DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of electronics engineering.
BACKGROUND
Conventionally, each household appliance is provided with an independent remote control device. Typically, these household appliances include televisions, audio devices, personal computers, air conditioners, lighting fixtures, and other such external devices. Under these circumstances, the number and types of remote control devices tend to proliferate. Moreover, each remote control device is configured to operate in a different way, which complicates the operation and causes problems in terms of operability.
Conventional home automation devices employ only a relay based circuit. In an event of restoration of power from the mains supply, the relay based circuit fails due to inrush current. More specifically, the inrush current damages the contacts of the relay. The susceptibility of the relay based switching circuit towards the power fluctuations leads to frequent failure thereby requiring frequent maintenance. Additionally, the conventional home automation devices do not provide a bypass arrangement for operating the appliances coupled to the home automation devices in an event of failure.
Therefore, there is felt a need for an apparatus that alleviates the above-mentioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus which is cost effective.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus which requires less maintenance.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus which has simple configuration.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus which can be easily retrofitted.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus which has a failsafe mechanism.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages an apparatus for operating at least one appliance. The apparatus comprises a processing unit, a control unit and an AC to DC converter. The processing unit is configured to receive at least one control command, and is further configured to analyze the received control command to generate at least one control signal. In an embodiment, at least one operating command is received by the processing unit from at least one wireless handheld device.
The control unit is configured to cooperate with the processing unit. The control unit includes a plurality of channels and a controller. Each of the plurality of channels is configured to couple a switch of a switchboard to an associated appliance. Further, each channel of the plurality of channels includes a switching unit and a detector. The detector is configured to detect the present state of the switch, and is further configured to generate a detection signal.
The controller is configured to receive at least one control signal and the detection signal, and is further configured to generate a set of switching signals.
The switching unit is configured to:
receive the set of switching signals from the controller; and
control the operation of the associated appliance based on the received switching signals.
In an embodiment, the switching unit is configured to operate in a failsafe mode to directly connect the switch to the associated appliance.
In an embodiment, the detector, of a channel, includes an opto-coupler wherein an input port of the opto-coupler is coupled to a first switch and an output port of the opto-coupler is coupled to the controller.
In an embodiment, the switching unit, of the channel, includes a driving unit and a hybrid relay switching mechanism. The hybrid relay switching mechanism has a TRIAC and a first relay in a parallel configuration. A second anode terminal of the TRIAC is connected to a common terminal of the first relay. A first anode terminal of the TRIAC is connected to a line voltage. A gate terminal of the TRIAC is connected to the driving unit. A normally open terminal of the first relay is connected to the line voltage.
Further, the controller is configured to:
generate a first switching signal to drive the gate terminal of the TRIAC for a first pre-determined time interval via the driving unit, subsequent to a reset condition of the apparatus; and
generate a second switching signal subsequent to the first pre-determined time interval to enable the first relay thereby connecting the normally open terminal of the first relay to the common terminal of the first relay.
Further, the switching unit includes a second relay that is configured to selectively couple the hybrid relay switching mechanism or the first switch of the switchboard to the associated appliance. In an embodiment, a normally open terminal of the second relay is coupled to the hybrid relay switching mechanism , a normally close terminal of the second relay is coupled to the first switch of the switchboard, and a common terminal of the second relay is connected to the appliance. Furthermore, the controller is configured to generate a third switching signal for connecting the normally open terminal of the second relay to the common terminal of the second relay thereby providing a current from the hybrid switching relay switching unit to the associated appliance via the second relay.
In an embodiment, the appliance is a associated appliance. A switching unit of a channel of the plurality of channels includes a third relay. The third relay is configured to selectively couple a second switch of the switchboard or a regulator unit of the channel to the associated appliance. Further, a normally close terminal of the third relay is connected to the second switch of the switchboard to supply current to the associated appliance via a common terminal of the third relay, when the second switch is in ON state. A normally open terminal of the third relay is connected to the regulator unit. Further, the controller is configured to generate a fourth switching signal for connecting the normally open terminal of the third relay to the common terminal of the third relay to supply current from the regulator unit to the associated appliance via the third relay.
In an embodiment, the regulator unit includes a fourth relay, a fifth relay, a sixth relay, and a seventh relay. The fourth relay has a common terminal and a normally open terminal, wherein the common terminal is connected to the line voltage and the normally open terminal is directly connected to the normally open terminal of the third relay. The fifth relay has a common terminal and a normally open terminal, wherein the common terminal is connected to the line voltage and the normally open terminal is coupled to the normally open terminal of the third relay via a first RC circuit. The sixth relay has a common terminal and a normally open terminal, wherein the common terminal is connected to the line voltage and the normally open terminal is coupled to the normally open terminal of the third relay via a second RC circuit. The seventh relay has a common terminal and a normally open terminal, wherein the common terminal is connected to the line voltage and the normally open terminal is coupled to the normally open terminal of the third relay via a third RC circuit. Further, the controller is configured to generate a fifth switching signal from the set of switching signals, to selectively activate one of the fourth relay, the fifth relay, the sixth relay, and the seventh relay to regulate the speed of the associated appliance based on the control command received from the wireless handheld device.
In another embodiment, the processing unit includes a Wi-Fi module. The Wi-Fi module is configured to establish a wireless connection with at least one handheld device to receive at least one control command.
In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one IR transmitter that is configured to cooperate with the processing unit to receive the control signal. The IR transmitter is further configured to generate at least one IR ray to operate at least one associated IR enabled appliance from the plurality of appliances.
In still another embodiment, the appliance is selected from the group consisting of at least one light bulb, at least one fan, at least one tube-light, at least one television, at least one fridge, at least one geyser, and at least one air conditioner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
An apparatus for operating at least one appliance of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for operating at least one appliance;
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a control unit of the apparatus of Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates a circuit diagram of a channel of the control unit of Figure 2;
Figure 4 illustrates a circuit diagram of another channel of the control unit of Figure 2;
Figure 5 illustrates a circuit diagram of a regulator unit of the channel of Figure 4;
Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram depicting interfacing of a processing unit of the apparatus of Figure 1 with a voltage regulator, an LED matrix, IR transmitters and IR receivers of the apparatus of Figure 1; and
Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram of an AC to DC converter of the apparatus of Figure 1.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – Apparatus
102 – Modular unit
102a – Processing Unit
102b – Control unit
102c – converter
104 – At least one wireless handheld device
106 – Appliances/ Load
108 – At least one external device
202 – a plurality of channels
202N1 – Channel
202N2 – Channel
206 – Switching Unit
206 N1 – Switching Unit of the channel
206 N2 – Switching Unit of the channel
208 – Detector
208 N1 – Detector of the channel
208 N2 – Detector of the channel
210 – Controller
212 – Driving Unit
214 – TRIAC
214A1 – First anode terminal
214A2 – Second anode terminal
214G – Gate terminal
216 – First relay
216C – Common terminal of First relay
216NO – Normally open terminal of First relay
218 – Second Relay
218C – Common terminal of Second Relay
218NC – Normally close terminal of Second Relay
218NO – Normally open terminal of Second Relay
220 – Load connector
224 – Third relay
224NC – Normally close terminal of third relay
224NO – Normally open terminal of third relay
224C – Common terminal of third relay
226 – Regulator Unit
228 – Seventh relay
228C – Common terminal of seventh relay
228NO – Normally open terminal of seventh relay
230 – Sixth relay
230C – Common terminal of sixth relay
230NO – Normally open terminal of sixth relay
232 – Fifth relay
232C – Common terminal of fifth relay
232NO – Normally open terminal of fifth relay
234 – Fourth relay
234C – Common terminal of fourth relay
234NO – Normally open terminal of fourth relay
236 – Second RC circuit
238 – Third RC circuit
240 – First RC circuit
302 – Voltage regulator
304 – LED Matrix
306 – Wi-Fi module
308 – Processor
310 – Temperature and Humidity detection Module
312 – A plurality of IR transmitters
314 – A plurality of IR receivers
402 – Rectifier
404 – Filter
406 – Control module
408 – Flyback transformer
410 – Feedback unit
412 – Overvoltage protection unit
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure envisages an apparatus for operating at least one appliance. In an embodiment, the apparatus is configured to control the operation of IR enabled appliances as well as non IR enables appliances such as refrigerators, tube-lights, ceiling associated appliances, and the like.
An apparatus 100 of the present disclosure is now described with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 7. The apparatus 100 of the present disclosure includes a modular unit 102. The apparatus 100 is coupled to at least one wireless handheld device 104 and a plurality of appliances 106.
The modular unit 102 includes a processing unit 102a, a control unit 102b and an AC to DC converter 102c. The processing unit 102a is configured to receive at least one control command from the wireless handheld device 104, and is further configured to analyze the received control command to generate at least one control signal. In an embodiment, at least one wireless handheld device is selected from the group consisting of a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, a wireless communication device, and an IR enabled remote device.
The control unit 102b is configured to cooperate with the processing unit 102a. Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a control unit 102b of the apparatus 100. The control unit 102b includes a plurality of channels 202 and a controller 210. Each of the plurality of channels 202 is configured to couple a switch of a switchboard to an associated appliance 106. Further, each channel (202N1, 202N2,... 202NN) of the plurality of channels 202 includes a switching unit 206 and a detector 208. The detector 208 is configured to detect the present state of the switch, and is further configured to generate a detection signal.
The controller 210 is configured to receive at least one control signal from the processing unit 102a and the detection signal from the detector 208, and is further configured to generate a set of switching signals based on the received at least one control signal and the detection signal.
Further, the switching unit 206 is configured to:
receive the set of switching signals from the controller 210; and
control the operation of the associated appliance 106 based on the received switching signals.
In an embodiment, switching unit 206 is configured to operate in a failsafe mode to directly connect the switch to the associated appliance 106.
Figure 3 illustrates a circuit diagram of a channel 202N1 of the control unit 102b. The detector 208N1, of the channel 202N1, includes an opto-coupler wherein an input port of the opto-coupler is coupled to a first switch, of the channel 202N1, and an output port of the opto-coupler is coupled to the controller 210.
In an embodiment, the switching unit 206N1, of the channel 202N1, includes a driving unit 212 and a hybrid relay switching mechanism. The hybrid relay switching mechanism has a TRIAC 214 and a first relay 216 in a parallel configuration. A second anode terminal 214A2 of the TRIAC 214 is connected to a common terminal 216C of the first relay 216. A first anode terminal 214A1 of the TRIAC 214 is connected to the line voltage. A gate terminal 214G of the TRIAC 214 is connected to the driving unit 212. A normally open terminal 216NO of the first relay 216 is connected to the line voltage.
Further, the controller 210 is configured to:
generate a first switching signal to drive the gate terminal 214G of the TRIAC 214 for a first pre-determined time interval via the driving unit 212, subsequent to a reset condition of the apparatus 100; and
generate a second switching signal subsequent to the first pre-determined time interval to enable the first relay 216 thereby connecting the normally open terminal 216NO of the first relay 216 to the common terminal 216C of the first relay 216.
In the present disclosure, the controller 210 is configured to activate the TRIAC 214 for the first pre-determined time (i.e. for few initial cycles) and thereafter the controller 210 is configured to deactivate the TRIAC 214 and activate the first relay 216.
Further, the switching unit 206N1 of the channel 202N1 includes a second relay 218 that is configured to selectively couple the hybrid relay switching mechanism or the first switch of the switchboard to the associated appliance 106. In an embodiment, a normally open terminal 218NO of the second relay 218 is coupled to the hybrid relay switching mechanism, a normally close terminal 218NC of the second relay 218 is coupled to the first switch of the switchboard, and a common terminal 218C of the second relay 218 is connected to the associated appliance. The common terminal 218C is connected to the associated appliance via a load connector 220. Furthermore, the controller 210 is configured to generate a third switching signal for connecting the normally open terminal 218NO of the second relay 218 to the common terminal 218C of the second relay 218 thereby providing a current from the hybrid relay switching mechanism to the associated appliance via the second relay 218.
In an embodiment, the appliance 106 is a associated appliance. Figure 4 illustrates a circuit diagram of another channel 202N2 of the control unit 102b. A switching unit 206N2 of the channel 202N2 of the plurality of channels 202 includes a third relay 224. The third relay 224 is configured to selectively couple a second switch of the switchboard or a regulator unit 226 of the channel 202N2 to the associated appliance. Further, a normally close terminal 224NC of the third relay 224 is connected to the second switch of the switchboard to supply current to the associated appliance via a common terminal 224C of the third relay 224 when the second switch is in ON state. A normally open terminal 224NO of the third relay 224 is connected to the regulator unit 226. Further, the controller 210 is configured to generate a fourth switching signal for connecting the normally open terminal 224NO of the third relay 224 to the common terminal 224C of the third relay 224 to supply current from the regulator unit 226 to the associated appliance via the third relay 224.
Figure 5 illustrates a circuit diagram of the regulator unit 226 of the channel 202N2. The regulator unit 226 includes a fourth relay 234, a fifth relay 232, a sixth relay 230, and a seventh relay 228. The fourth relay 234 has a common terminal 234C and a normally open terminal 234NO, wherein the common terminal 234C is connected to the line voltage and the normally open terminal 234NO is directly connected to the normally open terminal 224NO of the third relay 224. The fifth relay 232 has a common terminal 232C and a normally open terminal 232NO, wherein the common terminal 232C is connected to the line voltage and the normally open terminal 232NO is coupled to the normally open terminal 224NO of the third relay 224 via a first RC circuit 240. The sixth relay 230 has a common terminal 230C and a normally open terminal 230NO, wherein the common terminal 230C is connected to the line voltage and the normally open terminal 230NO is coupled to the normally open terminal 224NO of the third relay 224 via a second RC circuit 236. The seventh relay 228 has a common terminal 228C and a normally open terminal 228NO, wherein the common terminal 228C is connected to the line voltage and the normally open terminal 228NO is coupled to the normally open terminal 224NO of the third relay 224 via a third RC circuit 238. Further, the controller 210 is configured to generate a fifth switching signal from the set of switching signals, to selectively activate one of the fourth relay 234, the fifth relay 232, the sixth relay 230, or the seventh relay 228 to regulate the speed of the associated appliance based on the control command received from the wireless handheld device 104.
In an embodiment, the control unit 102b is connected to a switchboard and the appliance/load 106. The load 106 is selected from the group consisting of light bulb, fan, tube-light, television, fridge, geyser, air conditioner and any other high voltage electrical appliance.
The switchboard includes a plurality of switches. An output port of each of the switches is connected to an input port of each of the channels of the control unit 102b. Each channel 202 is independent of other channels. In an embodiment, the controller 210 is configured to employ a state machine. The state machine is selected from the group consisting of a finite state machine (FSM), a Mealy machine, a Moore machine, and an algorithmic state machine (ASM). In an embodiment, the controller 210 is configured to create a lookup table having information about the current and previous state of the load at every instant of time at which the switch and/or the at least one wireless handheld device 104 is triggered. In an embodiment, if the control unit 102b, and/or the AC to DC converter 102c and/or any electronic component of the apparatus 100 fails then the switching unit 206 acts as a bypass unit. The control unit 102b acts in a failsafe mode. In an embodiment, in the failsafe mode, in an event of failure or malfunctioning of any electrical/electronic component(s) of the apparatus 100, the switching unit 206 is configured to automatically connect the switchboard to the load 106. In another embodiment, the connection between the switchboard and the load 106 provides continuous power from the switchboard to the load 106.
In an embodiment, the control unit 102b is configured to compute the consumption of each of the appliances 106 connected to the control unit 102b and is further configured to provide the consumption data to the at least one wireless handheld device 104.
In an embodiment, the control unit 102b employs a current measuring unit for controlling the operation of a high voltage load.
Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram depicting interfacing of a processing unit 102a of the apparatus 100 of Figure 1 with a voltage regulator 302, an LED matrix 304,a plurality of IR transmitters 312, and a plurality of IR receivers 314 of the apparatus 100 of Figure 1; and Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram of an AC to DC converter of the apparatus of Figure 1.
The modular unit 102 is configured to receive an AC input via an AC input supply (not shown figures). In an embodiment, the voltage rating of the AC input is in the range of 90 Volts to 240 Volts. The modular unit 102 is configured to receive at least one command from the wireless handheld device 104. The modular unit 102 is further configured to, based on the at least one command, control the operation of the plurality of appliances 106. In an embodiment, the modular unit 102 is further configured to register the at least one external device 108.
In an embodiment, the AC to DC converter 102c is configured to convert the AC input to a DC voltage. Typically, the value of the DC voltage is 5 Volt. The AC to DC converter 102c includes a rectifier 402, a filter 404, a control module 406, a flyback transformer 408, a feedback unit 410 and an overvoltage protection unit 412. In an embodiment, the rectifier 402 is a bridge rectifier. The rectifier 402 is configured to receive the AC input, and is further configured to generate a rectified voltage. In another embodiment, the rectifier 402 is a full wave rectifier. An output port of the rectifier 402 is connected to an input port of the filter 404. The filter 404 is a p filter. The p filter includes an inductor and two capacitors. The filter 404 is configured to receive the rectified voltage. The filter 404 is configured to continuously provide a high DC voltage at an output port of the filter 404 and is further configured to reduce the electro-magnetic interference. The output port of the filter 404 is connected to an input port of the control module 406. The control module 406 is a MOS (metal oxide semiconductor) based switching device. An output port of the control module 406 is connected to a primary side of the flyback transformer 408. A secondary side of the flyback transformer 408 is connected to an input port of the feedback unit 410. An output port of the feedback unit 410 is connected to the control module 406. The control module 406 is configured to control a voltage at the primary side of the flyback transformer 408 based on a feedback signal, thereby maintaining a constant DC voltage at the secondary side of the flyback transformer 408. The feedback unit 410 is configured to sense the voltage at the secondary side of the flyback transformer 408 and is further configured to generate the feedback signal. The overvoltage protection unit 412 is configured to check the line voltage at the input port of the filter 404. In an embodiment, if the voltage at the input port of the filter 404 is greater than or equal to 400 Volt peak to peak, then the overvoltage protection unit 412 is configured to stop the operation of the control module 406. The secondary side of the flyback transformer 408 is connected to the control unit 102b and the processing unit 102a for providing a constant DC supply voltage to the various electronic units/components/devices.
In an embodiment, the processing unit 102a includes a Wi-Fi module 306 and a processor 308. The Wi-Fi module 306 is configured to establish a wireless connection with at least one wireless handheld device 104 to receive at least one control command.
In an embodiment, the apparatus includes the voltage regulator 302, the LED matrix 304, a temperature and humidity detection module 310, the plurality of IR (infrared) transmitters 312, and the plurality of IR receivers 314.
The voltage regulator 302 is connected to the secondary side of the flyback transformer 408. The voltage regulator 302 is configured to receive the constant DC voltage, and is further configured to generate a regulated DC voltage. Typically, the value of the regulated DC voltage is 3.3 Volts.
The Wi-Fi module 306 is connected to the voltage regulator 302. The Wi-Fi module 306 is configured to operate on the regulated DC voltage. The Wi-Fi module 306 is connected to the LED matrix 304. The Wi-Fi module 306 is wirelessly coupled to at least one wireless handheld device 104. The Wi-Fi module 306 module is configured to operate in a hotspot mode or a Wi-Fi router mode. At least one wireless handheld device 104 includes a device control module (not shown in figures), a memory (not shown in figures) and a device processor (not shown in figures). The at least one wireless handheld device 104 (hereinafter also “the wireless handheld device” is referred as “handheld device”) is configured to cooperate with a cloud server or any other external server.
In the hotspot mode the at least one handheld device 104 is paired with the Wi-Fi module 306. The Wi-Fi module 306 is configured to set up its own local area wireless network in the hotspot mode.
In the Wi-Fi router mode the at least one handheld device 104 is paired with the Wi-Fi module 306 via a Wi-Fi router (not shown in figures). The Wi-Fi router is connected to an internet. In the Wi-Fi router mode, the Wi-Fi module 306 is configured to pair with the Wi-Fi router using the information received from the at least one handheld device 104. The information may include username and password of the Wi-Fi router. Preferably, the Wi-Fi module 306 may use the Wi-Fi router mode. If the Wi-Fi router is not available or the username and/or password is incorrect, then the Wi-Fi module 306 switches to the hotspot mode.
In an embodiment, if the internet provided by an internet service provider to the Wi-Fi router is not available, then the Wi-Fi module 306 cooperates with the at least one handheld device 104 using the wireless network of the Wi-Fi router.
The Wi-Fi module 306 is configured to receive the control command from the at least one handheld device 104. The device control module of the at least one handheld device 104 is configured to receive input from a user. The device control module of the at least one handheld device 104 is configured to fetch the control command from the memory or from an external server or from a cloud server corresponding to the received input, and is further configured to transmit the control command.
In an embodiment the Wi-Fi module 306 is configured to analyze the control command, and is further configured to generate an LED control signal to control the LED matrix 304, when the control command is the light control command. In an embodiment, the control command may be to change the mood light. The LED matrix 304 may be connected to the secondary side of the flyback transformer 408.
The processor 308 is connected to the Wi-Fi module 306, the plurality of IR transmitters 312, the temperature and humidity detection module 310, the plurality of IR receivers 314 and the voltage regulator 302. The plurality of IR transmitters 312 is connected to the secondary side of the flyback transformer 408. The voltage regulator 302 is connected to the temperature and humidity detection module 310, and the plurality of IR receivers 314.
In another embodiment, the Wi-Fi module 306 is configured to analyze the control command and is further configured to transmit the control command to the processor 308, when the control command is the appliance control command. The processor 308 is configured to receive the control command from the Wi-Fi module 306. The processor 308 is configured to analyze the control command and is further configured to generate either a first electrical signal or a first trigger signal or a first request signal or control signal based on the analyzed control command. A first IR transmitter from the plurality of IR transmitters 312 is configured to receive the first electrical signal and is further configured to emit a first IR ray based on the first electrical signal. Each of the plurality of appliances 106 may include an appliance IR receiver. The appliance IR receiver of a first appliance from the plurality of appliances 106 is configured to receive the first IR ray. The operation of the first appliance is controlled based on the first IR ray. Further, the plurality of IR transmitters 312 is configured to emit a plurality of IR rays, wherein each of the plurality of IR rays is used to control the operation of each of the plurality of appliances.
In an embodiment, the modular unit 102 is configured to register and control at least one external device 108. The modular unit 102 is configured to enable a first IR receiver from the plurality of IR receivers 314 by receiving the first trigger signal. The first IR receiver is configured to receive a second IR ray from a remote control associated with the at least one external device 108. The at least one external device 108 is a non-registered appliance. The first IR receiver is further configured to generate a second electrical signal based on the second IR ray. The processor 308 is configured to receive the second electrical signal and is further configured to generate a second command based on the second electrical signal. The Wi-Fi module 306 is configured to receive the second command and is further configured to transmit the second command to the at least one handheld device 104. The at least one handheld device 104 is configured to receive the second command and is further configured to store the second command in the memory or the server, thereby registering the at least one external device 108.
The temperature and humidity detection module 310 includes at least one temperature sensor and at least one humidity sensor. The temperature and humidity detection module 310 is configured to receive the first request signal from the processor 308, and is further configured to sense the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment. The temperature and humidity detection module 310 is configured to generate a temperature value and a humidity value, and is further configured to transmit the temperature and humidity values to the processor 308.
In an embodiment, the modular unit 102 includes at least one heat sink heat sink for heat dissipation.
In an embodiment, the modular unit 102 includes automatic timing circuit to automatically switch on or switch off the appliances.
In another embodiment, the modular unit 102 includes motion and heat sensor to check the occupancy in the room. The appliances may be automatically switched on or switched off based on the occupancy.
In an embodiment, the modular unit 102 includes an automatic door locking unit and a door bell control unit. The door bell control unit includes a face recognition unit.
In an embodiment, each of the modules/units of the modular unit 102 may be independent, and may be configured to connect to a web-server and the internet independently without the need of central-hub or bridge.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of an apparatus that:
• is cost effective;
• requires less maintenance;
• has simple configuration;
• can be easily retrofitted; and
• has a failsafe mechanism.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM
1. An apparatus (100) for operating at least one appliance (106), said apparatus (100) comprising:
a. a processing unit (102a) configured to receive at least one control command, and further configured to analyze said control command to generate at least one control signal;
b. a control unit (102b) configured to cooperate with said processing unit (102a), said control unit (102b) includes:
i. a plurality of channels (202N1, 202N2, 202N3…), wherein each of said channels (202) is configured to couple a switch of a switchboard to an associated appliance, wherein each of said channels (202) includes:
• a switching unit (206); and
• a detector (208) configured to detect the present state of said switch of said switchboard, and further configured to generate a detection signal;
ii. a controller (210) configured to receive said at least one control signal and said detection signal, and further configured to generate a set of switching signals;
wherein said switching unit (206) is configured to:
receive said set of switching signals from said controller (210); and
control the operation of the associated appliance based on the received switching signals.

2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said operating command is configured to be received by said processing unit (102a) from at least one wireless handheld device (104).
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detector (208N1) of a channel (202N1) includes an opto-coupler wherein an input port of said opto-coupler is coupled to a first switch which is coupled to said channel and an output port of said opto-coupler is coupled to said controller (210).
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said switching unit (206N1) of said channel (202N1) includes:
a. a driving unit (212); and
b. a hybrid relay switching mechanism having a TRIAC (214) connected in a parallel configuration with a first relay (216) , wherein:
i. a second anode terminal (214A2) of said TRIAC (214) is connected to a common terminal (216C) of said first relay (216);
ii. a first anode terminal (214A1) of said TRIAC (214) is connected to the line voltage;
iii. a gate terminal (214G1) of said TRIAC (214) is connected to said driving unit (212); and
iv. a normally open terminal (216NO) of said first relay (216) is connected to the line voltage;
wherein said controller (210) is configured to:
generate a first switching signal to drive said gate terminal (214G) of said TRIAC (214) for a first pre-determined time interval via said driving unit (212), subsequent to a reset condition of said apparatus (100); and
generate a second switching signal subsequent to said first pre-determined time interval to enable said first relay (216) thereby connecting said normally open terminal (216NO) of said first relay (216) to said common terminal (216C) of said first relay (216).
5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said switching unit (206N1) further includes:
a second relay (218) configured to selectively couple said hybrid relay switching mechanism or said first switch of said switchboard to said associated appliance; wherein:
i. a normally open terminal (218NO) of said second relay (218) is coupled to said hybrid relay switching mechanism;
ii. a normally close terminal (218NC) of said second relay (218) is coupled to said first switch of said switchboard; and
iii. a common terminal (218C) of said second relay (218) is connected to said associated appliance;
wherein said controller (210) is configured to generate a third switching signal for connecting said normally open terminal (218NO) of said second relay (218) to said common terminal (218C) of said second relay (218) thereby providing a current from said hybrid relay switching mechanism to said associated appliance via said second relay (218).
6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said switching unit is configured operate in a failsafe mode to directly connect said switch to said associated appliance.
7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said switching unit of a channel (202N2) of said plurality of channels (202) includes a third relay (224) configured to selectively couple a second switch of the switchboard or a regulator unit (226) of said channel (202N2) to the associated appliance, wherein:
a. a normally close terminal (224NC) of said third relay (224) is connected to said second switch of said switchboard to supply current to said associated appliance via a common terminal (224C) of said third relay (224), when the second switch is in ON state; and
b. a normally open terminal (224NO) of said third relay (224) is connected to said regulator unit (226);
wherein said controller (210) is configured to generate a fourth switching signal for connecting said normally open terminal (224NO) of said third relay (224) to said common terminal (224C) of said third relay (224) to supply current from said regulator unit (226) to said associated appliance via said common terminal (224C) of said third relay (224).
8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said regulator unit (226) includes:
a. a fourth relay (234) having a common terminal (234C) connected to the line voltage and a normally open terminal (234NO) directly connected to said normally open terminal (224NO) of said third relay (224);
b. a fifth relay (232) having a common terminal (232C) connected to the line voltage and a normally open terminal (232NO) coupled to said normally open terminal (224NO) of said third relay (224) via a first RC circuit (240);
c. a sixth relay (230) having a common terminal (230C) connected to the line voltage and a normally open terminal (230NO) coupled to said normally open terminal (224NO) of said third relay (224) via a second RC circuit (236); and
d. a seventh relay (228) having a common terminal (228C) connected to the line voltage and a normally open terminal (228NO) coupled to said normally open terminal (224NO) of said third relay (224) via a third RC circuit (238);
wherein said controller (210) is configured to generate a fifth switching signal from said set of switching signals, to selectively activate one of said fourth relay (234), said fifth relay (232), said sixth relay (230), and said seventh relay (228) thereby regulating the speed of said associated appliance based on said control command received from said handheld device (104).
9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said processing unit (102a) includes a Wi-Fi module (306) configured establish a wireless connection with said at least one handheld device (104) to receive said at least one control command.
10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes at least one IR transmitter (312) configured to cooperate with said processing unit (102a) to receive said control signal, and further configured to generate at least one IR ray to operate at least one associated IR enabled appliance.
11. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said appliance (106) is selected from the group consisting of at least one light bulb, at least one fan, at least one tube-light, at least one television, at least one fridge, at least one geyser, and at least one air conditioner.