CPC H04L 67/12 (2013.01) [G07C 3/02 (2013.01); B60K 31/00 (2013.01); B60K 31/18 (2013.01); B60Y 2200/11 (2013.01); B60Y 2200/12 (2013.01); B60Y 2200/126 (2013.01); B60Y 2200/13 (2013.01); B60Y 2200/30 (2013.01); B60Y 2200/40 (2013.01); B60Y 2200/50 (2013.01); B60Y 2200/90 (2013.01); G06Q 2240/00 (2013.01); G07C 5/008 (2013.01); G08G 1/00 (2013.01); Y04S 40/18 (2018.05)] | 66 Claims |
1. A device for switching and monitoring an Alternating Current (AC) powered appliance, for use with an in-wall AC power cable carrying an AC power and connected thereto by an outlet or via an outlet opening, and for use with first and second distinct wireless networks, the device comprising:
a first AC connector for connecting to the in-wall AC power cable;
a second AC connector for connecting the appliance to the AC power cable to be powered by the AC power;
an electrically actuated switch connectable between the first and second AC connectors for switching the AC power to the appliance;
a current sensor couplable between the first and second AC connectors for measuring an AC current to the appliance;
a first antenna for communication over the first wireless network;
a first wireless transceiver coupled to the first antenna for transmitting digital data to, and for receiving digital data from, the first wireless network;
a first sensor having an output that responds to a physical phenomenon; and
a single enclosure housing the electrically actuated switch, the current sensor, the first sensor, the first and second antennas, and the first and second wireless transceivers,
wherein the electrically actuated switch is coupled to the first or second wireless transceiver for being activated in response to digital data received from the respective first or second wireless network,
wherein the current sensor is coupled to the first or second wireless transceiver for transmitting digital data in response to the measured AC current to the respective first or second wireless network,
wherein the device is powered by the AC power when connected to the AC power cable, and
wherein the device consists of, comprises, or is integrated with, the outlet or a plug-in module that is pluggable to the outlet.
|