U.S. patent application number 15/379322 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-06 for easy-install home automation light switch.
The applicant listed for this patent is ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Bernard Anthony McCARTHY, III, George Horkan SMITH.
Application Number | 20170099719 15/379322 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51570915 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170099719 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SMITH; George Horkan ; et
al. |
April 6, 2017 |
EASY-INSTALL HOME AUTOMATION LIGHT SWITCH
Abstract
A light switch plate includes a wireless transmitter for
transmitting control signals to a smart light assembly. The light
switch plate is placed over a conventional light switch and
prevents a user from further manipulating the conventional light
switch. The light switch plate includes a further switch which a
user can manipulate to cause the transmitter to transmit control
signals to turn on or turn off a light of the smart light
assembly.
Inventors: |
SMITH; George Horkan;
(Atlanta, GA) ; McCARTHY, III; Bernard Anthony;
(Atlanta, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C. |
Englewood |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51570915 |
Appl. No.: |
15/379322 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14028426 |
Sep 16, 2013 |
9557043 |
|
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15379322 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 19/006 20130101;
F21V 3/02 20130101; G05B 19/042 20130101; Y02B 20/48 20130101; H01H
9/54 20130101; Y02B 20/40 20130101; G05B 2219/23297 20130101; F21V
23/0435 20130101; H05B 47/19 20200101; H02M 7/02 20130101; H05B
47/10 20200101; H01H 9/0271 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H05B 37/02 20060101
H05B037/02; H01H 9/54 20060101 H01H009/54; G05B 19/042 20060101
G05B019/042; H02M 7/02 20060101 H02M007/02 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a light assembly; a light switch plate; a
first wireless transmitter coupled to the light switch plate; and a
control module configured to transmit first control signals to the
light assembly, the light assembly including: a wireless receiver;
control circuitry coupled to the wireless receiver, the wireless
receiver being configured to receive the first control signals and
to pass them to the control circuitry, the control circuitry being
configured to execute the first control signals; a light coupled to
the control circuitry, the first wireless transmitter configured to
transmit second control signals to the light assembly, the wireless
receiver configured to receive the second control signals and to
pass them to the control circuitry, and the control circuitry
configured to turn the light on or off based on the second control
signals; and a second wireless transmitter coupled to the control
circuitry, the control circuitry being configured to determine if
the first control signals are meant for the light assembly, the
second wireless transmitter being configured to retransmit the
first control signals if the control circuitry determines that the
first control signals are meant for a second light assembly.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the light assembly includes a
voltage regulator coupled to the control circuitry and configured
to receive an AC voltage and to output a DC voltage to the
light.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the light assembly is configured
to screw into a standard threaded incandescent light bulb
socket.
4. The system of claim 1 comprising a second light switch coupled
to the light switch plate and the wireless transmitter, the second
light switch configured to cause the wireless transmitter to
transmit the control signals to the light assembly.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the control module is configured
to transmit an interrogation signal to the light assembly, the
control circuitry being configured to determine a current state of
the light and to cause the second wireless transmitter to transmit
to the control module data indicative of the current state of the
light.
6. The system of claim 5 comprising a television receiver, the
control module being mounted to the television receiver, the
television receiver configured to receive commands from a user and
to transmit the second control signals in response to receiving the
commands from the user.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the light switch plate is
configured to cover a first light switch that is electrically
coupled to the light assembly.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the light switch plate includes a
protrusion configured to prevent user manipulation of the first
light switch without removing the light switch plate.
9. The system of claim 1 comprising a battery mount coupled to the
light switch plate and configured to receive a battery to supply
power to the first wireless transmitter.
10. The system of claim 1 comprising a memory coupled to the
control circuitry and configured to store control codes, the first
wireless transmitter being configured to transmit the control codes
in the control signals.
11. A method comprising: covering a first light switch with a light
switch plate, the first light switch being electrically coupled to
a first light assembly and configured to turn on and turn off a
light of the first light assembly; transmitting a control signal to
the first light assembly from a first wireless transmitter coupled
to the light switch plate; receiving the control signal in a
wireless receiver of the first light assembly; determining whether
the control signal is meant for the first light assembly; in
response to determining that the control signal is meant for the
first light assembly, passing the control signal to control
circuitry coupled to the wireless receiver and executing the
control signal by outputting a switching signal from the control
circuitry; and in response to determining that the control signal
is not meant for the first light assembly, transmitting the control
signal to a second light assembly from a second wireless
transmitter coupled to the control circuitry.
12. The method of claim 11 comprising transmitting the control
signal in response to receiving user input on a second light switch
coupled to the light switch plate.
13. The method of claim 11 comprising: receiving an interrogation
signal in the wireless receiver; and transmitting, from the second
wireless transmitter coupled to the control circuitry, a response
signal including data indicating a present state of the light.
14. The method of claim 13 comprising transmitting the
interrogation signal to the wireless receiver.
15. The method of claim 11 comprising preventing, by a protrusion
of the first light switch, user manipulation of the first light
switch without removing the light switch plate.
16. The method of claim 11 comprising: receiving an AC voltage; and
outputting a DC voltage to the light.
17. The method of claim 11 comprising: mounting a control module to
a television receiver; receiving a command from a user at the
control module; and transmitting a second control signal to the
first light assembly from the control module in response to
receiving the command from the user.
18. The method of claim 11 comprising: storing a plurality of
control codes; and transmitting at least one of the control codes
in the control signal transmitted from the first wireless
transmitter.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of wirelessly
controlled electrical appliances. The present disclosure relates
more particularly to wirelessly controlled light assemblies and
corresponding light switches.
[0003] Description of the Related Art
[0004] Electric lights are used to supply light inside of homes, in
public areas, in commercial areas, and in many other settings.
Commonly, electric lights receive power from an AC power source
such as standard 120 V AC supplied to most homes by an electrical
grid. Conventional electric lights are typically turned on and off
by manipulating a switch that couples the electric light to the
power supply.
[0005] In recent years some electric lights have included wireless
receivers that enable the electric light to be turned on and off
wirelessly by someone operating a special wireless transmitter that
sends wireless commands to the electric light. However, this can
cause confusion and inconvenience for those accustomed to using
conventional light switches.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] One embodiment of the invention is a light switch plate
configured to be installed in place of a conventional light switch
plate for a conventional light switch. When the light switch plate
is installed, the light switch plate covers the conventional light
switch in a manner that prevents the conventional light switch from
being manipulated by a user.
[0007] The light switch plate includes a wireless transmitter, a
battery, and a second light switch. The wireless transmitter can
send a wireless command to a light to turn off or turn on the
light. The second light switch is coupled to the wireless
transmitter. The second light switch is positioned on the light
switch plate to enable a user to manipulate the second light
switch. When the user manipulates the second light switch, the
wireless transmitter sends the wireless signal to the light to turn
on or turn off the light. The battery provides power to the
wireless transmitter.
[0008] In one embodiment a user can install the light switch plate
by removing the screws from the conventional light switch plate
mounted on a wall, removing the conventional light switch plate,
and using the screws to fix the new light switch plate to the wall
in place of the conventional light switch plate. This can easily be
accomplished using only a screwdriver and without the need to shut
off power to the light switch.
[0009] One embodiment includes a smart light bulb configured to be
installed in place of a conventional light bulb. The smart light
bulb includes a wireless receiver that receives the wireless
signals from the wireless transmitter of the light switch
plate.
[0010] In one embodiment a user can install the smart light bulb by
unscrewing the conventional light bulb from a conventional light
bulb socket and by screwing in the smart light bulb into the
conventional light bulb socket. The smart light bulb can be
installed without turning off power to the conventional light bulb
socket.
[0011] In one embodiment, prior to removing the conventional light
switch plate, the conventional light switch is turned to the "on"
position. This ensures that AC power is supplied to the light bulb
socket. Because the light switch plate covers the conventional
light switch after installation, the conventional light switch is
left continuously in the "on" position. Control circuitry in the
smart light bulb can then turn the smart light bulb on and off
according to the wireless signals transmitted by the wireless
transmitter of the light switch plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1A illustrates a conventional light switch and a
conventional light switch plate.
[0013] FIG. 1B illustrates a light switch plate including a
wireless transmitter according to one embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a light switch plate according
to one embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a smart light assembly
according to one embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control module according to
one embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a residence including multiple light
switch plates and smart light assemblies according to one
embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a smart light assembly according to one
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] FIG. 1A illustrates the components of a conventional light
switch assembly 10 according to one embodiment. The conventional
light switch assembly 10 includes a light switch 22 fixed to a
mounting bracket 23, a light switch plate 24, a mounting frame 27,
mounting holes 28a in the mounting frame 27, mounting holes 28b in
the light switch plate 24, screws 29, and screws 31.
[0020] The mounting bracket 23 is fixed to a wall by screwing
screws 31 through holes in the mounting bracket 23 into mounting
holes 28a. After the mounting bracket 23 is fixed to the wall, the
light switch plate 24 is fixed to the wall by screwing screws 29
through mounting holes 28b of the light switch plate 24, and
through the mounting bracket 23. With the light switch plates 24
fixed to the mounting bracket 23, the light switch 22 protrudes
through the hole 26 in the light switch plate 24. A user can toggle
the light switch 22 between on and off positions after the light
switch plate 24 has been fixed to the mounting bracket 23.
[0021] The wires 30 couple the light switch 22 to a light that is
controlled by the light switch 22. In one example the wires 30
carry an AC voltage. When the switch 22 is in the on position, the
AC voltage is supplied to the light and the light is on. When the
switch is in the off position the AC voltage is not supplied to the
light and the light is off.
[0022] In one example the light is part of a smart light assembly
that includes a wireless receiver configured to receive wireless
signals to turn the light on and off. A user holding a remote
control device can transmit a control signal from the remote
control device to the smart light to turn the smart light on or
off. The receiver in the smart light assembly receives the control
signal and turns the light on or off according to the control
signal. The smart light assembly includes switching functionality
that allows the light to be switched on or off remotely.
[0023] The smart light assembly is also controlled by the light
switch 22 as described previously. Because the light switch 22 is
operable to connect or disconnect the smart light assembly from the
AC power source, the smart light assembly can only function if the
light switch 22 is in the on position. When the light switch 22 is
in the on position the smart light assembly receives the AC
voltage. In one example the smart light assembly includes circuitry
that converts the AC voltage to a DC voltage. The DC voltage can
then be selectively supplied to the light of the smart light
assembly to turn the light on or off.
[0024] FIG. 1B illustrates a wireless light switch assembly 20
according to one embodiment. The wireless light switch assembly 20
includes many of the same components as the conventional light
switch assembly 10 described in relation to FIG. 1A. The wireless
light switch assembly 20 includes the light switch 22 coupled to
the mounting bracket 23. The mounting bracket 23 is coupled to the
wall by screwing screws 31 through the screw holes 28a of the light
switch frame 27 as described previously.
[0025] The wireless light switch assembly 20 further includes a
wireless light switch plate 32. The circuit board 34 is coupled to
the light switch plate 32. The circuit board 34 includes a
transmitter 36 and a battery 38. A switch 40 is coupled to the
circuit board 34.
[0026] The wireless light switch plate 32 can control the smart
light assembly. In particular the transmitter 36 of the light
switch plate 32 can send a control signal to the smart light
assembly to turn on or turn off the light of the smart light
assembly. A user can press the switch 40 which causes the
transmitter 36 to transmit the control signal to the smart light
assembly. The receiver of the smart light assembly receives the
control signal and causes the switching functionality of the smart
light assembly to turn the light on or off.
[0027] A user, who controls the smart light assembly by operating a
remote control, as described previously, may also want to turn the
light on or off by manipulating a light switch on the wall. It is
common for a user to walk into an unlit room and by habit to
manipulate the light switch 22 to turn on the light. It is also
common for a user to exit the room and to turn off the light by
manipulating the light switch 22 to the off position. In this case,
a subsequent user who wishes to turn the light on by using the
remote control will not be able to turn the light on because the
light switch 22 is in the off position and no AC power is being
supplied to the smart light assembly.
[0028] The light switch 22 can be replaced with a smart light
switch that enables the user to turn the light on by using the
remote control even if the light was last turned off by turning the
smart light switch to the off position. This can be accomplished in
several different ways. For instance, the wiring inside the walls
can be changed so that the wall switch 22 does not control whether
AC power is supplied to the smart light assembly. The mounting
bracket 23 can then be replaced with a light switch that wireless
closely controls the smart light assembly in a manner similar to
the remote control. However, for a user that wishes to include
smart light assemblies with wireless functionality while retaining
wall switch functionality, this method can require extensive
electrical work in rerouting wires or electrically disconnecting
and removing the mounting bracket 23. This would typically include
turning the power off to some portion of the residence or other
building by operating a circuit breaker. In many cases a certified
electrician would need to be hired to ensure that this is done
safely and properly.
[0029] A light switch plate 32 according to one embodiment can
avoid many of the drawbacks mentioned above. The light switch plate
32 can be installed without the need to turn off power to the light
switch 22. The light switch plate 32 can be easily and quickly
installed where a conventional light switch plate 24 was previously
installed. This is done by removing the screws 29 from the light
switch plate 24 of FIG. 1A and removing the light switch plate 24
from the wall. The light switch 22 is then turned to the on
position so that AC power is supplied to the smart light assembly.
The light switch plate 32 is then placed over the light switch 22
and screwed to the mounting bracket 23 by screwing screws 29
through screw holes 28b into the mounting bracket 23. The light
switch plate 32 includes a protrusion 33 that covers the light
switch 22 such that the user can no longer manipulate the light
switch 22 without removing the light switch plate 32. All of this
can be done conveniently, safely, and inexpensively using only a
screwdriver and without turning off the electricity.
[0030] The switch 40 on the light switch plate 32 can be used to
turn on and turn off the light of the smart light assembly. When
the user manipulates the light switch 40, the transmitter 36
transmits a wireless control signal to the smart light assembly.
The wireless receiver of the smart light assembly receives the
control signal and turns the light on or off. The user can turn on
or turn off the light by manipulating the switch 40 on the light
switch plate 32.
[0031] Because the light switch 22 is placed in the on position
prior to installing the light switch plate 32, AC power is
continuously supplied to the smart light assembly. Thus the
switching functionality of the smart light assembly can always turn
the light on or off because AC power is all supplied to the smart
light assembly.
[0032] The smart light assembly, examples of which are shown in
relation to FIGS. 3 and 7, can also be installed safely and easily.
In one example the smart light assembly is configured to screw into
a conventional light bulb socket. Thus, a user who wishes to have
smart light functionality in his home, can purchase a smart light
assembly, unscrew a conventional light bulb from a conventional
light bulb socket, and screw the smart light assembly into the
conventional light bulb socket. In one example, the smart light
assembly includes a wireless receiver, control circuitry, switching
functionality, an AC to DC converter, and one or more lights. The
lights can be LEDs, incandescent lights, halogen lights, or other
kind of light.
[0033] Light switch plate 32 and the remote control can be paired
to the smart light assembly so that smart light assembly will
receive and execute the control signals sent by the remote control
and the light switch plate 32. This allows a user to turn the light
on or off using either the remote control or the switch 40 of the
light switch plate 32.
[0034] Light switch plate 32 can be shaped differently than shown
in FIG. 1B, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art in
light of the present disclosure. The light switch plate 32 can be
shaped in a manner suitable to cover the light switch 22 and to
allow transmitter 36 to communicate with the smart light
assembly.
[0035] In FIG. 1B the circuit board 34 includes only transmitter 36
and a battery 38. In practice, a circuit board 34 may contain many
other circuit components such as a controller, a memory, a wireless
receiver, or any other suitable components. In one embodiment the
light switch plate 32 includes multiple circuit boards 34.
[0036] Light switch 22 has been shown as a conventional light
switch that toggles up and down between on and off positions.
However the light switch 22 can be any other kind of light switch
including a slider, a rotating knob, a depressible button, or any
other suitable type of switch. Likewise, the light switch 40 can be
different than shown in FIG. 1B. For example, the light switch 40
can be a conventional toggling light switch, a slider, a rotating
knob, or any other suitable switch, button, or input, suitable to
cause the transmitter 36 to transmit the control signals to the
smart light assembly.
[0037] The light switch plate 32 can consume very little
electricity. In one embodiment, the light switch plate 32 only
consumes electricity when transmitting a control signal to the
smart light assembly. This can be done using minimal amounts of
power. This means that the battery 38 can last for many years
without being replaced.
[0038] The components shown and described in relation to FIG. 1B
are given only by way of example. Many other types of components
and configurations can be used to implement a light switch plate 32
in accordance with principles of the present disclosure.
[0039] In one embodiment, the light switch plate 32 transmits
commands to the light assembly via a control module such as a
wireless gateway or hub. When a user manipulates the switch 40, the
light switch plate transmits a control signal. The control module
receives the control signal, determines that the light switch plate
32 is paired with the smart light assembly, and transmits the
control signal to the smart light assembly. The smart light
assembly then executes the control signal and turns the light on or
off as the case may be.
[0040] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a light switch plate 32
according to one embodiment. The light switch plate includes a
control circuit 36. The light switch plate 32 further includes a
battery 38, a switch 40, a transmitter 42, a receiver 44, and a
memory 46 all coupled to the control circuit 36.
[0041] In one embodiment the light switch plate 32 is configured to
replace a conventional light switch plate 24 as described
previously in relation to FIGS. 1A and 1B. The light switch plate
32 is configured to cover the conventional light switch 22 so that
the conventional light switch 22 can no longer be manipulated while
the light switch plate 32 is in place.
[0042] The light switch plate 32 is configured to send control
signals to a smart light assembly to turn a light of the smart
light assembly on or off In particular, a user can manipulate the
switch 40 to turn the light on and off. When the user manipulates
the switch 40, the control circuit 36 causes the transmitter 42 to
transmit the control signal to the smart light assembly.
[0043] The memory 46 therefore is configured to store command codes
to be included in the control signals. The memory 46 can also store
software instructions executable by the control circuit 36. When
the user manipulates the switch 40 the control circuit 36 retrieves
from the memory 46 the command codes to be included in the control
signals. The command codes can include codes indicating commands to
turn on, to turn off, or to dim the smart light. The memory 46 can
include ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, SRAM, DRAM, or any other
suitable memory.
[0044] When the user manipulates the switch 40, the control circuit
retrieves from memory the command codes, and modulates the
transmitter 42 to transmit control signals including the command
codes.
[0045] In one embodiment the light switch cover plate 32 also
includes a receiver 44. The receiver can be operable to receive
information from the smart light assembly, or from a separate
control module. In one example the light switch plate 32 receives
signals from a control module indicating that the light should be
turned on. The receiver 44 of the light switch plate 32 receives
this signal from the control module and passes the signal to the
control circuit 36. The control circuit 36 processes the incoming
signal and causes the transmitter 42 to transmit control signals
based on the signal received from the control module.
[0046] The battery 38 provides power to the control circuit 36 and
to the other components of the light switch plate 32. In one
embodiment the control circuit 36 remains in sleep mode until the
switch 40 is manipulated. When the switch 40 is manipulated the
control circuit 36 receives an interrupt signal or wake-up signal
and causes the transmitter 42 to transmit the control signals. In
this way the circuit components of the light switch plate 32
consume very little energy from the battery 38.
[0047] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a smart light assembly 50 which
can be used in conjunction with the light switch plate 32 of FIG. 2
according to one embodiment. The smart light assembly 50 includes a
light 52 which can be switched on or off. The smart light assembly
50 further includes an AC power input 54 which receives an AC
voltage from the wires 30 as described previously. A rectifier 56
is coupled to the AC input 54. A control circuit 60 is coupled to
the rectifier 56. A receiver 62, a transmitter 64, a switch 55, and
a memory 66 are each coupled to the control circuit 60.
[0048] The AC input 54 receives an AC voltage from wires 30 as
described previously. The AC voltage is passed to the rectifier 56
which rectifies the AC voltage and outputs a DC voltage. The
rectifier 56 can typically include a step-down transformer to
reduce the voltage prior to rectifying the voltage. The rectifier
56 supplies DC power to the control circuit 60. The control circuit
60 controls the receiver 62, the transmitter 64, the memory 66, and
the switch 55.
[0049] The receiver 62 is a wireless receiver, for example an RF or
IR receiver, configured to receive control signals from the light
switch plate 32, from a remote control, or from the control module.
The control signals are configured to cause the light assembly 50
to turn on or turn off the light 52.
[0050] When the receiver 62 receives the control signal, the
receiver 62 passes the control signal to the control circuit 60.
The control circuit 60 processes the control signal and causes the
switch 55 to supply cut-off power to the light 52.
[0051] The memory 66 stores command codes and executable software
instructions for the control circuit 60. When the receiver 62
receives a control signal, the control circuit 60 processes the
control signal and compares command codes in the control signal to
command codes stored in the memory 66. If the control signal
corresponds to a command code stored in the memory 66, the control
circuit 60 executes the control signal and turns off the light 52
by operating the switch 55. The memory 66 can include ROM, EEPROM,
flash memory, SRAM, DRAM, or any other suitable memory for storing
information and data.
[0052] The control circuit 60 can also control the transmitter 64
to transmit signals to the remote control, to the control module,
or to the light switch plate 32. The transmitter 64 is a wireless
transmitter which can transmit wireless signals via RF or IR.
[0053] In one embodiment the smart light assembly 50 operates
according to the ZigBee, Zwave, Bluetooth, or other wireless
protocol. When utilizing the ZigBee protocol, the smart light
assembly 50 is configured both to receive control signals and to
retransmit control signals intended for other ZigBee devices such
as other smart light assemblies or ZigBee capable appliances.
[0054] The receiver 62 can therefore receive control signals
intended for other devices. The control circuit 60 processes the
control signals and determines if the control signals are intended
for the smart light assembly 50 or for another appliance. If the
control circuit 60 determines that the control signals are for
another appliance, the control circuit 60 causes the transmitter 64
to retransmit the control signals to other appliances. These other
appliances can further repeat the control signals until the
intended appliance receives and executes the control signal.
[0055] The receiver 62 can also receive status request signals. The
status request signals can request the current status of the smart
light assembly 50. The control circuit 60 processes a status
request signals and determines if the status request signal is for
the smart light assembly 50 or for another appliance. If the status
request signal is for the smart light assembly 50, the control
circuit 60 can cause the receiver 62 to transmit a status signal
indicating the current status of the smart assembly. The status
signal indicates whether the light 52 is on or off. If the control
circuit 60 determines that the status request signal is for another
appliance, then the control circuit 60 causes the transmitter 64 to
repeat the status request signal.
[0056] The receiver 62 can also receive status signals from other
appliances and can retransmit them. In one embodiment the control
module originally sends out status request signals to determine a
current status of all of the appliances in the home. The ZigBee
equipped appliances receive the signals and either repeat them if
they are intended for other appliances or transmit a status signal
if the status request signal was intended for that particular
appliance. In this way control signals, status request signals, and
status signals can be passed to the intended recipients in
network-like fashion by adding multiple appliances receive and
retransmit the signals.
[0057] In one embodiment the light 52 includes one or more LEDs.
LEDs can be turned on or off as the control circuit 60 operates the
switch 55. Alternatively, the light 52 can include other types of
lights including incandescent lights, halogen lights, or other
suitable types of lights.
[0058] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control module 68 configured
to control and monitor all of the wireless appliances including the
smart light assembly 50 according to one embodiment. The control
module 68 includes a control circuit 70, transmitter 72, the
receiver 74, and a memory 76.
[0059] In one embodiment the control module 68 is configured to
send control signals to a plurality of appliances that include
wireless receivers and transmitters. The control signals can turn
on the appliances, turn off the appliances, or cause them to adjust
their functions in other ways.
[0060] In one embodiment the user can manipulate a remote control
to control the control module. For example if a user wants to turn
off a light in a different part of a house, adjust the thermostat,
or turn on the sprinklers, the user can operate a remote control
which communicates with the control module 68. The receiver 74 of
the control module 68 receives command signals from the remote
control and the control circuit 70 processes the control signals
from the remote control. The control circuit 70 then causes the
transmitter 72 to transmit control signals to the desired
appliances, as the case may be. The control signals cause the
appliances to turn on, turn off, or otherwise adjust their
functions based on the user input.
[0061] The control circuit 70 can also store in the memory 76 data
indicating the current state of each appliance in the residence.
For example, the control circuit 70 can cause the transmitter 72 to
transmit status request signals to other appliances such as the
smart light assembly 50. The status request signals are received by
the appliances and in reply the appliances transmit status signals
indicating the current status of the appliances. The receiver 74
receives the status signals and the control circuit 70 processes
the status signals. The control circuit 70 then stores in the
memory 76 the current status of each appliance.
[0062] In one embodiment, when the light switch plate 32 transmits
commands to smart the light assembly 50, the control module 68
receives the control signal, determines that the light switch plate
32 is paired with the smart light assembly 50, and transmits the
control signal to the smart light assembly 50. The smart light
assembly then executes the control signal and turns the light on or
off as the case may be. The light switch plate 32 therefore can
transmit control signals to the smart light assembly via the
control module 68.
[0063] In one embodiment the control module 68 is a television
receiver coupled to a television. The television receiver 68 can
transmit control signals to control appliances, or to transmit
status request signals, as the case may be. In addition to the
control module components shown in FIG. 4, the television receiver
68 can further include video and audio output ports, video and
audio input ports, video and audio processing circuitry, digital
video recorder capability, and other suitable components for the
television receiver 68.
[0064] FIG. 5 illustrates a residential setting in which light
switch plates 32a and 32b are be implemented. The residential
setting includes a television receiver 68, two smart light
assemblies 50a and 50b, a thermostat 82, and the two light switch
plates 32a and 32b. The light switch plates 32a and 32b include
wireless transmitters 42 as described previously.
[0065] A user 78 is holding a remote control 80 by which the user
can control the television receiver 68. In particular, the user 78
can operate the remote control 80 to cause the television receiver
68 to send control signals to the smart light assemblies 50a and
50b. The smart light assemblies 50a and 50b receive the control
signals and turn on or turn off Another user 81 can manipulate the
switch 40 on the light switch plate 32a to send a control signal
from the light switch plate 32a to the smart light assembly 50a.
The control signal causes the smart light assembly 50a to turn on
or turn off.
[0066] The light switch plate 32b can send control signals to the
smart light assembly 50b. The control signals cause a smart light
assembly 50b to turn on or turn off. If the television receiver 68
sends a control signal to the smart light assembly 50b, the control
signal may be received by the smart light assembly 50a. When the
smart light assembly 50a receives a control signal intended for
50b, the smart light assembly 50a can retransmit the control
signal. When the control signal is retransmitted from the smart
light assembly 50a, the thermostat 82 may receive the control
signal. If the thermostat 82 receives the control signal intended
for the smart light assembly 50b, then the thermostat 82
retransmits the control signal. The smart assembly 50b receives the
control signal from the thermostat 82 and turns on or turns off
according to the control signal. The television receiver 68 can
therefore send control signals to distant appliances. Each
appliance that receives the control signal retransmits the control
signal until the desired appliance has received and executed the
control signal.
[0067] In like manner the television receiver 68 can transmit
status request signals to each appliance in the house with wireless
capability. Status request signals are received and retransmitted
from the appliances until the desired appliances have received the
status request signals. The appliances can then transmit status
signals indicating their respective current statuses. The
appliances receive each other's status signals and transmit them
until the television receiver 68 has received all of the status
signals.
[0068] While FIG. 5 discloses smart light assemblies 50a and 50b,
thermostat 82 light switch plates 32b and 32a, and a television
receiver 68, each having wireless capability, in practice many
other appliances can also have wireless capability. For example,
garage door openers, computers, kitchen appliances, sprinkler
systems, televisions, game consoles, and many other types of
appliances can each include wireless capability. When operating or
using the protocol or other protocol, the appliances can receive
and retransmit signals until each appliance has received the
intended signals. Alternatively, the signals can be broadcast over
a wireless Internet network or any other suitable wireless
transmission protocol.
[0069] FIG. 6 illustrates a smart light assembly 50 according to
one embodiment. The smart light assembly 50 includes a threaded AC
input 54, lights 52, and a circuit module 84.
[0070] The circuit module 84 can include the circuit components
disclosed in relation to FIG. 3. In particular the circuit module
84 can include voltage rectifier 56, a control circuit 60, a
transmitter 64, a receiver 62, a memory 66, and a switch 55.
[0071] The smart light assembly 50 includes threaded AC inputs 54
which can be screwed into a conventional light bulb socket. The
smart light assembly 50 can receive control signals from light
switch plate 32, the control module 68, or other appliances. The
control signals cause the smart light assembly 50 to illuminate the
lights 52.
[0072] In one embodiment, the lights 52 are LEDs which can be
collectively or individually eliminated by the control circuit 60.
Alternatively, the lights 52 can be other types of lights. While
FIG. 6 illustrates multiple lights 52, the smart light assembly 50b
includes only a single light in other embodiments.
[0073] The various embodiments described above can be combined to
provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent
application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign
patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications
referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application
Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.
Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ
concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to
provide yet further embodiments.
[0074] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in
light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the
following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit
the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the
specification and the claims, but should be construed to include
all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents
to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not
limited by the disclosure.
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