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.

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 rela...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes devices, such as switches and adapters, that can be used to create a network of sensors and controllers in a smart home or structure. These devices can communicate with each other and with external devices like smartphones or tablets. The networks can be used to control and monitor different aspects of the home or structure, such as temperature, motion, humidity, and sound. The patent also describes power receptacle wireless access points that can be integrated into existing electrical outlets or wall switches to provide wireless connectivity without the need for additional cabling. Overall, the patent provides a way to create a more complex and automated smart home network.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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.

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.

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