Patent Publication Number: US-6993289-B2

Title: System including a wall switch device and a system including a power outlet device and methods for using the same

Description:
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of the following Provisional U.S. Patent Application: 
   “Integrated PDA and Electrical Wall Plate Docket”, application No. 60/222,500, filed Aug. 2, 2000. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to ubiquitous computing devices and, more particularly, to a system including a wall switch device and a system including a power outlet device. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Ubiquitous computing is the method of enhancing computer use by making computers available throughout the physical environment, but making them effectively invisible to the user. This may be done by incorporating unassuming computer devices within the facets of everyday life. 
   Facets of everyday life may include activities involving portable electronic devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) or cellular phones. These types of devices are used frequently in the home or other areas such as an office building. Portable electronic devices such as PDAs and tablet-type PCs are increasingly being made available with wireless communication links that allow the user to access the Internet or other local connected devices. Since all of these devices are portable, they contain batteries that must be re-charged periodically. PDAs and Web-pads typically include a dock or cradle that provides a communication hardware link to a PC and also provides charging. The cradles must be plugged into an AC outlet for the charging function to occur. As these types of portable computing devices proliferate, adding multiple cradles at various locations around a facility would provide more ubiquitous access to charging. However, the need to plug each cradle into an AC power outlet limits the location of the cradles to the location of AC outlets, and increases the amount of exposed AC wiring. For homes in particular, excess exposed AC wires are inconvenient, unsightly, and dangerous. 
   Therefore, what is needed is a system or method to incorporate these portable electronic devices in locations around the home or other buildings that are convenient and relatively invisible to the user. In addition, what is needed are new devices, conveniently located around a home or other building that serve to provide the same type of uses to a user as a PDA or computer, but are effectively invisible and convenient to the user. Finally, what is needed is a ubiquitously located device for recharging web-pads and PDAs without exposed AC power wires. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A system including a wall switch device, a system including a power outlet device, and methods for using the same are described. In one embodiment, the system includes at least one wall switch device and a wireless transceiver base. The wall switch device is fastened to a wall switch module and communicates with a network. The wireless transceiver base enables communication between the wall switch device and the network via a wireless data transfer protocol. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, but are for explanation and understanding only: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a device docking apparatus holding a PDA; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of a PDA removed from a device docking apparatus; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an isometric exploded assembly view of one embodiment of a device docking apparatus; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of a device docking apparatus; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of one embodiment of device docking apparatus extending into a junction box; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of a device docking apparatus extending into a junction box; 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a circuit diagram of the embodiment of the device docking apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 8  shows a circuit diagram of an alternative embodiment of a device docking apparatus; 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the embodiment of the device docking apparatus of  FIG. 8  including a battery; 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric exploded assembly view of one embodiment of a PDA; 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a device docking apparatus including a PDA with an integral charge-coupled device (CCD); 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a device docking apparatus with an integral CCD; 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a device docking apparatus holding a cellular phone; 
       FIG. 14  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a device docking apparatus holding a display module; 
       FIG. 15  shows an isometric view of one embodiment of a display module removed from a device docking apparatus; 
       FIG. 16  illustrates an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a device docking apparatus fastened to a power outlet module; 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a device docking apparatus fastened over a power outlet module; 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a wall switch device with an integral LCD, softkeys, and CCD with lens; 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a block schematic diagram of one embodiment of a functional system for the wall switch device shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
       FIG. 20  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a power outlet device with an integral LCD, softkeys, and CCD with lens; 
       FIG. 21  illustrates a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a system of wall switch devices and a wireless transceiver base; 
       FIG. 22  a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a system of wall switch devices communicating via data signals that are superimposed on AC power wires; 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a process of using a device docking apparatus; and 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a flow diagram of an alternative embodiment of a process of using a system including a wall switch device. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   A system including a wall switch device, a system including a power outlet device, and methods for using the same are described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. 
   A set of definitions is provided below to clarify the present invention. 
   Definitions 
   A PDA is a Personal Digital Assistant, a class of personal computer devices that are typically small enough to be carried conveniently by a person. A PDA typically has a liquid crystal display (LCD) that allows the user to write on it with a stylus, or otherwise control and manipulate the software and stored content on the PDA. When used in the home, and incorporating a connection to the worldwide web, PDAs are often referred to as webpads. 
   A network is one or more computer devices or electronic devices of any type, such as, for example, but not limited to a personal computer (PC), network appliance, or PDA, connected together by a data transfer link. A PDA that has a communication link to the Internet is often referred to as a node. A node (point of interaction with the Internet) on the network can potentially communicate with (i.e. can send or receive data to) any other node (electronic device) on the network. Network physical layers may be wired or they may be wireless. 
   The Internet is used interchangeably with the term web or worldwide web. Both of these are defined as the worldwide network of PCs, servers, and other devices. 
   A network appliance is defined as a standalone computer device that is a single-purpose device, as opposed to a PC, which can run software to perform a wide variety of tasks. A network appliance typically has a minimal user interface that allows the user to perform a more specific set of tasks. 
   A CCD (charged coupled device) is a semiconductor technology used to build electronic image capturing devices such as cameras. Each CCD chip consists of an array of light sensitive photocells that, in conjunction with a lens and a microprocessor and memory, can be used to capture both still shots and moving pictures. 
   Overview 
   The present invention includes a system having a wall switch device and a system having a power outlet device. In one embodiment, the wall switch device fastens to a light switch module on a wall. In an alternative embodiment, the power outlet device fastens to a power outlet module. 
   In one embodiment, a wall switch device is fastened to a wall switch module and communicates with a network. In one embodiment, the wall switch device includes a wireless transceiver. A wireless transceiver base enables communication between the wall switch device and the network via a wireless data transfer protocol. In an alternative embodiment, the wall switch device is coupled to power wires. The power wires enable communication between the wall switch device and the network. The wall switch device includes a data transceiver to receive and transfer data via the power wires to the network. 
   In one embodiment, a power outlet device is fastened to a power outlet module and communicates with a network. In one embodiment, the power outlet device includes a wireless transceiver. A wireless transceiver base enables communication between the power outlet device and the network via a wireless data transfer protocol. In an alternative embodiment, the power outlet device is coupled to power wires. The power wires enable communication between the power outlet device and the network. The power outlet device includes a data transceiver to receive and transfer data via the power wires to the network. 
   Device Docking Apparatus 
     FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a device docking apparatus  100  holding a PDA  150 . In alternative embodiments, the device docking apparatus  100  may be holding other types of portable electronic devices. The wall switch plate  110  includes a receptacle  120  that holds a portable electronic device. In  FIG. 1 , the receptacle  120  is a PDA dock that securely retains the PDA  150  on a wall  140 . In one embodiment, the PDA  150  has an LCD  155  and a stylus  160 . In other embodiments, the PDA  150  may include other features. 
   In one embodiment, the portable electronic device in the device docking apparatus may be removable from the device docking apparatus as seen in  FIG. 2 . In an alternative embodiment, a component may be integral to the device docking apparatus. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , the wall switch plate  110  can be retrofitted to any existing light switch electrical junction box. In one embodiment, the wall switch plate  110  may be made so that the device docking apparatus  100  fastens to only one light switch  145 . In an alternative embodiment, the wall switch plate  110  may be made to fasten to more than one light switch  145  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   In one embodiment, the docking device apparatus  100  attaches to a light switch junction box by a conventional screwing system. Wall switch plate crews  130  attach the wall switch plate  110  to the junction box (not shown), which exists in the wall  140 . 
     FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of a PDA  240  removed from a device docking apparatus  200 . The device docking apparatus  200  is fastened to two light switches  250 . The device docking apparatus  200  includes a wall switch plate  210  and a PDA dock  220 . The PDA  240  and stylus  260  are removed from the device docking apparatus  200  to show electrical contacts  230  on the device docking apparatus  200  that correspond to electrical contacts  230  (not shown) on the PDA  240 . 
     FIG. 3  illustrates an isometric exploded assembly view of one embodiment of a device docking apparatus  300 . The device docking apparatus  300  is fastened to light switch modules  340 . The device docking apparatus  300  includes a wall switch plate  310 , a PDA dock  320 , and a control charging module  330 . In one embodiment, the control charging module  330  includes a printed circuit board  332 , integrated circuits  336 , and electrical contacts  334 . The control charging module may include other electrical components. Further detail is shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     FIG. 4  illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of a device docking apparatus  400 . The device docking apparatus  400  is fastened to light switch modules. The device docking apparatus  400  includes a wall switch plate  410 , a PDA dock  420 , and a control charging module  430 . The control charging module  430  includes electrical contacts  432  which contact corresponding electrical contacts  442  on the PDA  440  when the PDA  440  is placed all the way into the PDA dock  420 . In one embodiment, gravity will suffice to make the electrical contacts  432  and  442  functionally connect. 
     FIG. 4  also shows that the control charging module  430  includes an AC power input  434  from an AC power wire  450  that extends from the junction box and is connected to the light switch modules  410 . Thus, the control charging module  430  is supplied with power from the AC power wire  450 . In one embodiment, the control charging module  430  modifies the power from AC to DC that is acceptable (battery charging power levels) for the PDAs  440  located in device docking apparatus  400 . In alternative embodiment, other additional components may extend into the wall cavity behind the switch plate  410  as is depicted in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of one embodiment of device docking apparatus  500  extending into a junction box  530 . The device docking apparatus  500  is fastened to a light switch module  520  on a wall  510 . AC power wires  540  are fed into a junction box  530  in the wall cavity and power the device docking apparatus  500 . AC junction boxes  530  may be wired in one of two configurations, with both power and neutral wires entering and accessible at the junction box  530  with a switch in between the power and neutral wires. In  FIG. 5 , a switch is between the power and neutral wires. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of a device docking apparatus  600  extending into a junction box  630 . The device docking apparatus  600  is fastened to a light switch module  620  on a wall  610 . AC power wires  640  are fed into the junction box  630  in the wall cavity and power the device docking apparatus  600 . In  FIG. 6 , a control charging module  605  may be located physically toward the rear of the junction box  630 , and functionally connected to a wall switch plate by a ribbon cable  650 . This type of arrangement may be used in instances where there is not enough space for the control charging module  605  to exist between the light switch modules  620 . 
     FIG. 7  illustrates a circuit diagram of the embodiment of the device docking apparatus  700  shown in  FIG. 5 . Power taps  735  from 120 volts (V) power  730  and neutral taps  745  from neutral  740  are connected to the control charging module  760  and light bulb  750  in the light junction box  710 . The charging system includes a power conversion function using an AC rectifier circuit and a linear power supply device. AC power conversion such as this is known in the field of electronic product design. 
     FIG. 8  shows a circuit diagram of an alternative embodiment of a device docking apparatus  800 . In  FIG. 8 , only the power  830  side of the circuit enters and is accessible at the junction box  810  to power a light bulb  850 . Accordingly, a different method is required to charge or otherwise power an electronic device. 
   To power the device docking apparatus  800 , a system is used whereby a small amount of current is allowed to flow through low-power conversion circuit, and power is derived from this current flow. Thus a small amount of current is allowed to flow through the light circuit. However, the current is so small that the light filament is emitting little or no visible light. Because the current must be kept small enough to keep the light bulb  850  filament from emitting light when the switch  820  is off, this system also includes a battery  870  that is constantly trickle charged. 
     FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the embodiment of the device docking apparatus  900  of  FIG. 8  including a battery  950 . As seen in  FIG. 9 , the battery  950  is installed in the junction box  930  and provides substantial power for electronic devices docked in a device docking apparatus  900  at the wall  910 . The device docking apparatus  900  is fastened to a light switch module  920  on the wall  910 . AC power wires  940  are fed into a junction box  930  in the wall cavity and power the device docking apparatus  900  via the control charging module  905 . 
     FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric exploded assembly view of one embodiment of a PDA  1000 . The PDA  1000  shown here is similar to PDAs that currently exist on the market as standalone PDA devices. The size of the PDA  1000  is that which can be conveniently and easily hand held. The construction is of a typical two-piece plastic shell construction including a PDA front housing  1010  and a PDA rear housing  1040 . The PDA  1000  includes an LCD  1020  that contains an integral backlight so that the display may be read in low light. In one embodiment, the PDA may also include control buttons  1015  to operate the PDA  1000 . There may also be a printed circuit board  1030  that contains the electronic components, including the microprocessor, that constitute the functional data-manipulating aspect of the PDA  1000 . Memory chips are included on the printed circuit board  1030 . In one embodiment, the PDA  1000  also includes a wireless transceiver integrated circuit  1032  and an antenna  1034 . The PDA  1000  also includes electrical contacts  1042  and/or batteries  1044  to power the PDA  1000 . 
     FIG. 10  shows that the antenna is located internal to the PDA  1000 , mounted to the printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the wireless system that may be used in the PDA  1000  is an IEEE 802.11b system, manufactured by Intersil, Incorporated. In alternative embodiments, other wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth™ may be used. 
   Batteries  1044  are also shown in  FIG. 10  so that the PDA  1000  may operate when removed from a device docking apparatus. The entire assembly may be held together with threaded fasteners or any type of commonly used fastening system, including plastic snap-fits. 
     FIG. 11  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a device docking apparatus  1100  including a PDA  1060  with an integral charge-coupled device (CCD)  1164 . The device docking apparatus  1100  is fastened using switch plate screws  1130  to a light switch  1150  on a wall  1140 . The device docking apparatus  1100  includes a wall switch plate  1110  and a receptacle  1120  in the form of a PDA dock. A PDA  1160  is shown with an LCD  1162 , a stylus  1170 , and a CCD  1164  with a lens. A CCD  1164  is a semiconductor that is used to make a digital camera that is capable of taking still shots or moving pictures. In one embodiment, there is circuitry and other integrated circuits in the PDA  1100  on the printed circuit board that combine to form a subsystem for capturing and transmitting digital images via a wireless communication link between the PDA  1100  and a home server or the Internet. In one embodiment, the PDAs  1100  also include optional CCD camera plug-on adapters. One example of a PDA is the Palm Pilot, manufactured by Palm Computing. Another example of a PDA is Visor, manufactured by Handspring. Both the Palm Pilot and Visor offer such optional CCD camera plug-on adapters. 
     FIG. 12  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a device docking apparatus  1200  with an integral CCD  1250 . The device docking apparatus  1200  is similar to those shown in the previous figures and is fastened using wall switch plate screws  1240  to light switch modules  1270  on a wall  1260 . The device docking apparatus  1200  includes a wall switch plate  1210  and a receptacle in the form of a PDA dock  1220 . Electrical contacts  1230  may also be seen to contact corresponding electrical contacts on a portable electronic device. All the necessary circuitry for capturing and transmitting digital images is included on the control charging module (not shown). In one example, a remote user may able to access the output of the camera function at a device docking apparatus  1200  in their home regardless of whether or not the PDA is docked with the wall switch plate  1210 . 
     FIG. 13  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a device docking apparatus  1300  holding a cellular phone  1360 . The device docking apparatus  1300  is fastened using wall switch plate screws  1330  to light switch modules  1350  on a wall  1340 . The device docking apparatus  1300  includes a wall switch plate  1310  and a receptacle  1320  that holds the cellular phone  1360 . The cellular phone  1360  includes an LCD  1362  and buttons  1364 . Docking the cellular phone  1360  in the device docking apparatus  1300  allows the cellular phone  1360  to be conveniently stored and charged using the power supplied to the light switches  1350 . 
     FIG. 14  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a device docking apparatus  1400  holding a display module  1450 . The display module  1450  is similar to a PDA but with a larger LCD  1452 . In one embodiment, the display module  1450  may be removable from the device docking apparatus  1400  as seen in  FIG. 15 . In an alternative embodiment, the display module  1450  may be a component that is integral to the device docking apparatus  1400 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 14 , the display module  1450  is docked in the device docking apparatus  1400 , which is fastened using wall switch plate screws  1430  over light switches  1445  on a wall  1440 . The device docking apparatus  1400  includes a wall switch plate  1410  and receptacle  1420  that holds the display module  1450 . The display module  1450  includes buttons  1454  that are placed vertically along the right side of the LCD  1452 . In this configuration, with the buttons  1454  close to the LCD  1452 , each button  1454  can be labeled with text on the LCD  1452  near a corresponding button. In one embodiment, the display module  1450  may also have a stylus that can be stored in the display module  1450  housing. 
     FIG. 14  shows how, in one embodiment, each button  1454  might be labeled with a relevant item of content. For example, when a button  1454  corresponding to a softkey label is pressed, information of the type designated by the softkey label is presented to a user on the LCD  1452 . 
     FIG. 15  shows an isometric view of a display module  1530  removed from a device docking apparatus  1500 .  FIG. 15  is similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 . The device docking apparatus  1500  includes a wall switch plate  1510  and a receptacle in the form of a display module dock  1520 . The display module  1530  has a contact plate  1536  that fits into the display module dock  1520  so that the display module  1530  is docked in the device docking apparatus  1500 . 
     FIG. 16  illustrates an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a device docking apparatus  1600  fastened to a power outlet module  1660 . The device docking apparatus is fastened to the power outlet module  1660  on a wall  1650  using power outlet plate screws  1630 . The device docking apparatus  1600  in  FIG. 16  functions in the same manner as the device docking apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 1  by facilitating the charging, storage and operation of a docked portable electronic device. A device docking apparatus  1600  of this type may be used in places where power outlets are conveniently located, such as above a dresser or kitchen counter. The device docking apparatus  1600  includes a power outlet plate  1610 , a receptacle in the form of a PDA dock  1620 , and electrical contacts  1640  that would correspond to electrical contacts on a PDA. 
   In one embodiment, the portable electronic device may be removable from the device docking apparatus  1600 . In an alternative embodiment, the portable electronic device may be a component that is integral to the device docking apparatus  1600 . 
     FIG. 17  illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a device docking apparatus  1700  fastened to a power outlet module  1740  including electrical contact screws  1742 . The device docking apparatus  1700  includes a power outlet plate  1710 , a PDA dock  1720 , and a control charging module  1730 . The control charging module  1730  includes a printed circuit board with integrated circuits and other electronic components,  1732  and electrical contacts  1734 . The control charging module  1730  is similar to the one used in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , except that the printed circuit board is designed to accommodate the different geometry of the power outlet module  1740  rather than a light switch module. 
   Wall Switch Device 
     FIG. 18  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a wall switch device  1800  with an integral LCD  1820 , softkeys  1830 , and CCD with lens  1840 . The wall switch device  1800  includes a wall switch plate  1810  that is fastened to light switches  1870  on a wall  1860  with wall switch plate screws  1850 . In  FIG. 18 , the wall switch device  1800  does not act as a charging dock for other portable electronic devices. Rather, the wall switch device  1800  is used as a point of contact with a network of other wall switch devices  1800  or a network such as the Internet. Information is displayed on the LCD  1820  and manipulated with softkeys  1830  located near the LCD  1820 . All the necessary circuitry for manipulation and control of the LCD  1820 , softkeys  1830 , and CCD  1840  are included on the control charging module (not shown). 
     FIG. 19  illustrates a block schematic diagram of one embodiment of a functional system  1900  for the wall switch device  1800  shown in  FIG. 18 . In one embodiment, a control charging module (not shown) in the wall switch device  1900  may include any of the following integrated hardware: transformer and AC/DC power conversion  1920 , processor  1940 , memory  1910 , input devices (softkeys)  1930 , display driver/display  1970 , CCD  1950 , and network interface card (NIC)  1960 . 
   While  FIGS. 18 and 19  show an example that includes both the LCD and CCD, an alternate embodiment may include a wall switch device with only an LCD, or only a CCD with lens. 
   Power Outlet Device 
     FIG. 20  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a power outlet device  2000  with an integral LCD  2020 , softkeys  2030 , and CCD with lens  2040 . The power outlet device  2000  is similar to the wall switch device  1800  shown in  FIG. 18  except the power outlet device  2000  includes a power outlet plate  2010  that is fastened to a power outlet module  2070  on a wall  2060  using power outlet plate screws  2050 . Accordingly, the power outlet device  2000  may be used both as a power outlet and as a point of contact with a network of other power outlet devices, or other types of devices, and/or with a network such as the Internet. 
   Although  FIG. 20  shows an embodiment that includes both the LCD and CCD incorporated in a power outlet device, an alternate embodiment may only include a LCD, or only a CCD with lens. 
   System of Wall Switch Devices 
     FIG. 21  illustrates a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a system  2100  of wall switch devices  2120 ,  2130 ,  2140 ,  2150 ,  2160 , and  2170  and a wireless transceiver base  2110 . In one embodiment, wall switch devices  2120 ,  2130 ,  2140 , 2150 ,  2160 , and  2170  are located in rooms around any building, such as a house, at the light switch location near the entry doorway to the room. 
   In one embodiment, the wall switch devices  2120 ,  2130 ,  2140 ,  2150 ,  2160 , and  2170  are similar to that shown in  FIG. 18  with an integrated LCD, softkeys, and CCD with lens. In an alternative embodiment, a device docking apparatus such as one illustrated in  FIG. 1  may be used in the system described above. 
   A control charging module (not shown) in each wall switch device  2120 ,  2130 ,  2140 ,  2150 ,  2160 , and  2170  is connected to the AC power wires  2118  that run to that respective junction box. In one embodiment, the control charging module for the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21  may be in a device docking apparatus  100  as shown in  FIG. 1  and only have the purpose of charging batteries in a portable electronic device docked in the device docking apparatus from the line power. As discussed above the power must be converted from AC to DC, with the correct current and voltage supplied. 
     FIG. 21  shows that there is communication between each wall switch device, via a wireless data transfer protocol, and communication to either a local home server  2112 , and/or via a gateway  2112  to a server located external to the home anywhere on the Internet  2116  via an Internet connection  2114 . Each wall switch device also includes a wireless local area network (LAN) transceiver functionally connected to the control charging module. The Internet connection  2114  may be dial-up, cable, or DSL. Regardless of where the actual data destination is away from the wall switch devices  2120 ,  2130 ,  2140 ,  2150 ,  2160 , and  2170 , the data is transferred first to the wireless transceiver base  2110  in the vicinity of the wall switch devices  2120 ,  2130 ,  2140 ,  2150 ,  2160 , and  2170 . 
   The wireless transceiver base  2110  communicates to each wall switch device  2120 ,  2130 ,  2140 ,  2150 ,  2160 , and  2170  via a wireless data transfer protocol. In one embodiment, the wireless data transfer protocol that is used for local area communications is a system based on the IEEE 802.11b wireless communication standard. A wireless hub system such as an 802.11b system has a range of approximately 150 feet so it would be able to reach wall switch devices in a typical house. This architecture allows access to information the home server and/or the Internet via each wall switch device. In an alternative embodiment, the wireless transfer protocol may be Bluetooth™. Wireless LAN systems such as IEEE 802.11b are able to function in ad-hoc mode, where there is no central hub. Each switch device is a node on the network and can communicate with any other switch device within range of the radio-frequency field. Therefore, switch devices may be added at greater distances as long as each device is in communication contact with at least one other wireless LAN device. 
   In an alternative embodiment, there may also be communication between each portable electronic device docked or not docked in wall switch devices  2120 ,  2130 ,  2140 ,  2150 ,  2160 , and  2170 , via the wireless transceiver base  2110  in addition to communication to either the local home server  2112 , and/or via a gateway  2112  to a server located external to the home anywhere on the Internet  2114 . Regardless of where the actual data destination is away from the portable electronic devices, the data is transferred first to the wireless transceiver base in the vicinity of the portable electronic devices. 
   In one embodiment, the wireless system provides a discrete identifier or ID, for each of the wall switch devices  2120 ,  2130 ,  2140 ,  2150 ,  2160 , and  2170 . With this system, the source of the information that is entered or modified on a wall switch device  2120 ,  2130 ,  2140 ,  2150 ,  2160 , and  2170  may be tracked by other wall switch device  2120 ,  2130 ,  2140 ,  2150 ,  2160 , and  2170  or by the home server  2112 . An organizing software application is used to associate a user defined name to each wall switch device, in addition to the discrete class C network IP address such as a 192.168.1.X address specified for use in dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) systems. For example, one switch device has a class C IP address but is also referred to as “master bedroom” switch device. 
     FIG. 21  is an illustration of a system including wall switch devices. However, in alternative embodiments of systems discussed above with reference to  FIG. 21 , power outlet devices or device docking apparatus that fasten to power outlet modules may be used instead of wall switch devices and device docking apparatus that fasten to wall switch modules. 
     FIG. 22  a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a system of wall switch devices  2230 ,  2240 ,  2250 ,  2260 ,  2270 , and  2280  communicating via data signals  2222  that are superimposed on AC power wires  2220 . Intellon, Inc. is a provider of integrated circuits for sending and receiving data over AC power lines. The system  2200  shown in  FIG. 22  shows the information transfer between the wall switch devices  2230 ,  2240 ,  2250 ,  2260 ,  2270 , and  2280 . As in the system  2000  shown in  FIG. 20 , there are wall switch devices  2230 ,  2240 ,  2250 ,  2260 ,  2270 , and  2280  located at various points around a building, such as a house. Each wall switch device  2230 ,  2240 ,  2250 ,  2260 ,  2270 , and  2280  is connected to the power system wiring  2220  at each junction box. However, in the system shown in  FIG. 22 , the control charging module of each wall switch device  2230 ,  2240 ,  2250 ,  2260 ,  2270 , and  2280  must also include a LAN data transceiver (not shown) because the transfer of data between the wall switch devices  2230 ,  2240 ,  2250 ,  2260 ,  2270 , and  2280  uses the power wiring  2220  as the medium, with data signals  2222  superimposed on the AC fluctuation but at a much higher frequency. 
   The data transceiver filters out the low frequency AC voltage, de-modulates and otherwise digitally processes the data signal, and transfers the information superimposed on the AC wiring to the wall switch devices  2230 ,  2240 ,  2250 ,  2260 ,  2270 , and  2280 . It also isolates the wall switch device electrical system from the high voltage home wiring system. 
   In one embodiment, there may also be a wireless transceiver base  2210  to allow communication between each wall switch device  2230 ,  2240 ,  2250 ,  2260 ,  2270 , and  2280  and a local home server  2214 , and/or a gateway to a server  2214  located external to the home anywhere on the Internet via an Internet connection  2212 . The Internet connection  2212  may be dial-up, cable, or DSL. This type of communication requires a wireless data transfer protocol. Regardless of where the actual data destination is away from the wall switch devices  2230 ,  2240 ,  2250 ,  2260 ,  2270 , and  2280 , the data is transferred first to the wireless transceiver base  2210  in the vicinity of the wall switch devices  2230 ,  2240 ,  2250 ,  2260 ,  2270 , and  2280 . 
   The wireless transceiver base  2210  communicates with each wall switch device  2230 ,  2240 ,  2250 ,  2260 ,  2270 , and  2280  via the wireless data transfer protocol. In one embodiment, the wireless data transfer protocol that is used for local area communications is a system based on the IEEE 802.11b wireless communication standard. A wireless hub system such as an 802.11b system has a range of approximately 150 feet so it would be able to reach wall switch devices in a typical house. This architecture allows access to information the home server  2214  and/or the Internet via each wall switch device  2230 ,  2240 ,  2250 ,  2260 ,  2270 , and  2280 . In an alternative embodiment, the wireless communication protocol may be Bluetooth™. 
   In an alternative embodiment, there may also be communication between each portable electronic device docked or not docked in wall switch devices  2230 ,  2240 ,  2250 ,  2260 ,  2270 , and  2280 . For this type of communication, the system  2200  of  FIG. 2200  may use device docking apparatus as shown and described in  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, the portable electronic devices may communicate by sending data packets  2222  using the AC power wires  2220  as the medium. Accordingly, the portable electronic devices must be docked in the device docking apparatus in order to communicate with other portable electronic devices also docked in various device docking apparatus. In an alternative embodiment, the portable electronic devices may communicate with one another and the local home server  2214  via the wireless transceiver base  2210  even without being docked in any device docking apparatus. In addition, the portable electronic devices may communicate with a server  2214  located external to the home anywhere on the Internet via a gateway. Regardless of where the actual data destination is away from the portable electronic devices, in the latter described embodiment, the data is transferred first to the wireless transceiver base  2210  in the vicinity of the portable electronic devices. 
   In one embodiment, the wireless system provides a discrete identifier or ID, for each of the wall switch devices  2230 ,  2240 ,  2250 ,  2260 ,  2270 , and  2280 . With this system, the source of the information that is entered or modified on a wall switch device  2230 ,  2240 ,  2250 ,  2260 ,  2270 , and  2280  may be tracked by another wall switch device  2230 ,  2240 ,  2250 ,  2260 ,  2270 , and  2280  or the server  2214 . 
     FIG. 22  is an illustration of a system including wall switch devices. However, in alternative embodiments of systems discussed above with reference to  FIG. 22 , power outlet devices or device docking apparatus that fasten to power outlet modules may be used instead of wall switch devices and device docking apparatus that fasten to wall switch modules. 
     FIG. 23  illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a process  2300  of using a device docking apparatus. At processing block  2310  it is determined if power is to be supplied from a wall switch module. 
   If yes, then the process moves to processing block  2330 . At processing block  2330 , a portable electronic device is placed in a receptacle of the device docking apparatus. The device docking apparatus is fastened to a light module on a wall. 
   At processing block  2332 , power is supplied to the portable electronic device docked in the device docking apparatus via taps from power wires connected to the light switch module. At processing block  2334 , data is received from a network through the power wires to the device docking apparatus via a data transceiver on the device docking apparatus. At processing block  2336 , the data is transferred to the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is docked in the device docking apparatus. At processing block  2340 , data is transferred from the portable electronic device to the device docking apparatus when the portable electronic device is docked in the device docking apparatus. At processing block  2342 , data is sent from the device docking apparatus to the network through the power wires. 
   Referring back to processing block  2310 , if no, the process moves to processing block  2320  where it is determined if power is to be supplied from a power outlet module. If no, the process moves back to processing block  2310 . 
   If yes, the process moves to processing block  2344 . A portable electronic device is placed in a receptacle of the device docking apparatus. The device docking apparatus is fastened to a power outlet module. At processing block  2346 , power is supplied to the portable electronic device docked in the device docking apparatus via a tap from power wires connected to the power outlet module. At processing block  2348 , data is received from a network through the power wires to the device docking apparatus via a data transceiver on the device docking apparatus. At processing block  2350 , the data is transferred to the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is docked in the device docking apparatus. At processing block  2352 , data is transferred from the portable electronic device to the device docking apparatus when the portable electronic device is docked in the device docking apparatus. At processing block  2354 , data is sent from the device docking apparatus to the network through the power wires. 
     FIG. 24  illustrates a flow diagram of an alternative embodiment of a process  2400  of using a system including a wall switch device. At processing block  2410 , data is received from a network through power wires connected to a power input. The power input is coupled to a wall switch device fastened to a light switch module on a wall. The wall switch device receives the data via a data transceiver on the wall switch device. At processing block  2420 , the data is communicated back to the network. At processing block  2430 , data is communicated between the wall switch device and the network via a wireless transfer protocol using a transceiver base. At processing block  2440 , data is communicated between a server and the wall switch device using the wireless transceiver base. At processing block  2450 , data is communicated between the server and the wall switch device using a gateway connected to the server and the wireless transceiver base. 
   At processing block  2460 , the wall switch device is identified by having an identifier on the wall switch device. At processing block  2470 , information is displayed on a display integral to the wall switch device. At processing block  2480 , information is inputted via a user interface on the display module of the wall switch device. At processing block  2490 , digital images are captured via a charge-coupled device and lens integral to the wall switch device. At processing block  2495 , digital images are received and transmitted using the wireless transfer protocol.  FIG. 24  shows an embodiment of a process with wall switch devices. However, in an alternative embodiment, a similar process may use power outlet devices. 
   A system including a wall switch device, a system including a power outlet device, and methods for using the same have been described. Although the present invention is described herein with reference to specific embodiments, many modifications and variations therein will readily occur to those with ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are included within the intended scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.