Systems and methods to allow for a smart device
Smart switch devices, systems, and methods for modifying an existing electrical system to utilize the power state output of a physical switch as an indicator or signal for the operation of a smart home device or system or network of such devices to facilitate interoperability of physical switches with smart devices. The smart switch detects or determines the power state of a circuit and infers the corresponding state of a mechanical switch that operates the circuit. This information is then transmitted to associated smart devices, which may not be physically connected to the circuit controlled by the switch. When the mechanical switch is operated, it can control both electrically attached loads, such as a conventional light or appliance, and wirelessly control unconnected smart devices.
1. A smart switch for operating a conventional electrical device in the same system as a smart device, the switch comprising:
an electric power input adapted to receive electric power;
an electric power output for providing said electric power to said conventional electrical device;
a mechanical switch for altering a power state of said smart switch from said electric power output providing power to said conventional electrical device and said electric power output not providing power to said conventional electrical device;
a measurement device adapted to measure said power state; and
a wireless transceiver in electric communication with said electric power input measurement device, said wireless transceiver adapted to:
receive from said measurement device a reading of said power state; and
wirelessly transmit to said electric smart device information about said power state based on said reading;
wherein when said power state changes, said electric smart device changes an internal power state to correspond to said power state of said smart switch.
2. The smart switch of claim 1 , wherein said reading is made at least in part using an electric circuit characteristic.
3. The smart switch of claim 2 , wherein said electric circuit characteristic is indicative of said power state based on a known mathematical relationship between said electric circuit characteristic and said power state.
4. The smart switch of claim 2 , wherein said electric circuit characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: power applied; current; voltage; and, phase.
5. The smart switch of claim 1 , wherein said smart switch further comprises a light-producing element.
6. The smart switch of claim 1 , wherein said conventional electrical device is selected from the group consisting of: light element, dimmer control circuit, ceiling fan, and wireless range extender.
7. The smart switch of claim 1 , further comprising a power converter adapted to draw power for said smart switch from said electric power input.
8. The smart switch of claim 7 , further comprising an energy storage medium adapted to supply electric power to said transceiver.
9. The smart switch of claim 8 , wherein said energy storage medium is selected from the group consisting of: capacitor; inductor; battery; and, rechargeable battery.
10. The smart switch of claim 1 , further comprising at least one of a capacitor, a battery, or a rechargeable battery.