Abstract: A programmable controller for operating a system is provided as well as a method and devices of configuring such controller. The controller includes firmware storing instructions for controlling operations of the system, the firmware including a passive memory component and a processing unit programmed for operating the system at least in part based on the instructions of the firmware. The firmware is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received from an external device for drawing energy from the signal to activate the passive memory component and causing a firmware update process to be performed. Advantageously, the proposed controller can be configured in the absence of electrical power being supplied by an external source and in, some embodiments, using the signal carrying the firmware update information as the sole source of electrical energy in order to perform at least part of the firmware update process.

Abstract: An intelligent light bulb is provided as well as a method, devices and computer program product of configuring such an intelligent light bulb. The intelligent light bulb comprises an LED lighting element and a programmable controller. The programmable controller comprises a memory module having stored therein firmware including instructions for controlling operations of the LED lighting element, where the memory module including a passive memory on which at least a portion of the firmware is stored. The passive memory component of the memory module is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from a device external to the intelligent light bulb for causing a firmware update process to be performed to modify the instructions of the firmware based on the update information carried by the signal.

Abstract: A programmable controller for operating a system is provided as well as a method and devices of configuring such controller. The controller includes firmware storing instructions for controlling operations of the system, the firmware including a passive memory component and a processing unit programmed for operating the system at least in part based on the instructions of the firmware. The firmware is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received from an external device for drawing energy from the signal to activate the passive memory component and causing a firmware update process to be performed. Advantageously, the proposed controller can be configured in the absence of electrical power being supplied by an external source and in, some embodiments, using the signal carrying the firmware update information as the sole source of electrical energy in order to perform at least part of the firmware update process.

Abstract: A method and a system are described for operating a bathing unit system to provide swim-in-place functionality to a swimmer. A communication link is established between the bathing unit system and an auxiliary device worn by or implanted in the body of the swimmer. A signal conveying information associated with the swimmer and originating from the auxiliary device is received. Control signals for controlling operational settings associated with a propulsion assembly of the bathing unit system are derived at least in part by processing the information conveyed by the signal originating from the auxiliary device. The control signals are then released to control the operational settings associated with the propulsion assembly. In another aspect, a graphic display is provided presenting the user with a customized set of selectable swim-in-place configurations derived at least in part by processing a signal originating from an auxiliary device worn by or implanted in the body of the swimmer.

Abstract: A method and a control panel are described for facilitating the control of a bathing unit system so that the bathing unit system is caused to transition between operating in accordance with a first operational mode to operating in accordance with a second operational mode. A control signal is generated in response to a unitary user input event performed by a user at a control panel of the bathing unit system, the control signal conveying an ambiance activation command associated with a specific ambience setting, the generation of the control signal comprising selecting the specific ambience setting from a set of ambience settings stored in a memory device. The control signal is then transmitted from the control panel to the controller over a communication link where it is processed to cause the bathing unit system to transition from being in the rest mode to operating in accordance with the specific ambience setting.

Abstract: A bathing unit control system suitable for controlling a set of bathing unit components in a bathing unit system and having multimedia control functionality is provided. The bathing unit control system includes a bathing unit controller suitable for issuing signals for controlling the set of bathing unit components in the bathing unit system. The control system also includes a multimedia source interface in communication with the bathing unit controller, the multimedia source interface enabling access to media content associated with an external media source. The control system also includes a control interface in communication with the bathing unit controller the control interface is operative for enabling a user to enter information indicative of a desired change in a certain operational setting of the bathing unit and for enabling a user to enter a media control command to cause media content associated with the external media source to be conveyed to the user.

Abstract: A topside control panel for a bathing unit system is provided. The topside control panel comprises a housing including a top surface and a bottom surface opposed to the top surface and a display touch or presence-sensitive assembly positioned upon the top surface of the housing. The topside control panel also includes a circuit board assembly positioned upon the bottom surface the housing. In some embodiments, the bottom surface may be circumscribed by a bottom peripheral wall, which with the bottom surface defines a recess in which is positioned the circuit board assembly. A back panel may be secured to the housing so as to enclose the second recess and form an enclosed space. The back panel may include a ventilation member configured for allowing air communication between the enclosed space and a space external to the topside control panel.

Abstract: A method, device and system for displaying, via a user interface, an ambiance setting for a bathing system. The user interface is configured to display at least one display page on a display screen. The method comprises displaying on the display screen, a plurality of ambiance settings selectable by a user of the user interface, receiving, at a processor, an indication of a selected ambiance setting from the plurality of ambiance settings displayed on the display screen and in response to the selected ambiance setting, displaying on the display screen a first operational setting for at least one first type of bathing unit component and a second operational setting for at least one second type of bathing unit component.

Abstract: An intelligent light bulb is provided as well as a method, devices and computer program product of configuring such an intelligent light bulb. The intelligent light bulb comprises an LED lighting element and a programmable controller. The programmable controller comprises a memory module having stored therein firmware including instructions for controlling operations of the LED lighting element, where the memory module including a passive memory on which at least a portion of the firmware is stored. The passive memory component of the memory module is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from a device external to the intelligent light bulb for causing a firmware update process to be performed to modify the instructions of the firmware based on the update information carried by the signal.

Abstract: An intelligent light bulb is provided as well as a method, devices and computer program product of configuring such an intelligent light bulb. The intelligent light bulb comprises an LED lighting element and a programmable controller. The programmable controller comprises firmware storing instructions for controlling operations of the LED lighting element, where the firmware includes a passive memory component having a near field communication memory (NFC memory). The firmware is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from a device external to the intelligent light bulb for causing a firmware update process to be performed to modify the instructions of the firmware based on the update information carried by the signal. The programmable controller also includes a processing unit in communication with the firmware for operating the LED lighting element at least in part in accordance with the instructions of the firmware.

Abstract: A method, device and system for displaying, via a user interface, an ambiance setting for a bathing system. The user interface is configured to display at least one display page on a display screen. The method comprises displaying on the display screen, a plurality of ambiance settings selectable by a user of the user interface, receiving, at a processor, an indication of a selected ambiance setting from the plurality of ambiance settings displayed on the display screen and in response to the selected ambiance setting, displaying on the display screen a first operational setting for at least one first type of bathing unit component and a second operational setting for at least one second type of bathing unit component. The first operational setting and the second operational setting are pre-programmed in association with the selected ambiance setting.

Abstract: A motor assembly comprising a motor body having a generally cylindrical outer surface on which is mounted a capacitor via a mounting bracket is provided. The mounting bracket has a generally arcuate member engaged with the generally cylindrical outer surface of the motor body and allows the capacitor to be positioned at different angles along a circumference of the motor body by rotating the mounting bracket about the generally cylindrical outer surface of the motor body.

Abstract: A programmable controller for operating a system is provided as well as a method and devices of configuring such controller. The controller includes firmware storing instructions for controlling operations of the system, the firmware including a passive memory component and a processing unit programmed for operating the system at least in part based on the instructions of the firmware. The firmware is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received from an external device for drawing energy from the signal to activate the passive memory component and causing a firmware update process to be performed. Advantageously, the proposed controller can be configured in the absence of electrical power being supplied by an external source and in, some embodiments, using the signal carrying the firmware update information as the sole source of electrical energy in order to perform at leas part of the firmware update process.

Abstract: An intelligent light bulb is provided as well as a method, devices and computer program product of configuring such an intelligent light bulb. The intelligent light bulb comprises an LED lighting element and a programmable controller. The programmable controller comprises firmware storing instructions for controlling operations of the LED lighting element, where the firmware includes a passive memory component having a near field communication memory (NFC memory). The firmware is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from a device external to the intelligent light bulb for causing a firmware update process to be performed to modify the instructions of the firmware based on the update information carried by the signal. The programmable controller also includes a processing unit in communication with the firmware for operating the LED lighting element at least in part in accordance with the instructions of the firmware.

Abstract: A method, device and system for displaying, via a user interface, an ambiance setting for a bathing system. The user interface is configured to display at least one display page on a display screen. The method comprises displaying on the display screen, a plurality of ambiance settings selectable by a user of the user interface, receiving, at a processor, an indication of a selected ambiance setting from the plurality of ambiance settings displayed on the display screen and in response to the selected ambiance setting, displaying on the display screen a first operational setting for at least one first type of bathing unit component and a second operational setting for at least one second type of bathing unit component.

Abstract: A method, device and system for displaying, via a user interface, an ambiance setting for a bathing system. The user interface is configured to display at least one display page on a display screen. The method comprises displaying on the display screen, a plurality of ambiance settings selectable by a user of the user interface, receiving, at a processor, an indication of a selected ambiance setting from the plurality of ambiance settings displayed on the display screen and in response to the selected ambiance setting, displaying on the display screen a first operational setting for at least one first type of bathing unit component and a second operational setting for at least one second type of bathing unit component. The first operational setting and the second operational setting are pre-programmed in association with the selected ambiance setting.

Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.

Abstract: A method and device for use in connection with a bathing system that comprises a heating module and a filtration system. The bathing system is adapted to receive power from an energy provider that supplies power in accordance with a power consumption profile. The method comprises receiving an input from a user conveying a desire that at least one of the heating module and the filtration system is operated in accordance with an energy savings mode, and causing the heating module and the filtration system to acquire an actuated state and a non-actuated state on a basis of a usage profile associated with the energy savings mode. The usage profile causes the at least one of the heating module and the filtration system to acquire the actuated state according to a schedule established at least in part on a basis of the power consumption profile.

Abstract: A method, device and system for displaying, via a user interface, an ambiance setting for a bathing system. The user interface is configured to display at least one display page on a display screen. The method comprises displaying on the display screen, a plurality of ambiance settings selectable by a user of the user interface, receiving, at a processor, an indication of a selected ambiance setting from the plurality of ambiance settings displayed on the display screen and in response to the selected ambiance setting, displaying on the display screen a first operational setting for at least one first type of bathing unit component and a second operational setting for at least one second type of bathing unit component.

Abstract: A method and device for use in connection with a bathing system that comprises a heating module and a filtration system. The bathing system is adapted to receive power from an energy provider that supplies power in accordance with a power consumption profile. The method comprises receiving an input from a user conveying a desire that at least one of the heating module and the filtration system is operated in accordance with an energy savings mode, and causing the heating module and the filtration system to acquire an actuated state and a non-actuated state on a basis of a usage profile associated with the energy savings mode. The usage profile causes the at least one of the heating module and the filtration system to acquire the actuated state according to a schedule established at least in part on a basis of the power consumption profile.