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`Case: IPR2018-01592
`Patent No.: 9,320,122
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`EXHIBIT 1043
`
`PRIME WIRE & CABLE, INC.
`
` Petitioner,
`
`v.
`
`CANTIGNY LIGHTING
`CONTROL, LLC.
`
` Patent owner
`
`JASCO PRODUCTS, INC.
`
` Licensee
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
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`Formatted: Left
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`Formatted: Font: Not Bold, Not Italic
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`Programmable light timer and a method of implementing a programmableprogammable light
`timer
`
`
`Abstract
`
`A programmable light timer for implementing a timing pattern is described. The programmable
`light timer comprises a memory storing a plurality of timing patterns, each timing pattern being
`associated with a unique timing pattern code and having one or more on/off settings for a time
`period; and a user interface enabling the selection of a timing pattern code associated with a
`timing pattern of the plurality of timing patternsan actuator on a user interface of the
`programmable light timer enabling a selection of a time for the programmable light timer; a
`control circuit coupled to the actuator; a display coupled to the control circuit, wherein a time
`selected by the actuator is provided on the display; a first button on the user interface of the
`programmable light timer, wherein the first button is programmable to have an on time; and a
`second button on the user interface of the programmable light timer, wherein the second button is
`programmable to have an off time. A method of implementing a timing pattern on a
`programmable light timer is also described.
`
`Description
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates generally to lighting control products, and in particular, to a
`programmable light timer and a method of implementing a programmable light timer.
`
` Applicant claims priority on co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 14/066,724, filed on Oct. 20,
`2013.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Conventional timers for lights, such as timers for indoor lamps or outdoor lights for example,
`either provide little functionality, or are difficult to program. Because of the limited size of the
`conventional timers, the size of the screen and the size of the interface for programming the
`timer are both relatively small. This is particularly true of an in-wall timer, which must fit in an
`electrical box, commonly called a junction box. Not only does a user of the in-wall timer have to
`read a very small display, but the user has to advance through a menu shown on the small display
`using a very limited interface which is provided on the remaining portion of the timer. Entering
`data on such a user interface is particularly difficult because the in-wall timer is fixed and
`generally positioned well below eye level.
`
`Further, conventional timers are often unreliable. For example, conventional mechanical timers
`often malfunction over time, leaving the user without the use of the timer for some period of time
`and requiring the user to incur the expense of replacing the timer. Moreover, advanced digital
`timers having electronic displays may be difficult to operate, providing a barrier to certain
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`EXHIBIT 1043 Page 1 of 23
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`groups of people who would otherwise use a timer, but don't want to struggle through a complex
`interface on the small screen of the timer to properly set the timer. For example, not only is the
`display very small and difficult to read, but the user interface is difficult to navigate on such a
`small display. These groups of users are either left with no timing operation for their lights, or
`timers which do not provide the timing operation that they desire. Without an effective timer for
`a light for example, the light may be on significantly longer than necessary, not only wasting
`energy but in many cases increasing pollution as a result. As energy consumption world-wide
`continues to increase, it is important to reduce or minimize the consumption of energy in any
`way possible. The timer of the present invention provides significant benefits in reducing energy
`consumption.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
` A
`
` A
`
` programmable light timer for implementing a timing pattern is described. The programmable
`light timer comprises a memory storing a plurality of timing patterns, each timing pattern being
`associated with a unique timing pattern code and having one or morean actuator on/off settings
`for a time period; and a a user interface of the programmable light timer enabling thea selection
`of a timing pattern code associated with a timing pattern of the plurality of timing patternstime
`for the programmable light timer; a control circuit coupled to the actuator; a display coupled to
`the control circuit, wherein a time selected by the actuator is provided on the display; a first
`button on the user interface of the programmable light timer, wherein the first button is
`programmable to have an on time; and a second button on the user interface of the programmable
`light timer, wherein the second button is programmable to have an off time.
`
`Another programmable light timer for implementing a timing pattern comprises a memory
`storingan actuator on a pluralityuser interface of timing patterns, each timing pattern being
`associated with a unique timing pattern code and having one or more on/off settings for a time
`period; and a numeric keypadthe programmable light timer, the actuator enabling the entry of
`data and the a selection of a timing pattern code associated withtime for the programmable light
`timer; a control circuit coupled to the actuator; a display coupled to the control circuit, wherein a
`timing pattern of the plurality of timing patternstime selected by the actuator is provided on the
`display; a first button on the user interface of the programmable light timer, the first button
`enabling the selection of a first pre-stored timing pattern; and a second button on the user
`interface of the programmable light timer, the second button enabling the selection of a second
`pre-stored timing pattern.
`
` method of implementing a timing pattern inon a programmable light timer is also
`discloseddescribed. The method comprises storing a plurality of timing patterns in a memory,
`each timing pattern being associated with a unique timing pattern code and having one or more
`on/off settingsenabling, on a user interface of the programmable light timer, a selection of a time
`for a time period; and enabling the selection of a timing pattern code associated with a timing
`pattern of the pluralitythe programmable light timer; displaying the time on a display of timing
`patternsthe programmable light timer; enabling a first button, provided on the user interface of
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`the programmable light timer, to be programmed to have an on time; and enabling a second
`button, provided on the user interface of the programmable light timer, to be programmed to
`have an off time.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a front panel of an in-wall light timer according to an
`embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front panel of the in-wall light timer of FIG. 1 with a cover
`open according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a front panel of an in-wall light timer having a display according
`to another embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the front panel of the in-wall light timer of FIG. 3 with a cover
`open according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the front panel of the in-wall light timer of FIG. 3 with a cover
`open according to another embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the front panel of the in-wall light timer of FIG. 3 having preset
`buttons according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the front panel of the in-wall light timer of FIG. 3 having preset
`buttons according to another embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 8 is a side view of the in-wall timer enable a connection of the timer to electrical wiring;
`
`FIG. 9 is a side view of a timer having a front panel according to FIGS. 1-7 and adapted to be
`implemented with a wall outlet according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a circuit enabling the operation of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-9
`according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the a circuit enabling the operation of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-
`9 having a wireless communication circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless communication circuit enabling the
`operation of the circuit of FIG. 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 13 is a segmented map showing geographic regions of operation for a timer according to an
`embodiment of the present invention;
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`EXHIBIT 1043 Page 3 of 23
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`FIG. 14 is a diagram showing data fields of data entered by a user according to an embodiment
`of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 15 is a diagram showing data fields of data entered by a user according to an alternate
`embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 16 is table showing timing pattern codes and associated timing characterization data and
`categories according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 17 is a table showing the designation of regions associated with a number of geographical
`locations according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 18 is a table showing average dusk and dawn times for various regions and periods
`according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 19 is a table showing daylight savings time codes and associated daylight savings time
`characterization data according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 20 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the 5-key user interface of FIGS. 5 and 7
`according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIGS. 21-43 shows a series of stages of programming a timer using the 5-key user interface of
`FIGS. 5 and 7;
`
`FIG. 44 is a memory showing fields and stored data associated with the programmed timer of
`FIG. 43;
`
`FIGS. 45-49 show screens of a user interface enabling the wireless programming of a timer
`according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 50 is a chart showing dusk and dawn times over a year;
`
`FIG. 51 is a chart showing dusk and dawn times over a year and which is divided into two
`periods including standard time and daylight savings time;
`
`FIG. 52 is a chart showing dusk and dawn times over a year and which is divided into four
`periods including four seasons;
`
`FIG. 53 is a flow chart showing a method of generating timing characterization data according to
`an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 54 is a flow chart showing a method of implementing a timer with a plurality of timing
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`EXHIBIT 1043 Page 4 of 23
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`patterns according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 55 is a flow chart showing a method of selecting a stored timing pattern using the keypad of
`FIGS. 2 and 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
`
`FIG. 56 is a flow chart showing a method of selecting a stored timing pattern using 5 key user
`interface of FIGS. 5 and 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The various embodiments set forth below overcome significant problems with conventional
`timers of having to use a small display, and navigating a menu on such a small display. Some
`embodiments eliminate the requirement of having a display by providing pre-programmed
`timing patterns which can be easily selected by entering a timing pattern code associated with a
`desired timing pattern. Other embodiments include a display, but benefit from an improved user
`interface which enables the easy selection of a timing pattern by selecting a desired timing
`pattern code. In addition to selecting the timing pattern code, the user interfaces for embodiments
`with or without a display enabling the easy programming of other data which must be entered to
`operate the timer. By storing the timing patterns which are associated with common or desirable
`on/off patterns which are likely to be used to operate the timer, a user does not need to enter
`on/off times for a light for various times during a day or week, or reprogram the timer in
`response to changes in dusk and dawn times during a calendar year.
`
`Turning first to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a front panel of an in-wall light timer according to
`an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The timer of FIG. 1 comprises a housing
`portion 102 having an optional cover 104 (coupled to the timer by way of a hinge 106) which
`covers a user interface when in the closed position and enables programming the timer by way of
`the user interface in the open position. A feedback indicator 108, such as a light and more
`particularly a light emitting diode (LED), could be implemented to show the status of the light or
`other appliance attached to the timer, for example. The feedback indicator could show green
`when a light attached to the timer is on, and could be or (or show red) when the light is off. An
`optional switch 109 which is movable between an on or off position, and a timer position for
`implementing the timer according to a selected timing pattern. While the cover is primarily
`cosmetic and may generally prevent unintentional changing of the timer, the timer cover is not
`necessary. Alternatively, the cover may be functional, such as functioning as an on/off override
`switch for the light or appliance attached to the timer in place of the switch 109. For example, the
`state of the light may be toggled (i.e. changed from a current state, such as on, to the other state,
`such as off) in response to pressing the cover which would activate a switch to change the state
`of the light if the switch 110 is not included. Flanges 111 and 112, each having a threaded
`portion for receiving a screw to attach the timer to a junction box. While the various
`embodiments are generally described in reference to a timer which is "hard wired" in a junction
`and may be used for a porch light for example, it should be understood that the user interfaces,
`circuits and methods set forth in more detail below could be implemented in a timer which is
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`EXHIBIT 1043 Page 5 of 23
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`plugged into an outlet (commonly called an light or appliance timer), as will be described in
`more detail below in reference to FIG. 9. Further, while some examples are provided in terms of
`residential-type in-wall timers which are installed in a conventional residential junction box, it
`should be understood that the user interfaces, circuits and methods could be implemented in
`commercial timers.
`
`Turning now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the front panel of the in-wall light timer of FIG. 1
`with a cover open according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown in
`FIG. 2, when the cover 104 is moved to an open position, a user interface comprising a keypad
`204 is accessible on an inner surface 202. Also shown on an inner surface 206 of the cover,
`instructions can be printed to enable the user to easily program the timer. As will be described in
`more detail below, a user can program the timer in 5 simple steps (and change a timing pattern
`using a single step). The keypad 204 of FIG. 2 comprises 0-9 keys and star (*) and pound (#)
`keys.
`
`According to one embodiment, the timer could be programmed using 5 steps for entering data on
`the keypad as shown on the inside of the cover. The keypad is used to enter numeric data which
`is necessary to operate the timer. A key pattern sequence is entered to clear the timer if
`necessary. For example, the star key could be pressed 3 times to clear the memory. Data
`necessary to operate the timer according to a user's desired timing pattern is then entered. In
`particular, a current time is entered followed by the pound key. The pound key may be entered to
`indicate that all of the data for a given field. Alternatively, all of the data could be considered to
`be entered after a time-out period. The time is preferably entered as military time (e.g. 2:00 PM
`would be entered as 1400) to ensure that the correct AM or PM time is stored. Alternatively, a
`code at the end of the time could be entered to indicate AM or PM. A date is then entered,
`followed by the pound key. The date is preferably entered as a 6 digit code (e.g. in the
`DDMMYY format) to ensure that the date is properly interpreted. A location code (such as a zip
`code) could then be entered followed by the pound key. As will be described in more detail
`below, the location code can be associated with a region which is used to ensure that the correct
`daylight savings times and dawn and dusk times (or average values associated with dawn and
`dusk times) are used to operate the timer. The timing pattern is then entered followed by the
`pound key. The timing pattern will be used to operate the timer based upon the current time, date
`and location of the timer. Accordingly, after 5 simple steps, the timer is programmed to follow a
`timing pattern that meets the user's needs, and operates as it would if on/of times were entered on
`a user interface in a conventional manner to implement the timing pattern.
`
`In addition to providing simple steps to program the timer, the user interface of FIG. 2 also
`enables easy reprogramming if desired by the user. Although the selection of a desired timing
`pattern will eliminate the need to reprogram the timer (such as at the start of spring or fall
`seasons as is generally required with conventional timers), the user interface enables easy
`reprogramming is a user decides that they simply want to change the timing pattern. That is,
`rather than having to clear all of the data and re-enter the current time, date and a zip code, a key
`sequence could be entered followed by the pound key to change the timing pattern. For example,
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`a user could enter a sequence of three # keys followed by the new timing pattern, followed by the
`# key. While the use of pre-stored timing patterns which can easily be selected using a timing
`pattern code, it may be the case that the user may realize that they do not like the pattern that
`they selected, and decide that they simply want to change the timing pattern that they selected.
`Alternatively, a user may decide that they want to periodically reprogram the timer. That is,
`although the use of pre-stored patterns eliminates the need for reprogramming, reprogramming
`the timer to implement another pre-stored timer is so easy that it is an option for a user of timer
`implementing the pre-stored timing pattern.
`
`Turning now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a front panel of an in-wall light timer having a
`display according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. According to the
`embodiment of FIG. 3, a display 302 could be implemented. While a display may not be
`necessary to implement the timer with pre-stored timing patterns, the display may be desirable to
`provide information regarding stored data, including a selected timing pattern for example. That
`is, even though a display is not necessary in view of the use of pre-stored timing patterns, a user
`may desire a display for aesthetic reasons, because they are simply used to having a display, or
`for what information it does provide. As shown in FIG. 3, the display includes a time field 304
`which displays the current time during normal operation, an AM/PM field 306, an on/off field
`308 indicating the state of a light or appliance which is attached to the timer. Finally, an
`information field 310 includes other information related to the operation of the timer. For
`example, the information field could include the current date and the timing pattern number. The
`timing field could include other information, such as DST code or whether a security code is
`used, as will be described in more detail below. Based upon the current time, date and security
`code information, a user could determine whether the timer is set with the correct data and
`should be operating correctly. As shown in FIG. 4 which shows the embodiment of FIG. 3 with
`the cover in the open position, the user interface could be implemented in with the user
`interface.
`
`Turning now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the front panel of the in-wall light timer of FIG. 3
`with a cover open according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.
`According to the embodiment of FIG. 5, a 5-key user interface could be implemented to enter
`data necessary for implementing a timer using a pre-stored timing pattern. As will be described
`in more detail below in reference to FIG. 20, the left and right keys on either side of a select key
`will allow a user to traverse through programming categories, while the up and down keys above
`and below the select key will enable a user to move through the available options in a given
`programming category. As will be further described below, the 5-key user interface will be
`enable a user to select a timing pattern code so that the timer can be implemented with a pre-
`stored timing pattern.
`
`Turning now to FIG. 6, a perspective view of the front panel of the in-wall light timer of FIG. 3
`having pre-set buttons according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown
`in FIG. 6, dedicated, pre-set actuators 602, shown here as buttons 604 which enable the manual
`selection of a pre-stored timing pattern. Four pre-set buttons are shown in the embodiment of
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`FIG. 6, including a fixed button (applying a fixed on time and fixed off time when selected), an
`astronomic button enabling the operation of the timer based upon astronomic data, a DST button
`enabling the operation of the timer based upon a first timing pattern for a standard time period
`and a second timing pattern for a daylight savings time period, and a seasonal button for
`applying different timing patterns for each of the four seasons. Each of the buttons includes a
`selection indicator (such as an LED light for example) which would indicate when the button is
`selected. The button could be movable between a depressed, on position (where it is flush with
`the surface of the timer and the LED lit) and an off position. Alternatively, the selected button
`would have the LED lit, with all buttons having the same positioning. Only a single button can
`be selected at a time, where a selected button would be deactivated if another button is selected.
`The selection of timing patterns for the pre-set actuators 602 will be described in more detail
`below. While 4 buttons are shown, it should be understood that a greater number of buttons or
`fewer buttons could be implemented. Further, while examples of the functions of buttons are
`shown, it could be understood that other functions for the pre-set buttons could be implemented.
`For example, one button could be dedicated to each season. As will also be described in more
`detail below, a wireless option would enable the wireless programming of timing patterns for the
`pre-set buttons.
`
`Turning now to FIG. 7, a perspective view of the front panel of the in-wall light timer of FIG. 5
`according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In addition to having pre-set
`buttons as shown in FIG. 6, a connector 702 for receiving a portable memory device is provided
`for downloading data, such as new or different timing patterns or DST data, as will be described
`in more detail below. While the connector for receiving a portable memory is only shown in
`connection with FIG. 7, it should be understood that such a connector could be implemented in
`any of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6.
`
`While user interfaces are provided in the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 for entering data in
`addition to the dedicated buttons for selecting a predetermined timing pattern, it should be
`understood that the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7 could be implemented without the user
`interface for entering data or a display, where the only actuators which would be required for
`selecting a timing pattern would be the dedicated buttons of FIGS. 6 and 7 for selecting pre-
`stored timing pattern or a timing pattern based upon data selected for the buttons and provided to
`the timer. That is, the timing patterns of the dedicated buttons could be assigned defined, pre-
`stored timing patterns, could be downloaded using a portable memory by way of the connector
`702, or could be programmed by a user, as will be described in more detail below in reference to
`FIGS. 46-49. That is, embodiments of the timer could be implemented with the pre-set buttons
`602, and not having a keypad 204 or a 5-key interface 312.
`
`Turning now to FIG. 8, a side view of the in-wall timer shows connectors enabling a connection
`of the timer to electrical wiring. The side view of the timer shows a connector panel 802 having
`coupling elements 804-808, shown here as screws, for receiving wires of a junction box.
`Alternatively wires could extend from the timer and be connected to wires of the junction box.
`
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`Turning now to FIG. 9, a side view of a timer having a front panel according to FIGS. 1-7 and
`adapted to be implemented with a wall outlet according to an embodiment of the present
`invention is shown. Rather than a timer which is fixedly coupled to a junction box, the various
`circuits and methods can be implemented in a timer adapted to be used with a wall outlet and
`adapted to receive a plug of a light or some other appliance. As shown in FIG. 9, the timer 902
`comprises a receptacle 904 for receiving the prongs of a plug of a light or an appliance. The
`timer 902 also comprises prongs 906 to be inserted to an outlet to enable applying power to the
`light or appliance. The user interface 202, shown opposite of the prongs 906, can be
`implemented according to any of the user interfaces set forth above.
`
`Turning now to FIG. 10, a block diagram of a circuit enabling the operation of the embodiments
`of FIGS. 1-9 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown in
`FIG. 10, a circuit for implementing a timer having pre-stored timing patterns comprises a control
`circuit 1002 adapted to access one or more of a plurality of pre-stored timing patterns. The
`control circuit 1002 may be a processor having a cache memory 1004 storing timing patterns and
`other data necessary to implement the timer. A memory 1006 may also be implemented to store
`timing patterns or other data necessary to implement the timer. The memory 1006 may be
`implemented as a non-volatile memory, enabling the memory to store the timing patterns and
`data without loss due to a power loss. A portable memory 1008, having contacts 1010, may be
`received by a connector 1012 (such as the connector 702 of FIG. 7 for example) and coupled to
`corresponding contacts. A transformer 1014 is coupled to receive an input voltage at an input
`1016, and provide a regulator voltage signal 1018 to various elements of the timers. A second
`input 1020 is coupled to a ground terminal enabling a ground signal which is coupled various
`elements of the timer. A backup energy supply 1022, which could be a battery or a capacitor for
`example, could be implemented to ensure that data of a memory is not lost during a loss of
`power. The control circuit provides a control signal by way of signal line 1024 to a switch 1028
`which receives a regulated voltage by way of a line 1026. The switch 1026 controls the
`application of the regulated voltage to a voltage terminal 1030 which enables power to be
`applied to an appliance 1032, such as a light as shown. The appliance has a first terminal 1032
`for receiving the regulated voltage from the voltage terminal 1030 and a second terminal 1036
`coupled to the ground potential. An input portion 1038, which may be implement any of the user
`interface elements described in reference to FIGS. 1-7 is also shown.
`
`Turning now to FIG. 11, a block diagram of the a circuit enabling the operation of the
`embodiments of FIGS. 1-9 having a wireless communication circuit according to an embodiment
`of the present invention is shown. As shown in FIG. 11 comprises a wireless communication
`circuit 1102 which is adapted to enable the wireless programming of certain data or information
`by way of a corresponding wireless communication circuit implemented in a computer device,
`such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer or a "smart phone." An example of a wireless
`communication circuit is shown by way of example in FIG. 12.
`
`Turning now to FIG. 12, a block diagram of an exemplary wireless communication circuit
`enabling the operation of the circuit of FIG. 11 according to an embodiment of the present
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`invention is shown. In particular, the antenna 1104 receives wireless communication signals
`according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol. The data may be sent to the
`wireless transceiver 1102 by way of a computer having or in communication with a
`corresponding wireless transceiver 1102. The received data is coupled to a combined
`mixer/voltage controlled oscillator 1206, the output of which is coupled to an intermediate
`frequency (IF) circuit 1208. Based upon outputs of the IF circuit and a phase locked loop (PLL)
`1210, a mixer 1212 generates the received data. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 1214 then
`generates digital data representing the timing characterization data.
`
`The control circuit may also provide data to the data transceiver for transmission to the
`computer. Data to be transmitted from the data transceiver 1102 is coupled to a digital-to-analog
`converter (DAC) 1216, the output of which is coupled to a modulator 1218 which is also coupled
`to a PLL1220PLL 1220. A power amplifier receives the output of the modulator to drive the
`antenna 1104 and transmit the data. It should be noted that the wireless communication network
`could be configured to implement any wireless protocol for communicating with the wireless
`communication circuit of the timer of FIG. 11. According to one embodiment, the data
`transceiver could implement the IEEE Specification 802.11 wireless communication standard,
`the Bluetooth standard, an infrared protocol, or any other wireless data protocol. While the
`circuit of FIG. 12 is provided by way of example, other wireless data transceivers could be
`employed according to the present invention to implement the desired wireless communication
`standard.
`
`Turning now to FIG. 13, a segmented map showing geographic regions of operation for a timer
`according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The geographic regions enable
`applying certain data, such a timing pattern, which is suitable for a timer implemented in the
`geographic area. As shown in FIG. 13, the geographic area of the continental US is divided into
`12 regions identified by a longitudinal designation (shown here as the time zones) or latitudinal
`designation (shown here as 3 regions designated as north, central and south). According to the
`embodiment of FIG. 1213, the regions are designated by a two letter code including the first
`letter of the longitudinal code followed by the first letter of the latitudinal code, by way of
`example. While 12 regions are shown by way of example, it should be understood that a greater
`number or fewer number of regions could be designated. Further, while geographic regions,
`other designation of regions could be implemented, such as zip codes or telephone area codes.
`
`Turning now to FIGS. 14 and 15, diagrams data fields of data entered by a user according to
`embodiments of the present invention, including data as entered on a keypad as described in
`reference to FIG. 2. According to the embodiment of FIG. 14, a field 1402 stores the received
`"clear" code, shown here as three star keys, a time code 1404 (shown here as a 4 digit time
`entered in military format representing 2:30 PM), a date code 1406 (shown here as a 6 digit date
`in the DDMMYY format), a location code 1408 (shown here as a zip code), and a timing pattern
`code 1410 (which will be des