Smart wall switch controller
First Claim
1. A smart-home system, comprising:
- a battery-powered smart home device that communicates using a first wireless protocol characterized by relatively low power usage and relatively low data rates; and
a wall switch controller, comprising;
a light switch that controls operation of a light;
a voice interaction system, comprising a microphone and speaker, configured to receive voice-based commands and output voice interactions;
wireless communication circuitry comprising a first wireless interface and a second wireless interface, wherein;
the first wireless interface is configured to communicate with the battery-powered smart home device using the first wireless protocol; and
the second wireless interface is configured serve as a communication bridge between the battery-powered smart home device and a wireless network that uses a second communication protocol characterized by relatively higher power usage and relatively higher data rates;
a power storage module for storing power and using the power to maintain wireless communications via the wireless communication circuitry during a power outage; and
one or more processors that are in communication with the voice interaction system, the wireless communication circuitry, and the power storage module.
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Abstract
This patent specification relates to a wall switch that comprises a docking station and a user-removable wall-switch head unit. In some embodiments, the docking station is configured to receive the user-removable wall-switch head unit, and configured to be permanently connected to a wall and coupled to high-power voltage wires. In some embodiments, the user-removable wall-switch head unit is configured to be user-insertable into said docking station and user-removable therefrom such that the user is not exposed to high-voltage connections when inserting or removing. In some embodiments, the wall switch controller further comprises inputs and outputs and circuitry for switchably controlling household line current power to a household electrical fixture. In some embodiments, the wall switch controller further comprises an occupancy sensor, a temperature sensor, or a processor.
39 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A smart-home system, comprising:
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a battery-powered smart home device that communicates using a first wireless protocol characterized by relatively low power usage and relatively low data rates; and a wall switch controller, comprising; a light switch that controls operation of a light; a voice interaction system, comprising a microphone and speaker, configured to receive voice-based commands and output voice interactions; wireless communication circuitry comprising a first wireless interface and a second wireless interface, wherein; the first wireless interface is configured to communicate with the battery-powered smart home device using the first wireless protocol; and the second wireless interface is configured serve as a communication bridge between the battery-powered smart home device and a wireless network that uses a second communication protocol characterized by relatively higher power usage and relatively higher data rates; a power storage module for storing power and using the power to maintain wireless communications via the wireless communication circuitry during a power outage; and one or more processors that are in communication with the voice interaction system, the wireless communication circuitry, and the power storage module. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A wall switch apparatus, comprising:
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a switching means that controls operation of an electrical appliance; a voice interaction system, comprising a microphone and speaker, configured to receive voice-based commands and output voice interactions; wireless communication means comprising a first wireless interface and a second wireless interface, wherein; the first wireless interface is configured to communicate with a battery-powered smart home device using a first wireless protocol; and the second wireless interface is configured serve as a communication bridge between the battery-powered smart home device and a wireless network that uses a second communication protocol characterized by relatively higher power usage and relatively higher data rates; a power storage means for storing power and using the power to maintain wireless communications via the wireless communication means; and a processing means that is in communication with the voice interaction system, the wireless communication means, and the power storage means. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification