environmental information and
status information for the HVAC system. This user interface can be
optimized to allow the user to view the displayed information from
a distance. Then, when digital hub 100 detects a user's proximity
to front face 102, digital hub 100 can transition into an
interactive mode that presents interactive user-interface elements
to the local user. The user-interface elements can allow the user
to adjust the target temperature range, a fan setting, or any other
configuration settings for the HVAC system. In some other
embodiments, digital hub 100 can dim or turn off display 106 while
in standby mode. Then, when digital hub 100 detects a user's
proximity, digital hub 100 can turn on display 106 for the local
user.
[0120] FIG. 2C illustrates a top surface 150 of an exemplary
digital hub in accordance with this example. Specifically, top
surface 150 can be manufactured of a metallic material (e.g.,
aluminum) or a plastic material to have a textured metallic finish
with an argent color. Top surface 150 can include a power button
152, manufactured of a plastic material to have an argent color.
Reset button 152 can have a gray power symbol printed or engraved
on a top surface.
[0121] A digital hub can include an on-screen power button. For
example, display 106 of digital hub 100 (FIG. 2A) can display an
interactive user-interface element that allows the user to toggle
between an "off" state, an "auto" state, and a "manual" state. The
"off" state turns off the digital hub, or places the digital hub on
standby. When operating as a thermostat, the "manual" state can
hold a zone's temperature at a current temperature setting. The
"auto" state can run a schedule or program to adjust a zone's
temperature according to the schedule or program. The program can,
for example, change a zone's temperature based on the schedule, as
well as other dynamic information. The dynamic information can
include information from one or more node sensors, such as a motion
sensor, a proximity sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature
sensor, and/or from other sensors. A user can create the program by
specifying a set of rules that includes an action description, and
includes conditions for executing the rule's action
descriptions.
[0122] FIG. 2D illustrates a bottom surface 170 of an exemplary
digital hub. Specifically, bottom surface 170 can be manufactured
of a metallic material (e.g., aluminum) or a plastic material to
have a textured metallic finish with an argent color. Bottom
surface 170 can include a reset button 172 and a sensor 174. A user
can press and hold reset button 172 for a predetermined time
interval (e.g., 10 seconds) to cause the digital hub to reboot or
to re-install a default firmware image. Sensor 174 can include, for
example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a microphone, or
any other sensor now known or later developed. Thus, any of the
digital hubs described herein may also include an integrated node
(having sensors, etc.).
[0123] In general, the digital hub and various nodes that
communicate with the hub may be connected securely. This connection
may be performed by using manual or in some examples, automatic or
semi-automatic, authentication.
[0124] For example, in some embodiments, the digital hub (and/or
nodes) can include an optical code 176 and a secret number 178
printed over a portion of the digital hub's body. For example,
optical code 176 and secret number 178 can be printed over a
portion of a bottom surface of the digital hub. The digital hub can
use a built-in wireless device to host a closed Wi-Fi network,
which the user can use to interface a personal computing device
(e.g., a smartphone) to the digital hub. The user can gain access
to the closed Wi-Fi network by entering secret number 176 as a
secret key.
[0125] As another example, the digital hub can host an open Wi-Fi
network, which the user can use to establish a network connection
between his personal computing device and the digital hub.
Alternatively, the digital hub can use any wireless technology to
establish a peer-to-peer network connection with the personal
computing device, such as near field communication (NFC) or
Bluetooth Low Energy. The user can run an application on his
personal computing device to send and/or receive data to/from the
digital hub over the network connection. The user can scan optical
code 176 using an image sensor on his personal computing device,
and the device signs the data sent to the digital hub using
information encoded in optical code 176 (e.g., secret number 178).
The application can use optical code 176 to generate a one-way
secure hash value that is used to sign data. Alternatively, the
application can use optical code 176 during a challenge-response
handshake protocol with the digital hub that establishes a secure
connection with the digital hub. During this handshake protocol,
the application and the digital hub can exchange digital signatures
that are then used to sign any data transferred between the two
devices.
[0126] In some embodiments, a plurality of unprovisioned node
devices (e.g., power outlets, light dimmers, thermostats, etc.,
configured as nodes as described herein) can each host an unsecured
Wi-Fi network with a common Service Set Identification (SSID). The
user can use a provisioning application on the user's personal
computing device to provision individual devices via the common
SSID. Each time the application detects a Wi-Fi network at the
common SSID, the application can provision the first device it
connects to using this SSID. The application can provision the
device automatically (e.g., using an optical code and secret key
pair which the user has previously scanned), or can interact with
the user to present a sequence of device-provisioning steps. After
the digital hub becomes provisioned, the digital hub may bring down
its Wi-Fi network, which can allow the application to connect with
any other unprovisioned node device via the common SSID. The
application will not detect a Wi-Fi network with the common SSID if
no unprovisioned devices remain.
[0127] In some embodiments, an access point can host an additional
Wi-Fi network with an SSID that is dedicated for device
provisioning. Each device can be pre-configured to connect to the
device-provisioning Wi-Fi network by default by searching for the
device-provisioning SSID. The application can detect an
unprovisioned device by joining this device-provisioning SSID, or
by querying the access point while connected to the main Wi-Fi
network (via a different SSID). While provisioning the digital hub,
the application can configure the digital hub to connect to the
main Wi-Fi network. After the digital hub becomes provisioned, the
digital hub will disconnect from the device-provisioning Wi-Fi
network, and connects to the main Wi-Fi network.
[0128] Alternatively, when the digital hub joins the
device-provisioning Wi-Fi network of the access point, the access
point can redirect the network connection for the digital hub to a
device-provisioning server that is in charge of provisioning node
devices into the network. The device-provisioning server can store
pairs of optical codes and secret keys for each node device that is
to be provisioned or has been provisioned, and uses this
information to provision the digital hub. If the server does not
have an optical code and secret key stored for the digital hub, the
device-provisioning server can notify a system administrator that
an unrecognized device has been detected, and requests the
administrator to scan optical code 176 and secret key 178 from the
digital hub into the system.
[0129] FIG. 2B illustrates a user interface (UI) display 200 of a
digital hub when operating as a thermostat. UI display 200 can
include environmental information for a zone of an HVAC system, and
can include status information for the HVAC system. The
environmental information can include a time and date 202, a zone
temperature 204, and a zone humidity level 206. The status
information can include a zone 210 that indicates an HVAC zone that
is being monitored and controlled via UI display 200. The status
information can also include a system mode 212 (e.g., "auto" or
"manual"), an HVAC mode 214 (e.g., "heating" or "cooling"), a fan
mode 216 (e.g., "auto," "on," or "off"), and an auxiliary heat
indicator 218.
[0130] In some embodiments, when a user approaches the digital hub
or taps on display 200, the digital hub can present the user with
an alternative UI that allows the user to control one or more HVAC
parameters. For example, the digital hub can present one or more
additional UI elements that allow the user to change one or more
HVAC settings.
[0131] FIG. 2E illustrates one example of a configurable UI display
230 of a digital hub operating as a thermostat. UI display 230 can
include environmental information 232, and a target temperature
234. Environmental information 232 can indicate, for example, a
current temperature and a current humidity of an HVAC zone. If the
current temperature is above (or below) target temperature 234 by a
predetermined threshold, the digital hub can activate an air
conditioner (or heater) to lower (or raise) the temperature to
target temperature 234. Also, in some embodiments, if the current
humidity is above a predetermined target humidity, the digital hub
can activate the air conditioner to lower the zone's humidity to
below the target humidity.
[0132] UI display 230 can also include a temperature range 232,
which the user can interact with to change the temperature. For
example, the user can either drag a temperature slider 234 along
temperate range 232, or can tap on a portion of temperature range
232 that indicates a desired temperature. In some embodiments, when
the user taps and holds on a portion of temperature range 232, the
digital hub updates UI display 230 to move temperature slider 234
to the selected portion of temperature range 232. Then, while
holding a finger on temperature range 232, the user can fine-tune
the selected temperature by dragging his finger across temperature
range 234. As the user drags his finger, the digital hub updates UI
display 230 to move temperature slider 234 below the user's finger
and along temperature range 232.
[0133] UI display 230 can also include other interactive UI
elements. For example, UI display 230 can include a fan-controlling
icon, which the user can tap on to select a desired state for the
fan. The possible states can include "on," "off," and "auto." UI
display 230 can also include a screen indicator 242 that informs
the user when the user can navigate to one or more other UI
"screens" or "pages." Screen indicator 242 can display, for
example, a dot for each "screen" that the user can navigate to. A
brightest dot (e.g., a white dot) can indicate which screen is
currently being presented to the user, and other dimmer dots (e.g.,
a grey dot) indicate other pages to which the user can navigate. A
horizontal row of dots indicates that the user can use a
horizontal-swipe gesture to navigate between screens, and a
vertical row of dots (not shown) indicates that the user can use a
vertical-swipe gesture to navigate between screens. The other
screens can present advanced configuration options to the user, or
can present apps that the user has installed into the digital
hub.
[0134] FIG. 2F is another example a UI display 260 for adjusting a
thermostat temperature setting. Specifically, UI display 260 can
include a scroll wheel 262 that a user can "scroll" by using a
vertical "swipe" gesture over scroll wheel 262. A center portion
268 of scroll wheel 262 displays a target temperature, an upper
portion 270 of scroll wheel 262 displays temperatures above the
current target temperature, and a lower portion 272 of scroll wheel
262 displays temperatures below the current target temperature. In
some embodiments, the temperatures displayed within center portion
268 are larger than the temperatures displayed within upper portion
270 and lower portion 272.
[0135] In some embodiments, the digital hub can display scroll
wheel 268 over a dominant portion of UI display 270 in response to
a user tapping on, hold a finger over, or performing a vertical
swipe gesture over a UI element that displays the current target
temperature (e.g., UI element 234 of FIG. 2B). Also, as the user
adjusts the target temperature, the digital hub can adjust the
placement of a temperature slider 264 so that temperature slider
264 is centered on a portion of a temperature range 266 that
corresponds to the target temperature.
[0136] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary digital
hub 300. Digital hub 300 can include terminals 316 that can be
coupled to a furnace (either by wired connection, as shown, or
wirelessly) and/or an air-conditioning unit to control an HVAC
system. Digital hub 300 can also include a flash storage device 306
that stores data and software instructions for operating the
digital hub, as well as a processing unit 302 and a memory device
304 for executing the instructions. In some embodiments, the
instructions can include an operating system that controls the HVAC
system, and can also execute one or more applications installed by
the use.
[0137] Digital hub 300 can also include one or more modules for
communicating with external node devices. For example, digital hub
300 can include communication modules 308, which can include an
Ethernet module coupled to an Ethernet port, and/or can include or
be coupled to a wireless module 310 (e.g., a Wi-Fi module, or a
Bluetooth module). Digital hub 300 can also include a serial port
312 (e.g., an RS-232 jack for a UART port), which can be coupled to
an external peripheral device, and can be used by processing unit
302 to monitor and/or control the peripheral device. The peripheral
device can include an appliance (e.g., an HVAC system), or any
electronic or computing device that can communicate via serial port
312.
[0138] Digital hub 300 can also include a user-interface device 318
for accepting input from a user. Specifically, user-interface
device 318 includes a proximity sensor 320 that detects a user's
proximity to the digital hub, and includes a touch-screen display
322 that displays a user interface to a user. Touch-screen display
322 can also detect one or more screen portions touched by the
user. For example, touch-screen display 322 can include a
capacitive-touch screen, a resistive-touch screen, or any other
touch screen technology now known or later developed.
[0139] Microcontroller 314 can monitor proximity sensor 320 to
detect when the user is in front of touch-screen display 322, at
which point microcontroller 314 can turn on touch-screen display
322. Also, when microcontroller 314 detects a user's presence,
processing unit 302 can present an interactive user interface on
touch-screen display 322 for the user. Microcontroller 314 can also
monitor touch-screen display 322 to detect touch-screen gestures
from the user. Processing unit 302 can process the gestures that
interact with the user interface.
[0140] In some embodiments, the digital hub can discover nodes,
including nodes having digital thermometers and motion sensors
within a computer network. These digital thermometers and motion
sensors can be deployed across one or more HVAC zones, which the
digital hub can use to control the HVAC system for each of these
zones.
[0141] Digital hub 300 can include one or more sensors 324, such as
a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an ambient-light sensor, a
motion sensor, a proximity sensor, or any other sensor device now
known or later developed. In some embodiments, processing unit 302
can interface with sensors 324 via a serial interface, such as an
Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) interface or a Serial Peripheral
Interface (SPI) bus.
[0142] Digital hub 300 can also include a universal serial bus
(USB) port 326 (e.g., via a micro-USB connector), which can be used
to perform diagnostics on digital hub 300, to load firmware to
digital hub 300, or to provision digital hub 300. A user can
perform diagnostics, for example, by interfacing a personal
computing device (e.g., laptop) to digital hub 300 via USB port
326, and running diagnostics software on the personal computing
device. The diagnostics software can aggregate information from
digital hub 300, can analyze this information to present
configuration information to the user, and to detect or diagnose
any malfunctions.
[0143] The user can provision digital hub 300 using USB port 326,
for example, by attaching a USB drive (e.g., a flash drive) into
USB port 326, such that this USB drive contains configuration
and/or provisioning parameters (e.g., Wi-Fi parameters) for digital
hub 300. When digital hub 300 detects configuration information in
the USB drive, digital hub 300 can display a confirmation prompt on
user-interface device 318, which asks the user to confirm that he
wishes to load the configuration information from the USB drive. If
the user has set an administrator password, digital hub 300 can
prompt the user to enter his password before loading the
configuration information. The user can also interact with power
outlet 600 via a web page hosted by power outlet 600, or via a
pre-installed application on a personal computing device that
interfaces with power outlet 600.
[0144] FIG. 4A presents a flow chart illustrating a method for
detecting temperature-sensing devices of a computer network. During
operation, the digital hub can scan a computer network to detect
one or more temperature-sensing devices (operation 402). These
temperature-sensing devices can include, for example, a digital
thermometer coupled to a network-accessible interfacing device. The
digital hub then determines whether a temperature-sensing device
was discovered (operation 404).
[0145] In some variations, the hub may detect nodes and data
streams. For example, if a temperature-sensing device has been
discovered, the digital hub may present the temperature-sensing
device to a user (operation 406), and can receive a zone indication
from the user for the temperature-sensing device (operation 408).
The system then assigns the temperature-sensing device to the
user-indicated zone (operation 410), and returns to operation 304
to search for other temperature-sensing devices.
[0146] The digital hubs described herein may be operated in a
variety of modes, to control a variety of devices through the
associated nodes or other associated device (e.g., HVAC, home
appliances, etc.). In general, the hub may receive information
(sensor data) as data streams from specified locations/devices
(nodes) and may monitor the data streams and, in particular,
combinations of data streams, to trigger one or more actions.
[0147] For example, FIG. 4B presents a flow chart illustrating a
method for detecting motion-sensing devices of a computer network.
During operation, the digital hub can scan a computer network to
detect one or more motion-sensing devices (operation 432). These
motion-sensing devices can include, for example, a proximity sensor
or a motion sensor coupled to a network-accessible interfacing
device.
[0148] If the digital hub discovers a motion-sensing device
(operation 434), the digital hub presents the motion-sensing device
to a user (operation 436). The digital hub can receive a zone
indication from the user for the motion-sensing device (operation
438), and in response, assigns the motion-sensing device to the
user-indicated zone (operation 440). The system can return to
operation 334 to search for other motion-sensing devices.
[0149] Returning to the example of operating the digital hub as (at
least in part) a digital thermostat, FIG. 4C presents a flow chart
illustrating a method for controlling a heating, ventilation, and
air conditioning (HVAC) system. During operation, the digital hub
can select an HVAC zone to control (operation 462), and determines
a target temperature range for the selected zone (operation 464).
In some embodiments, the digital thermometer can determine the
target temperature range by determining whether the HVAC zone is
vacant. For example, the digital thermometer can periodically
monitor motion sensors deployed within the zone, and can label the
HVAC zone as "vacant" when motion has not been detected for more
than a predetermined threshold time interval. The digital
thermometer can select the target temperature range that
corresponds to whether the HVAC zone is occupied or vacant.
[0150] The digital hub then obtains a temperature reading from one
or more thermometers in the selected zone (operation 466), and
determines whether the zone's temperature is within the target
temperature range (operation 468). If the zone's temperature is
below the target temperature range, the digital hub can activate a
heating unit that corresponds to the HVAC zone to raise the zone's
temperature to within the target range (operation 470). On the
other hand, if the zone's temperature is above the target
temperature range, the digital hub can activate an air-conditioning
unit that corresponds to the HVAC zone to lower the zone's
temperature to within the target range (operation 470).
[0151] Although the digital hub illustrated in the examples and
figures described above is configured as a digital thermostat, the
digital hub described herein may be configured to control a large
number and variety of operations in the home, allowing user control
and automation. For example, a digital hub may be configured to
control lighting, either to automatically regulate on/off and
lighting levels within the habitable structure, or to maximize
energy efficiency of lighting. In some variations the digital hub
may be configured to generally optimize energy efficiency within
the structure. In any of these variations, the digital hub may
track occupancy by analyzing a plurality of sensors to deduce
occupancy and/or user habits. For example, occupancy information
(actual and predicted occupancy of various rooms within a
structure) to regulate lighting, electrical power, audio equipment,
and HVAC. The occupancy tracking possible may be quite
sophisticated, in part due to combining of different data streams,
including optical (e.g., camera, IR camera/sensors, etc.),
microphone (audio), motion (direct motion sensor, motion sensing
derived from camera), etc.
[0152] Any of the systems described herein may generally use one or
more nodes, as discussed above. Examples of some types of nodes,
including wall-mounted, interactive sensing and audio-visual node
devices for a networked living/working space are described
herein.
[0153] For example, in FIG. 5A illustrates a node configured as a
power outlet. In this example, the nodes device is configured as a
power outlet 500 that has a black socket cover 502 that provides
access to two sockets 504.1 and 504.2. Socket cover 502 may be
manufactured of a plastic material to have a glossy finish. Also,
power outlet 500 can include a light-emitting diode (LED) indicator
506, which can include two or more LEDs. For example, socket cover
502 may be semi-transparent black plastic to reveal light emitted
by the LEDs behind socket cover 502, without revealing the LEDs
when they are not emitting light. In some embodiments, LED
indicator 506 can include a red LED and a blue LED. When both LEDs
are on, socket cover 502 reveals a purple color. When only the red
or blue LED is on, socket cover 502 reveals a red or blue color,
respectively. On the other hand, when no LED is on, socket cover
502 does not reveal the LEDs.
[0154] Power outlet 500 also includes a metallic faceplate 508. In
some embodiments, faceplate 508 may be manufactured of aluminum,
with a dark anodized finish.
[0155] FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of an exemplary faceplate
510. Specifically, faceplate 510 has a small bevel along a
perimeter of the front face, and may be manufactured of aluminum
with a dark anodized finish.
[0156] FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary power outlet 520.
Specifically, power outlet 520 includes a metallic faceplate 508
with a curved edge. In some embodiments, faceplate 508 may be
manufactured of aluminum, with a dark anodized finish.
[0157] FIG. 5D illustrates a side view of an exemplary faceplate
530. Specifically, faceplate 530 includes a curved edge. Faceplate
530 may be manufactured of aluminum, with a dark anodized
finish.
[0158] FIG. 5E illustrates an exemplary power outlet. Specifically,
power outlet 520 includes a light-colored metallic faceplate 508
with a beveled edge. In some embodiments, faceplate 508 may be
manufactured of aluminum, with a light-colored anodized finish.
[0159] FIG. 5F illustrates a side view of an exemplary faceplate
550. Specifically, faceplate 550 has a small bevel along a
perimeter of the front face, and may be manufactured of aluminum
with a light-colored anodized finish.
[0160] FIG. 5G illustrates an exemplary power outlet. Specifically,
power outlet 560 can include a white socket cover 562, which may be
manufactured of a plastic material to have a glossy finish. Socket
cover 562 may be semi-transparent white plastic to reveal light
emitted by LEDs behind the socket cover (e.g., emitted light 564),
without revealing the LEDs when they are not emitting light.
[0161] The node device illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5G may also include
one or more sensors (not visible in FIG. 5A, including a power
(e.g., current, voltage, etc.) sensor for sensing the load applied
on one or both outlets. This power outlet node device may then
communicate this information (and receive control information),
including wirelessly communicate it to a node, as described.
[0162] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary power
outlet 600. Power outlet 600 can include a flash storage device 606
that stores data and software instructions for operating power
outlet 600, as well as a processing unit 602 and a memory device
604 for executing the instructions. Power outlet node 600 can
include two power-output modules 614.1 and 614.2, and each
power-output module 614 can include a power-output controller 616
(e.g., a Prolific PL7221 integrated circuit (IC) device), a relay
618, and a power outlet 620. Each relay 618.1 and 618.2 can be
controlled individually, to enable or disable power to each of
power outlets 620.1 and 620.2 independent of the other. Also, each
of power outlets 620.1 and 620.2 can output up to 240 V. Processing
unit 602 can enable or disable power transmitted via a power outlet
620 by controlling the corresponding power-output controller 616
via digital interface pins or via a serial bus, at which point
power-output controller 616 can generate an electrical signal for
opening or closing relay 618 to enable or disable the power
transmission to power outlet 620.
[0163] Processing unit 602 can configure power-output controller
616 to monitor or sample physical quantities of the power signal on
a power outlet 620, and can obtain the sampled value via the
digital interface pins or the serial bus. The sampled physical
quantities can include an electric current, an electric voltage, a
real power, a reactive power, an apparent power, and/or other
physical quantities of a power signal. Hence, processing unit 602
can use power-output controllers 616.1 and 616.2 to perform energy
monitoring, or to perform analytics computations. The analytics
computations can be performed to investigate an energy cost over
time for devices attached to power outlet 620.1 or 620.2, or to
investigate an energy usage for a given region (e.g., a bedroom) or
for a given system (e.g., a home-theater system, or an HVAC
system).
[0164] As mentioned, in some embodiments, power outlet node 600 can
include a current-regulating device (e.g., a TRIAC device, not
shown) to control an amount of power that is provided to an
external device. Power-output controller 616 can provide a trigger
pulse to the current-regulating device for a determinable time
interval, when the power signal's phase reaches a certain phase
angle, to provide a desired power level to the external device.
When power outlet 620 is coupled to a light fixture, for example,
power-output controller 616 can control the current-regulating
device as a means to adjust the light fixture's brightness level.
As another example, when power outlet 620 is coupled to an
induction motor (e.g., a ventilation fan), power-output controller
616 can control the current-regulating device as a means to adjust
the rotational speed of the motor's shaft (e.g., the fan's
blades).
[0165] Power outlet node 600 can also include a serial port 608,
such as for a UART serial interface, an I2C serial interface, or
any other serial interface now known or later developed. For
example, power outlet 600 can implement a "dumb" power outlet that
does not include a wireless communication module. Power outlet 600
can interface with a "smart" power outlet via serial port 608 to
receive commands, and/or to communicate measurements made by a
power-output controller 616.
[0166] In some other embodiments, power outlet 600 implements a
"smart" power outlet that includes one or more modules for
communicating with external devices over a computer network. For
example, power outlet 600 can include communication modules 610,
which can include an Ethernet module coupled to an Ethernet port
(not shown), and/or can include or be coupled to a wireless module
612 (e.g., a Wi-Fi module, or a Bluetooth module). Hence, power
outlet 600 can receive "events" from one or more remote devices,
such as a temperature measurement, a motion-detection event, a
central controller, etc. If the received events satisfy a rule's
condition, processing unit 602 can execute the rule's action
description to perform a desired action. The desired action can
include, for example, measuring various parameters of a
power-outlet module 614, and activating or disabling a power-outlet
module 614. Power outlet 600 can also use serial port 608 to
interface with one or more "dumb" power outlets to forward events
from a network controller.
[0167] Power outlet node 600 can also include a universal serial
bus (USB) port 622 (e.g., via a micro-USB connector), which can be
used to perform diagnostics on power outlet 600, to load firmware
to power outlet 600, or to provision power outlet 600. A user can
perform diagnostics, for example, by interfacing a personal
computing device (e.g., laptop) to power outlet 600 via USB port
622, and running diagnostics software on the personal computing
device. The diagnostics software can aggregate information from
power outlet 600, can analyze this information to present
configuration information to the user, and to detect or diagnose
any malfunctions.
[0168] The user can provision power outlet node 600 using USB port
622, for example, by attaching a USB drive (e.g., a flash drive)
into USB port 622, such that this USB drive contains configuration
and/or provisioning parameters (e.g., Wi-Fi parameters) for power
outlet 600. The user can interact with power outlet 600 via a web
page hosted by power outlet 600, or via a pre-installed application
on a personal computing device that interfaces with power outlet
600. When power outlet 600 detects configuration information in the
USB drive, power outlet 600 can display a confirmation prompt to
the user via the web page or application, which asks the user to
confirm that he wishes to load the configuration information from
the USB drive. If the user has set an administrator password, power
outlet 600 can prompt the user to enter his password before loading
the configuration information.
[0169] FIG. 7 illustrates an angled view of an exemplary power
outlet node 700. Specifically, power outlet 700 can include a
serial interface 702 (e.g., an I2C interface), LED indicators 704,
a reset button 706, and an "INIT" button 708. Serial interface 702
can include a 4-pin micro connector with electrical insulation,
which can be used to interface power outlet 704 with a remote
device (e.g., a power outlet or light dimmer).
[0170] When reset button 706 is depressed for a predetermined time
interval (e.g., 10 seconds), a microprocessor of power outlet 700
initiates a power cycle. Also, when INIT button 708 is depressed
for a predetermined time interval (e.g., 10 seconds), the
microprocessor re-initializes the device to factory settings. In
some embodiments, the microprocessor can be reinitialized to
factory settings by loading a factory-installed firmware image into
a flash storage device of power outlet 700.
[0171] LED indicators 704 can include two LED lights of different
colors. In some embodiments, LED indicators 704 can include a red
LED and a blue LED, which can each be turned on or off
programmatically by a processor of power outlet 700. Hence, LED
indicators 704 can emit a red light, a blue light, a purple light
(e.g., when both red and blue LEDs are on), or no light (e.g., when
neither the red or blue LED is on). For example, the red LED can be
turned on when the top (or bottom) power outlet is activated, and
the blue LED can be turned on when the bottom (or top) power outlet
is activated. Hence, LED indicators 704 will be dark when none of
the power outlets are activated, or may emit a purple light when
both of the power outlets are activated.
[0172] In some embodiments, the color emitted by LED indicators 704
can be used to indicate a network connectivity, a network packet
being transmitted, a network packet being received, a power source
status, or any other user-defined condition or event. In some other
embodiments, the color emitted by LED indicators 704 can indicate
that an electrical attribute of an outlet satisfies predetermined
criteria (e.g., a power level or current level is above or below a
predetermined threshold). For example, the microprocessor may
activate the red LED when the top outlet satisfies the
predetermined criteria, and may activate the red LED when the
bottom outlet satisfies the criteria.
[0173] A microprocessor of power outlet node 700 can also control
LED indicators 704 based on a user-defined rule, such as to
implement a night light functionality by turning on both LEDs. In
some embodiments, the user-defined "night light" rule can turn on
both LEDs during a predetermined time of day. Alternatively, a
networked interfacing device can include or be coupled to a light
sensor that measures a room's ambient light level. When the room's
ambient light drops below a predetermined level, the interfacing
device can send an event to one or more power outlets that are
installed in the room via a computer network. This event can inform
these power outlets that the room is dark. When a particular power
outlet receives the event, the power outlet identifies a "night
light" rule that is activated by this event, and can process the
rule to turn on the power outlet's LEDs.
[0174] In some embodiments, power outlet node 700 can include an
optical code 710 and a secret number 712 printed over a portion of
power outlet 700. For example, optical code 710 and secret number
712 can be printed over a portion of power outlet 700 that is to be
covered by a faceplate for power outlet 700. Optical code 710 can
encode a MAC address for power outlet 700, and can encode secret
number 712. Secret number 712 can include, for example, 6
hexadecimal or alphanumeric characters. A user can scan optical
code 710, such as via a device-provisioning application on a mobile
device, to provision the power outlet 700 to operate within a
device network. The user can enter secret number 712 into the
device-provisioning application to complete the provisioning
process. For example, power outlet 700 can use a built-in wireless
device to host a closed Wi-Fi network, which the user can use to
interface a personal computing device (e.g., a smartphone) to power
outlet 700. The user can gain access to the closed Wi-Fi network by
entering secret number 712 as the secret key.
[0175] As another example, power outlet node 700 can host an open
Wi-Fi network, which the user can use to establish a network
connection between his personal computing device and power outlet
700. Alternatively, power outlet 700 can use any wireless
technology to establish a peer-to-peer network connection with the
personal computing device, such as near field communication (NFC)
or Bluetooth Low Energy. The user can run an application on his
personal computing device to send and/or receive data to/from power
outlet 700 over the network connection. The user can scan optical
code 710 using an image sensor on his personal computing device,
and the device signs the data sent to power outlet 700 using
information encoded in optical code 710 (e.g., secret number 712).
The application can use optical code 710 to generate a one-way
secure hash value that is used to sign data. Alternatively, the
application can use optical code 710 during a challenge-response
handshake protocol with power outlet 700 that establishes a secure
connection with power outlet 700. During this handshake protocol,
the application and power outlet 700 can exchange digital
signatures that are then used to sign any data transferred between
the two devices.
[0176] In some embodiments, a plurality of unprovisioned node
devices (e.g., power outlets, light dimmers, thermostats, etc.) can
each host an unsecured Wi-Fi network with a common Service Set
Identification (SSID). The application can provision the device
automatically (e.g., using an optical code and secret key pair
which the user has previously scanned), or can interact with the
user to present a sequence of device-provisioning steps. After
power outlet 700 becomes provisioned, power outlet 700 will bring
down its Wi-Fi network, which can allow the application to connect
with any other unprovisioned device via the common SSID. The
application will not detect a Wi-Fi network with the common SSID if
no unprovisioned devices are within a predetermined distance to the
personal computing device.
[0177] In some embodiments, an access point can host a
device-provisioning Wi-Fi network with an SSID that is dedicated
for provisioning devices. Each device can be pre-configured to
connect to the device-provisioning Wi-Fi network by default (via
the predetermined SSID). The application can detect an
unprovisioned device by joining this device-provisioning SSID, or
by querying the access point while connected to the main Wi-Fi
network (via a different SSID). While provisioning power outlet
700, the application can configure power outlet 700 to connect to
the main Wi-Fi network. After power outlet 700 becomes provisioned,
power outlet 700 will disconnect from the device-provisioning Wi-Fi
network, and connects to the main Wi-Fi network.
[0178] Alternatively, when power outlet node 700 joins the
device-provisioning Wi-Fi network of the access point, the access
point can redirect the network connection for power outlet 700 to a
device-provisioning server that is in charge of provisioning
devices into the network. The device-provisioning server can store
pairs of optical codes and secret keys for each device that is to
be provisioned or has been provisioned, and uses this information
to provision power outlet 700. If the server does not have an
optical code and secret key stored for power outlet 700, the
device-provisioning server can notify a system administrator that
an unrecognized device has been detected, and requests the
administrator to scan optical code 710 and secret key 712 from
power outlet 700 into the system.
[0179] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for processing
a measurement from a power outlet node. During operation, the power
outlet node can select an outlet port to monitor (operation 802),
and determines whether the port is active (operation 804). If the
port is active, the power outlet proceeds to monitor an electrical
attribute from the port (operation 806). The electrical attribute
can include, for example, a power output, a voltage, a current, a
power energy sum, and/or other electrical attributes. The power
outlet node can then send the measured electrical attributes to a
device-monitoring controller (operation 808). In some embodiments,
the device-monitoring controller can include a central computer
that monitors an operating state for a plurality of devices, and
can coordinate communication between these devices.
[0180] The power outlet node then analyzes triggering conditions
for one or more rules (operation 810), and determines whether a
triggering condition is satisfied by the measured electrical
attributes (operation 812). If so, the system proceeds to obtain a
rule associated with the triggering condition (operation 814), and
performs the rule's action description (operation 816). The system
then returns to operation 810 to analyze triggering conditions for
other rules that remain to be processed.
[0181] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method for
initializing a power outlet node. During operation, the system can
perform a boot-up process (operation 902), for example, in response
to power returning to the home after an electrical blackout, or in
response to a user turning on power to a home. The boot-up process
can include loading a firmware image into memory, and initializing
one or more electronic components of the power outlet node. For
example, the power outlet node can initialize a wireless module to
join a wireless network.
[0182] A power outlet node can also select an outlet port to
initialize (operation 904), and determines an initialization
configuration for the outlet port (operation 906). The power outlet
node may then determine if the port is to be enabled (operation
908). If so, the power outlet node closes a relay for the port to
enable power to the port (operation 910). Otherwise, if the port is
not to be enabled, the power outlet node can open a relay for the
port to disable power to the port (operation 912).
[0183] In some variations, the node may be configured as a light
switch node and/or light dimmer node. For example, FIG. 10
illustrates an exemplary light dimmer node 1000. Light dimmer node
1000 can include a capacitive-touch display 1002 that can receive
user input from the user. The user input can include any gestures
made by the user by touching and/or dragging a finger on
capacitive-touch display 1002. The gestures can include a "tap"
gesture on a portion of capacitive-touch display 1002, and a
"swipe" gesture that moves along a vertical direction over a
portion of capacitive-touch display 1002.
[0184] Light dimmer node 1000 can also include a light-emitting
diode (LED) indicator 1004, which can include two or more LEDs. For
example, socket cover 1006 may be semi-transparent black plastic to
reveal light emitted by the LEDs behind socket cover 1006, without
revealing the LEDs when they are not emitting light. In some
embodiments, LED indicator 1004 can include a red LED and a blue
LED. When both LEDs are on, socket cover 1006 reveals a purple
color. When only the red or blue LED is on, socket cover 1006
reveals a red or blue color, respectively. On the other hand, when
no LED is on, socket cover 1006 does not reveal the LEDs. Light
dimmer node 1000 can also configure one or both LEDs to pulsate at
a predetermined frequency, for example, to indicate that light
dimmer 1000 is in an "off" or "waiting" state.
[0185] A metallic faceplate 1008 can be attached over light dimmer
node 1000. In some embodiments, faceplate 1008 may be manufactured
of aluminum, with a dark anodized finish or a light-colored
anodized finish. In some embodiments, capacitive touch display 1002
of light dimmer node 1000 can include a display (e.g., a liquid
crystal display (LCD)) to provide information to the user. The
display can present information to the user while the user is
interacting with capacitive touch display 1002 to configure light
dimmer node 1000, for example, by displaying an illustration for
the current dim level and/or for any other state information. Also,
the user can configure light dimmer node 1000 to display the state
information when turned on (e.g., to display an illustration of a
dim level when providing power to a light fixture), even if the
user is not interacting with capacitive touch display 1002.
[0186] The display on capacitive touch display 1002 can also
display other information for the user. For example, the display
can present a user interface that allows the user to select a menu
item, such as for a configuration setting, or for an installed
application. The display can present one or more menu items per
screen, and allows the user to navigate between screens by
performing a vertical or horizontal swipe gesture. Once the user
selects a menu item (e.g., by tapping on the menu item), light
dimmer node 1000 can present a user interface for the menu item on
the display, which allows the user to configure or interact with
the selected menu item (e.g., to adjust a configuration
setting).
[0187] In some embodiments, a menu item may correspond to a
configuration interface for an external device, such as for a
different light dimmer associated with the same user. For example,
light dimmer node 1000 can present a user interface that
illustrates a status for one or more external devices, such as
light dimmers, power outlets, digital hubs, sensors, etc. If the
user selects a device from the user interface (e.g., by tapping on
the device's icon on capacitive touch display 1002), light dimmer
node 1000 can present a device-configuring menu that allows the
user to adjust the device.
[0188] If the selected device is a remote light dimmer node, the
device-device-configuring menu can allow the user to interact with
capacitive touch display 1002 as if it were the remote light dimmer
node. Hence, the user can perform the advanced light-dimming
gestures on light dimmer node 1000, and have these gestures be
interpreted and/or executed by the remote light dimmer node. These
gestures can correspond to device-configuring functions such as to
program a default dim level, or can correspond to state-modifying
functions such as to adjust a current dim level, or to turn the
remote light dimmer node on or off.
[0189] On the other hand, if the selected device is a power outlet
node, the device-configuring menu can allow the user to enable or
disable power to the power outlet node. The device-configuring
interface can also allow the user to view a status of the power
outlet node, such as to view a snapshot of the current power
consumption via a port of the power outlet node or to view power
consumption statistics over a given time interval.
[0190] If the selected device is a digital hub, the
device-configuring menu can allow the user to view a current
temperature and/or thermostat settings for one or more zones. The
user can also configure the thermostat settings for a zone, such as
to set a temperature threshold for a heater and/or for an
air-conditioning unit.
[0191] FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary light
dimmer node 1100. Light dimmer node 1100 can include a flash
storage device 1106 that stores data and software instructions for
operating light dimmer node 1100, as well as a processing unit 1102
and a memory device 1104 for executing the instructions. Light
dimmer node 1100 can also include a touch-sensitive user-interface
1122 and a microcontroller 1114 for controlling touch-sensitive
user-interface 1122. Touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 can
include one or more sensors 1126, a plurality of touch-sensitive
sensors 1128, and a light-emitting diode (LED) indicator 1130.
[0192] LED indicator 1130 can include two or more LEDs to indicate
at least four device states. For example, LED indicator 1130 can
include a red LED and a blue LED. When both LEDs are on, LED
indicator 1130 emits a purple color. When only the red or blue LED
is on, LED indicator 1130 emits a red or blue color, respectively.
On the other hand, when no LED is on, LED indicator 1130 does not
emit light. These LED states can indicate the following four device
states: "off," "standby," "switch," and "dimmer." The "off" state
indicates that the light dimmer is not receiving any power, and the
"standby" state indicates that the light dimmer is receiving power
but is not providing power to a light fixture. The "switch" state
indicates that the light dimmer is providing power to the light
fixture using relay 1118.1, and the "dimmer" state indicates that
light dimmer is providing power to the light fixture using triac
1118.2.
[0193] Sensors 1126 can include a proximity sensor, a motion
sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an ambient light
sensor, and/or other sensor devices now known or later developed.
The proximity sensor can detect when an object (e.g., a user's
hand) is within a close proximity of touch-sensitive user-interface
1122, and generates an analog signal based on the proximity of the
detected object to sensors 1126. For example, the proximity sensor
can include an infrared proximity sensor, which emits an infrared
signal from an infrared emitter, and generates the analog signal
based on an amount of infrared light detected by an infrared
detector (e.g., infrared light that reflected off the user's
hand).
[0194] The motion sensor can include an ultrasonic motion sensor, a
microwave motion sensor, a tomographic motion sensor, or any
motion-sensing technology now known or later developed. When a user
or an object moves in front of touch-sensitive user-interface 1122,
the motion sensor can detect the motion and can generate a binary
value that indicates that an object has been detected. In some
embodiments, the motion sensor can generate an analog or digital
value that indicates, for example, a change in an ultrasonic
measurement, a change in a microwave measurement, etc.
[0195] Touch-sensitive sensors 1138 can include capacitive-touch
sensors, resistive-touch sensors, or any touch-screen sensors now
known or later developed. For example, when a user touches a
respective capacitive-touch sensor (e.g., sensor 1128.n), the
touch-sensitive sensor detects an increase in capacitance on the
surface of its touch screen, and generates an analog voltage which
reflects the amount of capacitance that was detected.
[0196] A respective touch-sensitive sensor can include a jagged
shape along one dimension, such as a plurality of chevron shapes
adjoined along a horizontal dimension, and the set of
touch-sensitive sensors 1128.1-1128.n can be arranged along a
dimension of user-interface 1122 perpendicular to the jagged shape
(e.g., along a vertical dimension of user-interface 1122). Further,
two neighboring touch-sensitive sensors can be placed in close
proximity, for example, so that a lowest point on one
touch-sensitive sensor (e.g., sensor 1128.1) has a vertical
coordinate along user-interface 1122 that is less than or equal to
a highest point on a lower-neighboring touch-sensitive sensor
(e.g., sensor 1128.2).
[0197] Alternatively, a respective touch-sensitive sensor can
include any other shape suitable for implementing a touch-sensitive
grid, and the set of touch-sensitive sensors 1128.1-1128.n can be
arranged along two dimension of user-interface 1122 to create a
touch-sensitive surface (e.g., a grid or any other user-interface
pattern) associated with a pre-determined set of touch-surface
gestures.
[0198] Touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 generates a digital
output signal for each of proximity sensor 1130, touch-sensitive
sensors 1128.1-1128.n, and sensors 1126. Touch-sensitive
user-interface 1122 can include a circuit that provides a constant
current source to charge each capacitive-touch sensor 1128.
Touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 can also include an
analog-to-digital converter (ADC) device or a Schmitt trigger
device for each sensor, which converts the sensor's analog signal
value to a digital binary signal that indicates whether the sensor
is charged. Touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 can provide the
digital binary signal to microcontroller 1114 via a parallel bus
(e.g., a plurality of GPIO pins on microcontroller 1114), or via a
serial bus (e.g., an SPI or an I2C bus on microcontroller 1114).
Any of the sensors described herein may be incorporated into any of
the nodes described.
[0199] Microcontroller 1114 can use CTMU to determine whether a
user is touching a respective capacitive-touch sensor 1128. When a
user touches a capacitive-touch sensor, the user's touch adds a
small capacitance to the sensor's capacitor, which causes the
current source to require a longer time duration to charge the
sensor's capacitor. Microcontroller 1114 measures an amount of time
it takes to charge each capacitive-touch sensor 1128, and
determines whether a user is touching a respective sensor by
determining whether the amount of time required to charge the
sensor is greater than or less than a predetermined threshold time.
Microcontroller 1114 determines that a user is touching the sensor
if the time required to charge the sensor is greater than the
predetermined threshold time, and determines that the user is not
touching the sensor otherwise.
[0200] Microcontroller 1114 can periodically monitor the state for
the various sensors of touch-sensitive user-interface 1122, for
example, at approximately 15 millisecond intervals. In some
embodiments, microcontroller 1114 samples the various sensors of
touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 on or after the voltage from
the alternating current (AC) power supply crosses the zero-voltage
level, which reduces noise in the measurements from touch-sensitive
user-interface 1122. If microcontroller 1114 determines that
proximity sensor 1130 detects an object, microcontroller 1114 can
activate a light source for touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 to
allow the user to see user-interface 1122 while the user is
entering a device-controlling command via user-interface 1122.
Microcontroller 1114 can activate the light source, for example, by
ramping up the brightness of the light source over a determinable
time interval to a determinable level (e.g., to a fixed level, or
to a level derived from an amount of ambient light).
[0201] Also, if microcontroller 1114 determines that a
touch-sensitive sensor has detected an object's touch,
microcontroller 1114 can determine a gesture based on the current
state and the previous state of touch-screen user-interface 1122.
For example, microcontroller 1114 can determine a current region of
user-interface 1122 that the user is touching (e.g., the current
state), and can determine a direction for a gesture based on a
previous touch-sensitive sensor that detected an object's touch
(e.g., the previous state). Once the user has completed his
interaction with user-interface 1122, microcontroller 1114 can
generate a gesture that indicates a speed and a direction of the
user's gesture, and/or a distance traveled by the user's gesture.
Thus, microcontroller 1114 may determine that the user is making an
upward finger-swipe gesture or a downward finger-swipe gesture, as
well as a speed and distance traveled by the finger-swipe
gesture.
[0202] If the user is not swiping his finger across the surface of
touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 (e.g., the previous state did
not involve the user touching or swiping across user-interface
1114), microcontroller 1114 can determine a region of
user-interface 1122 that the user has touched. Microcontroller 1114
can generate and store a gesture that indicates the surface portion
of user-interface 1122 that the user has touched, for example,
using a numeric value that indicates a vertical coordinate of the
user-interface 1122 touched by the user. Processing unit 1102 can
configure the power output to the light fixture to reach a light
intensity that corresponds to the numeric value. Light dimmer 1100
can also include a vibrating mechanism (e.g., a vibrating motor) to
provide haptic feedback to the user as the user swipes his finger
across the surface of touch-sensitive user-interface 1122. This
haptic feedback allows the user to feel a response that indicates
the user's interaction with light dimmer 1100.
[0203] In some embodiments, processing unit 1102 periodically polls
the sensor readings (e.g., at approximately 15 millisecond
intervals) and/or gestures from microcontroller 1114. For example,
microcontroller 1114 can send the current state of touch-sensitive
user-interface 1122 to processing unit 1102, such that processing
unit 1102 analyzes the current state and previous states of
touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 to determine the user's
gesture.
[0204] Also, processing unit 1102 can use the obtained data to
select a set of rules to evaluate, and can perform an action
associated with any rules whose conditions have been met.
Processing unit 1102 can also select a set of remote devices that
have subscribed to a piece of data (e.g., data for a detected
motion and/or a detected gesture), and can send the piece of data
to the selected devices using network addressing information
associated with their corresponding network connections.
[0205] Light dimmer node 1100 can include one or more communication
modules 1108 for communicating with external devices. Communication
modules 1108 can include or be coupled to a wireless module 1110
(e.g., a Wi-Fi module, or a Bluetooth module), and/or can include
an Ethernet module coupled to an Ethernet port (not shown). Device
architecture 280 can also include a serial port 1112 (e.g., an
RS-232 jack for a UART port), which can be coupled to an external
device, and can be used by processing unit 1102 to monitor and/or
control the peripheral device. The peripheral device can include a
"dumb" light switch or power outlet, an appliance (e.g., an HVAC
system), or any electronic or computing device that can communicate
via serial port 1112.
[0206] Light dimmer node 1100 can also include power-controlling
modules 1118 to control and/or regulate an output power signal, and
can include a power-output controller 1116 to configure and monitor
the power output by power-controlling modules 1118. Light dimmer
1100 can also include power terminals 1120 for providing the output
power signal to an electrical load, such as a light fixture, an
electric motor, an HVAC system, etc. In some embodiments, light
dimmer 1100 implements a light switch, and power-controlling
modules 1118 includes a relay 1118.1. Processing unit 1102 can
configure microcontroller 1114 to close relay 1118.1 to provide
power to an external load electrically coupled to power terminals
1120 (e.g., a light fixture), or to open relay 1118.1 to turn off
power to the external load. Microcontroller 1114 opens or closes
relay 1118.1 by configuring power-output controller 1116 to
generate the electrical signals necessary for opening or closing
relay 1118.1. Microcontroller can also configure power-output
controller 1116 to monitor an amount of power dissipated by
power-terminals 1120, for example, to periodically obtain a power
measurement for an electrical load.
[0207] In some embodiment, light dimmer node 1100 can function as a
dimmer (to control an average voltage to a light fixture) or as a
switch (to turn on or off power to a light fixture). When operating
as a dimmer, processing unit 1102 can configure triac 1118.2 to
provide up to 5 amps of current to a light fixture via power
terminals 1120. When operating as a switch, processing unit 1102
can configure relay 1118.1 to provide up to 15 amps of current to
the light fixture via power terminals 1120. The user can toggle the
functionality of light dimmer 1100, for example, by pressing and
holding a finger on touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 for a
predetermined time interval (e.g., 10 seconds).
[0208] When light dimmer node 1100 is configured to operate as a
light switch, processing unit 1102 can close relay 1118.1 to enable
power to a light fixture, and can open relay 1118.1 to turn off
power to the light fixture. However, relay 1118.1 is oftentimes
implemented as a mechanical switch that emits noise while opening
or closing. In some embodiments, processing unit 1102 can use triac
1118.2 to silently enable or disable power to the light
fixture.
[0209] When light dimmer node 1100 is configured to operate as a
light dimmer, processing unit 1102 can detect a light-adjusting
gesture from a user (e.g., via microcontroller 1114), and
configures microcontroller 1114 to adjust a brightness level for
the light fixture. For example, as the user performs an upward
finger swipe on touch-sensitive user-interface 1122, processing
unit 1102 can determine a brightness level for the light fixture
based on the current (or most recent) position, direction, and/or
velocity of the user's finger on touch-sensitive user-interface
1122. Processing unit 1102 can select the highest brightness level
if the user taps on touch-sensitive sensor 1128.1, or can select
the lowest (or off) brightness level if the user taps on
touch-sensitive sensor 1128.n.
[0210] Processing unit 1102 can configure microcontroller 1114 to
adjust the power output transmitted by triac 1118.2 to correspond
to the user's desired brightness level. For example,
microcontroller 1114 can configure power-output controller 1116 and
triac 290.2 to clip an alternating-current (AC) waveform to produce
a phase-clipped waveform that effectively reduces a brightness
level for a light fixture electrically coupled to power terminals
1120.
[0211] In some embodiments, processing unit 1102 can store a
programmed brightness level for the user. The user can perform an
intensity-configuring gesture to program the brightness level to a
desired level once. For example, the intensity-configuring gesture
can include the user pressing and holding a finger (or two fingers)
on touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 for a predetermined time
interval (e.g., 5 seconds), and then dragging his finger (or
multiple fingers on a two-dimensional capacitive-touch sensor) up
or down to reach the desired brightness level. The user can turn
the light on or off by tapping anywhere on touch-sensitive
user-interface 1122, which configures power-output controller 1116
to enable or disable power to power terminals 1120 at the
programmed lighting level. The user can also set the programmed
brightness level by interacting with an application on a mobile
device (e.g., a smartphone) that communicates the brightness level
to light dimmer 1100. Alternatively, the user can use a web browser
to load a web page hosted by light dimmer 1100, and can set the
programmed brightness level using the web page.
[0212] Further, processing unit 1102 can quickly ramp up or ramp
down the brightness level if the user performs a fast upward or
downward finger swipe. Alternatively, processing unit 1102 can
perform fine-grained adjustments to the light fixture's brightness
level if the user performs a slow upward or downward finger swipe,
for example, to increase or decrease the brightness level by a
finer granularity than can be achieved by tapping on any of
touch-sensitive sensors 1128.
[0213] Light dimmer node 1100 can use sensors 1126 to perform
dynamic lighting control. Hence, light dimmer 1100 can turn on
lights when the motion sensor detects a motion (e.g., when a user
enters a room), and can turn off lights when no motion is detected
for at least a predetermined time interval (e.g., the user has left
the room). Light dimmer 1100 can also use the ambient-light sensor
to auto-calibrate a dim level. For example, the dim level
configured by a user can correspond to a brightness level in the
room. Light dimmer 1100 can use the ambient-light sensor to adjust
the phase-clipped waveform on triac 1118.2 based on the room's
brightness to reach the user-configured brightness level. Hence,
light dimmer 1100 can increase a power output to an aging bulb to
maintain the user's desired brightness level. Also, light dimmer
1100 can adjust the phase-clipped waveform throughout the day to
reach and retain the user's desired brightness level.
[0214] Light dimmer node 1100 can also use motion sensor 1126 as
part of a security system, or as part of an HVAC system. A security
system can use motion detected by the motion sensor to compile a
historical motion-sensing record. The security system can trigger a
security measure if motion is detected when a user is not expected
to be nearby, such as to record video from a camera in the same
room as light dimmer 1100. An HVAC system can transition between an
"active" (e.g., occupied) and "standby" (e.g., vacant) state based
on whether motion has been detected via the motion sensor, or other
motion sensors within the HVAC zone. The HVAC system can set the
zone to a user's comfort level when in the "active" state, and can
set the zone to a low-energy configuration when in the "standby"
state.
[0215] Unlike typical light dimmers, light dimmer 1100 can also be
used in a master/slave configuration to control one or more light
fixtures. Typical light dimmers include a physical slider that
controls a light fixture's state, and the state can only be changed
when a user manually slides the physical slider up or down. Another
dimmer cannot be used to control that same light fixture because it
would interfere with the signals from the first dimmer. In some
embodiments, light dimmer 1100 can have its local state modified
either manually by a user swiping a finger over the surface of
touch-sensitive user-interface 1122, or from a remote network
device. For example, light dimmer 1100 can receive a command from a
remote device (e.g., a central controller, or a remote light
dimmer) that indicates a target output voltage or brightness level.
Alternatively, light dimmer 1100 can process rules that configure a
new brightness level for a light fixture. Light dimmer 1100 can
detect an event or can receive an event that triggers the rule
(e.g., a local event, or an event received from a central
controller or a remote light dimmer), and processes the rule's
action description to adjust the light fixture's brightness
level.
[0216] In some embodiments, processing unit 1102 can control a
light fixture that is not electrically coupled to power terminals
1120. When processing unit 1102 detects a gesture event performed
by the user (e.g., via microcontroller 1114), processing unit 1102
can send the gesture event to a remote light dimmer, a power
outlet, or an interfacing device that has subscribed to events from
the local light dimmer. When the remote interfacing device receives
the gesture event, the remote interfacing device can use the event
information to control power to a light fixture based on a rule
stored in the device's local rule repository.
[0217] In some embodiments, power-output controller 1116 also
monitors an amount of current, an amount of power, and/or a phase
of the power being transmitted via power terminals 1120.
Microcontroller 1114 can calibrate power output controller 1116,
based on the measured values, to stabilize the power transmitted
via power terminals 1120. If microcontroller 1114 detects a change
in the electrical load, for example due to a dimming light fixture,
microcontroller 1114 can adjust power output controller 1116 to
compensate for the change in the electrical load to reach a desired
power output. Thus, microcontroller 1114 can use power output
controller 1116 to implement a feedback loop that adjusts power to
a light fixture to ensure a steady (non-fluctuating) light
intensity, even as the light fixture ages over time.
[0218] Typical dimmers don't always work well with all bulb types.
Using an incompatible bulb in a "dimmed" mode can cause the bulb to
not emit a sufficient amount of light, or may cause the bulb to
emit a "humming" noise. In some embodiments, light dimmer 1100 can
detect when a light bulb is not compatible with a light-dimming
functionality, when a light bulb has failed, or has started to
fail. If a failed or failing bulb is detected, light dimmer 1100
can alert the user to replace the bulb. If an incompatible bulb is
detected, light dimmer 1100 can alert the user that the bulb cannot
be dimmed, and/or can transition into a "light switch" mode using
either mechanical relay 1118.1 or solid-state triac 1118.2. Light
dimmer 1100 can also use an energy-monitoring functionality of 1116
to determine a lowest possible dim level for a light bulb, and
configures this dim level as a minimum "dim" level for the light
fixture. Light dimmer 1100 can turn off power to the light fixture
if a user issues a command to lower a light level below this
minimum dim level.
[0219] In some embodiments, touch-sensitive user-interface 1122 can
include a display device (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)
device). Also, touch-sensitive sensors 1128 can include a vertical
array of capacitive-touch sensors (e.g., as displayed in FIG. 11),
or can include a two-dimensional array or grid of capacitive-touch
sensors (not shown). Touch-sensitive sensors 1128 can detect, in
real-time, when a user is touching touch-sensitive user-interface
1122 with one or more fingers, and display device can display
near-real time feedback to the user while the user interacts with
user-interface 1122. For example, the display device can display an
updated dim level as the user is performing a gesture to adjust a
light fixture's dim level. The display device can also display
other information and/or other interactive UI elements to the user.
For example, light dimmer 1100 can use the display device to
present a device-configuring menu to the user, which allows the
user to select a Wi-Fi network, and to enter Wi-Fi credentials for
a secured network. The device-configuring menu can also allow the
user to register a password that needs to be entered when making
changes to the device, and can allow the user to configure whether
configuration changes can be made over the Wi-Fi network. Light
dimmer 1100 can also use the display device to display a
device-provisioning menu, which can add light dimmer 1100 to
controller (e.g., a server) that monitors, configures, and/or
controls one or more devices in a smart-home network.
[0220] In some embodiments, the user can switch between the
dimmer's default screen (which, for example, can indicate a current
lighting level), the device-configuring menu, and the
device-provisioning menu by performing a side-swipe gesture. In
response to detecting a side-swipe gesture, light dimmer node 1100
can animate a transition from one display screen to the next. This
animation can include a screen-sliding effect, which slides at a
horizontal rate that matches the user's side-sliding gesture. When
the user selects a field of a display screen, light dimmer node
1100 can present a data-input UI element that allows the user to
enter characters into the input field. The data-input UI element
can include or resemble a keyboard, a slider, an input wheel, or
any other graphical user interface (GUI) element now known or later
developed.
[0221] Light dimmer node 1100 can also include a universal serial
bus (USB) port 1132 (e.g., via a micro-USB connector), which can be
used to perform diagnostics on light dimmer node 1100, to load
firmware to light dimmer node 1100, or to provision light dimmer
node 1100. A user can perform diagnostics, for example, by
interfacing a personal computing device (e.g., laptop) to light
dimmer node 1100 via USB port 1132, and running diagnostics
software on the personal computing device. The diagnostics software
can aggregate information from light dimmer node 1100, can analyze
this information to present configuration information to the user,
and to detect or diagnose any malfunctions.
[0222] The user can provision light dimmer node 1100 using USB port
1132, for example, by attaching a USB drive (e.g., a flash drive)
into USB port 1132, such that this USB drive contains configuration
and/or provisioning parameters (e.g., Wi-Fi parameters) for light
dimmer 1100. The user can interact with light dimmer node 1100 via
a web page hosted by light dimmer 1100, or via a pre-installed
application on a personal computing device that interfaces with
light dimmer node 1100. When light dimmer node 1100 detects
configuration information in the USB drive, light dimmer node 1100
can display a confirmation prompt to the user via the web page or
application, which asks the user to confirm that he wishes to load
the configuration information from the USB drive. If the user has
set an administrator password, light dimmer node 1100 can prompt
the user to enter his password before loading the configuration
information. In some embodiments, touch-sensitive user-interface
1122 can include a display device, which the user can interact with
to confirm that he wishes to perform diagnostics on light dimmer
node 1100, to load firmware to light dimmer node 1100, or to
provision light dimmer node 1100.
[0223] FIG. 12 illustrates an angled view of an exemplary light
dimmer node 1200. Specifically, light dimmer node 1200 can include
a serial interface 1202 (e.g., an I2C interface), LED indicators
1204, a reset button 1206, and an "INIT" button 1208. When reset
button 1206 is depressed for a predetermined time interval (e.g.,
10 seconds), a microprocessor of power outlet 1200 initiates a
power cycle. Also, when INIT button 1208 is depressed for a
predetermined time interval (e.g., 10 seconds), the microprocessor
re-initializes the device to factory settings. In some embodiments,
the microprocessor can be reinitialized to factory settings by
loading a factory-installed firmware image into a flash storage
device of light dimmer node 1200.
[0224] LED indicators 1204 can include two LED lights of different
colors. In some embodiments, LED indicators 1204 can include a red
LED and a blue LED, which can each be turned on or off
programmatically by a processor of light dimmer 1200. Hence, LED
indicators 1204 can emit a red light, a blue light, a purple light
(e.g., when both red and blue LEDs are on), or no light (e.g., when
neither the red or blue LED is on). The color emitted by LED
indicators 1204 can be used to indicate a network connectivity, a
network packet being transmitted, a network packet being received,
a power source status, or any other user-defined condition or
event.
[0225] In some embodiments, the color emitted by LED indicators
1204 can indicate a status of light dimmer node 1200, such as to
indicate whether a light fixture is off (e.g., by turning on the
red LED, or not turning on any LEDs), whether the light fixture is
on (e.g., by turning on the blue LED), or whether the light fixture
is being dimmed (e.g., by turning on the red and blue LEDs to emit
a purple light).
[0226] A microprocessor of power outlet/light dimmer node 1200 can
also control LED indicators 1204 based on a user-defined rule, such
as to implement a night light functionality by turning on both
LEDs. In some embodiments, the user-defined "night light" rule can
turn on both LEDs during a predetermined time of day.
Alternatively, light dimmer 1200 can include a light sensor that
measures the room's ambient light level. When the room's ambient
light drops below a predetermined level, light dimmer 1200 can
generate an event which indicates that the room is dark. Light
dimmer 1200 can use this event to identify a "night light" rule
that is activated by this event, and can process the rule to turn
on the power outlet's LEDs.
[0227] Light dimmer node 1200 includes four terminals (illustrated
as wires in FIG. 12): a load terminal, a ground terminal, a hot
terminal, and a neutral terminal. Light dimmer node 1200 uses the
neutral and hot terminals to power the electronics of light dimmer
node 1200, and uses the load and ground terminals to provide power
to an external light fixture.
[0228] Serial interface 1202 can include a 4-pin micro connector
with electrical insulation, which can be used to interface light
dimmer 704 with a remote device (e.g., a power outlet or light
dimmer). A "smart" device can include additional features that are
not included in a "dumb" device, such as a wireless module, a
motion sensor, a temperature sensor, etc. The smart device can send
signals to a dumb device, to allow the dumb device to perform the
same functions of a smart device. For example, dumb devices can
access a network connection from a smart device. Also, smart
devices can send sensor readings from a sensor to dumb devices that
don't include the sensor.
[0229] In some embodiments, light dimmer node 1200 can include an
optical code 1210 and a secret number 1212 printed over a portion
of light dimmer node 1200. For example, optical code 1210 and
secret number 1212 can be printed over a portion of light dimmer
node 1200 that is to be covered by a faceplate for light dimmer
node 1200. For example, light dimmer node 1200 can use a built-in
wireless device to host a closed Wi-Fi network, which the user can
use to interface a personal computing device (e.g., a smartphone)
to light dimmer node 1200. The user can gain access to the closed
Wi-Fi network by entering secret number 1212 as the secret key.
[0230] As another example, light dimmer node 1200 can host an open
Wi-Fi network, which the user can use to establish a network
connection between his personal computing device and light dimmer
node 1200. Alternatively, light dimmer node 1200 can use any
wireless technology to establish a peer-to-peer network connection
with the personal computing device, such as near field
communication (NFC) or Bluetooth Low Energy. The user can run an
application on his personal computing device to send and/or receive
data to/from light dimmer node 1200 over the network connection.
The user can scan optical code 1210 using an image sensor on his
personal computing device, and the device signs the data sent to
light dimmer 1200 using information encoded in optical code 1210
(e.g., secret number 1212). The application can use optical code
1210 to generate a one-way secure hash value that is used to sign
data. Alternatively, the application can use optical code 1210
during a challenge-response handshake protocol with light dimmer
node 1200 that establishes a secure connection with light dimmer
node 1200. During this handshake protocol, the application and
light dimmer node 1200 can exchange digital signatures that are
then used to sign any data transferred between the two devices.
[0231] In some embodiments, a plurality of unprovisioned devices
(e.g., power outlets, light dimmers, thermostats, etc.) can each
host an unsecured Wi-Fi network with a common Service Set
Identification (SSID). The provisioning application on the user's
personal computing device can provision one device at a time via
the common SSID. After light dimmer 1200 becomes provisioned, light
dimmer 1200 will bring down its Wi-Fi network, which can allow the
application to connect with any other unprovisioned device via the
common SSID. The application will not detect a Wi-Fi network with
the common SSID if no unprovisioned devices remain.
[0232] In some embodiments, an access point can host an additional
Wi-Fi network with an SSID that is dedicated for device
provisioning. Each device can be pre-configured to connect to the
device-provisioning Wi-Fi network by default. The application can
detect an unprovisioned device by joining this device-provisioning
SSID, or by querying the access point while connected to the main
Wi-Fi network (via a different SSID). While provisioning light
dimmer node 1200, the application can configure light dimmer node
1200 to connect to the main Wi-Fi network. After light dimmer 1200
becomes provisioned, light dimmer node 1200 will disconnect from
the device-provisioning Wi-Fi network, and connects to the main
Wi-Fi network.
[0233] Alternatively, when light dimmer node 1200 joins the
device-provisioning Wi-Fi network of the access point, the access
point can redirect the network connection for light dimmer node
1200 to a device-provisioning server that is in charge of
provisioning devices into the network. The device-provisioning
server can store pairs of optical codes and secret keys for each
device that is to be provisioned or has been provisioned, and uses
this information to provision light dimmer node 1200. If the server
does not have an optical code and secret key stored for light
dimmer node 1200, the device-provisioning server can notify a
system administrator that an unrecognized device has been detected,
and requests the administrator to scan optical code 1210 and secret
key 1212 from light dimmer node 1200 into the system.
[0234] Light dimmer node 1200 can also include a universal serial
bus (USB) interface that allows a user to upload a configuration
file. The USB interface can be accessed from behind a faceplate,
such as on a side of light dimmer node 1200. The USB signals can be
isolated from fluctuations in the light dimmer's power signals, for
example, by using opto-couplers to prevent variations on the power
signals from causing fluctuations on the USB signals.
[0235] FIG. 13 presents a flow chart illustrating a method 1300 for
processing a user input for adjusting a brightness level. During
operation, the light dimmer node can detect a user input from a
capacitive-touch user interface (operation 1302), and analyzes the
user input to determine a gesture (operation 1304). The gesture can
include, for example, a tap gesture, a touch-and-hold gesture, and
a swipe gesture. The tap gesture can include a touch-screen
coordinate. The touch-and-hold gesture can include a touch-screen
coordinate, and a time duration during which the touch screen was
touched. The swipe gesture can include a starting coordinate, an
ending coordinate, and a speed (or time interval) for the swipe
gesture. The system then determines a target output lighting level
based on the gesture (operation 1306). In some embodiments, the
light dimmer node samples the capacitive-touch user interface on or
after the voltage from the alternating current (AC) power supply
crosses the zero-voltage level, which reduces noise from the
capacitive-touch user interface.
[0236] In some embodiments, a light fixture can be coupled directly
to the local light dimmer node. A light fixture can also be coupled
to a remote light dimmer node or power outlet node that provides
power to the light fixture. In some embodiments, the local light
dimmer node can control power to multiple light fixtures by sending
commands to one or more remote devices that provide power to these
light fixtures. Hence, the light dimmer node can determine whether
a target light fixture is coupled to a local power terminal
(operation 1308), and if so, can adjust the power output of the
power terminal based on the determined output level (operation
1310). The light dimmer node (e.g., acting on instructions from the
digital hub) can also determine whether a target light fixture is
coupled to a remote device (operation 1312), and if so, the light
dimmer node can send the determined output level to the remote
device (operation 1314).
[0237] FIG. 14 presents a flow chart illustrating a method 1400 for
automatically adjusting an operation mode to accommodate a light
fixture. Recall that a light fixture includes a mechanical relay
that can output 15 amps of current, and includes a solid-state
relay that can output 5 amps of current. The mechanical relay can
be used to enable or disable power to an external load, whereas the
solid-state relay can be used to adjust an amount of power that is
provided to the external load. During operation, the light dimmer
node can monitor a power output of the power terminal (operation
1402), and determines whether the current is greater than 5 amps
(operation 1404). If the current exceeds 5 amps, the light dimmer
node can transition to a "switch" mode to ensure that the external
load does not draw more power than can be provided by a relay.
[0238] Some light fixtures may consume more than 5 amps of current
while in dimming mode, but may consume less than 5 amps of current
when completely on. Hence, during operation 1406, the light dimmer
can transition to "switch" mode by setting the phase-clipped
waveform to 100% (operation 1408). The light dimmer node can
monitor a power output of the power terminal once again (operation
1410), and again determines whether the current is greater than 5
amps (operation 1412). If setting the phase-clipped waveform to
100% does not drop the current to below 5 amps, the light dimmer
can disable the solid-state relay (operation 1414), and enables the
mechanical relay to provide up to 15 amps of current to the power
terminal (operation 1416).
[0239] Another variation of a node, as mentioned above, is a
wall-mounted, interactive sensing and audio-visual node device for
a networked living/working space. Any of the exemplary nodes
described above (e.g., power outlet nodes, light switch nodes,
light dimmer nodes, etc.) may be wall-mounted, and may also be
interactive sensing and audio-visual node devices for a networked
living/working space. For example, FIGS. 15A and 15C schematically
illustrate another variation of a wall-mounted, interactive sensing
and audio-visual node device for a networked living/working space.
In general, these devices are configured to be mounted onto a wall,
and particularly over a power box in a wall (or ceiling or floor).
These devices also typically include a plurality of sensors of
different modalities (e.g., generating different characteristic
data streams), as well as a wireless transmitter/receiver for
transmitting the data stream and receiving instruction (e.g., from
a digital hub).
[0240] As mentioned, a wall-mounted sensing and audio-visual node
device may be configured to fit (e.g., retrofit) over a light
switch and/or power outlet, or be mounted directly to (or in) a
wall, including (but not limited to) in a power box connected to a
wall power line. The wall-mounted sensing and audio-visual node
devices described herein may also be referred to as an "integrated
sensor panel" that can be used both for sensing one or more
preferably more parameters and for displaying (and in some cases,
interactively displaying) information. In general, these devices
may communicate directly with other node devices (e.g., in a mesh)
and/or with a digital hub, as discussed above. As such, they may be
securely connected to the internal network with other nodes and/or
hub, and authenticated as described above.
[0241] FIG. 15A shows a variation of an integrated sensor panel (a
wall-mounted, interactive sensing and audio-visual node device for
a networked living/working space). FIG. 15C illustrates another
example of an integrated sensor panel (e.g., a wall-mounted,
interactive sensing and audio-visual node device for a networked
living/working space, or "node"). In FIG. 15A, the integrated
sensor panel 1500 is similar in size to a light switch plate. The
front of the panel includes a camera 1502, microphone 1504,
detectors 1506 e.g. smoke and carbon monoxide, a speaker 1508, and
a LED display 1510. FIG. 15B illustrates another variation of an
integrated sensor panel 1500 that may be inserted and/or over into
an existing electrical power receptacle (power box). The panel 1500
is similar in size to a light switch cover having depth. The
microphone 1504, detectors 1506, and speaker 1508 have been moved
from the front panel (when compared to FIG. 15A) to the side or
bottom of the panel. The display 1510 is the front of the panel. In
some variations the integrated sensor panel may include an optional
data storage unit or local processor that enhances the system's
capability, as described above for the hub (FIG. 1C). In FIG. 15C,
the node includes an opening for a light switch 1511, and is
configured as a faceplate covering the power box into which a
switch is also positioned. In FIG. 15C, the front of the panel
(faceplate) includes a camera 1502, microphone 1504, air quality
sensors/detectors 1506 e.g. smoke and carbon monoxide, a speaker
1508, and a light sensor 1513, as well as a temperature sensor
1517.
[0242] FIG. 15D and 15E illustrate variations of the integrated
sensor panel 1500 that include a slave switch 1512. FIG. 15D is
similar in size to a 2 gang light switch plate and has one slave
switch 1512. FIG. 15E is similar in size to a 2 gang light switch
plate and has one slave power outlet 1514. FIG. 15F is similar in
size to a 3 gang light switch plate and includes two slave switches
1512. Although the integrated sensor panel 1500 is illustratively
described in the leftmost gang position, the panel may be placed in
any of the gangs. The integrated sensor panel 1500 acts as a master
switch and may control the slave switch 1512 or slave power outlet
1514. The slave switch 1512 may control appliances plugged into a
power outlet or hardwired appliances, e.g. fans, air conditioning,
etc. A slave power outlet 1514 provides direct control of plugged
in appliances.
[0243] The concept may be extended to any multiple gang switch
unit. In variations, there may be additional integrated sensor
panels.
[0244] FIG. 15F is an illustrative example of a block diagram of
the integrated sensor panel according to FIGS. 15A-15E. A
controller 1550 is in bidirectional communication with a Wi-Fi
antenna 1552, an image processor 1554, USB port for the slave
switch 1556, speakers 1508, microphone 1504, gas detector 1506, and
a display 1510. The sensors 1506 may measure directly or indirectly
gas, visible light, audio, or motion.
[0245] FIGS. 15H-15K illustrate various displays that may be shown
on a sensor panel (wall-mounted, interactive sensing and
audio-visual node device for a networked living/working space). In
general, the display 1510 may be a touch capacitive display or an
LED display. An LED display may show single function control, e.g.
volume or temperature control. A touch capacitive display may show
room health statistics, e.g. temperature, air quality, and
occupation level, as shown in FIG. 15H. The integrated sensor panel
1500 may have access to other environment customization features,
e.g. intercom 1510a (exemplary display shown in FIG. 15I), music
1510b (exemplary display shown in FIG. 15J), and surveillance 1510c
(exemplary display shown in FIG. 15K). To illustrate, in intercom
mode, the user of the integrated sensor panel has audio or visual
from another location on site. In music mode, the user can access a
playlist or change the volume from a stereo system, laptop, etc. In
surveillance mode, the user has audio and visual access to a room
that requires monitoring.
[0246] In one variation, the gas detector 1506 is a catalytic bead
sensor. The sensor is used detect and measure combustible gases and
vapors from 0-100% LEL (lower explosive limit). The sensor is less
sensitive to temperature and humidity effects and offers repeatable
performance. It is susceptible to poisoning and inhibition from
some gases, which may decrease its sensitivity or damage the
sensor.
[0247] In another variation, the gas detector 1506 is an
electrochemical gas sensor that measure the concentration of a
target gas by oxidizing or reducing the target gas at an electrode
and measuring the resulting current. The sensor is used for the
detection of toxic gases at the PPM level and for oxygen in levels
of percent of volume. The toxic gases include but are not limited
to carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen
dioxide, chlorine.
[0248] In another variation, the gas detector 1506 is a
non-dispersive infrared absorption sensor. The sensor is used for
the detection of methane, carbon dioxide, and nitric oxides. It is
not susceptible to poisons and can be made specific to a particular
target gas.
[0249] In another variation, the gas detector 1506 is a metal oxide
sensor. The sensor is used for the detection of combustible gases,
chlorinated solvents, and some toxic gases. The toxic gases include
but are not limited to carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. Sensor
performance is affected by the output of the MOS sensors which
varies logarithmically with the gas concentration, oxygen
concentration, humidity, and temperature.
[0250] In another variation, the gas detector 1506 is a
photoionization detector. The sensor is used for situations where
high sensitivity, e.g. sub-PPM level, and limited selectivity, e.g.
broad range coverage, is desired. This gas sensor is used for the
detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), e.g.
benzene/toluene/xylene, vinyl chloride, and hexane. PID performance
is affected by sensor drift and humidity.
[0251] The aforementioned variations may include temperature and
humidity compensation to improve accuracy. To illustrate, high
humidity results in condensation at the walls of a structure, e.g.
house or office building. Damp buildings may support the growth of
mold and bacteria on indoor surfaces thereby increasing the levels
of mold, bacteria, and their byproducts in indoor air. The level of
indoor air humidity affects the indoor levels of house dust mites
and house dust mite allergens.
[0252] For carbon dioxide sensing, the sensors 1506 may be
semiconductors, solid electrolytes, optic fibers laser diodes, and
non-dispersive IR (NDIR). NDIR sensors may be selected as they are
stable and very robust against interference by other air
components.
[0253] For carbon monoxide, the sensors 1506 may be electrochemical
and MOS.
Wireless Access Points Fed by Power Line Communication
[0254] As mentioned above, any of the nodes described herein may
also be configured to perform as wireless access points that are
fed by power line communication.
[0255] Standard types of communication networks, such as a wireless
local area network (WLAN) and a hard-wired local area network (LAN)
are commonly used to achieve interconnectivity. In WLANs, radio
frequencies, as opposed to physical connectors, serve as the means
for communication between devices. Accordingly, WLAN set-up,
expansion, and take down all require minimal time and physical
effort because no wiring or significant renovation is involved. In
contrast, a hard-wired LAN is formed with dedicated cables, wires,
or the like that interconnect devices to each other within a
localized area. Depending on the size and complexity of the LAN,
set up or installation can be cumbersome and costly. There are,
however, a few key advantages of hard-wired networks that
perpetuate their use; greater security, reliability, and
performance at speeds much faster than their wireless
counterparts.
[0256] In general, a wireless access point allows the creation or
extension of a wireless local area network (LAN) by wirelessly
communicating with a plurality of client devices (each having a
Wi-Fi connectivity). When setting up a wireless network, an access
point may be connected, e.g., via Ethernet connection, to a router
using a wired network (although the router may be an integral
component of the access point), and may also connect to (or
include) an Ethernet switch and/or broadband modem, and may
ultimately connect to an internet service provider (ISP) to get
internet access. The wireless access point (or access points when
covering multiple regions/zones) may be positioned within a
habitable structure to provide optimal wireless access throughout
the structure. Typically, one disadvantage in setting up an access
point in this manner is the requirement that it be hardwired (e.g.,
via Ethernet connection) to the source of the internet connection
(which may include a switch). Thus, if one or more wireless access
points are set up through a building, each access point (AP) is
typically connected by cables. However, pulling cable can be
expensive and difficult.
[0257] Described herein are wireless access points that may be
integrated into existing buildings (habitable structures such as
homes, apartments, offices, etc.), including integrating into an
existing power box within a wall (e.g., wall, ceiling, floor,
etc.), and connect via power line communication to provide internet
connectivity. Power line communications can be used to interconnect
devices using the existing electrical wiring in the home. This may
allow connection between, for example, the wireless access point in
one location and a virtual router in another location, without
running dedicated network cables between the two. A widely deployed
power line networking standard is from the HomePlug Powerline
Alliance (HomePlug AV).
[0258] In general, described herein are power receptacle wireless
access point (AP) devices that including a wall power input,
typically configured to connect to a power line, a power line
communication (PLC) circuit that is configured to receive data from
and transmit data on a power line connected to the wall power
input, at least one antenna, and a wireless AP circuit connected to
the PLC circuit, the wireless AP configured to receive data from
the PLC circuit and to wirelessly transmit the data using the at
least one antenna, and further configured to receive wireless data
on the at least one antenna and to transmit the received data to
the PLC circuit. In particular, described herein are power
receptacle wireless access point devices that are configured
specifically to fit into a standard power box within a wall, floor
or ceiling, and convert an otherwise "standard" outlet, switch,
etc. into a wireless access point, without requiring a cable
connection to the access point.
[0259] Power line communication (PLC) may also be described as
broadband power line (BPL) networking and mains connection
networking, and may utilize existing electrical wire or power lines
installed within a house or building structure to form a network.
Wires or cables that transmit or distribute electrical power are
used to simultaneously transmit or communicate data, including
voice and video, by using modulation. As mentioned above, a modem
can be used to superimpose a modulated radio frequency (RF) carrier
signal between 1.8-86 MHz at low energy levels on an alternating
current (AC) signal with a frequency range of about 50-60 Hz that
is carried by a typical power line. The RF carrier signal can then
be demodulated and extracted at another location downstream along
the power line. Network-capable devices coupled to components used
to establish power line communications can achieve
interconnectivity that may rival the network security afforded by
LANs. Power line communications can be used for many types of
applications, including, but not limited to, interconnecting
computers, peripherals, and entertainment devices, and the like;
providing internet access; and enabling home automation, VoIP,
IPTV, HDMI, and VoD.
[0260] A computer-enabled device ("networking device") may form or
join a PLC network by connecting to a PLC adapter with access to
the PLC network or a power line that will be used to form it. The
connection between the networking device and adapter may be wired.
As an example, an Ethernet cable may be used to establish the wired
connection. A wireless connection is also possible and may be
accomplished using a transmitter, receiver, and antenna.
[0261] Described herein are power receptacle wireless access point
devices that are configured to fit over a (e.g., standard) power
box within a wall, floor or ceiling, and convert them to a wireless
access point that may also typically include one or more power
outlet and/or switches. Thus, the functionality of the power outlet
(allowing electrical device to plug into the power outlet to
receive power) and/or switch (light switch, 3-way switch, dimmer
switch, etc.) may be preserved.
[0262] In general, any of the power receptacle wireless access
point devices described herein may include a faceplate that
resembles the faceplate of a standard power outlet/light switch.
The faceplate may connect over an existing outlet and/or light
switch or the power receptacle wireless access point device may
include one or more integrate electrical outlet(s) and/or light
switches. In general, these devices may be configured to cover
and/or connect to a electrical box. For example, the power
receptacle wireless access point devices may include a mount
configured to mount the device in or over an electrical box, such
as screws, opening for screws, bracing, and the like to hold the
device in and/or over an electrical box within a wall, ceiling or
floor.
[0263] In use, one or more power receptacle wireless access point
devices may be installed in a habitable structure. For example,
multiple rooms of a structure may be equipped with power receptacle
wireless access point devices on one or more outlet (e.g. power
outlet, light switch, etc.) for providing wireless connectivity
with the room. Thus, in general, the power receptacle wireless
access point devices may include a relatively weak or low-power
wireless AP circuit. In addition, the wireless AP circuit may be
configured or adapted to isolate or separate from other nearby APs
to prevent interference between the adjacent and/or overlapping AP.
For example, the wireless AP circuitry may be configured to shift
the frequency on which the particular wireless AP operates.
[0264] Any of the nodes described above may be configured as power
receptacle wireless access point devices. For example, a power
receptacle wireless access point devices may include one or more
sensors, and/or may wirelessly communicate with a hub. In the
particular case of power receptacle wireless access point devices,
the device may communicate the status of the AP to the hub, traffic
through the access point, packet information (volume, rate, etc.),
error codes, and the like.
[0265] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrates one example of a prior art
faceplate for a power outlet 1650 and a pair of power outlets 1651.
Other commercially available faceplates for power outlets may
include multiple (e.g., adjacent) pairs of power outlets. In
general, the devices described herein (e.g., nodes and, in
particular, power receptacle wireless access point devices) may be
configured to fit over or replace a standard power outlet, or
replace or fit over a standard face place for a power outlet, or
fit into or over a standard power box. Although the power outlets,
switches, faceplates, and power boxes described herein typically
correspond to NEM type standard outlets used in the U.S., the
devices and system described herein may be applied to and used with
any type of power outlet, including any of the known standard
types: NEMA 1-15 unpolarised, NEMA 1-15 polarised, JIS C 8303,
Class II, NEMA 5-15, NEMA 5-20, JIS C 8303, Class I, CEE 7/16
(Europlug), CEE 7/17, GOST 7396 C 1, BS 4573, BS 546, CEE 7/5, CEE
7/4 Schuko, BS 1363, IS 401 & 411, MS 589, SS 145, SI 32, TIS
166-2549, AS/NZS 3112, CPCS-CCC, IRAM 2073, Swiss SEV 1011, Danish
107-2-D1, CEI 23-16/VII, South Africa SABS 164-1, Brazilian NBR
14136 (2 pin), Brazilian NBR 14136 (3 pin), South Africa SABS 164-2
(2 pin), South Africa SABS 164-2 (3 pin), etc.
[0266] In FIG. 16B, a power outlet includes a pair or power
receptacles 1654, each including contact openings 1659 for
connecting to a complementary plug, as well as retaining elements
(bracket/mounting strap 1655 and retaining screw(s) 1657) and
electrical connections/contacts that include terminal screws 1670,
1671 for securing to the wall power line (e.g., ground, neutral,
and hot lines). Any of the nodes described herein may include a
power outlet that also includes retaining elements for retaining
the device or over a power box 1680, a power receptacle 1654, and
electrical connections 1670, 1671 for connecting to the wall
power.
[0267] For example, FIGS. 16C-16F illustrates one variation of a
power receptacle wireless access point devices (node) that is
configured as a power outlet and can be positioned in an existing
(`standard`) electrical box for holding a power outlet in a wall,
ceiling or floor. For example, FIGS. 16E and 16F illustrate a side
(profile) and front perspective view of the power receptacle
wireless access point devices configured as a power outlet. In this
example, the device includes a "standard" (e.g., NEMA) receptacle
as well as a power line communication (PLC) circuit configured to
receive data from and transmit data on a power line connected to
the wall power input, and a wireless AP circuit connected to the
PLC circuit, as well as at least one Wi-Fi antenna connected to the
wireless AP circuit. In this example, the PLC circuit, wireless AP
circuit and antenna are all housed in a low-profile housing 1654
that is positioned over the electrical receptacle. The power
receptacle wireless access point device also includes a wall power
input (e.g., terminal screws) configured to connect to a power line
in a wall box, and mounts (e.g., mounting straps 1655 and/or screws
1657) to hold the power receptacle wireless access point device in
a standard electrical box in the wall. The wireless AP is
configured to receive data from the PLC circuit and to wirelessly
transmit the data using the at least one antenna, and further
configured to receive wireless data on the at least one antenna and
to transmit the received data to the PLC circuit. In general, the
housing 1654 may be adapted to allow passage of RF signals (e.g.,
wireless signals) therethrough. In some variations the wireless
antenna may be located outside of the housing (though covered by a,
e.g., plastic, faceplate, or in some variations exposed).
[0268] The power receptacle wireless access point device shown in
FIGS. 16E and 16F may be covered with a faceplate, as shown in
FIGS. 16C and 16D. In this example the faceplate is separate from
the power receptacle wireless access point device, though it may be
integrated with it. In some variations a standard faceplate (e.g.
having an opening for two or more power receptacles) may be used.
For example the housing 1654 for the wireless AP circuitry and/or
PLC circuit and/or antenna may be adapted to `cover` or otherwise
fit into the opening in a standard faceplate.
[0269] FIGS. 16G-16J illustrate another variation of a power
receptacle wireless access point device, including an additional
(e.g., USB port) 1690. Thus, in this example, which may otherwise
be similar to the example shown in FIGS. 16E-16F, the power
receptacle wireless access point device includes a connector for a
cable, such as an Ethernet cable, in addition to acting as a
wireless AP. The faceplate (e.g., FIGS. 16G and 16H) may include an
opening allowing access to the port 1690. In some variations the
port is a PoE port.
[0270] The examples of power receptacle wireless access point
devices shown in FIGS. 16C-16J above may be used to replace (e.g.,
retrofit) an electrical outlet and include a separate faceplate. In
some variations the power receptacle wireless access point device
may be adapted to operate with an existing power outlet (e.g., such
as the power outlet shown in FIG. 16B or other types of standard
power outlets). For example, a PLC circuit, wireless AP circuit and
antenna may be connected to a faceplate (e.g. around the periphery
of the faceplate) or may extend from the faceplate, and may extend
from the faceplate slightly (or may be flush with the faceplate).
An example is shown in FIGS. 16K1 and 16L. In FIG. 16L, the
faceplate includes a housing for a PLC circuit, wireless AP circuit
and antenna. The faceplate may connect (e.g., via wires 1697 or
other electrical connector, to the power line in the electrical
box). The faceplate version of the power receptacle wireless access
point device is shown with an opening for accessing a standard
electrical outlet; in FIG. 16K2, the faceplate version of the power
receptacle wireless access point device is shown connected to a
standard outlet. In some variations, as illustrated in FIG. 16M,
the faceplate includes the PLC circuit, wireless AP circuit and
antenna integrated thereon, and also includes plugs 1695 for
connecting the circuitry into one of the standard outlet
receptacles; the faceplate can then be secured using a mounting
screw 1696, as in FIG. 16L.
[0271] FIGS. 16E-16M each illustrate variations of power receptacle
wireless access point devices that link to an external internet
source via provide power line communication and establish wireless
AP communication regions within a room or rooms. In these examples,
the power receptacle wireless access point devices also leave
intact (or replace with a comparable) power outlet that includes a
socket for connecting an electrical device. A faceplate may be
integrated or separate, and may include a hole positioned over the
socket to provide physical access to the socket.
[0272] In any of these examples, the PLC circuit (e.g., PLC module)
may include circuitry supporting Bluetooth or Wireless USB. Power
may be provided directly from the wall line after installation. In
some variations the antenna included as part of the power
receptacle wireless access point device is a microstrip antenna.
The antenna is generally oriented to project from the faceplate and
may therefore be directional (e.g., away from the faceplate),
although the radiating pattern may be directed more into the room
than back into the wall.
[0273] In general, the faceplate may be manufactured of a plastic
material. The faceplate may be colored (e.g., white, ivory, black,
tan, etc.) to match existing faceplates, and may have a mat or
glossy finish. In some variations, the faceplate may be
manufactured of aluminum, with a dark anodized finish; however the
faceplate may generally allow transmission of wireless signals from
the included antenna(s) in the power receptacle wireless access
point devices.
[0274] FIG. 16N is a block diagram illustrating one example of PLC
circuitry. In this example, a baseband processor 1620 connects to
the network interface 1622, a transmit signal conditioning
circuitry 1624, and a receive signal conditioning circuitry 1626.
The transmit signal conditioning circuitry 1624 and receive signal
conditioning circuitry 1626 are each connected to a throw of a
single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch 1628. A bandpass filter 1630
interposes an output and the pole of the SPDT switch 1628. The
output may be an antenna 1632 and/or wireless AP circuitry, an
Ethernet port, etc. In some variations, the PCL circuitry supports
multiple frequency ranges.
[0275] FIG. 16o illustrates one example of a PLC module and an AP
circuit (e.g., AP chip) that may be used with any of the power
receptacle wireless access point devices described herein. In this
example, the circuit also includes a pair of antennas (Ant-0 and
Ant-1) connected to a processor (in this example, a processor for
handling a wireless AP) with switch controls. The PLC module
includes a PLC processor (in this example, AR 7420). Other
processors and antennas may be used. In general, the resulting
circuitry may be highly compact, as described above.
[0276] In addition to the wall-mounted variations of the power
receptacle wireless access point devices described herein, also
described are plug adapters, including power strip adapters,
configured as power receptacle wireless access point devices. In
general, power strips may not be easily used with power line
communications, because the filtering and protections associated
with such devices typically disrupt the PLC transmission on the
line. Thus, in some variations a power strip may plug into an
outlet and include the PLC circuitry and AP circuitry as well as
one or more antennas, allowing the device to operate as an AP. The
electrical outlets on the power strip may be `downstream` of the
connection of the PLC and AP circuitry to the input to line power,
thereby allowing the power strip to easily provide the same
protections (e.g., power filtering, circuit breakers, and/or
limiters) of traditional power strips, while still operating as a
power receptacle wireless access point devices (although devices
plugged into the power strip may not use PLC. Alternatively, in
some variations additional circuitry (boosters, repeaters, etc.)
may be provided to allow PLC access directly through the outlets of
the power line.
[0277] In some variations a power receptacle wireless access point
devices may be an adapter that plugs into an existing electrical
outlet. For example, FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate one variation of
a power receptacle wireless access point devices configured as an
adapter. In this example, the device is configured to connect to an
outlet and operated as an extremely low profile AP as well as
including an Ethernet connection (e.g., PoE connection). The device
shown in FIG. 19A (and indeed, any power receptacle wireless access
point device) may include one or more indicator lights 1907 (e.g.
LEDs, display, etc.) indicating the status, including the status of
the wireless connectivity. FIG. 19B shows an end view of the device
of FIG. 19A, showing an Ethernet port/connector 1911 on one end
(e.g., top or bottom). Within the housing (not visible) is a PLC
module (circuit/chip) and an AP module (circuit/chip) as well as an
antenna. Two or three prongs (plug 1902) may be used to plug the
device into an existing outlet. In some variations, the device may
include one or more receptacles 1903 for plugs so that the outlet
is not occluded by the power receptacle wireless access point
device adapter.
[0278] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrates examples of systems using the
power receptacle wireless access point devices shown in FIGS.
16C-16M. In FIG. 17A, each of the outlets shown is a power
receptacle wireless access point device that operates as a wireless
access point and is connected through the wall power line to a
"virtual switch". The virtual switch may be a web based browser
application on a local server or, optionally, a remotely located
machine on a public cloud. In local deployment, the controller may
be managed by a single user to maintain an office network with a
few access points around the building. In cloud deployment, the
controller provisions multiple deployment sites, e.g. multiple
school campus buildings and outdoor areas consisting of thousands
of access points and tens of thousands of users.
[0279] In any system including the power receptacle wireless access
point devices described herein, a hub connected to an internet
service provider (ISP) that encodes and decodes the signals onto
the local power line (e.g., via LAN power line communication) may
be included as part of the system. For example a hub (e.g., router)
and/including a power line adapter set can be plugged into a power
outlet and establish an Ethernet connection using the existing
electrical wiring (wall power) in the home. Alternatively in some
variations these devices may be used with broadband over power line
(BPL) systems. In some variations, the PLC circuit for connecting
the ISP device to the home power line may be an Ethernet connector
coupled to a power receptacle wireless access point device, as
shown in FIGS. 16G-16J, above.
[0280] FIG. 17B illustrates a variation providing Enterprise PLC.
In this example, a power over Ethernet (POE) module coupled to an
Ethernet port. In other variations, the circuitry is adapted to
include additional communication e.g. wireless access point or a
mesh node. FIG. 16D illustrates a system using power receptacle
wireless access point devices such as those shown above. Each of
the POE access points may be connected to a device using an
Ethernet cable. The devices may include switches, phones, and
cameras. In addition, the power receptacle wireless access point
devices may also act to provide a wireless connection port (AP) for
other devices within the structure. In some variations, as
mentioned above, the devices may connect through the power line to
a switch or virtual switch.
[0281] In general, the power receptacle wireless access point
devices may support wireless standards, e.g., wireless USB and
Bluetooth, and mesh node communications. In some variations, the
power receptacle wireless access point devices support POE and mesh
node communication. In some variations, the power receptacle
wireless access point devices support POE and at least one wireless
frequency range, e.g. 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5 GHz, and 5.9
GHz. When more than one wireless frequency range is implemented,
additional antennas may be used (e.g., positioned in the face
plate).
[0282] In general, a mesh node includes a small radio transmitter
that functions similar to a wireless router. Nodes may use the
Wi-Fi standards, e.g. 802.11a, b, and g to communicate wirelessly
with users and with each other. Nodes may be programmed with
software that tells them how to interact within the larger network.
In mesh networks, information typically travels across the network
from point A to point B by hopping wirelessly from one mesh node to
the next. The nodes automatically choose the quickest and safest
path in a process known as dynamic routing. In a wireless mesh
network, only one node needs to be physically wired to a network
connection. That one wired node then shares its Internet connection
wirelessly with all other nodes in its vicinity. Those nodes then
share the connection wirelessly with the nodes closest to them. The
more nodes, the further the connection spreads, creating a wireless
"cloud of connectivity" that can serve a small office or a city of
millions.
[0283] FIGS. 17C-17D illustrate one variation of an antenna that
may be used for the apparatuses described herein. This antenna is
configured as a 2.times.2 MIMO antenna that can operate within the
narrow confines of the wall-mounted power receptacle wireless
access point device. In FIG. 17C the faceplate 1755 of the power
receptacle wireless access point device is shown for reference, and
may include a single plug receptacle 1757 and (optionally) a POE
connector receptacle or simple Ethernet connector 1759. The antenna
1766 includes the emitter/radiator surface which is formed as part
of a single feed (primary feed) having two (or in some variations
more) isolated antenna input feeds. FIG. 17D shows a side view of
the antenna primary feed (and the locations of the antenna input
feeds 1769, 1769'). With an outline of the power receptacle
wireless access point. FIG. 17E shows a side perspective view of
this variation of the antenna emitter/radiator. The shape of the
emitter/radiator portion of the antenna may be adjusted to optimize
for the emitting pattern, and additional elements, such as
reflectors, may also be included. The use of a single primary feed
(having a single emitter/radiator) with multiple antenna input fees
(e.g., two, three or more) may be particularly advantageous.
[0284] FIGS. 18A-18E illustrate examples of systems for
distributing power receptacle wireless access point devices
throughout a structure, providing network access. Any of the nodes
(and hubs) described herein may also be used and/or may be
configured as power receptacle wireless access point devices. Thus,
these systems may include any of the aforementioned customizable
access points or communication outlets, switches, and dimmers.
[0285] FIG. 18A illustrates a variation of a system 1700 including
power receptacle wireless access point devices that have been
provisioned through the large room to provide customizable access
points or communication outlets. In this example, there is central
control of a group audience setting, e.g. conference room, lecture
hall, theater, or banquet room. A hub may be used in communication
with a control unit (e.g., tablet, computer, phone, etc.) to
wirelessly control one or more devices. For example, an audience
experience may be managed from n access device (e.g., wireless
tablet 1802). In one instance, there are wireless access points
1801, 1801', 1801'', e.g. on the wall, at light switches, in the
ceiling, recessed in the floor, etc., positioned through the room
and/or near the participants. A device may be connected directly
(e.g., via Ethernet connection) to a power receptacle wireless
access point device, or it may be wirelessly connected. In
addition, the room may be equipped with multiple other nodes which
may also control one or more devices or actuators (e.g., lights,
audio-visual equipment, etc.), and their availability is
transmitted to the hub and/or controller. To illustrate, the access
device 1802 may be a mobile computing device, laptop, or cellphone,
and can access the sound circuitry and put the device on mute
during the performance or lecture. Alternatively, in a theater
setting, the libretto or score may be transmitted to provide closed
captioning. Alternatively, the light output of the device may be
adjusted to reduce the impact at the neighboring chairs or the key
clicks may be muted.
[0286] FIG. 18B shows another example of a system 1800 used in a
modular office environment. There multiple access points 1801,
1801', 1801'' positioned in different cubicles, e.g. at the
entrance into the cubicle. The APs may provide access within this
and adjacent cubicles, and the coverage may be overlapping. The
power receptacle wireless access point devices and/or the virtual
switch connected to them may manage the overlap and allow
continuous access between the different regions. Thus, an employee
may access the internet via the access points may also plug one or
more device directly into an Ethernet connection on (including PoE
connectors) on devices having them. In variations in which the
power receptacle wireless access point device is configured as an
electrical outlet, the outlet may also be used to power one or more
devices. In addition, the same nodes (in variations of nodes
configured as power receptacle wireless access point devices and
having additional sensors) may be used to monitor the environment
and provide data streams to a digital hub or through a hubless
network. For example, the office environment, e.g. heat, lighting,
air conditioning, may be customized according to the number of
cubicles determined to be `activated` by occupancy or other
techniques. In one example, the lights near the cubicle and
lighting to the break room, rest room, and exits may be illuminated
when one or more of the cubicles are determined to be occupied. As
mentioned above, occupancy may be determined by the hub (digital
hub) using combinations of data streams, including detection of
lights, sound, visual inputs, internet access, etc. The system may
also control the lighting and other features to reduce lighting
according to a timer to allow the employee to safely exit the
office environment. In another variation, the access point includes
an image sensor or biometric sensor. When the employee's presence
in the cubicle is noted, the system applies environmental and
access parameters associated with the employee.
[0287] FIG. 18C illustrates a variation of a system 2000 used in a
laboratory setting. In this example, nodes 2004, distributed
throughout the space include one or more preferably more sensors
(or an integrated sensor panel) to monitor particulate levels or a
type of gas or heat are among the environmental parameters
controlled. This data is received by a digital hub or master
controller that, in response, can adjust the ventilation to improve
air flow when an unsafe level of gas has been detected, or adjust
the temperature as needed.
[0288] FIG. 18D illustrates another example of a system 2100, in
this case used in a hospital setting. The hub and/or master
controller may access the environmental parameters for each patient
room via a plurality of different nodes (including wall-mounted
interactive sensing and audio-visual node devices. In addition,
there are wall-mounted (e.g., integrated into power outlets and/or
wall switches) power receptacle wireless access point devices 2104x
for providing wireless connectivity to various nodes positioned
around the zones (e.g., beds). To illustrate, an IV stand may
include a wireless sensor that sends a signal to a hub/master
controller that indicates when the IV bag is empty or near empty.
The hub/master controller may send a signal to the hospital staff
indicating that patient care is needed. Alternatively, the hospital
bed may be monitored by a sensor (e.g., a wall-mounted node having
a camera and/or motion sensor) so that the hub/controller can
detect a sleeping patient. When patient movement has dropped below
threshold, the lighting in the room may be dimmed.
[0289] FIG. 18E illustrates a variation of a system 2200 including
one or more power receptacle wireless access point device used in a
restaurant setting. The power receptacle wireless access point
devices may provide wireless access throughout the room in a secure
and/or unsecure network. For example, customer Wi-Fi access may be
provided using the network, while the same power receptacle
wireless access point device nodes and/or other nodes connected or
connectable to a digital hub for monitoring and/or controlling the
space. For example, a hub/master controller may monitor the sound
level in the room. The customizable outlets 2204 may be used for
controlling and monitoring lighting, speakers, or microphones. The
lighting in the dining area can be adjusted to create a mood, or
the white noise generator can be adjusted according to the detected
sound level, or a banquet room may be customized for an event. The
access points may allow connection to wireless speakers which can
be regulated/controlled by the digital hub/controller, thereby
improving safety for guests.
[0290] Any of the aforementioned systems can be extended to work
with standard electrical receptacles or track based power
distribution systems that have positionable sockets. Any of the
data structures and code described or used to implement any of the
devices, systems and method described herein may be stored on a
computer-readable storage medium, which may be any device or medium
that can store code and/or data for use by a computer system. The
computer-readable storage medium includes, but is not limited to,
volatile memory, non-volatile memory, magnetic and optical storage
devices such as disk drives, magnetic tape, CDs (compact discs),
DVDs (digital versatile discs or digital video discs), or other
media capable of storing computer-readable media now known or later
developed. In general, the methods and processes described in the
detailed description section can be embodied as code and/or data,
which can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium as
described above. When a computer system reads and executes the code
and/or data stored on the computer-readable storage medium, the
computer system performs the methods and processes embodied as data
structures and code and stored within the computer-readable storage
medium.
[0291] Any of the methods and processes described above can be
included in hardware modules. For example, the hardware modules can
include, but are not limited to, application-specific integrated
circuit (ASIC) chips, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and
other programmable-logic devices now known or later developed. When
the hardware modules are activated, the hardware modules perform
the methods and processes included within the hardware modules.
EXAMPLES
A. Integrated Data Power Cable (PLC Adapter)
[0292] Described herein are PLC adapters that may be used to
connect one or more devices (e.g., a switch, a computer, etc.) to a
PLC network. Conventional PLC adapters are generally boxed-shaped
and directly plugged into the socket of a standard electrical wall
outlet, using up a significant amount of space at and around the
wall outlet. While some adapters provide an electrical
pass-through, there general shape and size remains the same. One
challenge with commercially available PLC networking products is
the volume of space imposed by an adapter at a wall outlet and the
area that immediately surrounds it. This is of particular concern
in older houses and building structures because they generally have
fewer electrical outlets. Another challenge arises when the space
between a networking device and wall outlet is cluttered and
impeded with the presence of other physical structures, such as
furniture, electronic devices, and clusters of cables. There is a
need to provide an integrated and streamlined power line
communication apparatus that is configured for a minimal
footprint.
[0293] FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate one example of an integrated
PLC adapter/data power cable connecting a networking device (e.g.,
computer in FIG. 20A and switch in FIG. 20B.) to a power line. A
networking device may include any of the devices described herein,
including for example, computers, switches/routers, printers,
tablets, thermostats, VoIP phones, cameras, speakers, gaming
consoles, Blu-ray players, RFID readers, security access pads,
intercoms, and elevators, etc.
[0294] In FIGS. 20A and 20B, the integrated PLC adapter and power
cable includes a distal end that is configured to plug into a
standard line (wall) power outlet (e.g., any of the standard power
outlets described above). For example, the plug may include a 3
prong connector. The plug may be connected via an elongate length
of insulated connector 2026 to an adapter region 2022 that, in this
example, is positioned near the proximal end of the integrated PLC
adapter and power cable device, and includes a housing. The
proximal end of the device, connected to the cable, includes a
connector 2019 to connect to the power inlet for the networking
device, as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, providing power to the
device. The power may be line power or it may be modified (e.g.,
converted to DC) as required by the networking device. Thus, the
integrated PLC adapter and power cables described herein may
replace standard power cords or power cords and power adapters used
for any of the networking devices described herein (e.g., different
variations of integrated PLC adapter and power cables may be used).
For example, any of the integrated PLC adapter and power cables
described herein may include an AC power adapter to convert wall
power into the DC power. The AC power adapter may be housed within
the adapter region 2022. The adapter region 2022 may also include
circuitry and structures, including connectors and/or cabling, such
as an Ethernet RJ-45 connector and/or Ethernet cable 2017, to
connect to an Ethernet port on the networking device, as shown in
FIGS. 20A and 20B. In some variations, the Ethernet cable 2017 is
integrated into the adapter region 2022, while in other variations
the adapter region 2022 includes an Ethernet connector 2024 into
which a short length of cable may connect, as shown. The proximal
end of the integrated PLC adapter and power cable may include a
connector that plugs into the power socket on the networking
device.
[0295] FIGS. 21A-21B, illustrate an integrated data power cable
includes a signal carrier and an adapter, both of which are
disposed between a power plug and a power connector, similar to the
variations shown in FIGS. 20A-20B. In this example, the signal
carrier, which may be in the form of a cable (e.g. AC cable 2026),
is elongated. It may have a generally concentric cross-section and
a highly conductive core. The core may be constructed from
materials such as copper or a copper alloy. Other materials
including, but not limited to, aluminum and its alloys are also an
option. While less conductive than copper, aluminum should be
considered if either cost or weight is an issue. The conductive
core may be a single solid wire, however, a multi-stranded
configuration of braided, twisted, coiled, or coaxial-arranged
wires is preferable since it imparts more flexibility and is easier
to handle and install.
[0296] The conductive core may be surrounded by a relatively
flexible, electrically insulating sleeve. The thickness of the
sleeve will depend on the various specifications of the signal
carrier and the type of dielectric material from which the sleeve
is formed. Commonly used materials for similar applications include
polyvinylchloride (PVC), fluoroethylenepropylene (FEP),
polytetrafluorethylene (TFE) Teflon, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene
(ETFE), and silicone (SI), for example, and may be used to
fabricate the sleeve. Depending on the material used, the sleeve
can embody a solid or semi-solid form. The latter of which may be
characterized by the cellular nature and structural air gaps
present in a substance such as foam. An outer coating or thin
jacket made of a suitable material for a given external environment
encloses the sleeve and conductive core within it.
[0297] In general, the adapter region may be configured as a PLC
converter, to transmit, receive, encode, and decode data signals on
a power line, such as the 120V AC electrical wiring found in the
typical U.S. home. The adapter may include a modem and a data
signal unit having one or more communication ports and interfaces.
The adapter may be a self-containing unit that is integrated with
the signal carrier. As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, respectively,
the adapter may be integrated in such a way that it is positioned
along or enclosed within or the signal carrier.
[0298] In FIGS. 21A-21B, the adapter region of the integrated PLC
adapter and power cable is positioned near the proximal end, so
that the housing for the adapter region is within a few inches
(e.g., less than about 12 inches, less than about 10 inches, less
than about 9 inches, less than about 8 inches, less than about 7
inches, less than about 6 inches, less than about 5 inches, less
than about 4 inches, less than about 3 inches, less than about 2
inches, less than about and 1 inch, etc.) of the proximal end. The
proximal end includes the connector/interface (e.g., socket) for
connection to the networking device. Having the adapter integrated
into the power supply cord and positioned very near the end of the
device opposite from the connector/plug for connecting to the wall
power (e.g., the distal end) has the surprising advantage of
enhancing both the noise properties, reducing clutter, and
enhancing the ease of set-up.
[0299] The integrated PLC adapter and power cable may therefore be
used to establish a PLC network, in which the modem within the
adapter portion transmits, receives, and processes data and power
signals. For example, when the modem receives an outbound data
signal that is to be transmitted on a power signal, the modem
processes the data signal by modulating, that is, injecting or
superimposing, it onto the power signal. When the modem receives an
inbound modulated data-on-power signal or composite signal, it
performs processes in which it extracts the data signal from the
power signal and demodulates the data signal for appropriate
reading.
[0300] As mentioned above, different modulation forms or methods
may be used to shape the power signal so that discrete packets of
information from the digital data signal produced by a networking
device may be conveyed onto a continuous analog power signal. The
most common techniques involve modulating one of the parameters of
the power signal, or keying. For the sinusoidal waveform of an AC
power signal, the parameters may include amplitude, frequency, and
phase. In amplitude-shift keying (ASK), the amplitude of the signal
is changed in response to data or information, while the frequency
and phase are held constant. With frequency-shift keying (FSK),
only the frequency is changed in response to data or information.
And in phase-shift keying (PSK), only the phase of the wave is
changed to indicate the data or information carried. Alternatively,
other digital modulation techniques, for example, quadrature
amplitude modulation (QAM), continuous phase modulation (CPM),
orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), wavelet or
fractal modulation, and spread-spectrum modulation, may be
employed.
[0301] While interference may be minimal, because a data signal
carried on a power signal transfers at a higher frequency than the
power signal, a filter or series of filters may optionally be used
to clean up the signal or filter out noise contamination introduced
to the power line by other devices plugged into it. For example,
washing machines, blenders, hair dryers, refrigerators, and fans,
or other device connected to the power line, could produce noise
that might degrade the quality of a PLC network if not filtered
out. The filter may be positioned where it can filter out such
noise from other devices that are plugged into the power line.
[0302] The data signal unit/portion of the adapter may have one or
more corresponding communication interfaces and data ports to
receive data signals from networking devices (e.g., over the
Ethernet or similar connection). The data signal unit also may
support one or both of wired and wireless technology. The
embodiment depicted in FIGS. 21A-21B shows the adapter having one
data port, however, other embodiments may include multiple ports.
At a data port, data signals are sent and received between the
adapter and a networking device. In one embodiment, an Ethernet
cable connects an Ethernet port on the adapter of the integrated
data power cable to an Ethernet port on a networking device. Data
signals are relayed between these Ethernet ports through the
Ethernet cable connecting them.
[0303] In the example shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the distal end of
the integrated PLC adapter and power cable device includes a power
plug 2105 attached to one end of the signal carrier (cord). The
type of plug used may depend on the whether the power is
alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC), and the amount of
voltage that is transmitted through the sockets on the receptacle
being fed by the power line. Thus, the selected plug may include a
converter or other mechanism as is necessary. The most common wall
outlets in the United States use a NEMA (National Electrical
Manufacturers Association) 5-15R receptacle, which has a set of two
narrow slits and a rounded hole. In such circumstances, a suitable
plug is the corresponding male, AC, three-pronged NEMA 5-15P (North
American 15 A/125 V grounded). Of course, another type of plug,
including those used in countries other than the United States and
with power lines other than 120 V, could be used.
[0304] Attached to the other end of the signal carrier is the
adapter region, which may also include the power converter for
adapting and supplying power to a networking device (e.g.,
converting to DC from line power) as well as acting as a PLC
converter, as described above. A few examples of a variety of
different shaped and sized adapters are shown in FIGS. 23A-23C. The
type of adapter used will depend on the particular networking
device.
[0305] In operation, a modulated signal, e.g., a composite of a
data signal and a power signal, may be received from the wall power
into the power plug connected thereto. PLC signal(s) may be is
transmitted to the adapter, which may include a modem that can
demodulate the signal(s), extracting the data signal and
transmitting it via the Ethernet connection (port) to the connected
networking device; similarly communication received from the
networking device may be converted and encoded on the power line
back to the wall power via the adapter. As mentioned, this
communication may be provided by an Ethernet cable connecting the
Ethernet port at the data signal unit with an Ethernet port on a
networking device. When the networking device has data to convey to
other devices connected to the PLC network, it may send data
signal(s) to the adapter, e.g., a data signal unit that integrates
with the modem of the PLC adapter in the integrated PLC adapter and
power cable. The modem modulates the power signal to carry
information from the data signal. The modulated signal is
transmitted by the signal carrier and travels through the power
plug onto the power line. The modulated signal may then be received
by any networking device that is also connected to the PLC
network.
[0306] In FIG. 24, similar to the variation shown in FIG. 20B, an
integrated PLC adapter and power cable includes an adapter
positioned immediately adjacent to the proximal end where the cable
connects to the power inlet of the device (shown as a switch) to
connect a front end of a networking device to a power line. An
Ethernet cable is coupled to an Ethernet port on the integrated PLC
adapter and power cable and to a front end of the networking
device; when a modulated data power signal is received from the
wall outlet 2405, it travels through the entire elongated signal
carrier (cable 2406) until it reaches the adapter 2415. Once there
the PLC adapter demodulates the signal to recover a data signal.
Power provided by the wall outlet (either directly or after
modification, including conversion from AC to DC power and/or
amplification) is passed through the power connector (e.g., power
plug in the networking device) attached to the front end of the
networking device. The data signal may be routed to a data signal
unit where, through an Ethernet port and/or coupled Ethernet cable,
it may be transmitted to the Ethernet port on the front end of the
networking device.
B. Integrated Data Power Outlet (PLC adapter)
[0307] FIGS. 25A-25C illustrate another variation of an integrated
PLC power outlet, similar to those described above. In this
example, the integrated PLC power outlet is configured to be
mounted to a wall. It has a box-shaped housing, an electrical
receptacle, a cover assembly, PLC conversion unit, which may
include a modem and data signal unit.
[0308] In this example, the integrated PLC power outlet also
includes one or more wired or wireless communication ports and
corresponding interfaces. The communication ports may be located on
or within the cover plate and the housing, as shown in FIGS.
25A-25C. Wired ports and interfaces may include, but are not
limited to the following technology: Ethernet; USB; HDMI; DVI; and
XLR. Wireless or virtual ports have a wireless access point, an
antenna, a transmitter, and a receiver, along with a software
interface that wirelessly connects through Wi-Fi (or Bluetooth,
etc.) a networking device to a PLC network.
[0309] For example, upon properly installing the integrated data
power outlet into a power box and connecting the outlet circuitry
to that of an existing power line, a networking device may be added
to a PLC network by plugging in the device's power plug into a
socket of the outlet. A modulated signal is transmitted from the
power line to the modem through the circuitry residing in the base
and connected to the power line. The modem may process the signal
and demodulate (downstream) or modulate (upstream) signals. Power
may continue through the electrical socket to a power plug inserted
therein, thereby providing power to a device, including a
networking device. The extracted data signal may be routed to the
data signal unit. A communication interface and port may convey the
data signal to the networking device through a wired or wireless
carrier. As an example, an Ethernet cable along with corresponding
interface and port may be used. Alternatively, if the integrated
PLC power outlet is configured to include a wireless access point
(as described above) including an antenna (along with a transmitter
and receiver), it may be used to wirelessly transmit the data
signal to the networking device.
[0310] When a feature or element is herein referred to as being
"on" another feature or element, it can be directly on the other
feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also
be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to
as being "directly on" another feature or element, there are no
intervening features or elements present. It will also be
understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being
"connected", "attached" or "coupled" to another feature or element,
it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other
feature or element or intervening features or elements may be
present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as
being "directly connected", "directly attached" or "directly
coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intervening
features or elements present. Although described or shown with
respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described
or shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be
appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a
structure or feature that is disposed "adjacent" another feature
may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent
feature.
[0311] Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a",
"an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well,
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further
understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when
used in this specification, specify the presence of stated
features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do
not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all
combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may
be abbreviated as "/".
[0312] Spatially relative terms, such as "under", "below", "lower",
"over", "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of
description to describe one element or feature's relationship to
another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It
will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended
to encompass different orientations of the device in use or
operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements
described as "under" or "beneath" other elements or features would
then be oriented "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the
exemplary term "under" can encompass both an orientation of over
and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees
or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors
used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms
"upwardly", "downwardly", "vertical", "horizontal" and the like are
used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically
indicated otherwise.
[0313] Although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein
to describe various features/elements (including steps), these
features/elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the
context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish
one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first
feature/element discussed below could be termed a second
feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed
below could be termed a first feature/element without departing
from the teachings of the present invention.
[0314] As used herein in the specification and claims, including as
used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all
numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word "about" or
"approximately," even if the term does not expressly appear. The
phrase "about" or "approximately" may be used when describing
magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or
position described is within a reasonable expected range of values
and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value
that is +/-0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/-1% of
the stated value (or range of values), +/-2% of the stated value
(or range of values), +/-5% of the stated value (or range of
values), +/-10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any
numerical range recited herein is intended to include all
sub-ranges subsumed therein.
[0315] Although various illustrative embodiments are described
above, any of a number of changes may be made to various
embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as
described by the claims. For example, the order in which various
described method steps are performed may often be changed in
alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments one
or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optional features
of various device and system embodiments may be included in some
embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing description
is provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not be
interpreted to limit the scope of the invention as it is set forth
in the claims.
[0316] The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way
of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in
which the subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other
embodiments may be utilized and derived there from, such that
structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made
without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such
embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to
herein individually or collectively by the term "invention" merely
for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the
scope of this application to any single invention or inventive
concept, if more than one is, in fact, disclosed. Thus, although
specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein,
any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be
substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is
intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various
embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other
embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to
those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
* * * * *