Patent ID: 9589459
Date: 2017-03-07
CPC Classifications: G05B,G08C,H04L,H04M,H04W,H05B,Y02B

Claim:
1. A method for controlling an electrical apparatus through a wireless communications link with a personal controller, the personal controller having a processor, a user interface and a wireless communications transceiver, the method comprising: inserting, into a receptacle configured to receive a plurality of pins, a device having an interface connection with at least one signal pin, the device including a radio transceiver, an aerial, at least one of an electrical and a solid state relay, and a microcontroller configured to communicate with the personal controller using the radio transceiver; initiating in a first mode of communication a two-way, peer-to-peer wireless communications link between the personal controller and the device; receiving an instruction at the device to either: maintain the first mode of communication between the device and the personal controller; or change to a second mode of communication between the device and the personal controller utilizing a non-peer-to-peer communications link; and receiving a command at the device from the personal controller using one of the modes of communication to vary the supply of electricity to the electrical apparatus.