Method, non-transitory computer-readable medium, and apparatus for downstream smart device detection - Patents.com

Abstract

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and / or computer program product for detecting a downstream device connected to an electrical load control device and / or combinations and subcombinations thereof. Exemplary embodiments operate by detecting an association signal from the downstream smart device in response to the downstream smart device detection signal. Exemplary embodiments further operate by determining whether the downstream smart device is coupled to an electrical terminal of the electrical switch device and configured to receive electricity in response to an actuation of the electrical switch device. If so determined, the exemplary embodiments further operate by generating and transmitting a control signal to the electrical switch device configured to instruct the electrical switch device to prevent deactivation of the electrical switch device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to electrical load control devices, and more particularly to electrical load control devices that detect downstream smart devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Wireless alternating current (AC) load control devices, such as light switches, are used to remotely control electrical loads, such as electrical outlets and lighting devices, in residential and commercial buildings. In addition, modern Internet of Things (IoT) environments have popularized a complex web of interconnected smart devices controlled by countless smart load control devices. In such environments, users manually configure smart load control devices by adding device information for downstream smart devices, such as smart outlets and smart bulbs, using a graphical user interface (GUI) running on a separate device, such as the user's smartphone. However, such manual configuration can be overly complicated for many users. Furthermore, there is no mechanism for conventional load control devices to determine for themselves which devices, smart or otherwise, are connected to their loads. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Presented herein are embodiments of systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, methods and / or computer program products for detecting downstream devices connected to an electrical load control device (e.g., an alternating current (AC) load control device, a direct current (DC) load control device, or a combination thereof), and / or combinations and subcombinations thereof. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] An exemplary embodiment relates to a computer-implemented method for detecting a downstream device connected to an electrical load control device. The computer-implemented method operates by detecting, by at least one processor of the electrical load control device, an association signal from the downstream smart device in response to a downstream smart device detection signal. The computer-implemented method further operates by determining, by the at least one processor, in response to detecting the association signal, whether the downstream smart device is coupled to an electrical terminal of an electrical switch device and configured to receive electricity in response to activation of the electrical switch device. The computer-implemented method further operates by generating, by the at least one processor, a control signal configured to instruct the electrical switch device to prevent deactivation of the electrical switch device in response to determining that the downstream smart device is coupled to the electrical terminal of the electrical switch device and configured to receive electricity in response to activation of the electrical switch device. The computer-implemented method further operates by transmitting, by the at least one processor, the control signal to the electrical switch device.

[0005] An exemplary embodiment relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of the electrical load control device, cause the electrical load control device to perform operations to detect a downstream device. The operations include detecting an association signal from the downstream smart device in response to the downstream smart device detection signal. The operations further include determining, in response to detecting the association signal, whether the downstream smart device is coupled to an electrical terminal of the electrical switch device and configured to receive electricity in response to activation of the electrical switch device. The operations further include, in response to determining that the downstream smart device is coupled to the electrical terminal of the electrical switch device and configured to receive electricity in response to activation of the electrical switch device, generating a control signal configured to instruct the electrical switch device to prevent deactivation of the electrical switch device. The operations further include transmitting the control signal to the electrical switch device.

[0006] An exemplary embodiment relates to an apparatus for detecting a downstream device connected to an electrical load control device. The apparatus includes a first electrical terminal configured to connect to a first ungrounded conductor and receive electricity from the first ungrounded conductor. The apparatus further includes a second electrical terminal configured to connect to a second ungrounded conductor and transmit electricity received from the first ungrounded conductor to the second ungrounded conductor in response to activation of an electrical switch device. The apparatus further includes an electrical switch device configured to generate a conductive electrical path between the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal in response to activation of the electrical switch device. The electrical switch device is further configured to generate a non-conductive electrical path between the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal in response to deactivation of the electrical switch device. The apparatus further includes a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to detect an association signal from the downstream smart device in response to the downstream smart device detection signal. The at least one processor is further configured to, in response to detecting the association signal, determine whether the downstream smart device is coupled to the second ungrounded conductor and configured to receive electricity from the second ungrounded conductor in response to activation of the electrical switch device. The at least one processor is further configured to, in response to determining that the downstream smart device is coupled to the second ungrounded conductor and configured to receive electricity from the second ungrounded conductor in response to activation of the electrical switch device, generate a control signal configured to instruct the electrical switch device to prevent deactivation of the electrical switch device. The at least one processor is further configured to transmit the control signal to the electrical switch device.

[0007] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a part of this specification. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a multimedia environment, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a streaming media device according to some embodiments. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical load control device according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for detecting downstream smart devices according to some embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary computer system useful for implementing various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In the drawings, the same reference numbers generally refer to the same or similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number generally identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.

[0010] Presented herein are embodiments of systems, apparatus, devices, methods and / or computer program products, and / or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for detecting downstream devices connected to an electrical load control device.

[0011] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using and / or be part of a portion of the multimedia environment 102 shown in Figure 1. However, it should be noted that the multimedia environment 102 is shown for purposes of illustration only and not limitation. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using and / or be part of an environment that is different from and / or joins the multimedia environment 102, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings contained herein. An example of a multimedia environment 102 is described below.

[0012] Exemplary Multimedia Environment 1 illustrates a block diagram of a multimedia environment 102, according to some embodiments. In a non-limiting example, the multimedia environment 102 may be oriented toward streaming media. However, the present disclosure is applicable to any type of media (instead of or in addition to streaming media) and any mechanisms, means, protocols, methods, and / or processes for distributing media.

[0013] The multimedia environment 102 may include one or more media systems 104, one or more electrical load control devices 140, one or more load devices 142, and one or more content servers 120 communicatively coupled via a network 108. In various embodiments, the network 118 may include, without limitation, a wired and / or wireless intranet, extranet, Internet, cellular, Wi-Fi, radio frequency (RF), red-line (IR), cellular, Bluetooth, (registered trademark) , Zigbee (registered trademark) , Z-wave, and / or any other short-range, short-range, long-range, local, regional, global communication mechanisms, means, methods, protocols and / or networks, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more media systems 104, one or more electrical load control devices 140, and one or more load devices 142 may be located at or near (e.g., within 0.5 mile of) the same residential or commercial structure (e.g., a house, apartment, school, office, hospital, restaurant, store, etc.).

[0014] Media system 104 may represent a family room, kitchen, backyard, home theater, classroom, library, car, boat, bus, airplane, movie theater, stadium, auditorium, park, bar, restaurant, or any other location or space desired to receive and play streaming content. Users 132 can operate media system 104 to select and consume content.

[0015] Each media system 104 may include one or more media devices 106, each coupled to one or more display devices 108. Terms such as "coupled," "connected," "attached," "linked," "combined," and similar words, unless otherwise indicated herein, may refer to physical, electrical, magnetic, logical connections, and the like.

[0016] Media device 106 may be a streaming media device, DVD or Blu-ray, to name a few. (registered trademark) The media device 106 may be a display device, an audio / video playback device, a cable box, and / or a digital video recording device. The display device 108 may be a monitor, a television (TV), a computer, a smartphone, a tablet, a wearable (such as a watch or glasses), an appliance, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, and / or a projector, to name a few. In some embodiments, the media device 106 may be part of, integrated with, operably coupled to, and / or connected to the respective display device 108 of the media device.

[0017] Each media device 106 can be configured to communicate with a network 118 via a communication device 114. The communication device 114 can include, for example, a cable modem or a satellite TV transceiver. The media device 106 can communicate with the communication device 114 through a link 116, which can include a wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi) and / or a wired connection.

[0018] The media system 104 may include a remote control 110. The remote control 110 may be any component, part, device, and / or method for controlling the media device 106 and / or the display device 108, such as a remote control, a tablet, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a wearable, an on-screen control, integrated control buttons, voice control, or any combination thereof, to name a few. In one embodiment, the remote control 110 communicates wirelessly with the media device 106 and / or the display device 108 using cellular, Bluetooth, red-line, etc., or any combination thereof. The remote control 110 may include a microphone 112, which is described in more detail below.

[0019] The multimedia environment 102 may include multiple content servers 120 (also called content providers or sources). Although only one content server 120 is shown in Figure 1, in practice the multimedia environment 102 may include any number of content servers 120. Each content server 120 may be configured to communicate with the network 118.

[0020] Each content server 120 may store content 122 and metadata 124. Content 122 may include any combination of music, video, movies, TV programs, multimedia, images, still images, text, graphics, game applications, advertisements, programming content, public service content, government content, local community content, software, and / or other content or data objects in any electronic form.

[0021] In some embodiments, metadata 124 includes data about the content 122. For example, metadata 124 may include relevant or ancillary information indicating or associated with writer(s), director(s), producer(s), composer(s), artists, actors, summary(s), chapter(s), production(s), history(s), year(s), trailer(s), alternate versions, related content, applications, and / or any other information accompanying or relating to the content 122. Metadata 124 may additionally or alternatively include links to any such information accompanying or relating to the content 122. Metadata 124 may additionally or alternatively include one or more indexes for the content 122, such as, but not limited to, a trick mode index.

[0022] The multimedia environment 102 may include one or more system servers 126. The system servers 126 may operate to support the media devices 106 from the cloud. It should be noted that the structural and functional aspects of the system servers 126 may reside in whole or in part on the same or different servers as the system servers 126.

[0023] A media device 106 can be present in any number of media systems 104. Accordingly, a media device 106 can be adapted for a crowdsourcing embodiment, and thus a system server 126 can include one or more crowdsource servers 128.

[0024] For example, using information received from media devices 106 in countless media systems 104, crowdsourcing server 128 can identify similarities and overlaps between closed caption requests made by different users 132 watching a particular movie. Based on such information, crowdsourcing server 128 can determine that turning on closed captions can enhance the user's viewing experience during certain portions of the movie (e.g., when the movie's soundtrack is difficult to hear), and that turning off closed captions can enhance the user's viewing experience during other portions of the movie (e.g., when the display of closed captions distracts from important visual aspects of the movie). Thus, crowdsourcing server 128 can automatically turn closed captions on and / or off during future streaming of the movie.

[0025] The system server 126 may also include a voice command processing module 130. As mentioned above, the remote control 110 may include a microphone 112. The microphone 112 may receive voice data from a user 132 (as well as other sources, such as the display device 108). In some embodiments, the media device 106 may be voice-enabled, and the voice data may represent verbal commands from the user 132 for controlling the media device 106 as well as other components in the media system 104, such as the display device 108.

[0026] In some embodiments, voice data received by microphone 112 of remote control 110 is transferred to media device 106 and then sent to voice command processing module 130 of system server 126. Voice command processing module 130 can process and analyze the received voice data to recognize verbal commands of user 132. Voice command processing module 130 can then send the verbal commands to media device 106 for processing.

[0027] In some embodiments, the voice data may alternatively or additionally be processed and analyzed by voice command processing module 216 of media device 106 (see FIG. 2). Media device 106 and system server 126 may then cooperate to pick up one of the verbal commands for processing (either a verbal command recognized by voice command processing module 130 of system server 126 or a verbal command recognized by voice command processing module 216 of media system 106).

[0028] In some embodiments, the remote control 110 can interact with one or more load devices 142 (e.g., light valves, dimmable light valves, smart light valves, media devices, etc.) via one or more electrical load control devices 140. The one or more electrical load control devices 140 can include any component, part, apparatus, or method that uses wireless communications to control an electrical load (e.g., alternating current (AC), direct current (DC), or both), including one or more dimming or turning on and off of one or more of the load devices 142, brightness, color, status, function, or any other suitable characteristic of one or more of the load devices 142. For example, the one or more electrical load control devices 140 can generate control signals corresponding to user commands and transmit the generated control signals to the one or more electrical load control devices 140 and / or any other components of the multimedia environment 102 to cause the device or component to operate in accordance with the user commands. In some embodiments, the one or more electrical load control devices 140 may include one or more AC load control devices, one or more DC load control devices, or any combination thereof.

[0029] In some embodiments, one or more electrical load control devices 140 can detect one or more downstream smart devices included in one or more load devices 142. For example, each electrical load control device 140 can detect an association signal from a downstream smart device included in one or more load devices 142, where the association signal corresponds to the downstream smart device detection signal. In response to detecting the association signal, each electrical load control device 140 can determine whether the downstream smart device is coupled to the load terminals of the respective electrical load control device 140. Subsequently, in response to determining that a downstream smart device is coupled to the load terminals of the respective electrical load control device 140, the load line of the respective electrical load control device 140 can enter an “always on” state, even when the user 132 attempts to switch the load line of the respective electrical load control device 140 to an “off” state. As a result, rather than switching downstream smart devices on and off by energizing and de-energizing the load lines of the electrical load control devices 140, the remote control 110 and / or each electrical load control device 140 can switch downstream smart devices on and off, dim the downstream smart devices, and / or change a characteristic (e.g., color, etc.) of the downstream smart devices by sending control signals to the downstream smart devices configured to instruct the downstream smart devices to turn themselves on or off, dim themselves, and / or change one or more of their characteristics.

[0030] In some embodiments, one or more electrical load control devices 140 can include control points (e.g., switches or dimmer switches), and one or more load devices 142 can include downstream smart devices, such as downstream smart bulbs. Various techniques can be used to detect downstream smart devices and then control them using the network 118 rather than the control point. One technique can utilize a power sensor in the control point to detect a sequence of power pulses from the downstream device. For example, the downstream device can modulate the power consumption or otherwise change the load of the downstream device according to a preset sequence by sending Wi-Fi packets that dim itself two or three times, change color (e.g., red, then green, then blue), or perform an operation similar to a code division multiple access (CDMA) pulse train; the control point can use a power sensor to detect this sequence or increase in current and identify the device as a downstream smart device. In another technique, when a control point removes power from a downstream device, the control point can then detect and correlate that the downstream device lost and gained power at the exact same time. For example, if a downstream device goes off the network when the control point removes power, the control point can identify this device as a downstream smart device. In yet another technique, the control point can dim the downstream device in a pre-set pattern (e.g., a chirp), and the downstream device can then detect and associate the sequence with the control point.

[0031] In some embodiments, one or more electrical load control devices 140 can perform the operations disclosed herein to determine which of one or more load devices 142 are electrically downstream of one or more electrical load control devices 140. For example, when there are multiple electrical load control devices 140 connected in series, one of the electrical load control devices 140 can perform the techniques described herein for all of the other electrical load control devices 140. In another embodiment, when there are multiple electrical load control devices 140 connected in parallel, one of the electrical load control devices 140 (e.g., a three-way switch connected to the neutral wire) can perform the techniques described herein as long as all of the other electrical load control devices 140 are in the “off” state. In yet another embodiment, multiple electrical load control devices 140 can perform a “leader election” operation to identify which of the electrical load control devices 140 should perform the techniques described herein.

[0032] In some embodiments, the downstream device discovery techniques described herein can simplify the process of adding IoT devices to a home by determining which smart devices are connected to which control points. For example, when there are two control points and two smart outlets, the disclosed techniques can automatically and without user interaction determine which switch is connected to which outlet.

[0033] In some embodiments, one or more of the electrical load control devices 140 can function both with and without a neutral conductor. For example, when the electrical load control device 140 is powered up, the electrical load control device 140 can detect the presence or absence of a neutral conductor.

[0034] In one embodiment, if a neutral conductor is present, then the electrical load control device 140 can place itself in a full-function mode in which it can perform functions such as keeping capacitive sensor functionality always on or using a power-hungry wireless communication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi mesh, Bluetooth, or 5G). In other words, if a neutral conductor is present, the electrical load control device 140 can enable other, more complex, energy-intensive features.

[0035] In one embodiment, if a neutral conductor is not present, then the electrical load control device 140 can limit its available features to the bare minimum that operates when minimal power is available. For example, the electrical load control device 140 can remain asleep until a user presses a physical button on the electrical load control device 140 or performs some other physical action to wake the electrical load control device 140, in which case the electrical load control device 140 uses a low-power mechanism to send Wi-Fi commands to the controlled load device 142. In another example, the electrical load control device 140 can send updates to or receive updates from an external device at a reduced frequency (e.g., looking for control packets once per second). As a result, one or more electrical load control devices 140 can modify their functionality based on the presence of a neutral conductor.

[0036] 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary media device 106, according to some embodiments. The media device 106 may include a streaming module 202, a processing module 204, a storage / buffer 208, and a user interface module 206. As mentioned above, the user interface module 206 may include a voice command processing module 216.

[0037] Media device 106 may also include one or more audio decoders 212 and one or more video decoders 214. Each audio decoder 212 may be configured to decode audio in one or more audio formats, such as, but not limited to, AAC, HE-AAC, AC3 (Dolby Digital), EAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus), WMA, WAV, PCM, MP3, OGG GSM, FLAC, AU, AIFF, and / or VOX, to name a few. Similarly, each video decoder 214 may be configured to decode audio in one or more audio formats, such as, but not limited to, MP4 (mp4, m4a, m4v, f4v, f4a, m4b, m4r, f4b, mov), 3GP (3gp, 3gp2, 3g2, 3gpp), to name a few. (registered trademark) , 3gpp2), OGG (ogg, oga, ogv, ogx), WMV (wmv, wma, asf), WEBM, FLV, AVI, QuickTime, HDV, MXF (OPla, OP-Atom), MPEG-TS, MPEG-2PS, MPEG-2TS, WAV, BroadcastWAV, LXF, GXF, and / or VOB. Each video decoder 214 may include one or more video codecs such as H.263, H.264, H.265, HEV, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG-TS, MPEG-4, Theora, 3GP, DV, DVCPRO, DVCProHD, IMX, XDCAM HD, XDCAM HD422, and / or XDCAM EX, to name a few.

[0038] 1 and 2 , in some embodiments, a user 132 can interact with a media device 106, for example, via a remote control 110. For example, the user 132 can use the remote control 110 to interact with a user interface module 206 of the media device 106 to select content, such as movies, TV shows, music, books, applications, games, etc. A streaming module 202 of the media device 106 can request the selected content from a content server 120 over the network 118. The content server 120 can transmit the requested content to the streaming module 202. The media device 106 can transmit the received content to a display device 108 for playback to the user 132.

[0039] In streaming embodiments, the streaming module 202 may transmit content to the display device 108 in real-time or near real-time as it receives such content from the content server 120. In non-streaming embodiments, the media device 106 may store content received from the content server 120 in the storage / buffer 208 for later playback on the display device 108.

[0040] 3 illustrates an example block diagram of an electrical load control device 140, according to some embodiments. The electrical load control device 140 may include, for example, a first electrical terminal 302, a fourth electrical terminal 304, a second electrical terminal 306, a third electrical terminal 308, an electrical switch device 320, one or more processors 322, a memory 324, a capacitive sensor device 326 (e.g., a touch detector), a temperature sensor device 328 (e.g., a thermocouple, a thermistor), an electromagnetic (EM) radiation sensor device 330 (e.g., an ambient light detector such as a photodetector, an IR sensor), an audio sensor device 332 (e.g., a microphone, a microphone array), one or more communication devices 334 (e.g., but not limited to, a microphone array), a power supply 336, a power supply 338, a power supply 339, a power supply 340, a power supply 341, a power supply 342, a power supply 343, a power supply 344, a power supply 345, a power supply 346, a power supply 347, a power supply 348, a power supply 349, a power supply 350, a power supply 351, a power supply 352, a power supply 353, a power supply 354, a power supply 355, a power supply 356, a power supply 357, a power supply 358, a power supply 359, a power supply 360, a power supply 361, a power supply 362, a power supply 363, a power supply 364, a power supply 365, a power supply 366, a power supply 367, a power supply 368, a power supply 369, a power supply 370, a power supply 371, a power supply 372, a , including wireless communication devices), a set of buttons 336 (e.g., one or more actuator devices (e.g., motors), a dimmer switch (e.g., rotatable or sliding), a physical button, a virtual button, a soft button, a touch screen area, an augmented reality (AR) button, a virtual reality (VR) button, any other suitable button, or any combination thereof), a lighting control device 338, a power monitoring device 340, cryptographic circuitry 342, any other suitable hardware, software, device, or structure, or any combination thereof.

[0041] 1, 2, and 3, in some embodiments, the electrical load control device 140 may include a first electrical terminal 302 configured to connect to a first ungrounded conductor 312 (e.g., a black-coated hot or line electrical wire) to receive electricity from the first ungrounded conductor 312. The electrical load control device 140 may further include a second electrical terminal 306 configured to connect to a second ungrounded conductor 316 (e.g., a red-coated or black-coated load wire) to transmit a first portion of the electricity received from the first grounded conductor 312 to the second ungrounded conductor 316 in response to actuation of the electrical switch device 320. The electrical load control device 140 may further include a third electrical terminal 308 configured to connect to a grounded conductor 318 (e.g., a green-coated or ungrounded wire). The electrical load control device 140 may further include a fourth electrical terminal 304 configured to connect to a grounded conductor 314 (e.g., a white coat neutral conductor) and transmit a second portion of the electricity received from the first ungrounded conductor 312 to the grounded conductor 314 in response to the connection of the fourth electrical terminal and the grounded conductor 314. In one illustrative example, the first ungrounded conductor 312 may be a line conductor, the grounded conductor 314 may be a neutral conductor (e.g., which may or may not be present), the second ungrounded conductor 316 may be a load conductor, and the grounded conductor may be a ground conductor.

[0042] The electrical load control device 140 may further include an electrical switch device 320 (e.g., a dimmer electrical switch). The electrical switch device 320 may be configured to create a conductive or variably conductive electrical path between the first electrical terminal 302 and the second electrical terminal 306 in response to actuation of the electrical switch device 320. In one embodiment, the electrical switch device 320 may be actuated in response to receiving a mechanical or electronic signal indicating an “on” or “dim” command input by a user or generated by the electrical load control device 140 to control (e.g., turn on or dim) the load device 142 connected to the second electrical terminal 306 via the second ungrounded conductor 316. The electrical switch device 320 may receive mechanical or electronic signals indicating an "on" or "dim" command from, for example, one or more processors 322, memory 324 (e.g., based on a time schedule), capacitive sensor device 326, temperature sensor device 328, EM radiation sensor device 330, audio sensor device 332, one or more buttons 336 of a set of buttons, lighting control device 338, power monitoring device 340, remote control 110, any other suitable device, or any combination thereof.

[0043] The electrical switch device 320 may be further configured to create an electrically non-conductive path between the first electrical terminal 302 and the second electrical terminal 306 in response to deactivation of the electrical switch device. In one embodiment, the electrical switch device 320 may be deactivated in response to receiving a mechanical or electronic signal indicating an “off” command input by a user or generated by the electrical load control device 140 to control (e.g., turn off) the load device 142 connected to the second electrical terminal 306 via the second ungrounded conductor 316. The electrical switch device 320 may receive the mechanical or electronic signal indicating the “off” command from, for example, one or more processors 322, memory 324, capacitive sensor device 326, temperature sensor device 328, EM radiation sensor device 330, audio sensor device 332, one or more buttons 336 of the set of buttons, lighting control device 338, power monitoring device 340, remote control 110, any other suitable device, or any combination thereof.

[0044] The electrical switch device 320 may be further configured to receive a control signal from one or more processors 322, any other suitable device, or any combination thereof, configured to instruct the electrical switch device 320 to enter an “always on” state that prevents deactivation of the electrical switch device 320. For example, the electrical switch device 320 may receive this control signal in response to the electrical load control device 140 detecting a downstream smart device coupled to the second ungrounded conductor 316 (e.g., a load line).

[0045] The electrical load control device 140 may further include a memory 324 and one or more processors 322 coupled to the memory 324, wherein the one or more processors 322 are configured to detect a downstream smart device coupled to the second ungrounded conductor 316 (e.g., a load line) and, in response, generate and send a control signal to the electrical switch device 320 configured to instruct the electrical switch device 320 to prevent deactivation of the electrical switch device 320.

[0046] In one exemplary embodiment, the electrical load control device 140 may include a power monitoring device 340 configured to detect downstream smart devices coupled to the second ungrounded conductor 316 by detecting a predetermined sequence of power pulses from the downstream smart devices.

[0047] In another exemplary embodiment, one or more communication devices 334 can be further configured to detect a downstream smart device coupled to the second ungrounded conductor 316 by detecting a communication signal from the downstream smart device when the electrical switch device 320 is activated (e.g., electricity flows through the second ungrounded conductor 316) and not detecting a communication signal from the downstream smart device when the electrical switch device 320 is deactivated (e.g., electricity does not flow through the second ungrounded conductor 316).

[0048] In another exemplary embodiment, when the downstream smart device is a dimming smart light bulb, the electrical load control device 140 can include an EM radiation sensor device 330 configured to detect the dimming of the dimming smart light bulb according to a preset dimming sequence. Additionally or alternatively, the power monitoring device 340 can be configured to detect the dimming of the dimming smart light bulb according to a preset dimming sequence.

[0049] In another exemplary embodiment, the electrical load control device 140 can instruct the downstream smart device to send a Wi-Fi packet, and the power monitoring device 340 can detect that the downstream smart device is coupled to the second ungrounded conductor 316 by detecting an increase in current in the corresponding second ungrounded conductor 316 at the time the downstream smart device sends the Wi-Fi packet.

[0050] In some embodiments, the electrical load control device 140 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors 322 of the electrical load control device 140, cause the electrical load control device 140 to perform operations including: (i) detecting an association signal from the downstream smart device in response to the downstream smart device detection signal; (ii) determining, in response to detecting the association signal, whether the downstream smart device is coupled to the second ungrounded conductor 316 and configured to receive electricity in response to activation of the electrical switch device 320; (iii) in response to determining that the downstream smart device is coupled to the second ungrounded conductor 316 and configured to receive electricity in response to activation of the electrical switch device 320, generating a control signal configured to prevent deactivation of the electrical switch device 320 and thereby instruct the electrical switch device 320 to enter an “always on” state; and (iv) transmitting the control signal to the electrical switch device.

[0051] In some embodiments, the one or more processors 322 may be further configured to determine whether the fourth electrical terminal 304 is connected to the ground conductor 314. The one or more processors 322 may be further configured to generate a first control signal configured to allow execution of a function in response to a first determination that the fourth electrical terminal 304 is connected to the ground conductor 314. The function may include, for example, a capacitive sensor function, a temperature sensor function, a radiation sensor function, an audio sensor function, a wireless communication function, a dimmer switch correction function, a lighting control function, any other suitable function, or any combination thereof. The one or more processors 322 may be further configured to generate a second control signal configured to prevent execution of the function in response to a second determination that the fourth electrical terminal 304 is not connected to the ground conductor 314. In one embodiment, the first control signal may be configured to allow execution of a set of functions that includes the function, and the second control signal may be configured to allow execution of a subset of the set of functions that does not include the function.

[0052] In one exemplary embodiment, the electrical load control device 140 can include a capacitive sensor device 326, and the functionality can include a capacitive sensor function, such as an “always on” capacitive sensor function. A first control signal can be configured to instruct the capacitive sensor device 326 to allow the capacitive sensor function to be performed, while a second control signal can be configured to instruct the capacitive sensor device to prevent the capacitive sensor function from being performed.

[0053] In another exemplary embodiment, the electrical load control device 140 can include a temperature sensor device 328, and the function can include a temperature sensor function. A first control signal can be configured to instruct the temperature sensor device 328 to allow the temperature sensor function to be performed, while a second control signal can be configured to instruct the temperature sensor device 328 to prevent the temperature sensor function from being performed.

[0054] In another exemplary embodiment, the function may include a radiation sensor function (e.g., sunlight detection), and the first control signal may be configured to instruct the EM radiation sensor device 330 to allow the radiation sensor function to be performed, while the second control signal may be configured to instruct the EM radiation sensor device 330 to prevent the radiation sensor function from being performed.

[0055] In another exemplary embodiment, the electrical load control device 140 can include an audio sensor device 332, and the function can include an audio sensor function. A first control signal can be configured to instruct the audio sensor device 332 to allow the audio sensor function to be performed, while a second control signal can be configured to instruct the audio sensor device 332 to prevent the audio sensor function from being performed.

[0056] In another exemplary embodiment, the electrical load control device 140 can include one or more communication devices 334, including but not limited to wireless communication devices, and the functionality can include wireless communication functionality (e.g., Wi-Fi mesh, Bluetooth, 5G). A first control signal can be configured to instruct the wireless communication device to allow performance of the wireless communication functionality, while a second control signal can be configured to instruct the wireless communication device to prevent performance of the wireless communication functionality.

[0057] In another exemplary embodiment, the electrical load control device 140 may include a set of buttons 336 including, but not limited to, an actuator device and a dimmer switch, and the function may include a dimmer switch modification function configured to modify the physical position of the dimmer switch using the actuator device. A first control signal may be configured to instruct the actuator device to allow the dimmer switch modification function to be performed, while a second control signal may be configured to instruct the actuator device to prevent the dimmer switch modification function from being performed.

[0058] In another exemplary embodiment, the electrical load control device 140 may include a lighting control device 338, and the functions may include a lighting control function configured to control the brightness, color, status, function, or any other suitable characteristic of one or more lighting devices included in one or more load devices 142 (e.g., warming the color temperature of the lighting devices in the morning and cooling them in the evening). A first control signal may be configured to instruct the lighting control device 338 to allow the lighting control function to be performed, while a second control signal may be configured to instruct the lighting control device 338 to prevent the lighting control function from being performed.

[0059] In another exemplary embodiment, the power monitoring device 340 may be further configured to detect a current between the first electrical terminal 302 and the fourth electrical terminal 304. The one or more processors 322 may be configured to determine a function based on the detected current. For example, when the ground conductor 314 is connected to the fourth electrical terminal 304 and the electrical switch device 320 is non-conductive (e.g., the load device 142 is in the “off” position), the one or more processors 322 may be configured to permit execution of a set of functions including a first function, a second function, and a third function (e.g., control three different load devices, such as three different functions described herein, a first load device, a second load device, and a third load device of each of the one or more load devices 142). In another example, the one or more processors 322 can be configured to allow execution of a first subset of the set of functions, including the first function and the second function, but not the third function, when the ground conductor 314 is connected to the fourth electrical terminal 304 and the electrical switch device 320 is in a partially conductive state (e.g., the load device 142 is in the “dimmed” position). In yet another example, the one or more processors 322 can be configured to allow execution of a second subset of the set of functions, including the first function, but not the second function or the third function, when the ground conductor 314 is connected to the fourth electrical terminal 304 and the electrical switch device 320 is in a fully conductive state (e.g., the load device 142 is in the “on” position). In yet another example, the one or more processors 322 can be configured to allow execution of a third subset of the set of functions, including neither the first function, the second function, nor the third function, when the ground conductor 314 is not connected to the fourth electrical terminal 304.

[0060] In another exemplary embodiment, the electrical load control device 140 can be configured to offload performance of the function to another electrical load control device, the media device 106, or the remote control 110 when the fourth electrical terminal 304 is not connected to the ground conductor 314. For example, the electrical load control device 140 can include one or more communication devices 334 configured to communicate with the media device 106. In response to a second determination that the fourth electrical terminal 304 is not connected to the ground conductor 314, the one or more processors 322 can be configured to generate a third control signal configured to instruct the media device 106 to allow performance of the function and to transmit the third control signal to the media device 106 using the one or more communication devices 334. In response to receiving the third control signal from the electrical load control device 140, the media device 106 may generate an acknowledgement (ACK) signal, frame, or packet, a negative acknowledgement (NACK) signal, frame, or packet, result data (e.g., measurement data, any other suitable data, or any combination thereof) corresponding to performance of the function by the media device 106, or any other suitable signal, frame, packet, or data structure. For example, the ACK signal may indicate an acknowledgment that the media device 106 received the third control signal. In another embodiment, the NACK signal may indicate an error or that the media device 106 did not receive the third control signal. The electrical load control device 140 may then be configured to receive the ACK signal, the NACK signal, the result data, any other suitable data, or any combination thereof from the media device 106 (e.g., via one or more communications devices 334, any other suitable hardware or software, or any combination thereof).

[0061] In another exemplary embodiment, the electrical load control device 140 can be configured to control a media device 106 connected to a second ungrounded conductor 316 (e.g., a load line). For example, the second electrical terminal 306 can be configured to transmit electricity to the media device 106 via the second ungrounded conductor 316 in response to activation of the electrical switch device 320. The electrical load control device 140 can include one or more communication devices 334 configured to communicate with the media device 106. A first control signal can be configured to instruct the media device 106 to allow performance of a function, while a second control signal can be configured to instruct the media device 106 to prevent performance of the function. The one or more processors 322 can then be configured to send the first control signal or the second control signal to the media device 106 using the one or more communication devices 334.

[0062] In one embodiment, the electrical load control device 140 can be configured to generate electronic signals indicative of user commands (e.g., via the set of buttons 336, the capacitive sensor device 326, the audio sensor device 332, one or more processors 322, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof) that correspond to one or more button presses, voice commands, gesture commands, any other suitable commands entered, dictated, or gestured by a user, or any combination thereof.

[0063] In one embodiment, a user can input commands to the electrical load control device 140 by pressing one or more of the capacitive sensor device 326 or the set of buttons 336, such as on / off, brightness up / down, color change, etc., to name a few. In such an embodiment, the capacitive sensor device 326, the set of buttons 336, any circuitry or structure connected thereto, the one or more processors 322, or a combination thereof, can generate an electronic signal indicative of a button being pressed by a user in response to the user pressing the button and the capacitive sensor device 326, the set of buttons 336, any circuitry or structure connected thereto, the one or more processors 322, or a combination thereof to detect a change in electrical resistance, impedance, or capacitance associated with the pressed button.

[0064] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, a user can input commands to the electrical load control device 140 by dictating the command within audible range of the voice sensor device 332. For example, to turn on a load device 142 connected to the electrical load control device 140, the user can say, "light on." In one embodiment, the user can say a trigger word before saying the command to enable the electrical load control device 140 to accurately distinguish between the command and other spoken words. For example, the trigger word can be "command." In this case, to turn on the load device 142, the user can say, "command light up." In one embodiment, there can be one or more trigger words recognized by the electrical load control device 140. In such an aspect, the one or more processors 322 can generate an electronic signal indicative of the voice command spoken by the user in response to the user speaking the voice command and the voice sensor device 332, any circuitry or structure connected thereto, the one or more processors 322, or a combination thereof detecting a voice signal associated with the command.

[0065] In one embodiment, the electrical load control device 140 may be configured to encrypt communications (e.g., by the cryptographic circuitry 342, one or more processors 322, any other suitable circuitry or structure, or any combination thereof) using symmetric encryption techniques, asymmetric encryption techniques, any other suitable encryption techniques, or any combination thereof. Accordingly, the media device 106 may be configured to receive and decrypt the encrypted communications using any suitable technique to perform a function associated with the communication.

[0066] In one embodiment, the electrical load control device 140 may periodically tune in to a predetermined frequency to exchange communications, communication channel identification information, encryption information, any other suitable information, or any combination thereof, with other devices. For example, the electrical load control device 140 may tune in to a 2.4 GHz communication channel periodically every 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes to exchange communications, communication channel identification information, encryption information, any other suitable information, or any combination thereof.

[0067] In another exemplary embodiment, when the fourth electrical terminal 304 is connected to the ground conductor 314, the electrical load control device 140 can be configured to act as a gateway for other electrical load control devices that do not have a neutral or are running on battery power.

[0068] In some embodiments, the electrical load control device 140 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors 322 of the electrical load control device 140, cause the electrical load control device 140 to perform operations including: (i) determining whether the electrical terminal 304 of the electrical load control device 140 is connected to the ground conductor 314; (ii) generating a first control signal in response to a determination that the fourth electrical terminal 304 is connected to the ground conductor 314, configured to cause the electrical load control device 140 to perform a function; and (iii) generating a second control signal in response to a determination that the fourth electrical terminal 304 is not connected to the ground conductor 314, configured to cause the electrical load control device 140 to prevent performance of the function. In some embodiments, the first control signal may be configured to allow performance of a set of functions that includes the function, while the second control signal may be configured to allow performance of a subset of the set of functions, where the subset of the set of functions does not include the function. In some embodiments, the operations may further include (iv) detecting a current between the first electrical terminal 302 and the fourth electrical terminal 304 connected to the first ungrounded conductor 312, and (v) determining a function based on the detected current. In some embodiments, the operations may further include (vi) generating, by the one or more processors 322, a third control signal configured to instruct the media device 106 to allow performance of the function in response to determining that the fourth electrical terminal 304 is not connected to the grounded conductor 314, and (vii) transmitting, by the one or more communication devices 334 of the electrical load control device 140, the third control signal to the media device 106. In some embodiments, the first control signal may be configured to instruct the media device 106 to allow performance of the function, and the second control signal may be configured to instruct the media device 106 to prevent performance of the function, and the operations may further include (viii) transmitting the first control signal or the second control signal to the media device 106.

[0069] 4 is a flow diagram of a method 400 for detecting downstream devices, according to an embodiment. Method 400 may be performed by processing logic, which may include hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, etc.), software (e.g., instructions executing on a processing device), or a combination thereof. It should be understood that not all steps are required to practice the disclosure presented herein. Furthermore, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, some of the steps may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than that shown in FIG. 4.

[0070] Method 400 is described with respect to Figures 1 and 3. However, method 400 is not limited to these exemplary embodiments.

[0071] At 402, the electrical load control device 140 detects (e.g., by one or more processors 322, any other suitable hardware or software, or any combination thereof) an association signal from a downstream smart device (e.g., a smart device included in one or more load devices 142) in response to the downstream smart device detection signal. Optionally, prior to 402, the electrical load control device 140 can transmit the downstream smart device detection signal to the downstream smart device (e.g., directly or indirectly via the network 118, via broadcast, multicast, unicast, or other Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or Z-wave communication, etc.). Optionally, prior to 402, the downstream smart device can incorporate the downstream smart device detection signal and be configured to transmit a periodic response (e.g., when powered on, periodically (e.g., every 5 minutes), etc.). In response to detecting the association signal from the downstream smart device, method 400 proceeds to 404.

[0072] At 404, the electrical load control device 140 determines (e.g., by one or more processors, any other suitable hardware or software, or any combination thereof) whether the downstream smart device is coupled to the electrical terminal (e.g., the second ungrounded conductor 316) and configured to receive electricity in response to activation of an electrical switch device (e.g., the electrical switch device 320). In response to determining that the downstream smart device is coupled to the electrical terminal and configured to receive electricity in response to activation of the electrical switch device, method 400 proceeds to 406.

[0073] At 406, the electrical load control device 140 generates (e.g., by one or more processors 322, any other suitable hardware or software, or any combination thereof) a control signal configured to instruct the electrical switch device to prevent deactivation of the electrical switch device. For example, the control signal can be configured to instruct the electrical switch device to be in an "always on" state even when a user attempts to switch the electrical switch device to an "off" state. As a result, the downstream smart device can be switched on and off via an internal switch included in the downstream smart device rather than by the electrical switch device included in the electrical load control device 140.

[0074] At 408, the electrical load control device 140 sends a control signal to the electrical switch device (e.g., by one or more processors 322, one or more communication devices 334, any other suitable hardware or software, or any combination thereof).

[0075] In one illustrative, non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the downstream smart device detection signal can be configured to instruct the downstream smart device to generate a predetermined sequence of power pulses, and the detected association signal can include the predetermined sequence of power pulses at 402. At 404, in response to detecting the predetermined sequence of power pulses from the downstream smart device, the electrical load control device 140 can determine that the downstream smart device is coupled to the electrical terminals and configured to receive electricity in response to actuation of the electrical switch device.

[0076] In another illustrative, non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the downstream smart device detection signal can be a first downstream smart device detection signal configured to instruct the downstream smart device to transmit a communication signal. The electrical load control device 140 can transmit (e.g., via one or more communication devices 334, any other suitable hardware or software, or any combination thereof) a second downstream smart device detection signal to the electrical switch device. The second downstream smart device detection signal can be configured to instruct the electrical switch device to activate and deactivate the electrical switch device according to a preset activation and deactivation sequence. The electrical load control device 140 can receive (e.g., via one or more communication devices 334, any other suitable hardware or software, or any combination thereof) a communication signal from the downstream smart device at a first time when the electrical switch device is activated based on the second downstream smart device detection signal. The electrical load control device 140 cannot receive a communication signal from the downstream smart device at a second time when the electrical switch device is deactivated based on the second downstream smart device detection signal. At 404, in response to receiving a communication signal from the downstream smart device at a first time and not receiving a communication signal from the downstream smart device at a second time, the electrical load control device 140 may determine that the downstream smart device is coupled to the electrical terminal and configured to receive electricity in response to activation of the electrical switch device.

[0077] In yet another illustrative, non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the downstream smart device can be a dimming smart light bulb, and the downstream smart device detection signal can be configured to instruct the dimming smart light bulb to dim the dimming smart light bulb according to a preset dimming sequence. At 402, the detected association signal can include dimming the dimming smart light bulb according to the preset dimming sequence. At 402, the electrical load control device 140 can detect (e.g., by one or more processors 322, EM radiation sensor device 330, power monitoring device 340, any other suitable hardware or software, or any combination thereof) the dimming of the dimming smart light bulb according to the preset dimming sequence. At 404, in response to detecting the dimming of the dimming smart light bulb according to the preset dimming sequence, the electrical load control device 140 can determine that the downstream smart device is coupled to an electrical terminal and configured to receive electricity in response to actuation of an electrical switch device.

[0078] In yet another illustrative, non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the downstream smart device can be a dimming smart light bulb, and the downstream smart device detection signal can be configured to instruct the dimming smart light bulb to dim the dimming smart light bulb according to a preset dimming sequence. In response to receiving the downstream smart device detection signal, the downstream smart device can be configured to send a control point association signal (e.g., including the downstream smart device's address, endpoint identifier, cluster identifier, attributes, etc.) to the electrical load control device 140. At 402, the detected association signal can include a control point association signal. In response to receiving the control point association signal from the downstream smart device, the electrical load control device 140 can determine that the downstream smart device is coupled to an electrical terminal and configured to receive electricity in response to actuation of an electrical switch device. For example, the electrical load control device 140 can use a field effect transistor (FET) to "dim" the load line according to a particular curve (e.g., turn off the AC for part of a 16 ms cycle), and the downstream smart device can then broadcast a message containing the received dimming curve so that the electrical load control device 140 can determine which downstream devices are attached.

[0079] In some embodiments, the term "downstream smart device detection signal" can refer to signals transmitted and received over Wi-Fi. In some embodiments, the phrase "operation of an electrical switch device" can refer to modulation of the power line.

[0080] Exemplary Computer System For example, various embodiments may be implemented using one or more computer systems, such as computer system 500 shown in Figure 5. For example, media device 106 may be implemented using combinations or subcombinations of computer systems 500. Additionally or alternatively, one or more computer systems 500 may be used to implement, for example, any of the embodiments described herein, as well as combinations and subcombinations thereof.

[0081] Computer system 500 may include one or more processors (also called central processing units, or CPUs), such as one or more processors 504. In some embodiments, the one or more processors 504 may be connected to a communications infrastructure 506 (e.g., a bus).

[0082] The computer system 500 may also include user input / output devices 503 such as a monitor, keyboard, pointing device, etc., that may communicate with a communications infrastructure 506 via a user input / output interface 502 .

[0083] One or more of the processors 504 may be graphics processing units (GPUs). In one embodiment, a GPU may be a processor that is a special-purpose electronic circuit designed to process mathematically intensive applications. A GPU may have a parallel structure that is effective for parallel processing of large blocks of data, such as mathematically intensive data common in computer graphics applications, images, video, etc.

[0084] Computer system 500 may also include a main memory 508 (e.g., a primary memory or storage device), such as random access memory (RAM). Main memory 508 may include one or more levels of cache. Main memory 508 may store control logic (i.e., computer software) and / or data.

[0085] Computer system 500 may also include one or more secondary storage devices or memories, such as secondary memory 510. Secondary memory 510 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 512, a removable storage drive 514 (e.g., a removable storage device), or both. Removable storage drive 514 may be a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, a compact disk drive, an optical storage device, a tape backup device, and / or any other storage device / drive.

[0086] The removable storage drive 514 can interact with a removable storage unit 518. The removable storage unit 518 can include a computer-compatible or readable storage device that stores computer software (e.g., control logic) and / or data. The removable storage unit 518 can be a floppy disk, magnetic tape, compact disk, DVD, optical storage disk, and / or any other computer data storage device. The removable storage drive 514 can read from and / or write to the removable storage unit 518.

[0087] Secondary memory 510 may include other apparatuses, devices, components, means, or other ways by which computer programs and / or other instructions and / or data can be accessed by computer system 500. Such apparatuses, devices, components, means, or other ways may include, for example, removable storage unit 522 and interface 520. Examples of removable storage unit 522 and interface 520 include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as found in a video game device), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM or PROM) and associated socket, a memory stick and USB or other port, a memory card and associated memory card slot, and / or any other removable storage unit and associated interface.

[0088] Computer system 500 may further include a communications interface 524 (e.g., a network interface). Communications interface 524 enables computer system 500 to communicate and interact with any combination of external devices, external networks, external entities, etc. (individually and collectively referred to by reference numeral 528). For example, communications interface 524 may enable computer system 500 to communicate with external devices 528 (e.g., remote devices) over communications path 526, which may be wired and / or wireless (or a combination thereof) and may further include any combination of a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, etc. Control logic and / or data may be transmitted to and from computer system 500 via communications path 526.

[0089] The computer system 500 may also be any of a personal digital assistant (PDA), a desktop workstation, a laptop or notebook computer, a netbook, a tablet, a smartphone, a smartwatch or other wearable, a device, part of the Internet of Things, and / or an embedded system, or any combination thereof, to name a few non-limiting examples.

[0090] The computer system 500 can be a client or server that accesses or hosts any application and / or data via any delivery paradigm, including, but not limited to, remote or distributed cloud computing solutions, local or on-premise software ("on-premise" cloud-based solutions), "as-a-service" models (e.g., Content as a Service (CaaS), Digital Content as a Service (DCaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), Managed Software as a Service (MSaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Desktop as a Service (DaaS), Framework as a Service (FaaS), Backend as a Service (BaaS), Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), etc.), and / or hybrid models including any combination of the foregoing examples or other service or delivery paradigms.

[0091] Any applicable data structures, file formats, and schemes in the computer system 500 may be used, including but not limited to JavaScript. (registered trademark)The data structures, formats, or schemes may be derived from standards including Java Object Notation (JSON), Extensible Markup Language (XML), Yet Another Markup Language (YAML), Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML), Wireless Markup Language (WML), Message Pack, XML User Interface Language (XUL), or other functionally similar representations, either alone or in combination. Alternatively, proprietary data structures, formats, or schemes may be used, alone or in combination with various standards or open standards.

[0092] In some embodiments, tangible, non-transitory apparatus or articles of manufacture that include tangible, non-transitory computer-usable or readable media having control logic (software) stored thereon may also be referred to herein as computer program products or program storage devices. This includes, but is not limited to, computer system 500, main memory 508, secondary memory 510, removable storage unit 518, and removable storage unit 522, as well as tangible articles of manufacture embodying any combination of the foregoing. Such control logic, when executed by one or more data processing devices (e.g., computer system 500 or processor 504), can cause those data processing devices to operate as described herein.

[0093] Based on the teachings contained in this disclosure, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how to use embodiments of the present disclosure using data processing devices, computer systems and / or computer architectures other than those shown in Figure 5. In particular, embodiments may operate with software, hardware, and / or operating system implementations other than those described herein.

[0094] conclusion It should be understood that sections of the detailed description, and any other sections, are intended to be used to explain the claims, and that other sections may represent one or more, but not all, example embodiments as contemplated by the inventors, and therefore are not intended to limit the disclosure or the appended claims in any way.

[0095] This disclosure describes exemplary embodiments in terms of exemplary fields and applications, and it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto. Other embodiments and modifications thereof are possible and are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. For example, and without limiting the generality of this paragraph, embodiments are not limited to the software, hardware, firmware, and / or entities shown in the figures and / or described herein. Moreover, embodiments (whether or not explicitly described herein) have significant utility in fields and applications beyond the examples described herein.

[0096] Embodiments are described herein with the aid of functional building blocks that illustrate the performance of, and relationships of, indicated functions. The boundaries of these functional building blocks are arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description. Alternative boundaries may be defined so long as the indicated functions and relationships (or equivalents thereof) are appropriately performed. Also, alternative embodiments may implement functional blocks, steps, operations, methods, etc. using an ordering different from that described herein.

[0097] Reference herein to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or similar phrases indicates that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described with respect to one embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to incorporate such feature, structure, or characteristic in other embodiments, whether or not explicitly mentioned or described herein. Additionally, some embodiments may be described using the terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with derivatives thereof. These terms are not necessarily intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some embodiments may be described using the terms “connected” and / or “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. However, the term “coupled” can also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0098] The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 400 Computer Implementation Methods 402 Detecting an association signal from a downstream smart device in response to a downstream smart device detection signal 404. In response to detecting an association signal from the downstream smart device, determine whether the downstream smart device is coupled to an electrical terminal of the electrical switch device and configured to receive electricity in response to actuation of the electrical switch device. 406. In response to determining that the downstream smart device is coupled to the electrical terminal of the electrical switch device and configured to receive electricity in response to activation of the electrical switch device, generate a control signal configured to instruct the electrical switch device to prevent deactivation of the electrical switch device. 408 Sending control signals to electrical switch devices

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising: detecting, by at least one processor of the electrical load control device, an association signal from the downstream smart device in response to the downstream smart device detection signal; determining, by the at least one processor, in response to detecting the association signal, whether the downstream smart device is coupled to an ungrounded conductor of an electrical terminal of an electrical switch device and configured to receive electricity from the ungrounded conductor in response to activation of the electrical switch device, wherein the electricity is received from another ungrounded conductor of another electrical terminal coupled to the ungrounded conductor of the electrical terminal of the electrical switch device in response to activation of the electrical switch device; generating, by the at least one processor, a control signal configured to instruct the electrical switch device to prevent deactivation of the electrical switch device in response to determining that the downstream smart device is coupled to the ungrounded conductor of an electrical terminal of the electrical switch device and configured to receive the electricity from the ungrounded conductor in response to activation of the electrical switch device; transmitting, by the at least one processor, the control signal to the electrical switch device; 11. A computer-implemented method comprising:

2. the downstream smart device detection signal is configured to instruct the downstream smart device to generate a predetermined sequence of power pulses; the association signal includes the predetermined sequence of power pulses; The computer-implemented method further comprises: determining, by the at least one processor, in response to detecting the sequence of the predetermined power pulses from the downstream smart device, that the downstream smart device is coupled to an electrical terminal of the electrical switch device and configured to receive the electricity in response to actuation of the electrical switch device. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 .

3. the downstream smart device detection signal is a first downstream smart device detection signal; the first downstream smart device detection signal is configured to instruct the downstream smart device to transmit a communication signal; The computer-implemented method further comprises: sending, by the at least one processor, a second downstream smart device detection signal to the electrical switch device, the second downstream smart device detection signal configured to instruct the electrical switch device to activate and deactivate the electrical switch device according to a preset activation and deactivation sequence; receiving, by the at least one processor, the communication signal from the downstream smart device at a first time when the electrical switch device is activated based on the second downstream smart device detection signal; and not receiving the communication signal from the downstream smart device at a second time when the electrical switch device is deactivated by the at least one processor based on the second downstream smart device detection signal. determining, by the at least one processor, in response to receiving the communication signal from the downstream smart device at the first time and not receiving the communication signal from the downstream smart device at the second time, that the downstream smart device is coupled to an electrical terminal of the electrical switch device and configured to receive the electricity in response to actuation of the electrical switch device; The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , comprising:

4. the downstream smart device is a dimming smart light bulb; the downstream smart device detection signal is configured to instruct the dimming smart light bulb to dim the dimming smart light bulb according to a preset dimming sequence. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 .

5. the association signal includes dimming the dimming smart light bulb according to the preset dimming sequence; The computer-implemented method further comprises: determining, by the at least one processor, in response to detecting dimming of the dimming smart light bulb according to the preset dimming sequence, that the downstream smart device is coupled to an electrical terminal of the electrical switch device and configured to receive the electricity in response to actuation of the electrical switch device. The computer-implemented method of claim 4.

6. the downstream smart device is configured to transmit a control point association signal in response to receiving the downstream smart device detection signal; the association signal includes the control point association signal; The computer-implemented method further comprises: determining, by the at least one processor, in response to receiving the control point association signal from the downstream smart device, that the downstream smart device is coupled to an electrical terminal of the electrical switch device and configured to receive the electricity in response to actuation of the electrical switch device. The computer-implemented method of claim 4.

7. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, The instruction: When executed by at least one processor of an electrical load control device, detecting an association signal from the downstream smart device in response to the downstream smart device detection signal; determining, in response to detecting the association signal, whether the downstream smart device is coupled to an ungrounded conductor of an electrical terminal of an electrical switch device and configured to receive electricity from the ungrounded conductor in response to activation of the electrical switch device, wherein the electricity is received from another ungrounded conductor of another electrical terminal coupled to the ungrounded conductor of the electrical terminal of the electrical switch device in response to activation of the electrical switch device; generating a control signal configured to instruct the electrical switch device to prevent deactivation of the electrical switch device in response to determining that the downstream smart device is coupled to the ungrounded conductor of the electrical terminal of the electrical switch device and configured to receive the electricity from the ungrounded conductor in response to activation of the electrical switch device; transmitting the control signal to the electrical switch device; A non-transitory computer-readable medium that causes the load control device to perform operations including:

8. the downstream smart device detection signal is configured to instruct the downstream smart device to generate a predetermined sequence of power pulses; the association signal includes the predetermined sequence of power pulses; The operation further comprises: determining, in response to detecting the sequence of the predetermined power pulses from the downstream smart device, that the downstream smart device is coupled to an electrical terminal of the electrical switch device and configured to receive the electricity in response to actuation of the electrical switch device. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 7.

9. the downstream smart device detection signal is a first downstream smart device detection signal; the first downstream smart device detection signal is configured to instruct the downstream smart device to transmit a communication signal; The operation further comprises: sending a second downstream smart device detection signal to the electrical switch device, the second downstream smart device detection signal configured to instruct the electrical switch device to activate and deactivate the electrical switch device according to a preset activation and deactivation sequence; receiving the communication signal from the downstream smart device at a first time when the electrical switch device is activated based on the second downstream smart device detection signal; not receiving the communication signal from the downstream smart device during a second time period when the electrical switch device is deactivated based on the second downstream smart device detection signal; determining, in response to receiving the communication signal from the downstream smart device at the first time and not receiving the communication signal from the downstream smart device at the second time, that the downstream smart device is coupled to an electrical terminal of the electrical switch device and configured to receive the electricity in response to actuation of the electrical switch device; Including, The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 7.

10. the downstream smart device is a dimming smart light bulb; the downstream smart device detection signal is configured to instruct the dimming smart light bulb to dim the dimming smart light bulb according to a preset dimming sequence. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 7.

11. the association signal includes dimming the dimming smart light bulb according to the preset dimming sequence; The operation further comprises: determining, in response to detecting dimming of the dimming smart light bulb according to the preset dimming sequence, that the downstream smart device is coupled to an electrical terminal of the electrical switch device and configured to receive the electricity in response to actuation of the electrical switch device. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10.

12. the downstream smart device is configured to transmit a control point association signal in response to receiving the downstream smart device detection signal; the association signal includes the control point association signal; The operation further comprises: determining, in response to receiving the control point association signal from the downstream smart device, that the downstream smart device is coupled to an electrical terminal of the electrical switch device and configured to receive the electricity in response to actuation of the electrical switch device. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10.

13. a first electrical terminal configured to connect to the first ungrounded conductor and receive electricity from the first ungrounded conductor; a second electrical terminal configured to connect to a second ungrounded conductor and transmit the electricity received from the first ungrounded conductor to the second ungrounded conductor in response to activation of an electrical switch device; an electrical switch device configured to create a conductive electrical path between the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal in response to activation of the electrical switch device and to create a non-conductive electrical path between the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal in response to deactivation of the electrical switch device; Memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory; Equipped with the processor: Detecting an association signal from the downstream smart device in response to the downstream smart device detection signal; In response to detecting the association signal, determining whether the downstream smart device is coupled to the second ungrounded conductor and configured to receive the electricity from the second ungrounded conductor in response to actuation of the electrical switch device; In response to determining that the downstream smart device is coupled to the second ungrounded conductor and configured to receive the electricity from the second ungrounded conductor in response to activation of the electrical switch device, generating a control signal configured to instruct the electrical switch device to prevent deactivation of the electrical switch device; transmitting the control signal to the electrical switch device; The apparatus is configured to:

14. the downstream smart device detection signal is configured to instruct the downstream smart device to generate a predetermined sequence of power pulses; the apparatus further includes a power monitoring device configured to detect the predetermined sequence of power pulses; the association signal includes the predetermined sequence of power pulses; The at least one processor further comprises: and configured, in response to detecting the predetermined sequence of power pulses from the downstream smart device, to determine that the downstream smart device is coupled to the second ungrounded conductor and configured to receive the electricity from the second ungrounded conductor in response to actuation of the electrical switch device.

14. The apparatus of claim 13.

15. the downstream smart device detection signal is a first downstream smart device detection signal; the first downstream smart device detection signal is configured to instruct the downstream smart device to transmit a communication signal; The at least one processor further comprises: sending a second downstream smart device detection signal to the electrical switch device, the second downstream smart device detection signal configured to instruct the electrical switch device to activate and deactivate the electrical switch device according to a preset activation and deactivation sequence; receiving the communication signal from the downstream smart device at a first time when the electrical switch device is activated based on the second downstream smart device detection signal; not receiving the communication signal from the downstream smart device during a second time period when the electrical switch device is deactivated based on the second downstream smart device detection signal; determining, in response to receiving the communication signal from the downstream smart device at the first time and not receiving the communication signal from the downstream smart device at the second time, that the downstream smart device is coupled to the second ungrounded conductor and configured to receive the electricity from the second ungrounded conductor in response to actuation of the electrical switch device; configured to run 14. The apparatus of claim 13.

16. the downstream smart device is a dimming smart light bulb; the downstream smart device detection signal is configured to instruct the dimming smart light bulb to dim the dimming smart light bulb according to a preset dimming sequence.

14. The apparatus of claim 13.

17. the association signal includes dimming the dimming smart light bulb according to the preset dimming sequence; The at least one processor further comprises: and determining, in response to detecting dimming of the dimming smart light bulb according to the preset dimming sequence, that the downstream smart device is coupled to the second ungrounded conductor and configured to receive the electricity from the second ungrounded conductor in response to actuation of the electrical switch device.

17. The apparatus of claim 16.

18. the downstream smart device is configured to transmit a control point association signal to the apparatus in response to receiving the downstream smart device detection signal; the association signal includes the control point association signal; The at least one processor further comprises: In response to receiving the control point association signal from the downstream smart device, the downstream smart device is coupled to the second ungrounded conductor and configured to receive the electricity from the second ungrounded conductor in response to actuation of the electrical switch device.

17. The apparatus of claim 16.

19. a third electrical terminal configured to connect to a ground conductor; a fourth electrical terminal configured to connect to the grounded conductor and to transmit a second portion of the electricity received from the first ungrounded conductor to the grounded conductor in response to connection of the fourth electrical terminal to the grounded conductor; The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising:

20. the first ungrounded conductor is a line; the second ungrounded conductor is a load wire; the ground conductor is a ground wire; the grounding conductor is a neutral conductor; 20. The apparatus of claim 19.

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