A method and device for resetting a device or for opening a computer program

Abstract

A method for resetting a device or for opening a computer program and a device thereof, the method comprising: (a) determining the count of a counter of the device or the time of a timer of the device; (b) when the count or the time reaches a first or additional milestone, marking or unmarking a first defined or additional defined memory location; (c) turning off the device and then turning it on again; (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) a specified number of times; (e) resetting the device or opening the computer program.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of electronic devices, and more particularly, to a method for resetting a device or for opening a computer program and an apparatus thereof. Background Art

[0002] none Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention provides a wireless control device, which includes: a power source; one or more sensors; one or more switches; a wireless transceiver circuit; an antenna connected to the wireless transceiver circuit; and a processor, which is communicatively coupled to the power source, the one or more sensors, the one or more switches, and the wireless transceiver circuit. The processor receives data from the one or more sensors or the one or more switches, determines a predefined action associated with the data identifying one or more external devices and one or more tasks, and transmits one or more control signals through the wireless transceiver circuit and the antenna to instruct the identified external device to perform the identified task.

[0004] In addition, the present invention relates to a wireless control device, the wireless control device comprising: a housing having a substrate; an outer ring, the outer ring being attached to the substrate; an electronic device board, the electronic device board being arranged in the outer ring and attached to the substrate; and a top cover, the top cover being arranged above the outer ring and attached to the substrate. A power supply is arranged in the electronic device board. One or more sensors are arranged on the electronic device board or arranged close to the electronic device board. One or more switches are arranged on the electronic device board or arranged close to the electronic device board. A wireless transceiver circuit is arranged on the electronic device board. An antenna is connected to the wireless transceiver circuit. A processor is arranged on the electronic device board and is communicatively coupled to the power supply, one or more sensors, one or more switches and the wireless transceiver circuit. The processor receives data from the one or more sensors or one or more switches, determines a predefined action associated with the data identifying one or more external devices and one or more tasks, and transmits one or more control signals instructing the identified external device to perform the identified tasks through the wireless transceiver circuit and the antenna, wherein the power supply, the one or more sensors, the one or more switches, the wireless transceiver circuit, the antenna and the processor are attached to the electronic device board.

[0005] In addition, the present invention provides a method for controlling one or more external devices by providing a wireless control device, the wireless control device comprising: a housing; a power source, the power source being disposed in the housing; one or more sensors, the one or more sensors being disposed on or in the housing; one or more switches, the one or more switches being disposed on or in the housing; a wireless transceiver circuit, the wireless transceiver circuit being disposed in the housing; an antenna, the antenna being disposed on or in the housing and connected to the wireless transceiver circuit; a processor, the processor being disposed in the housing and communicatively coupled to the power source, the one or more sensors, the one or more switches, and the wireless transceiver circuit. Receive data from the one or more sensors or the one or more switches. Determine a predefined action associated with the data identifying the one or more external devices and the one or more tasks using the processor. Transmit one or more control signals instructing the identified external device to perform the identified task through the wireless transceiver circuit and the antenna.

[0006] These and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The above and other advantages of the present invention may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a wireless control device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 2A is a diagram of a user interface screen for configuring one or more switches of a wireless control device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 2B is a diagram of a user interface screen showing an example of configuration of one or more switches according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 3A is a diagram of a user interface screen for defining actions for one or more switches according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 3B-3C is a diagram of a user interface screen showing an example of an action definition for one or more switches according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a wireless control device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the wireless control device shown;

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 a side view of the wireless control device shown;

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A top view of a base plate of the wireless control device is shown;

[0017] Figure 8 Does not have a top cover Figure 4 a perspective view of the wireless control device shown;

[0018] Fig. 9 yes Figure 4 A top view of the wireless control device shown;

[0019] Fig.10 is a block diagram showing two types of apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Fig.11 is a flow chart of a process for GPS position and / or time control according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Fig.12 is a diagram of a user interface screen with options for selecting a time, date, or day of the week and selecting a location or picking a current location if a user with a control device is at the location of a smart device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Fig.13 is a flow chart of a process for GPS position and / or time control according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Fig.14 is a flow chart of a process for an occupancy sensor and clock according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Fig.15 is a flow chart of a clock / timer synchronization process according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Fig.16 is a flow chart of a process for using a processor timer to reset a hardware or programmatic reset according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0026] Fig.17 is a flow chart of a process for opening a program using a processor timer according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Although the manufacture and use of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be understood that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific occasions. The specific embodiments discussed herein are only illustrative of the manufacture and use of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0028] Now refer to Figure 1 , shows a block diagram of a wireless control device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the wireless control device 100 may also be referred to as a switching device. The wireless control device 100 includes one or more sensors 102; one or more switches 104; a wireless transceiver circuit 106 having an antenna 108; and a processor 110, which is communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors 102, the one or more switches 104, and the wireless transceiver circuit 106. The wireless control device 100 can be used to control wireless devices through a wireless protocol (such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). The controller or processor 110 processes input data such as from the sensors 102, switches 104, and sends commands and data to output devices (such as a display 112, wireless transceiver circuit 106, LED indicators 114, etc.). For example, the processor 110 receives data from one or more sensors 102 and / or one or more switches 104, determines a predefined action associated with the data identifying one or more external devices and one or more tasks, and transmits one or more control signals instructing the identified external device to perform the identified task through the wireless transceiver circuit 106 and the antenna 108. The display 112 can be used as an input and output device to give the device readings, configurations, settings, etc. and also to give interactive possibilities to connect and communicate to the device to update its software, change configurations and settings, etc. The display 112 can be an LCD display, an LED display, or other desired display type, etc.

[0029] The one or more sensors 102 may include various sensors to measure air quality 102a, ambient light 102b, temperature 102b, humidity 102b, proximity 102c, motion 102d, sound / microphone, etc. The one or more sensors 102 obtain environmental data and provide the environmental data as input to the processor 110 for processing. A real-time clock (RTC) 116 maintains the current date and time and helps automate and program device actions. The LED indicator 114 indicates the command sent, the action taken by the processor 110, the success or failure of the action, etc. based on the input data. The switch 104 may include different types of switches. For example, the push button switches 104a and 104b act as an on / off trigger to the processor 110, and the rotary switch 104c acts as an analog input to an analog-to-digital converter communicatively coupled to the processor 110. The memory 118 may be internal or external to the processor 110, may be volatile or non-volatile, and may be used to save configuration and other programmable data, such as user-defined programs other than manufacturer-defined programs. The wireless circuit 106 may be part of the processor circuit 110 or a separate component communicatively coupled to the processor 110. The wireless circuit 106 and antenna 108 are used to communicate to external wireless devices. The power supply 120 may be a battery (internal or external, rechargeable or non-rechargeable) or an AC / DC or DC / DC converter that draws power from an external power source through a connector. An infrared light (IR) LED and sensor 102d may be used for proximity detection or communication via IR.

[0030] Non-limiting examples of applications, processes, and user interfaces for defining such configurations for configuring the switch 104 for external device control will be described. In addition, applications for other circuits (such as real-time clock 116, memory 118, etc.) will be described.

[0031] As previously described, the wireless control device 100 may have one or more switches 104 (such as, but not limited to, push-pull switches, toggle switches, push button switches, rotary switches, resistive / capacitive switches, etc.). These switches 104 may be assigned actions for various permutations and combinations of on / off or different positions. An action may be to turn on a light at a specific color / brightness level, connect to a phone or other wireless device, read data from an internal or external sensor, or send a command to an internal or external device, etc.

[0032] An algorithm for configuring the switch 104 using a software application may include the following steps:

[0033] 1. Open the software application.

[0034] 2. Connect to the wireless control device 100 via application software;

[0035] 3. Define a switching action (eg, press / click / turn on / off one or more switches 104 once or multiple times at a defined time and in a defined pattern, etc.).

[0036] 4. Assign actions to such defined switching actions (eg, turn on a light to a specific color, etc.).

[0037] Reference Figure 2A , shows a diagram of a user interface screen 200 for configuring one or more switches 104 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a graphical representation of each switch 104a (S1), 104b (S2), 104c (R1) along with one or more program parameters (e.g., number of pushes 202a within a specific time period 204a for switch 104a; number of pushes 202b within a specific time period 204b for switch 104b; position at degrees 202c for switch 104c) and actions 206a, 206b, 206c for each switch 104a, 104b, 104c are displayed on the user interface screen 200. It should be noted that more than two program parameters and more than one action may be provided. Figure 2B 2 is a diagram of a user interface screen 220 showing an exemplary configuration of one or more switches 104, in which switch 104a is programmed to turn on warm light (action 206a is set to "warm light") whenever switch 104a is pushed twice (program parameter 202a is set to "2") within two seconds (program parameter 204a is set to "2"), switch 104a is programmed to turn on warm light (action 206a is set to "warm light") whenever switch 104b is pushed once (program parameter 202b is set to "1") within five seconds (program parameter 204b is set to "5"), switch 104b is programmed to perform action 2 (action 206b is set to "action 2") whenever switch 104c is rotated to the sixty degree position (program parameter 202c is set to "60 degrees"), switch 104c is programmed to perform action 3 (action 206c is set to "action 3").

[0038] Proximity sensor application in switch device: The wireless control device 100 may have one or more proximity sensors 102c based on capacitance, electric field, magnetic field, IR, etc. Consider an IR-based near-field proximity sensor 102c that activates or changes the output signal whenever someone places a hand close to the proximity sensor 102c. Based on this change in the signal provided as an input to the processor 110, the processor 110 performs an action as defined internally, such as sending a command to turn on the light. When there are multiple such proximity sensors 102c on the device 100 and someone moves their hands over them in a specific direction (e.g., from bottom to top, etc.), each sensor produces a variable output at different times based on the position of the hand. These sensor outputs will form a pattern that can be monitored by the processor 110 and compared with defined and stored patterns. Once the compared patterns are matched, specific actions can be taken. This can also be referred to as gesture recognition based on input from multiple IR sensors. For example, increase the brightness when the hand moves a given number of times in the down-up direction, or dim the light when the hand moves a given number of times in the up-down position in a given time period.

[0039] Similarly, the wireless control device 100 may include an air quality or chemical sensor 102a. The air sensor may sense the purity of the air by sensing substances such as oxygen content, carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide content, particulate content, pollen content, various particles, compositions, gases and chemicals in the air.

[0040] Battery Energy Saving Mode by Time-Division Multiplexing Sensor Monitoring: The wireless control device 100 may have an energy saving mode to reduce power consumption and extend battery life by time-division multiplexing sensor 102 monitoring. Consider a wireless control device 100 with various sensors such as proximity sensors, environmental sensors and color sensors, air quality sensors, sound sensors (microphones), etc. The processor 110 within the wireless control device 100 will read data from the sensors 102 and perform various actions based on the data. In addition, such a wireless control device 100 may function on batteries, solar energy, wireless energy receivers, AC or DC input. In many cases, the power consumption of such a wireless control device 100 is particularly important when running on batteries or solar energy. When the number of sensors and circuits is higher, power consumption becomes more important because each sensor and circuit requires power to operate. However, most of the time, the sensors 102 do not need to be always active or the processor 110 does not need to always obtain data from the sensors 102. The processor 110 can perform time division multiplexing or use a pulsed sensing mechanism to activate the sensors 102 and obtain data from them. Otherwise, the sensor 102 may be in a sleep mode.

[0041] For example, instead of continuously providing ambient light data, the light sensor 102b can provide data for 10ms at intervals of 1 second or some time intervals and for a time amount of accuracy sufficient to provide the processor 110 with the required input data. This will save up to 10ms / ls x 100% = 99% of the total power consumption from the ambient light sensor 102b. In other words, 99% of the time, the sensor 102b will be in standby mode or sleep mode, thereby consuming extremely low power. In addition, sensors (such as proximity sensors 102c) can be activated in a similar manner, but the active time can be increased when the change of the input is above the threshold level. Consider a proximity sensor 102c with a single proximity sensor. It can be activated to sense the input for a short duration in each defined time interval, as explained above for the light sensor. However, when the change of the input is above a given threshold, the time it should be active can be increased. For example, considering that the sensor needs to be active for more than 100ms to ensure the accuracy of the reading, however, in order to sense the input change, it only needs 10ms. Thus, the processor 110 may be programmed to activate the sensor for 10ms and read the input every 1s interval, and if the input exceeds a defined threshold, the processor 110 activates the sensor for 100ms and reads the input for this amount of time and acts accordingly. This will save power by keeping the sensor in standby mode or sleep mode as much as required.

[0042] An example of an algorithm used to save power using time division multiplexing is as follows:

[0043] 1. Activate a sensor or specific circuit for a limited time and read the data;

[0044] 2. placing the sensor or the specific circuit in standby mode or sleep mode for a defined period of time; and

[0045] 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.

[0046] An example of an algorithm for saving power using time division multiplexing and changing the active time based on the input is as follows:

[0047] 1. Activate a sensor or specific circuit for a limited time and read the data;

[0048] 2. placing the sensor or the specific circuit in standby mode or sleep mode for a defined period of time;

[0049] 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2, and if the reading from step 1 exceeds the defined threshold level, go to step 4;

[0050] 4. Keep the sensor active for a longer defined duration and read the data (this duration can be changed dynamically based on the sensor input); and

[0051] 5. Go to step 1.

[0052] Real-time clock based sensing: Most of the time, various sensors do not need to be active for longer durations. For example, the light sensor 102b may be defined to be active only from 6pm to 7am based on sunset and sunrise times. Similarly, the proximity sensor 102c may be defined to be active from 5pm to 8am on weekdays and all day on weekends based on the presence of a person in the room where the wireless control device 100 is installed. In this way, the power used by the wireless control device 100 is conserved, which is critical when the wireless control device 100 operates on a limited power source (such as a battery, supercapacitor, etc.). When a sensor becomes active for a limited period of time, the duration of sensor activity can also be reduced by increasing the interval duration in the defined time period. An application on a control wireless device (such as a smart phone) that can communicate with the sensor can help define such times when the sensor needs to be active. For example, as provided in the above example, an interval time of 1 second at every 30 seconds can be an interval of 4 seconds or longer at every 30 seconds from 8am to 6pm and an interval of 1 second at every 30 seconds from 6pm to 8am, thereby saving additional power requirements. Such longer interval durations will be given specific names, such as semi-sleep mode or low power or power saving mode. Various such power modes may already be part of the wireless device and wireless control device 100 system.

[0053] An example for real-time clock based sensing is as follows:

[0054] 1. Open a device with an application for controlling / communicating with the wireless control device 100 (the device with the application will be able to communicate with the wireless control device 100 wirelessly or through other electrical connections);

[0055] 2. Configure the wireless control device 100 to low power mode or sleep mode for a specific number of days or a specific time, the processor 110 will check the real time clock / timer input and act according to the configuration; and

[0056] 3. Automatic activation based on input from the wireless control device 100 during a real time clock / timer based sensing procedure:

[0057] Automatic activation of sensor-based input during real-time clock / timer-based sensing program: In the above-mentioned real-time clock / timer based program, there may be exceptions, such as the user is available during a defined sleep mode or low power mode, so it is necessary to override the real-time clock-based program with the normal program. In such cases, an additional algorithm can be implemented in which the normal or other program controls the system once the sensor in the wireless control device 100 senses a change in the input in its stage or the user turns off the sleep mode or power saving mode through the application on the control device. An example of an algorithm is as follows:

[0058] 1. Monitoring sensor activity in defined modes such as sleep mode or power saving mode;

[0059] 2. If any changes in output from the sensor are observed during such mode, then open another program or mode (such as normal or active mode); and

[0060] 3. Return to the next defined iteration of sleep or power saving mode depending on the real-time clock / timer input.

[0061] Activation of sensors based on wireless communication (such as Bluetooth): The user can also activate the wireless control device 100 or bring the wireless control device 100 from sleep mode to active mode through the wireless control device. For example, when the user opens an application (application software) on the control device, it attempts to connect to the wireless control device 100 by sending a command. In such cases, as long as the wireless control device 100 gets the command, it becomes active from sleep or other modes. Once the control device application is closed and the user has no intention to communicate with the wireless control device 100, the wireless control device 100 may enter sleep mode or other mode after a defined period of time. An example of an algorithm is as follows:

[0062] 1. The user opens the application software (application) on the control device;

[0063] 2. The application enables communication with the wireless control device 100 (assuming that the processor in the wireless control device 100 continuously monitors other controlled or companion devices, even when its sensors are in sleep or power saving mode); and

[0064] 3. When the wireless control device 100 no longer detects a control device or companion device, it may return to sleep or power saving mode according to a defined procedure.

[0065] Button-based activation of sensors: The wireless control device 100 can go into a complete sleep mode (i.e., no sensors are active at all or specific sensors are no longer active). Those sensors can only be activated when a push button switch (such as a button) is pressed on the wireless control device 100. When pushed, the processor 110 gets a signal from the push button switch, and then it activates the required sensor for a defined period of time. After this period of time, the sensor returns to the other mode depending on the mode. An example of an algorithm is as follows:

[0066] 1. The user presses the push button switch and this is sensed by the processor 110 (once switched on by a command from the processor, the sensor may be active for a defined period of time);

[0067] 2. The processor then activates the sensor for a defined period of time; and

[0068] 3. The sensor then returns to the other mode according to the program after a defined period of time.

[0069] Activation of sensors based on proximity sensors or light sensors: A sensor can be activated by the processor based on input from other sensors. For example, when a user waves his hand around proximity sensor 102c, causing a change in the proximity sensor output measured by processor 110, processor 110 can activate other sensors (such as ambient light sensor 102b or another IR proximity sensor) for gesture recognition for a defined period of time based on such input.

[0070] Enable sensor switch configuration with permutations and combinations: The wireless control device 100 can be configured by software on a computing device (such as a smart phone, laptop, etc.). The configuration software has options to configure at least one switch or sensor input with respect to time, number of on / off commands (pushing a switch, flipping a switch, or waving a hand over a proximity sensor in a specific direction, at a specific height, etc.) in a given time and time interval for a specific trigger. The software can also configure the multiple switches in terms of form when multiple switches are pressed relative to each other in terms of time and number of times (including pressing them simultaneously for any duration or pressing them simultaneously at one or more time intervals to generate a trigger).

[0071] For example, the configurations for the various triggers are defined as follows:

[0072] Turn on / off one switch at a time;

[0073] Open / close a switch 4 times every 1 second;

[0074] Keep your hand on the proximity sensor for a specific duration;

[0075] Wave your hand over the sensor n times in one direction;

[0076] Turn multiple switches on / off simultaneously;

[0077] Open / close multiple switches 4 times every 1 second;

[0078] Switch one or more switches on / off for a duration of 5 seconds; or

[0079] Any possible permutations and combinations of the above similar configurations.

[0080] The controller or processor 110 monitors the input (on / off condition) from the switch 104 and determines the configuration based on the form. The processor 110 then generates a trigger with a specific command or data. The command can then be sent to another device (such as a light, fan, etc.) to control them. Each configuration can be associated with a different set of commands (such as setting a light scene for multiple lighting devices, setting the AC temperature to a specific predefined value, turning on or off a wireless plug, and more).

[0081] Configuration based on time with real time clock: The configuration can also be associated with a specific time of day or day. For example, if the configuration is received by the processor at 7am on a weekday, the command sent by the processor 110 may turn the light on to a cool white light. If the same configuration is received at 7pm on the weekend, the command sent may turn the light on to a warmer white light. The processor 110 gets data and time updates from the real time clock 116 and takes action based on the time when the configuration is received.

[0082] Reference Figure 3A , shows a diagram of a user interface screen 300 for defining actions for one or more switches 104 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The configuration process of the switches 104 can be more easily performed on a user interface of an input device (such as a computer or smart phone). As previously referenced Figure 2A-2BAs described, the application software will have various parameters such as switch input (on / off), time interval, number of times a specific switch input is provided, duration of time a switch input is provided, variables in the input from the proximity sensor, number of times a specific type of input is provided through the sensor, etc. These options will be available on the user screen. In addition, options for triggers or commands to the device will be provided, such as turning on the light to a specific color at a specific time and turning on the light to a specific color for a specific duration, changing the A / C temperature setting, or generating a specific scene. The user can create his own commands based on the permutations and combination possibilities of the devices to be controlled. This command and configuration can be assigned to each other. Once assigned, the user can save this command and configuration to the processor memory of the sensor switch device or to an external memory available to the processor. The processor then monitors the inputs from the sensors and switches for the configuration to trigger the commands created by the user and also saved in the memory. The user interface is presented with Figures 3A-3C The various switch / sensor combinations in define such actions.

[0083] like Figures 3A-3C As shown, the user can create his / her own command or action 206 based on the permutations and combination possibilities of the devices to be controlled. This command or action 206 and the configuration can be assigned to each other. Once assigned, the user can save this command or action 206 and the configuration to the memory 118 of the wireless control device 100 or to an external memory available to the processor 110. The processor 110 then monitors the inputs from the sensors 102 and switches 104 for the configuration to trigger the commands created by the user and also saved in the memory 118. Each command or action 206 can be defined by selecting one or more devices 302 using the user interface screen 300, defining the start / end time for the action 304, and defining the task for the selected devices. For example, Figure 3B A user interface screen 320 is shown in which a "warm light" action 206a is defined by selecting living room light 302, having a start / end time 304 of 6pm to 11pm Monday to Friday, and having a task of switching the living room light to a warm light scene 306. In another example, Figure 3C A user interface screen 340 is shown in which an "Action 3" (Brightness Control) action 206c is defined by selecting Living Room Light 302, having a start / end time 304 of always, and having a task to adjust brightness based on rotary switch position (up to a maximum of 359 degrees and zero to 0 degrees) 306. Programmable screens and other lighting effects are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,113,528 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 189,637, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0084] Configuring light adjustments via light sensor and real time clock: The user can also create rules for measuring ambient light intensity and / or ambient light color and real time clock with respect to the light sensor. The user can create this rule in application software with a user interface on a computing device (such as a computer or smart phone). The interface will have options to create triggers to change the light output from nearby lighting devices and adjust electrically controllable shades (such as on windows) based on ambient light measured at a specific time of day. When a trigger should be delivered as a command to a lighting device or controllable shade device, the user can use the RTC to select the number / quantity in lumens or other light measurement units and the time interval for a specific day that the trigger should be generated.

[0085] Update the time in the connected device through the sensor switch; the sensor switch may have an RTC that retains real time and day information with the help of power from a battery. This sensor switch can update the day / time information of other connected devices that do not have a battery to retain time information or synchronize their clocks in real time. The sensor switch can monitor the day and time information of the device directly or through a mesh network and update the day and time information if there is a deviation.

[0086] A clock (real time clock) can be part of the smart device as well as the control device. In addition, various sensors (such as GPS location, proximity, occupancy, sound (microphone), etc.) are also part of the smart device and the control device.

[0087] New control applications for clocks (such as real-time clocks) in various smart devices (such as smart lighting products, smart thermostats, etc.) and control devices (such as smart phones, tablets, computers, remote controls, etc.) will be referred to below Figure 10-12 Presentation.

[0088] Now refer to Figure 4-9 , showing various views of a wireless control device 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The control device 400 has a generally square footprint 402 having rounded corners 404, angled sides 406, and a top 408 having a rounded edge 410. The top 408 may include one or more sensors 102, indicator lights 114, and switch indicators 412. The control device 400 includes a base plate 420; an outer ring 422; the outer ring 422 is attached to the base plate 420; and an electronics board 424, which is disposed within the outer ring 422 and attached to the base plate 420; and a top cover 426, which is mated with the outer ring 422. The electronics board 424 may include reference Figure 1For example, this embodiment includes four switches 430a, 430b, 430c, 430d mounted proximate to the corners 404 of the device 400, one or more sensors 102 and indicator lights 114 proximate to the center of the top cover 426, and one or more batteries 432.

[0089] The base plate 420 is where the electronics board 424 rests. The top cover 426 can be aligned so that it touches the base plate 420 at an edge giving a smooth finish on all sides, or the top cover 426 can accommodate the base plate 420. The base plate 420 and the top cover 426 can be assembled by glue, snap fit structures, screws, or any other desired fasteners.

[0090] The outer ring 422 may be a rigid part in the form of plastic or metal. The outer ring 422 provides the wireless control device 400 with a better appearance and rigidity.

[0091] Electronics board 424 has all electronics, including battery 432 with battery box, sensor 102, switch 430, power converter, real-time clock circuit, LED 114 with light pipe assembly, reset switch, controller and antenna with wireless circuit. Usually, sensor is tiny and it needs to be raised so that the front side of sensor (sensing part) is open to environment to receive signal. It is possible to raise PCB between actual electronics board PCB and sensor PCB by assembling sensor 102 on the top of small printed circuit board (PCB) and by connector. Small PCB and connector will provide required electronic connection between sensor 102 and processor circuit. Similarly, LED 114 on PCB can be very small. In this case, light pipe can be placed on top of LED 114 so that light is transmitted from top cover hole.

[0092] The top cover 426 can be plastic, silicone, elastomer or other materials with open holes or transparent covers on them to allow sensor input and LED light output. The top cover 426 covers the components including the electronics board 424 from the top and sides. The top cover 426 is such that when the top of the switch 430 is pressed, the switch 430 (e.g., a push button switch and a reset switch, etc.) on the electronics board 424 is pressed. The top cover 426 may also have a side door to insert and remove the battery 432.

[0093] Reference Fig.10There are two types of devices. The first is a smart device 1014, which includes a wireless protocol (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, RF, etc.) circuit 1018, a controller / processor 1016, a wireless circuit 1024 with an antenna, a clock (such as an RTC (real time clock) circuit) 1012 and a sensor (one or more) 1020 (such as an occupancy sensor, a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, an ambient light color sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a sound sensor, etc.) and at least one of additional functional circuits 1026 required such as LED lighting, running a fan, running a motor, a camera device, a thermostat, etc., a power source 1022 (such as a battery, a solar device) or any other AC or DC voltage and current providing circuit. Note that the wireless circuit 1018 and the controller / processor can be a circuit also known as a system on a chip solution. Similarly, the second type is a control device 1008, which interacts with and controls the smart device. The control device may include similar components as located on the smart device. It may also include GPS technology as part of the wireless protocol 1004. Both the smart device and the control device may also include a display or other input / output 1028 circuits. Examples of control devices are smart phones, tablet computers, computers, remote controls, etc. The control device may interact with, be configured with, and control the required software applications running on it. The application of the clock in the smart device or control device will now be explained.

[0094] Reference Fig.11 , a flow chart of a process of GPS location and / or time control according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. In various systems, smart devices using Bluetooth or other wireless signals are controlled by wireless controllers (such as smart phones) with GPS protocols. It is necessary to enable wireless controls to control smart devices based on the location of the wireless controller to effectively utilize the available power / energy (such as batteries) in the wireless controller and activate smart devices with specific functions based on the location of the control device. For example, the wireless controller will enable an application and Bluetooth protocol to turn on the smart light using the Bluetooth protocol when the wireless controller is at a specific location or within the defined perimeter or wireless range of the smart light. Or when the wireless controller arrives at a specific location or within the defined perimeter or wireless range of the smart door, the smart security door controller is turned on via Bluetooth. This function can also be a function of time, so that the event is triggered only when the wireless controller is at a specific location at a specific time. The algorithm is as follows:

[0095] 1. The required program, which is a function of time and / or location used to trigger an event, ie, the smart device 1014 acts according to the program stored in the wireless control device 1008 and the smart device application.

[0096] 2. When the wireless control device 1008 is at a defined location and / or a defined time according to the program, it activates the wireless protocol in the wireless controller, which connects and controls the smart device according to the required program.

[0097] More specifically, a defined GPS location and / or based procedure 1100 is initiated in block 1102. The wireless controller monitors the GPS location and / or time in block 1104. If the wireless controller is at the defined location and / or at the defined time according to the procedure, as determined in decision block 1106, then the wireless controller activates the wireless protocol therein and connects and controls the smart device according to the procedure in block 1108 and the process stops in block 1110. However, if the wireless controller is not at the defined location and not at the defined time according to the procedure, as determined in decision block 1106, the process repeats in block 1112 by looping back to detect the GPS location and / or time in block 1104.

[0098] A user interface on a software application running on the control device can be used to define such clocks and GPS (location based services) based on algorithms. Fig.12 , the user interface 1208 will have the option to select a time, date or day of the week 1200 and select a location or pick the current location if the user with the control device 1202 is at the location of the smart device on a single screen or multiple screens. The user interface will also have options so that the user can define the action 1204 that the smart device should take (such as turning on) if it has a specific state. In this way, triggers based on location and time can be defined to be saved and executed using the save button on the user interface 1206. The clock used in this application can be the smart device 1014 or the control device 1008.

[0099] Reference Fig.13, a flow chart of a process 1300 of an occupancy sensor 1020 and a clock 1012 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The occupancy sensor 1020 senses nearby occupants and can trigger events, such as turning on a light or opening a door. It can also be a function of time in the case of using an RTC 1012. In block 1302, the occupancy sensor and clock application are launched to create a program. In block 1304, the user defines the time through an application in a controller device (such as a smart phone) when the occupancy sensor can trigger an event. In block 1306, the user also defines an event, such as turning on a specific smart lighting device in the network at a specific color and brightness. When the occupancy sensor senses an occupant during the defined time, as determined in decision block 1308, it triggers the event defined in the smart light in block 1310. However, if the occupancy sensor cannot sense an occupant during the defined time, as determined in decision block 1308, then monitoring continues during the defined time in block 1312 and the process loops back to decision block 1308.

[0100] In addition, the light and / or color sensor 1020 can sense nearby light and can trigger functions to control the light output of a particular smart device (such as a smart lighting device) in terms of color and brightness according to time. The clock of one smart device can also be used to trigger functions of other smart devices in the network.

[0101] 1. The user defines the time through an app in a controller device (such as a smartphone) when the light and / or color sensor can trigger an event.

[0102] 2. The user also defines events, such as changing the light output in terms of brightness and / or color of a specific smart lighting fixture in the network.

[0103] 3. When the light and / or color sensor senses the required light change in the vicinity to trigger an event in a defined time, it triggers the event defined in the smart lighting device.

[0104] Similarly, a sound sensor (detector) such as a microphone and related circuitry 1020 in the smart device 1014 may be used in association with a clock to generate triggers for specific functions of the smart device 1014 . Fig.141400 is shown in FIG. In block 1402, the user defines the event for triggering the action, the form of the sound and programs the smart device to have such a desired program. For example, the sound is generated by 4 taps within 4 seconds at a specific day within a specific time period (such as Monday to Wednesday 6pm to 9pm). When this form is detected by the controller / processor 1016 through the sound sensor 1020, as determined in the decision block 1404, in block 1406, a specific trigger is generated for the smart device and for a specific action. For example, turn on the smart lighting device or turn off the smart thermostat at a specific brightness and color. The trigger can be generated by the controller / processor 1016 for a specific action through the wireless protocol chip 1018, and then through the antenna 1024 of the smart device and transmitted to another smart device. However, if the form is not detected by the controller / processor 1016 through the sound sensor 1020, as determined in the decision block 1404, then in block 1408, monitoring continues during the defined time period and the process loops back to the decision block 1404.

[0105] Reference Fig.15 , shows a flow chart of a clock / timer synchronization process 1500 according to one embodiment of the present invention. A control device 1008 (such as a smart phone) sends various programs to a smart device 1014 having functions such as smart lighting devices, smart thermostats, smart locks, etc. that can be stored inside the smart device 1014 and turn on at very specific times. The various programs require the smart device 1014 to turn on or run specific applications at the same time or in defined time intervals, and time synchronization is required in such cases. Clock / timer synchronization is initiated in block 1502. In block 1504, the control device sends an update to the clock or timer of at least one smart device in its network, and / or at least one smart device updates the timer / clock of at least one other smart device in the network at defined time intervals. As indicated by block 1506, the process repeats periodically.

[0106] For example, consider a light and temperature program that simulates a sunrise. A user sends such a program with a defined specific time (such as 7am every weekday) to each smart light device bulb to turn on at a specific color and brightness and turn on the thermostat to control the temperature to a specific level. Similarly, a program in the form of a blue ocean wave is provided by the smart light devices, where each smart light device produces a certain type of light output at a defined specific interval. Once programmed, the smart light device and thermostat will monitor the clock 1012, which can be a real-time clock powered by a battery or supercapacitor or input mains, or a processor timer defined for various programs inside the bulb. Once a specific defined time is reached, the program will trigger the opening. In this case, problems may arise if the clock or timer inside each smart device cannot be synchronized (i.e., cannot be displayed at the same time) due to various reasons (such as drift in the clock or power interruption to the clock). The clock can be synchronized in the following two ways:

[0107] 1. The control device 1008 periodically updates the clock or timer of each smart device 1014.

[0108] 2. A smart device updates every other clock or timer for a specific program or periodically. In this case, one smart device will be chosen to update all smart devices to synchronize with their own clock or timer. Such a device can be chosen based on its ID difference (such as the highest MAC ID), or it can be user defined or it can be the one with the latest or highest date / time of all smart devices in the network.

[0109] Reference Fig.16 , shows a flowchart of a process 1600 for resetting hardware or programming using a processor timer according to one embodiment of the present invention. For any embedded device with a controller or processor, a reset function is necessary. Most of the time, the device uses an external reset switch. In addition, when the device is reset, it enters a state of a defined program, and the defined program limits the number of states that can open the device. In any case, the reset switch is also an additional hardware cost in the device. The system can be reset or enabled for various programs through an open / close sequence using the timer and memory functions of the controller or processor. To this end, it is considered that any of the following steps can be used.

[0110] 1. The processor may be defined so that whenever the processor is turned on, a timer starts and the processor counts clock cycles or the time that the timer is on.

[0111] 2. The processor may be defined so that when the count or time reaches a first milestone (such as 1000 or 1 second), it marks a first defined location of the memory (changes 0 to 1).

[0112] 3. The processor may be defined so that when the count or time reaches an nth milestone (such as nx 1000 or nx 1 second), it marks the nth defined location of the memory.

[0113] 4. The processor may be defined so that when the count or time reaches a certain milestone (such as m x 1000 or m x 1 second), it removes a flag (changes 1 to 0) from one or more defined locations in memory.

[0114] 5. The processor may be defined such that when any of steps 2, 3 or 4 above occurs twice, it marks another specific memory location.

[0115] 6. The processor may be defined such that when any of steps 2, 3 or 4 above occurs multiple times, it marks another specific memory location.

[0116] 7. The processor is programmed so that it enables a specific action or event, depending on a flag in a memory location.

[0117] An example of a reset function is defined such that when the device is turned on and off three times in succession, each time within 1 second and 2 seconds, the device resets itself to the default settings. Algorithm "Reset the device by timer and memory function" 1600 starts in block 1602 when the device is turned on (when the device is turned on, the processor is turned on and the timer is also turned on). In block 1604, the count or time of the timer is calculated. In block 1606, when the count reaches the first milestone, the first defined memory location is marked. In block 1608, when the count reaches the second milestone, the first defined memory location is not marked. In block 1610, the device / processor is turned off and then turned on. If the first defined memory location is not marked, as determined in decision block 1612, the process loops back to block 1604, where the count or time of the timer is calculated. However, if the first defined memory location is marked, as determined in decision block 1612, the count or time of the timer is calculated in block 1614. In block 1616, when the count reaches the first milestone, the second defined memory location is marked. In block 1618, when the count reaches the second milestone, the second defined memory location is not marked. In block 1620, the device / processor is turned off and then turned on. If the first defined memory location is not marked or the second defined memory location is not marked, as determined in decision block 1622, the process loops back to block 1604, where the count or time of the timer is calculated. However, if the first defined memory location is marked and the second defined memory location is marked, as determined in decision block 1622, the count or time of the timer is calculated in block 1624. In block 1626, when the count reaches the first milestone, the third defined memory location is marked. In block 1628, when the count reaches the third milestone, the third defined memory location is not marked. In block 1630, the device / processor is turned off and then turned on. If the first defined memory location is not marked or the second defined memory location is not marked or the third defined memory location is not marked, as determined in decision block 1632, the process loops back to block 1604 where the count or time of the timer is calculated. However, if the first defined memory location is marked and the second defined memory location is marked and the third defined memory location is marked, as determined in decision block 1632, the device is reset in block 1634.

[0118] Similarly and now refer to Fig.17, shows a flow chart of a process 1700 of opening a program using a processor timer according to one embodiment of the present invention. An instance of converting a device with a particular program may be defined so that when the device is turned on and off twice within 2 seconds and 3 seconds for the first time, it is turned on and off again twice within 3 seconds and 4 seconds for the second time. Algorithm "Converting a Program by Timer and Memory Function" 1700 begins in block 1702 when the device is turned on (when the device is turned on, the processor is turned on and the timer is also turned on). In block 1704, the count or time of the timer is calculated. In block 1706, when the count reaches a first milestone, the first defined memory location is marked. In block 1708, when the count reaches a second milestone, the first defined memory location is not marked. In block 1710, the device / processor is turned off and then turned on. If the first defined memory location is not marked, as determined in decision block 1712, the process loops back to block 1704, where the count or time of the timer is calculated. However, if the first defined memory location is marked, as determined in decision block 1712, then the count or time of the timer is calculated in block 1714. In block 1716, when the count reaches the first milestone, the second defined memory location is marked. In block 1718, when the count reaches the second milestone, the second defined memory location is not marked. In block 1720, the device / processor is turned off and then turned on. If the first defined memory location is not marked or the second defined memory location is not marked, as determined in decision block 1722, then the process loops back to block 1704, and the count or time of the timer is calculated in block 1604. However, if the first defined memory location is marked and the second defined memory location is marked, as determined in decision block 1722, then the defined program is turned on in block 1724.

[0119] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different processes and technologies (e.g., data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof). Likewise, the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both, depending on the application and functionality. In addition, the various logic blocks, modules, and circuits described herein may be implemented or executed by a general purpose processor (e.g., a microprocessor, a conventional processor, a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, or a combination of computing devices), a digital signal processor (“DSP”), an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), a field programmable gate array (“FPGA”) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination of the above designed to perform the functions described herein). Similarly, the method steps or processes described herein may be directly embodied in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. The software module may reside in a RAM memory, a flash memory, a ROM memory, an EPROM memory, an EEPROM memory, a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for resetting a device or for opening a computer program, characterized in that include: for a set of defined memory locations, selecting a first defined memory location from the set of defined memory locations as the selected defined memory location; for a set of defined milestones, selecting a first defined milestone from the set of defined milestones as a selected defined milestone; (a) Turn on the device, (b) using a counter to count a cycle count that measures the number of clock cycles since the device was last turned on, or using a timer of the device to count the operating time since the device was last turned on; (c) marking said selected defined memory location when said cycle count or said run time reaches said selected defined milestone of said counter or timer; (d) turning off the device and then turning on the device again; (e) if the selected defined memory location is marked, selecting another defined memory location from the set of defined memory locations as the selected defined memory location and selecting another defined milestone from the set of defined milestones as the selected defined milestone; (f) repeating steps (a) to (e) a specified number of times; (g) when all of said selected defined memory locations have been marked, causing said apparatus to reset or open said computer program.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: starting the counter or the timer.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The resetting of the device or opening of the computer program comprises: When the defined set of memory locations reaches a specified configuration, the device is reset or the computer program is opened.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method also includes selecting the one or more other operating parameters.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further includes selecting the computer program, wherein when the computer program is opened, the computer program causes a processor to execute one or more commands.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The device comprises a control device or a light emitting device.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The device further comprises: a real-time clock, a battery or a capacitor.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The device also includes a wireless device.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The device is part of a mesh network structure.

10. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The processor receives a command or a configuration.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The apparatus also includes a user interface communicatively coupled to the processor.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The computer program includes a user-defined program or a manufacturer-defined program.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The device may also include a sensor or an AC / DC or DC / DC converter.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The device also includes a light emitting diode.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The device also includes a power source, which may include a battery, a solar device, or a wireless energy receiver.

16. An apparatus comprising: Counter or timer; Memory; as well as a processor communicatively coupled to the counter or timer and the memory, wherein the processor is for a set of defined memory locations, selecting a first defined memory location from the set of defined memory locations as the selected defined memory location, and for a set of defined milestones, selecting a first defined milestone from the set of defined milestones as the selected defined milestone: (a) detecting that the device is turned on, using a counter to count cycles that measure the number of clock cycles since the device was last turned on, or using a timer of the device to count the elapsed operating time since the device was last turned on; (b) marking said selected defined memory location when said cycle count or said run time reaches said selected defined milestone of said counter or timer; (c) detecting that the device is turned off and then turning the device on again; (d) if the selected defined memory location is marked, selecting another defined memory location from the set of defined memory locations as the selected defined memory location and selecting another defined milestone from the set of defined milestones as the selected defined milestone; (e) repeating steps (a) to (d) a specified number of times; and (f) when all of said selected defined memory locations have been marked, resetting said device or opening a computer program.

17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that The processor starts the counter or timer.

18. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that When the defined set of memory locations reaches a specified configuration, the processor causes the device to reset or open the computer program.

19. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that Select one or more additional operating parameters.

20. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that The computer program is selected, wherein when the computer program is opened, the computer program causes the processor to execute one or more commands.

21. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that The device comprises a control device or a lighting device.

22. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that The device further comprises: a real-time clock, a battery or a capacitor.

23. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that The device comprises a wireless device.

24. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that The device is part of a mesh network structure.

25. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that The processor receives a command or a configuration.

26. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that The apparatus also includes a user interface communicatively coupled to the processor.

27. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that The computer program includes a user-defined program or a manufacturer-defined program.

28. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that The device may also include a sensor or an AC / DC or DC / DC converter.

29. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that The device also includes a light emitting diode.

30. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that The device also includes a power source, which may include a battery, a solar device, or a wireless energy receiver.

Images