Abstract:
A system and apparatus facilitating enhanced control of apparatus, equipment and appliances. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and apparatus which can be readily retro-fittable to a wide range of appliances thereby enhancing energy saving properties and wear reduction. According to the present invention, there is provided a controller system including a controller apparatus including a power source, a telemetry sensor for readily detecting at least one telemetry reading, a transmitter responsive to signals from the telemetry sensor; and an electrical/electronic apparatus responsive to signals from the transmitter.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a system and apparatus facilitating enhanced control of apparatus, equipment and appliances. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and apparatus which can be readily retro-fittable to a wide range of appliances thereby enhancing energy saving properties and wear reduction. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    There has long existed the need for an apparatus and system whereby a user can control, enhance energy saving and reduce wear of a specific appliance. 
         [0003]    Many “energy saving” inventions and methods now exist to ensure that users can use an appliance economically. The present invention introduces a new apparatus and system for achieving a high degree of energy saving, wear reduction and retrofit ability. 
         [0004]    Various prior art apparatus and methods have been described and reviewed in earlier U.S. Pat. No. 7,123,139 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,827, which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. 
         [0005]    U.S. Patent No. 7,123,139 (hereinafter: “Sweeney”) describes an occupancy sensor is provided for determining whether a room is occupied. The occupancy sensor integrates a battery-powered PIR motion detector and a battery-powered Hall Effect switch, each of which communicates wirelessly with a controller, in a single housing. According to Sweeney&#39;s teachings, a host controller is required in the HVAC (heating, ventilating and cooling) and is limited to HVAC apparatus. However, the disclosed invention still has many disadvantages. Sweeney does not teach a retrofittable apparatus which does not alter the appliance. Moreover, Sweeney teaches away from the possibility of adapting the invention according to Sweeney to any other appliance and/or apparatus and is limited to HVAC apparatus only. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,827 (hereinafter: “Xia”) describes a system for controlling the intensity of a lamp including a remote sensing device for detecting the presence of an occupant within an area. The device also transmits a signal based on the currently sensed presence of the occupant. After each transmission of an occupancy signal, the device is inhibited from further transmission for a first predetermined period of time to limit power consumption requirements by the battery powered device. The system also includes a light controller responsive to the transmitted occupancy signal for controlling the level of illumination by the lamp. In the absence of a transmitted occupancy signal within a second predetermined period of time, the light controller will instruct the ballast to reduce the level of illumination by the lamp. In the absence of an occupancy signal being transmitted within a third predetermined time period, the light controller will instruct the ballast to turn off the lamp. Nevertheless, Xia does not teach a retrofittable apparatus which does not alter the appliance and merely teaches the use of the invention in conjunction with illumination devices. Moreover, XIA teaches away from the possibility of adapting the invention according to Sweeney to any other appliance and/or apparatus and is limited to illumination apparatus only. 
         [0007]    Although numerous additional inventions of light controlling apparatus are known in the art. Nevertheless, all of the light controlling apparatus teach away from the possibility of adapting the inventions according to the prior art to any other appliance and/or apparatus and is limited to illumination apparatus. 
         [0008]    Thus, such inventions as those described above generally suffer from at least one of several disadvantages, including, amongst others, the lack of an ability to use other than lighting systems and the need to add hardware and/or software elements to the apparatus/appliance. Therefore, the need exists to create a system and apparatus whereby the foregoing disadvantages are adequately remedied to provide a readily retrofittable system and apparatus to a wide range of apparatus/appliances and/or not requiring any modifications to any of the apparatus/appliances utilized with the invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is controller for controlling domestic and industrial energy consumption, which controller is capable of being manufactured in different sizes for use with any pre-existing domestic environment and industrial environment. The controller is designed to have the capability of replacing a standard motion detector for use with a variety of apparatus and appliances for either domestic use, industrial use or both. 
         [0010]    The controller according to the present invention preferably bears a strong visual and physical resemblance to a motion detector. 
         [0011]    According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a controller system including: a controller apparatus including a power source, a telemetry sensor for readily detecting at least one telemetry reading, a transmitter responsive to signals from the telemetry sensor, and an electrical/electronic apparatus responsive to signals from the transmitter. 
         [0012]    According to further embodiments of the present invention, the controller apparatus has a shape recalling that of a motion detector. 
         [0013]    According to still further embodiments of the present invention, the transmitter wirelessly communicates with the electrical/electronic apparatus. 
         [0014]    According to yet further embodiments of the present invention, the electrical/electronic apparatus is devoid of retrofitting for readily using the controller apparatus with the apparatus. 
         [0015]    According to further embodiments of the present invention, the electrical/electronic apparatus is selected from the group consisting of: a HVAC (heating, ventilating and cooling) apparatus, a telephony apparatus, a multimedia apparatus, an audio apparatus, a home theater system, at least one illumination device, a home computer, a portable computer and a PDA. 
         [0016]    According to further embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a controller system including: a controller apparatus having a shape recalling that of a motion detector including a power source, a telemetry sensor for readily detecting at least one telemetry reading, a wireless transmitter responsive to signals from the telemetry sensor, an electrical/electronic apparatus devoid of retrofitting to the controller and responsive to at least one signal from the transmitter, wherein the electrical/electronic apparatus is selected from the group consisting of: a HVAC (heating, ventilating and cooling) apparatus, a telephony apparatus, a multimedia apparatus, an audio apparatus, a home theater system, at least one illumination device, a home computer, a portable computer and a PDA. 
         [0017]    According to further embodiments of the present invention, the telemetry sensor further including a processor for readily controlling the time and/or operation mode of the electrical/electronic apparatus. 
         [0018]    According to still further embodiments of the present invention, illumination device illuminates substantially at a wavelength producing visible red, visible blue, IR or UV illumination. 
         [0019]    According to further embodiments of the present invention, the controller apparatus further including a receiver for “two way” telemetry with the controller. 
         [0020]    According to further embodiments of the present invention, the at least one signal is compatible with at least one domestic appliance. 
         [0021]    According to further embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a controller system including controller apparatus including a power source, and a wireless transmitter, an illuminator electrically attached responsive to at least one signal from the wireless transmitter, and an actuator electrically attached to the illuminator for readily controlling illumination of the illuminator. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of the controller of the present invention in a domestic environment; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of the components of an embodiment of a controller according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a controller apparatus  10  in a domestic environment  11 . Controller apparatus  10  is preferably electronically attached to, or integrally formed with, at least one electric/electronic apparatus selected from the group consisting of an illuminator  12 , a telemetry sensor  14 , a transmitter  16 . Preferably, controller apparatus  10  is wirelessly attached to at least one electric/electronic apparatus selected from the group consisting of a HVAC (heating, ventilating and cooling) apparatus, a telephony apparatus, a multimedia apparatus, an audio apparatus, a home theater system, at least one illumination device, a home computer, a portable computer and a PDA. 
         [0025]    Preferably, illuminator  12  includes an illumination receiver  20  from transmitter  16  for readily controlling illuminator  12  responsively to signals from transmitter  16 . 
         [0026]    Preferably, illumination receiver  20  is attached to or integrally formed with illuminator  12 . By way of example only, occasioning on illuminator  12  including a fluorescent lamp, illumination receiver  20  is optionally attached to, or integrally formed with, a “starter”  22 . Thus, illuminators  12  including a fluorescent lamp can be readily modified for use with controller apparatus  10 . 
         [0027]    Fluorescent lamps known in the art, commonly use mercury atoms in the fluorescent tube, which mercury atoms, must be ionized before an arc can “strike” within the tube. For small lamps, it does not take much voltage to strike the arc and starting the lamp presents no problem, but larger tubes require a substantial voltage (in the range of a thousand volts). Thus, a variety of fluorescent lamps are known in the art which are generally divided into the following groups, according to their “starter”  22  technology: a preheat lamp, an automatic glow lamp, electronic fluorescent lamps, instant start lamps, rapid start lamps and semi-resonant start. 
         [0028]    Preheat lamps known in the art use a combination filament/cathode at each end of the lamp in conjunction with a mechanical or automatic switch for initially connecting the filaments in series with the ballast and thereby preheat the filaments prior to striking the arc. 
         [0029]    Preheat lamp systems are commonly used as standard equipment in 200-240V countries (and for 100-120 Volt lamps up to about 30 watts), and generally use a glow starter. Before the 1960s, four-pin thermal starters and manual switches were also used. Electronic starters are also sometimes used with these electromagnetic ballast lamp fittings. 
         [0030]    Automatic glow starters known in the art commonly consist of a small gas-discharge tube, containing neon and/or argon and fitted with a bi-metallic electrode. The special bi-metallic electrode is the key to the automatic starting mechanism. 
         [0031]    An electronic starter commonly uses a more complex method to preheat the cathodes of a fluorescent lamp. Electronic starters are commonly programmed with a predefined preheat time to ensure the cathodes are fully heated and reduce the amount of sputtered emission mix to prolong the life of the lamp. Electronic starters commonly contain a series of capacitors that are capable of producing a high voltage pulse of electricity across the lamp to ensure that it strikes correctly. Electronic starters are also commonly able to detect when a lamp has failed to strike and provide a further amount of high voltage pulses before reverting to an open circuit if that lamp still fails to strike, thereby substantially eliminating the re-striking of a lamp and the cycle of flashing that a failing lamp installed with a glow starter can produce. 
         [0032]    Commonly, when starting a lamp with an electronic fluorescent lamp starter, a glow discharge will appear over the electrodes of the starter. The glow discharge will heat the gas in the starter and cause the bi-metallic electrode to bend towards the other electrode. When the electrodes touch, the two filaments of the fluorescent lamp and the ballast will effectively be switched in series to the supply voltage, thereby enabling the filaments to glow and emit electrons into the gas column by thermionic emission. In the starter&#39;s tube, the touching electrodes have stopped the glow discharge, causing the gas to cool down again. The bi-metallic electrode also cools down and starts to move back. When the electrodes separate, the inductive kick from the ballast provides the high voltage to start the lamp. The starter additionally has a capacitor wired in parallel to its gas-discharge tube, in order to prolong the electrode life. 
         [0033]    Once the tube is struck, the impinging main discharge then keeps the cathode hot, permitting continued emission without the need for the starter to close. The starter does not close again because the voltage across the starter is reduced by the resistance in the cathodes and ballast. The glow discharge in the starter will not happen at the lower voltage so it will not warm and thus close the starter. 
         [0034]    Commonly, tube strike are generally reliable in these systems, but glow starters will often cycle a few times before letting the tube stay lit, which causes undesirable flashing during starting. (The older thermal starters performed better in this respect.) 
         [0035]    If the tube fails to strike, or strikes but then extinguishes, the starting sequence is repeated. With automated starters such as glow starters, a failing tube will cycle endlessly, flashing as the lamp quickly goes out because emission is insufficient to keep the lamp current high enough to keep the glow starter open, thereby bringing about a “flickering”, and operation of the ballast at above design temperature. Some more advanced starters time known in the art do not attempt repeated starts until power is reset. Some older systems used a thermal over-current trip to detect repeated starting attempts. These require manual reset. 
         [0036]    Some instant start fluorescent tubes simply use a high enough voltage to break down the gas and mercury column and thereby start arc conduction. These tubes can be identified by a single pin at each end of the tube. The lamp holders have a “disconnect” socket at the low-voltage end to prevent electric shock. Low-cost lighting fixtures with an integrated electronic ballast use this mode on preheat-style lamps, even if it reduces the lamp lifespan. 
         [0037]    Newer systems include rapid start ballast designs for providing filament power windings within the ballast; these rapidly and continuously warm the filaments/cathodes using low-voltage AC. No inductive voltage spike is produced for starting, so the lamps must be mounted near a grounded (earthed) reflector to allow the glow discharge to propagate through the tube and initiate the arc discharge. In some lamps a “starting aid” strip of grounded metal is attached to the outside of the lamp glass. 
         [0038]    Semi-resonant start lamps known in the art were invented by Thorn Lighting for use with T12 fluorescent tubes, the semi-resonant starting method commonly uses a double wound transformer and a circuit capacitor to start the lamp without flashing and flickering. The lamp slowly starts over a period of about 3-5 seconds until it reaches full brightness without flickering. 
         [0039]    Preferably, controller apparatus  10  has a shape recalling that of a standard motion detector  18 . 
         [0040]    Preferably, transmitter  16  is responsive to signals received from telemetry sensor  14 . 
         [0041]    The term “telemetry” as used herein includes, but is not limited to a technology for readily facilitating remote measurement and/or reporting of information, automatic transmission and/or measurements from remote sources by wire or radio or wirelessly. 
         [0042]    By way of example only, the term “telemetry sensor” as used herein includes but is not limited to: motion detection by way of PIR technology, microwave technology, ultrasonic technology or any combination thereof. 
         [0043]    Controller aparatus  10  is preferably capable of interpreting data collected from telemetry sensor  14  and use of data from telemetry sensor  14  to control and/or optimize the performance and/or energy consumption of controlled equipment and appliances. Preferably, controller aparatus  10  readily facilitates calculation of potentially enhanced and/or optimized energy consumption levels, such that a user and/or controller aparatus  10  can elect to use a management mode consistent with achieving enhanced and/or optimized energy consumption. Some examples of useful measurements from telemetry sensor  14  include, but are not limited to, motion detection, occupancy detection, consumption of electricity, temperature readings, volume detection and the like. By way of example only, a temperature reading is used to change the “setpoint” of at least one controlled HVAC appliance. Moreover, detecting the temperature and transmitting the temperature reading to the HVAC appliance is geared towards enhanced accuracy in achieving room temperature. Furthermore, electricity consumption information detected is used in extrapolating and interpolating data for the purpose of optimizing energy consumption. Furthermore, electricity consumption information detected is used to readily confirm the system has executed commands, such that the HVAC appliance has been initiated, ceassated or performed a change in mode of operation. 
         [0044]    In addition, it is envisaged to use “two way” telemetry is facilitated wherein transmitter  16  is attached to, or integrally formed with, a controller apparatus receiver  24 . 
         [0045]    Optionally, controller receiver  24  is a receiver selected from the group consisting of: an infrared receiver, a wi-fi receiver, a Bluetooth receiver, an Ultra wide band (UWB) receiver, a proprietary ISM band receiver and the like. 
         [0046]    Preferably, two way telemetry is achieved by way of updating and calibrating on substantially contemporaneously with the receipt of signals from telemetry sensor  14 . 
         [0047]    Preferably, illuminator  12  is a light emitting diode (“LED”) for readily emitting a visible, an IR illumination, and a UV illumination. 
         [0048]    Preferably, illuminator  12  illuminates at a bandwidth substantially between 380-750 nm. 
         [0049]    Preferably, illuminator  12  illuminates at a bandwidth substantially between 620-670 nm. 
         [0050]    Preferably, illuminator  12  illuminates at a bandwidth substantially between 500-580 nm. 
         [0051]    Preferably, illuminator  12  illuminates at a bandwidth substantially between 700-1400 nm. 
         [0052]    Preferably, illuminator  12  illuminates at a bandwidth substantially between 1400-3000 nm. 
         [0053]    Preferably, illuminator  12  illuminates at a bandwidth substantially between 3000 nm-1 mm. 
         [0054]    Alternatively, illuminator  12  is a bulb, which bulb is constructed of such desired shape and size so as to fit within the physical contours of a light bulb. 
         [0055]    Optionally, illuminator  12  is a laser diode for readily emitting coherent electro-magnetic radiation. 
         [0056]    Optionally, transmitter  16  of controller apparatus  10  readily communicates with an HVAC (heating, ventilating and cooling) apparatus  26  for readily controlling operation and activity of HVAC apparatus  26 . Preferably, first controller  10  controls operation of HVAC apparatus  26  according to reading of telemetry sensor  14 . 
         [0057]    Preferably, controller apparatus  10  is retrofittable to existing HVAC apparatus  26  substantially without having recourse to making any changes to HVAC apparatus  26 . 
         [0058]    Thus, controller apparatus  10  readily facilitates use of HVAC apparatus  26  according to factory designated features. Namely, controller apparatus  10  preferably “seamlessly” integrates with the use of HVAC apparatus  26 . 
         [0059]    Furthermore, controller apparatus  10  is preferably responsive to a reading of telemetry sensor  14  selected from the group consisting of: a change in the occupancy of domestic environment  11 , a change in movement detectability in domestic environment  11 , a detection of an audible noise in domestic environment  11  and a detectable change in ambient light. 
         [0060]    Optionally, transmitter  16  of controller apparatus  10  readily communicates with a television apparatus  28  for readily controlling operation and activity of television apparatus  28 . Preferably, controller apparatus  10  controls operation of television apparatus  28  according to reading of telemetry sensor  14 . 
         [0061]    Thus, controller apparatus  10  readily facilitates use of television apparatus  28  according to factory designated features. Namely, controller apparatus  10  preferably “seamlessly” integrates with the use of television apparatus  28 . 
         [0062]    Optionally, transmitter  16  of controller apparatus  10  readily communicates with a home theater system  30  for readily controlling operation and activity of home theater system  30 . Preferably, controller apparatus  10  controls operation of home theater system  30  according to reading of telemetry sensor  14 . 
         [0063]    Thus, controller apparatus  10  readily facilitates use of home theater system  3  according to factory designated features. Namely, controller apparatus  10  preferably “seamlessly” integrates with the use of home theater system  30 . 
         [0064]    Optionally, transmitter  16  of controller apparatus  10  readily communicates with a multimedia system  32  for readily controlling operation and activity of multimedia system  32 . Preferably, controller apparatus  10  controls operation of multimedia system  32  according to reading of telemetry sensor  14 . 
         [0065]    Thus, controller apparatus  10  readily facilitates use of multimedia system  32  according to factory designated features. Namely, controller apparatus  10  preferably “seamlessly” integrates with the use of multimedia system  32 . 
         [0066]    Optionally, transmitter  16  of controller apparatus  10  readily communicates with a computer  34  for readily controlling operation and activity of computer  34 . Preferably, controller apparatus  10  controls operation of computer  34  according to reading of telemetry sensor  14 . 
         [0067]    Thus, controller apparatus  10  readily facilitates use of home theater system  32  according to factory designated features. Namely, controller apparatus  10  preferably “seamlessly” integrates with the use of computer  34 . 
         [0068]    Optionally, transmitter  16  of controller apparatus  10  readily communicates with an audio apparatus  36  for readily controlling operation and activity of audio apparatus  36 . Preferably, controller apparatus  10  controls operation of audio apparatus  36  according to reading of telemetry sensor  14 . 
         [0069]    Thus, controller apparatus  10  readily facilitates use of audio apparatus  36  according to factory designated features. Namely, controller apparatus  10  preferably “seamlessly” integrates with the use of audio apparatus  36 . 
         [0070]    Optionally, transmitter  16  of controller apparatus  10  readily communicates with an image capturing apparatus  38  for readily controlling operation and activity of image capturing apparatus  38 . Preferably, controller apparatus  10  controls operation of image capturing apparatus  38  according to reading of telemetry sensor  14 . 
         [0071]    Thus, controller apparatus  10  readily facilitates use of image capturing apparatus  38  according to factory designated features. Namely, controller apparatus  10  preferably “seamlessly” integrates with the use of image capturing apparatus  38 . 
         [0072]    Optionally, transmitter  16  of controller apparatus  10  readily communicates with a portable computing apparatus  40  for readily controlling operation and activity of portable computing apparatus  40 . Preferably, controller apparatus  10  controls operation of portable computing apparatus  40  according to reading of telemetry sensor  14 . 
         [0073]    Thus, controller apparatus  10  readily facilitates use of portable computing apparatus  40  according to factory designated features. Namely, controller apparatus  10  preferably “seamlessly” integrates with the use of portable computing apparatus  40 . 
         [0074]    Optionally, transmitter  16  of controller apparatus  10  readily communicates with a telecommunications device  42  for readily controlling operation and activity of telecommunications device  42 . Preferably, controller apparatus  10  controls operation of telecommunications device  42  according to reading of telemetry sensor  14 . 
         [0075]    Thus, controller apparatus  10  readily facilitates use of telecommunications device  42  according to factory designated features. Namely, controller apparatus  10  preferably “seamlessly” integrates with the use of telecommunications device  42 . 
         [0076]    Preferably and by way of example only, a controller PDA  43  wirelessly communicates with controller  10 . PDA  43  is preferably geared towards wirelessly change control modes of controller  10  such as but not limited to, changing requested delay time, setting operation bypass mode and setting to test mode where wireless reception and motion detection coverage can be tested, more over, PDA  43  is capable of reprogram controller  10  for firmware updates, further more, PDA  43  is capable of receiving reports from controller  10  such as but not limited to battery level, number and type of controlled appliances and equipments, controlled appliances and equipments status, calculated energy saved. 
         [0077]    Preferably, controller  10  is continuously energized and consumes substantially little energy, thereby readily facilitating controller  10  being powered by a battery for an extended period of time. 
         [0078]      FIG. 2  shows a second controller  44  in an industrial and/or domestic environment  46 . Second controller  44  is preferably electronically attached to, or integrally formed with, at least one device selected from the group consisting of a PIR sensor  48 , a wireless transmitter  50 . Preferably, second controller  44  is wirelessly attached to at least one electric/electronic apparatus selected from the group consisting of: a HVAC (heating, ventilating and cooling) apparatus, a telephony apparatus, a multimedia apparatus, an audio apparatus, a home theater system, at least one illumination device, a home computer, a portable computer and a PDA. 
         [0079]    Optionally, wireless transmitter  50  is a transmitter selected from the group consisting of: an infrared transmitter, a wi-fi transmitter, a Bluetooth transmitter, an Ultra wide band (UWB) transmitter, a proprietary ISM band transmitter and the like. 
         [0080]    Preferably, second controller  44  has a shape recalling that of a standard motion detector. 
         [0081]    Preferably, wireless transmitter  50  is responsive to signals received from PIR sensor  48 . 
         [0082]    Second controller  44  is preferably capable of interpreting data collected from PIR sensor  48  and use of data from PIR sensor  48  to control and/or optimize at least one electric/electronic apparatus selected from the group consisting of: a HVAC (heating, ventilating and cooling) apparatus, a telephony apparatus, a multimedia apparatus, an audio apparatus, a home theater system, at least one illumination device, a home computer, a portable computer and a PDA. 
         [0083]    Preferably, second controller  44  readily facilitates calculation of potentially enhanced and/or optimized energy consumption levels, such that a user and/or second controller  44  can elect to use a management mode consistent with achieving enhanced and/or optimized energy consumption. Some examples of useful measurements from PIR sensor  48  include, but are not limited to, motion detection, occupancy detection, consumption of electricity, temperature readings, volume detection and the like. 
         [0084]    In addition, it is envisaged to use “two way” telemetry is facilitated wherein wireless transmitter  50  is attached to, or integrally formed with, a second controller receiver  52 . 
         [0085]    Preferably, two way telemetry is achieved by way of updating and calibrating on substantially contemporaneously with the receipt of signals from PIR sensor  48 . Preferably, second controller  44  is responsive to signals from a learning remote control  54 . Alternatively, second controller  44  readily communicates with learning remote  54  for the purpose of readily interfacing with appliance and electric/electronic apparatus without having recourse to retrofitting the appliance and electric/electronic apparatus. A variety of learning remote controls technologies are known in the art, universal remote controls facilitate use of code lists programmed into the remote for supporting new brands or models of devices not supported by the remote. Some higher end universal learning remotes require a computer to be connected. The connection is typically done via USB from the computer to mini-USB on the remote or the remotes base station. 
         [0086]    IR learning remotes can learn the code for any button on many other IR remote controls. This functionality allows the remote to learn functions not supported by default for a particular device, making it sometimes possible to control devices that the remote was not originally designed to control. 
         [0087]    In the 1980s Steve Wozniak of Apple, started a company named CL 9. The purpose of this company was to create a remote control which could operate multiple electronic devices. The CORE unit as it was named (Controller Of Remote Equipment) was introduced in the fall of 1987. The advantage to this remote controller was that it could “learn” remote signals from other different devices. It also had the ability to perform specific or multiple functions at various times with its built in clock. It was also the first remote control which could be linked to a computer and loaded with updated software code as needed. 
         [0088]    The CORE unit did not make a huge impact on the market. The CORE unit was too cumbersome for the average user to program, but received rave reviews from those who could figure out how to program it. These obstacles eventually led to the demise of CL 9, but one of its employees continued the business under the name Celadon. This was one of the first computer controlled learning remote controls on the market. 
         [0089]    Most control remotes for electronic appliances use a near infrared diode to emit a beam of light that reaches the device. A 940 nm wavelength LED is typical. This infrared light is invisible to the human eye, but picked up by sensors on the receiving device. Video cameras see the diode as if it produces visible purple light. 
         [0090]    With a single channel (single-function, one-button) remote control the presence of a carrier signal can be used to trigger a function. For multi-channel (normal multi-function) remote controls more sophisticated procedures are necessary: one consists of modulating the carrier with signals of different frequency. After the demodulation of the received signal, the appropriate frequency filters are applied to separate the respective signals. Nowadays digital procedures are more commonly used. One can often hear the signals being modulated on the infrared carrier by operating a remote control in very close proximity to an AM radio not tuned to a station. 
         [0091]    Different manufacturers of infrared remote controls use different protocols to transmit the infrared commands. The RC-5 protocol that has its origins within Philips, uses, for instance, a total of 14 bits for each button press. The bit pattern is modulated onto a carrier frequency that, again, can be different for different manufacturers and standards, in the case of RC-5, a 36 kHz carrier is being used. Other consumer infrared protocols are, for instance, the different SIRCS versions used by Sony, the RC-6 from Philips, or the NEC TC101 protocol. 
         [0092]    By way of example only, remote controls are commonly used in the industry for controlling substations, pump storage power stations and HVDC-plants. For these systems often PLC-systems working in the longwave range are used. 
         [0093]    Optionally, wireless transmitter  50  of second controller  44  readily communicates with an electric/electronic apparatus selected from the group consisting of: a HVAC (heating, ventilating and cooling) apparatus, a telephony apparatus, a multimedia apparatus, an audio apparatus, a home theater system, at least one illumination device, a home computer, a portable computer and a PDA. 
         [0094]    Preferably, second controller  44  controls, according to readings of PIR sensor  48 , the operation of an electric/electronic apparatus selected from the group consisting of: a HVAC (heating, ventilating and cooling) apparatus, a telephony apparatus, a multimedia apparatus, an audio apparatus, a home theater system, at least one illumination device, a home computer, a portable computer and a PDA. Preferably, second controller  44  is retrofittable to an existing electric/electronic apparatus substantially without having recourse to making any changes to an electric/electronic apparatus selected from the group consisting of: a HVAC (heating, ventilating and cooling) apparatus, a telephony apparatus, a multimedia apparatus, an audio apparatus, a home theater system, at least one illumination device, a home computer, a portable computer and a PDA. 
         [0095]    Thus, second controller  44  readily facilitates use, according to factory designated features. Namely, second controller  44  preferably “seamlessly” integrates with the use of an electric/electronic apparatus selected from the group consisting of: a HVAC (heating, ventilating and cooling) apparatus, a telephony apparatus, a multimedia apparatus, an audio apparatus, a home theater system, at least one illumination device, a home computer, a portable computer and a PDA. Furthermore, second controller  44  is preferably responsive to a reading of PIR sensor  48  selected from the group consisting of: a change in the occupancy of industrial and/or domestic environment  46 , a change in movement detectability in industrial and/or domestic environment  46 , a detection of an audible noise in industrial and/or domestic environment  46  and a detectable change in ambient light. 
         [0096]    Preferably, second controller  44  includes a processor module  56  for readily processing data from PIR sensor  48 . 
         [0097]    Preferably, processor  56  readily facilitates selection of a working mode of second controller  44  selected from the group consisting of: a standby mode, a hibernate mode, a power saving mode, an unoccupied mode and an “off” mode. 
         [0098]    Preferably second controller includes a technician module  58  for readily bringing about a second controller  44  mode change selected from the group consisting of: a test mode, a learning mode, a transmission test mode, a PIR sensor test mode, an efficiency feedback mode, an electricity saving report mode and a use report mode. 
         [0099]    A first LED  60  is preferably attached to, or integrally formed with second controller  44  for preferably readily facilitating an indication selected from the group consisting of: a working mode indication, a transmission indication, a movement detection indication, a fault indication, a weak battery indication, time mode selection indication and a reception indication. 
         [0100]    A second LED  62  preferably attached to, or integrally formed with second controller  44  for preferably readily facilitating an indication selected from the group consisting of: a working mode indication, a transmission indication, a movement detection indication, a fault indication, a weak battery indication, time mode selection indication and a reception indication. 
         [0101]    An indicator  64  is preferably attached to, or integrally formed with second controller  44  for preferably readily facilitating an indication selected from the group consisting of: an audio indication prior to second controller  44  altering the operation of an electric/electronic apparatus in industrial and/or domestic environment  46  and a video indication prior to second controller  44  altering the operation of an electric/electronic apparatus in industrial and/or domestic environment  46 . Thus, a user may opt to prevent second controller  44  altering the operation of an electric/electronic apparatus in industrial and/or domestic environment  46 . 
         [0102]    A power supply  66  preferably powers second controller  44 . Preferably, power supply  66  preferably includes a battery  68 . Optionally, power supply  66  preferably includes a DC supply  70 . Optionally, power supply  66  preferably includes an AC supply  72 . 
         [0103]    Preferably, a voltage regulator  74  connects between power supply  66  and powers second controller  44 . By way of example only, voltage regulator  74  optionally includes a transformer attached to, or integrally formed with, voltage regulator  74 . 
         [0104]    Preferably, a time selector  76  is attached to, or integrally formed with processor  56  for readily controlling the time frame before changing one or more controlled electric/electronic apparatus operation mode. 
         [0105]    Preferably, PIR sensor  48  provides an operational signal, indicating industrial and/or domestic environment  46  to processor  56 . Alternatively, PIR sensor  48  provides an operational signal, indicating industrial and/or domestic environment is not occupied, to processor  56 . 
         [0106]    By way of example only, occasioning on a motion being detected by PIR sensor  48 , processor unit  56  resets a counter. Occasioning on, PIR sensor  48  not detecting a motion for a predetermined and/or user selected time frame wireless transmitter  50  transmits a signal responsively to processor  56  to the electric/electronic apparatus for the purpose of the electric/electronic apparatus initiating a working mode selected from the group consisting of: a standby mode, a hibernate mode, an unoccupied mode, an power saving mode and an “off” mode. 
         [0107]    Preferably, processor  56  will then initiate a standby mode, power save mode or a hibernate mode for processor  56  for saving energy. 
         [0108]    Preferably, occasioning on PIR sensor  48  detecting a change in industrial and/or domestic environment  46 , processor  56  initiates a “wake up” cycle. Namely, when an “external interrupt” is sensed by PIR sensor  48  such as, but not limited to, a motion detected, a displacement of a button or a reception of a wireless signal received, processor  56  initiates a “wake up” cycle. 
         [0109]    It is envisaged that a multiplicity of second controllers  44  may be used in conjunction with a multiplicity of industrial and/or domestic environments  46 , thereby readily controlling a wide range of electric/electronic apparatus, appliances and the like over a wide scale area. 
         [0110]    It is further envisaged that the invention as described herein, controller  10  or second controller  44  can be readily included in an alarm system utilizing PIR sensors, motion detectors and the like. 
         [0111]    It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended to only serve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention.