CONTROLLING ASPECTS OF POOLS AND SPAS

• US 20150362925A1
• Filed: 06/02/2015
• Published: 12/17/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2011
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Zodiac Pool Systems Incorporated (Fluidra, S.A.)
• Original Assignee: Zodiac Pool Systems Incorporated (Fluidra, S.A.)
• Inventors: Uy, Dindo, Goldman, David, Nibler, David, McQueen, E. Keith
• Application Number:
  US14/728,678
• Publication Number:
  US 20150362925A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2103/42 from bathing facilities, e.g. swimming pools
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2209/008 comprising telecommunication features, e.g. modems or antennas
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 15/02 electric
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 7/0676 by action on flow sources G05D7/0688, G05D7/0694 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/93 Remote control using other portable devices, e.g. mobile phone, PDA, laptop
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/282 based on user interaction within the home receiver circuitry for displaying additional information being controlled by a remote control apparatus H04N21/42204
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/025 for remote control or remote monitoring of applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/125 involving control of end-device applications over a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/00 Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/24 Transfer of terminal data

Abstract

Described are systems and methods for controlling pool and spa equipment. A device may communicate wirelessly with pool and spa controls directly (point-to-point) as well as indirectly, either via the Internet or as part of a local area network (LAN). The device may be a smart phone, tablet, or other appropriate apparatus.

Claims

1. A method of controlling pool or spa equipment, comprising:

a. providing a controller configured to communicate wirelessly directly with a mobile device;

b. communicatively connecting the controller to pool or spa equipment; and

c. transmitting information, from the mobile device to the controller, for further transmission to the pool or spa equipment.

2. A method of controlling pool or spa equipment according to claim 1 in which the controller is configured also to communicate wirelessly indirectly with the mobile device.

3. A method of controlling pool or spa equipment according to claim 2 in which indirect wireless communication between the controller and the mobile device may occur via a router disconnected from the Internet.

4. A method of controlling pool or spa equipment according to claim 2 in which indirect wireless communication between the controller and the mobile device may occur via a router connected to the Internet.

5. A method of controlling pool or spa equipment according to claim 2 in which indirect wireless communication between the controller and the mobile device may occur via the Internet bypassing any router.

6. A method of controlling pool or spa equipment according to claim 2 in which the mobile device is a hand-held smart phone or tablet and the pool or spa equipment is a pump.

7. A method of controlling a pool or spa pump communicatively connected to a controller, comprising:

a. selectively configuring the controller to communicate wirelessly either directly with a mobile device or indirectly with the mobile device via at least one of a router or the Internet; and

b. wirelessly transmitting information from the mobile device for receipt by the controller and further transmission to the pump.

8. A control system comprising:

a. a mobile device;

b. a controller configured to communicate wirelessly directly with a mobile device; and

c. pool or spa equipment communicatively connected to the controller.

9. A control system according to claim 8 in which the controller is configured also to communicate wirelessly indirectly with the mobile device.

10. A control system according to claim 9 in which indirect wireless communication between the controller and the mobile device may occur via a router disconnected from the Internet.

11. A control system according to claim 9 in which indirect wireless communication between the controller and the mobile device may occur via a router connected to the Internet.

12. A control system according to claim 9 in which indirect wireless communication between the controller and the mobile device may occur via the Internet bypassing any router.

13. A method of controlling pool or spa equipment according to claim 9 in which the mobile device is a hand-held smart phone or tablet and the pool or spa equipment is a pump.

14. A control system comprising;

a. a mobile device;

b. a controller selectively configurable to communicate wirelessly either directly with the mobile device or indirectly with the mobile device via at least one of a router or the Internet;

c. a pool or spa pump communicatively connected to the controller.