Intui-network
First Claim
1. A system comprising:
- an electrical network comprising one or more power lines, the one or more power lines capable of delivering electrical power to any attached devices and also capable of transmitting communications signals;
an appliance connected to the electrical network, the appliance comprising;
a rechargeable first battery;
a sensor for detecting a presence of power in the electrical network;
a first transceiver operable to receive first signals transmitted through the electrical network;
an output module;
a first processor that executes instructions to;
determine a first command based on a first signal received by the first transceiver; and
cause the output module to operate in accordance with the first command, anda first control device connected to the electrical network, the first control device comprising;
an input module;
a second transceiver operable to transmit second signals through the electrical network; and
a second processor that executes instructions to;
determine a first user instruction received by the input module;
determine if there is electrical power in the network; and
direct, based on the first user instruction and based on a determination that there is no electrical power in the network, the second transceiver to transmit a third signal to the appliance via the electrical network, the third signal encoding a second command to operate the output module of the appliance in accordance with the first user instruction.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
In the field of appliances connected to the power grid, it is sometimes desirable for such appliances to function even in the absence of grid power. Example applications include emergency lighting or public address systems. It is sometimes further desirable that such appliances be controllable in the absence of grid power, for example responding to commands to turn on or off. Appliances are described that can function in the absence of grid power, yet remain under control of a switch, actuator, or other control device. A control device may be local or remote. Appliances may be controlled via power-line communication. Appliances may sense the state of a switch even where other appliances are connected on a local circuit.
-
Citations
18 Claims
-
1. A system comprising:
-
an electrical network comprising one or more power lines, the one or more power lines capable of delivering electrical power to any attached devices and also capable of transmitting communications signals; an appliance connected to the electrical network, the appliance comprising; a rechargeable first battery; a sensor for detecting a presence of power in the electrical network; a first transceiver operable to receive first signals transmitted through the electrical network; an output module; a first processor that executes instructions to; determine a first command based on a first signal received by the first transceiver; and cause the output module to operate in accordance with the first command, and a first control device connected to the electrical network, the first control device comprising; an input module; a second transceiver operable to transmit second signals through the electrical network; and a second processor that executes instructions to; determine a first user instruction received by the input module; determine if there is electrical power in the network; and direct, based on the first user instruction and based on a determination that there is no electrical power in the network, the second transceiver to transmit a third signal to the appliance via the electrical network, the third signal encoding a second command to operate the output module of the appliance in accordance with the first user instruction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
-
15. A system comprising:
-
an electrical network comprising one or more power lines, the one or more power lines capable of delivering electrical power to any attached devices and also capable of transmitting communications signals; a first control device connected to the electrical network, the first control device comprising; a first sensor for detecting a presence of power in the electrical network; a first transceiver operable to transmit signals through the electrical network; and a first processor that executes instructions to; determine if there is electrical power in the network; and direct, based on a determination that there is no electrical power in the network, the first transceiver to transmit a first signal through the electrical network, a switch connected to the electrical network; a first appliance connected to the electrical network in series with the switch and with the first control device, the appliance comprising; a rechargeable first battery; a second sensor operable to detect a presence of power; a second transceiver operable to receive signals transmitted through the electrical network; a first output module; a second processor that executes instructions to; determine from the second sensor whether there is power in the electrical network; determine whether the first signal has been received by the second transceiver; cause the output module to activate in the event that it has been determined that there is no power in the electrical network and the first signal has been received by the second transceiver; and cause the output module to deactivate in the event that it has been determined that the first signal has not been received by the second transceiver. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
-
Specification