Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a utility device faceplate that allows a user to change its orientation with respect to the user. In one embodiment, the orientation is a swivel up, down or from side to side so as to present the front surface of the faceplate substantially perpendicular to the user regardless of the orientation of the device or the wall that contains the utility box it is mounted within. In another embodiment, the faceplate can be removed and viewed and/or operated from a location remote from the physical location of the utility device to which it pertains. In one embodiment, the faceplate anticipates the user&#39;s position and adjusts itself to accommodate the user.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/683,298 filed Mar. 7, 2007 entitled “LIGHT SWITCH USED AS A COMMUNICATION DEVICE”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/683,326 filed Mar. 7, 2007 entitled “ANTICIPATORY UTILITY CONTROL DEVICE”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/683,335 filed Mar. 7, 2007 entitled “PLUG AND PLAY UTILITY CONTROL MODULES”; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/956,314 filed Aug. 16, 2007 entitled “UTILITY OUTLETS AS A SECURITY SYSTEM”; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/940,010 filed May 24, 2007 entitled “LIGHT SWITCH AS A WIRELESS HUB”; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/940,010 filed May 24, 2007 entitled “UTILITY OUTLETS AS REMOTE CONTROL REPEATERS”; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/956,306 filed Aug. 16, 2007 entitled “USING UTILITY OUTLETS TO DETERMINE AND REPORT MEDIA-BASED ACTIVITY”, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed Oct. 19, 2007, Attorney Docket No. 66816-P035US-10715040 entitled “SIZE UNCONSTRAINED FACEPLATE DISPLAY FOR USE WITH INFRASTRUCTURE DEVICE,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to infrastructure devices and more particularly to faceplate displays for such devices that are not rigidly affixed to the infrastructure. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Infrastructure devices are those devices that are mounted to a premises in such as manner as to be permanent or at least not easily removed there from. One aspect of an infrastructure device is that it is connected, at least electrically, to wiring affixed to the premises structure. Another aspect of an infrastructure device is that it is connected via wired or wireless communications to devices that are themselves connected electrically to the premises electricity delivery infrastructure. A light switch is one form of an infrastructure device. An electrical outlet is another form of such a device. A TV, radio, security system, surveillance system, premise-based communication system, or game box is yet another form of such device. Other infrastructure devices can be, for example, a wide variety of sensors/systems such as light sensors, temperature sensors, internet access systems, WAN system, LAN systems, RF systems, display systems, power sensors, power supply systems, schedulers, clocks, audio/video systems, intercom systems, telephone systems, HVAC systems, television, radio, cameras, proximity sensors, occupancy sensors, GPS, entertainment systems, safety monitoring systems, security systems, fire monitoring systems, surveillance systems, messaging systems, alert and alarm systems, medical monitoring systems, data monitoring systems, data control systems, access monitoring systems, access control systems, legacy remote control systems (e.g., TVs, radios, lighting), media reader systems, identification systems, humidity sensors, barometric pressure sensors, weight sensors, traffic pattern sensors, power quality sensors, operating costs, power factor sensors, meters, storage systems, distributed generation systems, UPS systems, battery monitoring systems, priority systems, inertia sensors, glass break sensors, flood sensors, vibration sensors, smoke sensors, carbon dioxide sensors, carbon monoxide sensors, ultrasound sensors, infra-red sensors, microwave sensors, radiation sensors, bacteria sensors, disease sensors, poison sensors, germ sensors, toxic material sensors, air quality sensors, laser sensors, load sensors, load control systems, etc. 
         [0004]    A common trait of infrastructure devices, such as switches and electrical sockets, is that they are typically mounted in boxes, usually called utility boxes, permanently (for all practical purposes) affixed to the premises. Utility boxes come in various sizes with the smallest size (single gang) having a front opening of roughly 2½ inches wide and 4 inches tall. Utility boxes typically grow larger in the width direction. Thus a two-gang utility box has the same height (4 inches) but a width of 5 inches, with a triple-gang box having a width of 7½ inches, etc. 
         [0005]    Utility device covers, called faceplates, typically are supported on the front of each utility box by fastening the faceplate to the device that is mounted within the utility box. Several problems exist with such an arrangement when the faceplate, in addition to presenting a finished appearance to an otherwise utilitarian device, displays information useful to a user. Problems with display devices arise when the user is not able to approach the display from directly in front of the permanently mounted device. This could occur, for example, with small children, people in wheelchairs or with tall persons. This could also occur when the utility device is positioned in a side wall over a counter so that in order to see the device from a straight-on angle the user would have to bend over the counter. Another difficult situation is when the user is unable to get close enough to the device to read the information being displayed. All of these situations present some degree of difficulty when utility device covers are used for displaying useful information to the user. 
         [0006]    A related problem arises when the user desires to operate the display, such as, for example, to turn a light on or off, or to change the temperature, or to use the device as an intercom, the display will be out of the reach of the user. The permanent positioning of the utility device faceplate requires that the user be able (or desire) to get close enough to manipulate input keys or switches on the device. Again, the position of the mounted device, either above or below the physical reach of the user, or across the room from the user or around a corner, inhibits easy device operation. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention is directed to a utility device faceplate that allows a user to change its orientation with respect to the user. In one embodiment, the orientation is a swivel up, down or from side to side so as to present the front surface of the faceplate substantially perpendicular to the user regardless of the orientation of the device or the wall that contains the utility box it is mounted within. In another embodiment, the faceplate can be removed and viewed and/or operated from a location remote from the physical location of the utility device to which it pertains. In one embodiment, the faceplate anticipates the user&#39;s position and adjusts itself to accommodate the user. 
         [0008]    The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which: 
           [0010]      FIGS. 1 and 1A  show one embodiment of a utility device faceplate monitor in accordance with the invention; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 2A through 2C  are embodiments of the faceplate shown in various orientations relative to the device; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  illustrates embodiments of utility devices mounted in a premises; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  5 A show the front and rear surfaces, respectively, of one embodiment of a movable faceplate monitor; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  shows one embodiment of an expandable faceplate monitor; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  shows one embodiment of a monitor that can be moved from direct physical connection with its associated utility device; and 
           [0016]      FIGS. 8 and 9  show operation aspects of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]      FIGS. 1 and 1A  show one embodiment  10  of a utility device faceplate monitor, such as monitor  11 , in accordance with the invention. As shown, monitor  11  has on-off switch  12  as well as display  13  and keys  14 . Monitor  11  can have any type of configuration desired such that a user (not shown) can operate one or more utility and/or utility-connected devices. Switch  12  can be a traditional switch with a toggle that is moved from one position to another, or switch  12  can be a touch sensitive switch or even a “soft” switch that is displayed only during those periods of time when the function of the monitor (which can change from time to time) is set to control a light fixture, usually also permanently mounted to the premises. Display  11  is designed for use with a premises utility device. Such as device  30   FIG. 3 ) mounted in a utility box, such as box  32  ( FIG. 3 ). 
         [0018]    Display  13 , as well as keys  14 , and any other arrangement of keys and switches can be changed from time to time as desired to operate the utility devices, or to receive information from the devices or from a network associated with the devices. In this context any type of device that is primarily associated with premises operation or services delivered to users in premises or environmental conditions in or pertaining to the premises is a utility device and/or service. 
         [0019]      FIGS. 2A through 2C  are embodiments of the faceplate shown in various orientations relative to the device.  FIG. 2A  shows monitor  11  tilted downward such that its front surface  21  is no longer parallel to the surface of face  201  of wall  100 . In one embodiment, the user can simply rotate monitor  11  downward. Monitor  11  then pivots around one or more bearing points, such as bearing point  38  formed by ball hinge  38  mating with ball hinge  58  ( FIG. 5 ). 
         [0020]      FIG. 2B  shows faceplate monitor  11  tilted upward while  FIG. 2C  shows the monitor tilted to the right. If desired, the movement of monitor  11  can be facilitated without having the user physically touching the monitor, much as an automobile side mirror is movable Piston(s)  59 - 1  and/or  59 - 2  ( FIG. 5 ) show one embodiment of up/down/side to side movement control without requiring the user to physically touch the mirror. 
         [0021]    If desired, a processor in the monitor (or in the associated utility device) can control the movement of the monitor based upon anticipated needs of the user. These needs can be anticipated from prior actions of the user as contained in a database, or form a next anticipated operation of the monitor based upon a state machine controlling the monitor. 
         [0022]      FIG. 3  illustrates embodiments of utility devices mounted in a premises. As shown, utility box  32  is mounted to stud  31  and premises wiring  33  is coming into and out of the utility box. Note that while this is 110 or 220 AC voltage, it could also be low voltage, cat5e, thermostat or any other type or combination of wiring. Utility box has mounted therein a utility control device, such as device  30 . Device  30  would typically be connected electrically or wirelessly with one or more particular premises devices, such as lights, thermostats, speakers, audio/video systems, intercoms, voice systems, video cameras, video displays, electrical outlets, such as outlet  302  associated with monitor  300 . 
         [0023]    Device  30  also has associated therewith a controller, such as controller  36  and a send/receive device  37 . Transmitter/receiver  37  can communicate with other utility devices within and outside of the premises or with one or more faceplate monitors as will be discussed hereinafter. 
         [0024]    Faceplate  300  is shown in association with outlet  302  and contains display  301  and keys  303 . Note that if faceplate  300  is reoriented outlet  302  (as could light switch  12  with respect to faceplate  11 ) could move with the faceplate in one embodiment or it could remain stationary. As discussed above, the reorientation can be under physical control of a user or anticipated for the user. 
         [0025]      FIG. 4  shows the front surface of one embodiment of a movable faceplate monitor, such as monitor  40 . Display  41  shows a “soft” on button  43  and a soft off button  42  as well as processor  42  for controlling operation of the faceplate. Also shown is transmitter/receiver  45  operative for communication between the faceplate monitor and the associated utility box, such as utility box  32 ,  FIG. 3 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 5  shows rear surface  53  of movable faceplate monitor  40 . Shown are contacts, such as contacts  51 - 1  to  51 - 4 , for mating with the utility device when the monitor and the device are physically together. Also shown is portion  58  of the ball joint that, in one embodiment, allows the monitor front surface to be positionally reconfigured from time to time with respect to the surface to which the associated utility device is mounted. Pistons  59 - 1  and  59 - 2 , shown in conjunction with box  32  in  FIG. 5A , show one embodiment of a mechanism for allowing automatic orientation of the monitor without physical involvement of the user. Note that in some embodiments there would be a housing mounted external to utility box  32  and the monitor in turn would be mounted within that housing. The housing would contain the mechanism to allow the display to move relative to the surface of the premises while the outer perimeter of the housing remains stationary. Thus, the display would rotate much as the side mirrors of an automobile mirror rotates within a housing framework. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, contacts  51 - 1  to  51 - 4 , shown in  FIG. 5 , are used for mating with contacts, such as contacts  15 - 1 ,  15 - 2  ( FIG. 1 ) located in the mated utility box. Note that communication between the faceplate and the utility box (or devices within the utility box) can be by electrical contact as shown or wirelessly by RF, optics or any other method. When the monitor is in contact with the utility box, the box can charge electrical storage (battery, capacitor, etc.) within the monitor. This can be done with electrical contact or under some conditions, wirelessly. 
         [0028]      FIG. 6  shows system  60  in which two faceplates are mated side by side to form a double width faceplate. Note that while each of these faceplates is shown as a single-gang width faceplate, they can be any width desired and any number of widths can be added as desired. Multiple faceplates can thus be combined to form a unified faceplate having an expanded width to allow for necessary electronics and display size that fits the intended usage. The faceplates can be, for example, connected together using male/female clips  61 ,  62 , as shown, or by using any other connecting mechanism. A cover (not shown) can be used to cover the open ends, such as open end  63 , to hide the unused clips. The monitor can be any size or shape desired to work with any size utility box or utility device(s) and to fit the décor or physical limitations of the premises. The monitor could be tall or wide, or round or have any shape desired. When the display is on the utility box, it could have a first orientation and when it is away from the utility box, it could be turned into a different orientation and the display could sense the rotation (using rotation sensors, such as sensors  46 - 1 ,  46 - 2 ,  FIG. 4 ) and adjust accordingly. 
         [0029]      FIG. 7  shows one embodiment of a monitor, such as monitor  11 , that can be physically relocated from direct physical contact with its associated device. As shown, utility device  32  remains fixed to premises  100  at its original location. However, faceplate monitor  11  has been removed by the user and is available for relocation under control of the user. The faceplate, using its wireless transmitting/receiving capability, continues to operationally function from whatever location it is placed in by the user. This remote operation can also be effectuated by plugging the relocated faceplate monitor into another utility outlet so that communication back to the associated utility device is over the premises wiring. 
         [0030]    Note that when a monitor is removed from its originally associated (home) utility device it continues to perform functions only with respect to that home utility device regardless of where the user places the device. In this regard, the monitor acts with respect to the home device as a remote acts with respect to a TV or DVR. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the user could register the removed monitor for use with a utility device other than (or in some cases, instead of) the home device. This registration can be effected by entering a code in the removed monitor, or by bringing the monitor into proximity to the “neighbor” device and activating a communication exchange, or by any of several other methods of registration. One such method could be, for example, one or more of the methods currently used by universal TV remotes for multiple device control. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 8 and 9  show operation aspects of the invention. Process  80 , shown in  FIG. 8 , determines if a user has approached a particular monitor. In one embodiment, the monitor, or the device to which the monitor is associated (the home device) determines, as discussed above, if the user is recognized, or if a next appropriate action is recognized. If so, process  803  takes the appropriate action. In some situations, this would mean that the display front surface becomes reoriented with respect to the user, or with respect to the wall surface upon which it is attached. For example, the monitor, upon sensing the presence of a user, tilts or twists such that its faceplate front surface always faces the user even if the user is moving. Motion sensors and position sensors anticipate movement, algorithms can be combined under control of the monitor&#39;s (or device&#39;s) processor to control the movement of the faceplate. 
         [0033]    Process  804  determines if the monitor has been removed from its home device. If it has, then process  805  enables the monitor to work wirelessly with the home unit and to perform any function remotely that could have been performed while the monitor was attached physically to the home device. This remote operation continues until the monitor is retuned into physical contact with its home device. At that point process  805  causes process  806  to switch back to attached mode. Note that the monitor may always operate in the same mode whether or not it is physically co-located with the home device or remote therefrom, if desired. 
         [0034]    Process  901 ,  FIG. 9 , determines if a display that is separated from its home device (a first display in our example) desires to become associated, at least temporarily, with a second utility device. If so, the first display is registered with the second device via process  902  and from that point, until deregistration, the first monitor can control functions at and through the second device. As discussed above, this registration can be accomplished in any of a number of ways, including different frequencies or codes selected by the device or the monitor. 
         [0035]    Process  903  determines if the monitor from the first device has unregistered with the second device. If so, process  904  discontinues the second device from responding to communications from the first device&#39;s associated monitor. Note that the first monitor could, if desired, become associated with a second (or more) other devices even while physically attached to its home device. This will allow for temporary remote operation by a monitor at one location being able to control operations at a device physically separate therefrom. 
         [0036]    Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.