Systems and methods for altering a state of a system using a remote device that processes gestures

A method for processing a gesture monitored by a personal device to alter operation of a hazard detection system, the method, implemented by the personal device, comprising:

• monitoring, using motion detection circuitry, for a gesture interaction by a user in which the user performs one of (a) physically moving the personal device according to at least one movement motion and (b) moving, in free space, a body part according to at least one movement motion within a monitorable vicinity of the personal device, the monitored gesture interaction specifying a command to alter a state of the hazard detection system;
• transmitting, using wireless communications circuitry, an instruction incorporated into a wireless signal, to the hazard detection system, wherein the instruction comprises the command corresponding to the monitored gesture interaction to alter operation of the hazard detection system;
• and
• emitting an audio location signal commensurate with the transmission of the instruction incorporated into the wireless signal, wherein the audio location signal is an audio signal existing above a frequency range detectable by human beings and is used by hazard detection system to verify location of the personal device before altering the operation of the hazard detection system.

A first device for processing a gesture monitored by a personal device to alter a state of the first device, the first device comprising:

• first communications circuitry operative to broadcast wake packets to wake up other systems that form part of a fabric network, wherein each wake packet transmission period comprises an active portion during which the wake packet is transmitted and an idle portion;
• second communication circuitry coupled to the first communication circuitry, the second communications circuitry operative to communicate with the personal device during the idle portion of each wake packet transmission period, wherein the first and second wireless communications circuitry each share a common RF medium;
• and
• a processor coupled to the communications circuitry and operative to:
• receive an instruction from the personal device during the idle portion of one of the broadcasted wake packets, wherein the instruction is generated in response to a user enacted gesture, wherein the user enacted gesture comprises one of a physical manipulation of the personal device according to a gesture in which a motion detection sensor is used to detect the user enacted gesture and a user gesture that is performed in free space within a monitorable vicinity of the personal device in which a handsfree sensor is used to detect the user enacted gesture;
• determine a location of the personal device;
• verify that the location satisfies at least one condition;
• and
• selectively alter a state of the hazard detection system, based on the received instruction, when satisfaction of the at least one condition is verified.