JP2008305799A - Lighting control equipped with wireless remote control and programmability - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power control unit capable of remote-controlling and programming a state and a power level of one or more electric devices including a special function. <P>SOLUTION: The device is provided with a remote transmission unit a user can operate, and a power control unit 10 a user can operate structured so as to receive control signals from the remote transmission unit. Both the remote transmission unit and the power control unit 10 are provided with a power selection actuator 12 for selecting a desired power level between the minimum power level and the maximum power level, and a control switch for generating programmed power levels of one or more power scenes and control signals indicating a special function. In response to a direct or remote input from the user, one or more electric devices for one or more power scenes can be controlled to a desired programmed preset level or a maximum power level between an off-state and an on-state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a wirelessly controllable and programmable power controller that controls and programs the state and power level of one or more electrical devices in one or more regions to create one or more lighting scenes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Lighting control devices having switches and dimmers are becoming increasingly common when it is particularly desirable to accurately control the light intensity (light intensity) level of a particular room. In the simplest type of dimming control lighting device, the dimming switch actuator that controls the setting of a variable resistor that controls the switching of a solid state power control device such as a triac is operated by hand. Switching the solid state power controller changes the voltage input to the dimmed lamp. This type of device incorporating a dimmer switch is simple and easy to manufacture, but has limitations in adding features and flexibility. A feature that this device lacks is the ability to adjust to a later light intensity level and then return to the previous light intensity level or a preset (preset) light intensity level. Typically, devices based on dimming switches are not capable of storing or recalling previous light intensity settings. As a result, the preset light intensity level can only be reestablished by trial and error in operating the variable resistor of the dimmer.

  Other lighting control devices have touch (contact) actuator operated lighting control devices that overcome some of the limitations associated with the manually operated variable resistor controlled dimmer switch described above. In one example of a touch actuator operation control device, the lamp is cycled through a light intensity range from a dim state to a bright state in response to an extended touch input. When the desired light intensity is reached, touch input is stopped, the cycle stops, and the light intensity level is set (preselected) and stored in the memory function normally provided by such devices. Normally, the next short touch input turns off the light, and the shorter touch input turns on the light at the set light intensity level stored in the memory. This type of device is an improvement over a manually operated dimming switch, but requires the user to go through a cycle of light intensity levels to reach different light intensity levels. Furthermore, this type of device lacks the ability to return to a set or preset intensity level when the intensity level changes. The user must go through the cycle again until he finds the desired light intensity level. In addition, this type of device is not capable of performing certain aesthetic effects such as fading from one intensity level to another.

  U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,323 discloses a microcomputer controlled lighting device that provides a fade effect. The control disclosed in this patent is operated by a pair of non-latching switches that send inputs to the microcomputer. The microcomputer is programmed to determine whether the switch has been tapped (tapped) or held (ie, whether the switch has been touched for a temporary period or has been touched for a longer period). Yes. When the switch is held, the light intensity decreases or increases, and the light intensity setting is entered into the memory by releasing the switch. When the control operates at a static light intensity level, tapping the switch causes the light intensity level to fade to a preset level, off, fully on (full on), or an intermediate level. A tap while the intensity level is fading terminates the fade and shifts the intensity level quickly and suddenly to full on or fully off (full off) depending on which switch is tapped. However, this type of control is not without its own drawbacks. For example, a single tap by the user is interpreted as one of two methods (start of fade or end of fade) that are completely different depending on the state of control when the user applies the tap to the switch. This can be confusing to the user. A user may accidentally end a fade when attempting to start a fade, and vice versa. Furthermore, the fade cannot be reversed by the next tap of the same switch while the fade is progressing. Instead, while the control fades in one direction, the tap does not reverse the direction of the fade, but jumps the control to full on or full off. Sudden shifts from low light levels to full on or from high light to no light (full off) can be quite surprising to the user and others in the area (and to the user and other Even if someone suddenly was thrown into the darkness).

  Also, the control disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,649,323 lacks long-term fade-off, as do other conventional control designs. In many cases, it is desirable for the user to be able to fade out light gradually. For example, the user may want to turn off the light in the bedroom before going to bed, but wants to have enough light to secure the passage from the control location to the bed before the light is completely turned off. Also, night workers in large buildings may need to turn off ambient light from a central location away from the exit, and may require some level of lighting to walk safely to the exit. These features are not possible with conventional controls, which either darken quickly or provide the user with a certain level of light intensity throughout the night, both of which are unacceptable.

  Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,575,660, 4,924,151, 5,191,265, 5,248,919, 5,430,356 and No. 463,286 discloses various lighting control devices in which a light or group of lights varies in brightness to create several different lighting scenes in one or more areas. Be made. The brightness level of the lamps that make up each lighting group is displayed to the user by either the number of LEDs, linearly arranged light emitting diodes, or the position of a potentiometer slider on a linear track.

  U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,191,265 and 5,463,286 disclose wall mounted programmable modular controllers for controlling a group of lights in one or more regions. In these devices, lighting is controlled by a master control wall module, a remote wall unit, and a remote hand holding control unit. The hand holding unit communicates with the master control module by conventional infrared (IR) communication technology.

  The illumination control device of US Pat. No. 5,248,919 has all the illumination control features necessary to effectively and safely control one or more lighting conditions and intensity levels. However, this device lacks many desired functions such as locking (locking) and unlocking (unlocking) wireless remote controllability, programmability, preset functions and delay off. In many cases, it is desirable for a user to be able to fade one or more lamps to a preselected intensity level or state, or to fade off after various delay times. It is further advantageous and desirable to be able to remotely control and program the preset intensity of one or more lamps associated with one or more lighting scenes.

  Another illumination device conventionally known as “Onset Dimming OS600” is manufactured by Lightolier Controls. Unlike the present invention where the user can selectively lock and unlock the stored preset light intensity level by an actuator that also performs other functions, the prior art Lightolier Controls device is The preset intensity cannot be unlocked. In other words, the Lightolier Controls device can only lock different preset light intensity levels in its memory. Further, unlike the present invention, the Lightolier Controls device uses a separate dedicated switch with a dedicated actuator to lock to a preset light intensity level.

  There is a need for an improved lighting controller that provides advantages not possible with conventional controllers while avoiding the disadvantages of conventional controllers. The present invention satisfies this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a wireless remote controllable programmable power control unit and receiver apparatus having at least one power control unit for controlling and programming the state and power level of one or more electrical devices. When the electrical device is a light source, the one or more power control units control the light intensity of the one or more light sources in one or more regions that create one or more illumination scenes. The apparatus includes a user-operable wireless remote handheld transmitter unit and at least one power control and receiver unit adapted to receive control signals from the remote transmitter unit. The receiver of the power control unit includes a wide-angle infrared (IR) lens, which has a wide field of view in the horizontal plane, but has a limited field of view in the vertical plane.

  One embodiment of the present invention includes a basic user-actuable wireless remote control unit. The basic wireless remote control unit has an ascending / descending type intensity control and a single on / off control device. A basic wireless remote control unit sends control signals to one or more receiver units, which control one or more light sources in one or more regions. Each receiver unit defines an area for controlling one or more light sources. A basic wireless remote control unit can control one or more receiver units as a group. This means that the basic remote unit commands all receiver units to control the lamps connected at the same time. A unique feature of the basic wireless remote control unit is the simulated control of the receiver unit. Thus, a control operation on a basic wireless remote control device has the same effect as a corresponding control operation on the receiver unit.

  Other embodiments of the invention have an improved wireless remote control unit having one or more scene selection switches. In addition to having the characteristics of a basic wireless remote control unit, the improved remote control unit can send scene control signals to one or more receiver units and control them as a group. Furthermore, the improved wireless remote control unit can program the lighting level associated with each lighting scene so that a desired preset light intensity level can be established and stored in memory within the receiver unit.

  Other embodiments of the present invention include a second basic wireless remote control unit or a second improved wireless remote control unit that has all the features of the previous embodiment in addition to the address selection switch. The address selection switch is used to specify the address of one or more receiver units to which an address selected individually or as a group is assigned and to send control signals to that unit. In addition to controlling the receiver unit, once the address of the receiver unit is specified, a second improved remote control unit can be used to assign the address to the individual receiver unit.

  In all embodiments of the invention, the program mode is built into the receiver unit, which can be remotely programmed by an improved wireless remote control unit. In the program mode, the user can select and store one or more desired preset light intensity levels for light controlled by the receiver unit.

  In all embodiments of the invention, the preset light intensity level can be stored in the receiver unit (preset lock) by three actuations of the on / off switch. Once the preset level is stored and locked, the receiver unit always returns to the locked preset level when commanded directly or remotely. Also, the stored preset level can be erased by the operation of the on / off switch four times (preset unlocking). If the stored preset level is not locked before the off command, the receiver unit will return to the light intensity level set just before the last off command when the receiver unit is turned on again.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the basic wireless remote control unit and the improved wireless remote control unit use conventional infrared (IR) signal encoding as a means for transmitting control signals to the receiver unit. To do. The encoded control signals can be used to select scenes, increase brightness, decrease brightness, turn lights on, turn lights off, maximize lights, turn lights off after delay, enter program mode, set preset levels, address It is for instructing matters such as settings. However, it will be understood that other encoded signals can be used. Furthermore, other transmission / reception means such as radio frequency (RF) and lightwave signals can be used.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wireless remote control unit and the receiver unit have at least one scene control or on / off control and at least one up / down intensity control. Intensity control allows the user to select a desired intensity level between a minimum intensity level and a maximum intensity level. Scene control allows a user to select a preset light intensity level for one or more light sources in one or more areas defining a lighting scene. The on / off control allows the user to fade the light intensity on or off.

  In addition, the on / off control allows the user to trigger additional features. These additional features include, but are not limited to, variable delay off and full fade, which will be described in detail later.

  The “fade off” response is effected by temporarily applying enough pressure to open or close the switch once, for example, from a given light level to the off state. Fade all lighting associated with at least one receiver unit at fade speed.

  The “Fade to Preset” response is performed by a single actuation, which causes the illumination to fade at a first fade rate from an off state or any light intensity level to a preprogrammed preset light intensity level.

  The “delayed off” response is achieved by a single press and hold action, ie, an action that is longer than temporarily applying enough pressure to open or close the switch, so that after a variable delay , Fade the illumination from any light intensity level to the off state at a first fade speed. The variable delay is a function of user input and is equal to (holding time−0.5) × 20 seconds.

  “Full fade” is performed by two actuations, ie, by applying two temporary pressures that are applied in quick succession, sufficient to open or close the switch, thereby turning off or The illumination is faded at a second fade rate from any light intensity level to a maximum light intensity level.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the light intensity selection actuator has a rocker switch operable between first, second and third positions. The first position corresponds to an increase in light intensity level and the second position corresponds to a decrease in light intensity level. The third position is a neutral position.

  In another embodiment, the light intensity selection actuator has first and second switches each operable between first and second positions. Activation of the first switch results in an increase in the desired light intensity level, and activation of the second switch causes a decrease in the desired light intensity level at a particular fade speed.

  In a preferred embodiment of the receiver unit, a plurality of illuminated intensity indicating devices are arranged in a certain order to represent a range from a minimum light intensity level to a maximum light intensity level. The position of each indicating device within the order represents the light intensity level relative to the minimum and maximum light intensity levels of the light source to be controlled. This order is not necessarily linear, but may be linear. The invention also includes a first indicating device having a first illumination level for instructing the preset light intensity level of the controlled illumination to be visible when the illumination is on. The preferred embodiment has a second indicating device having a second illumination level for visually indicating a preset light intensity level of the controlled illumination when the illumination is turned off. The second illumination level is lower than the first illumination level when the illumination is on. The second illumination level is preferably sufficient for the eye to easily perceive the pointing device in a dark environment.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, the control device preferably includes a microcontroller having variable software. The microcontroller can have means for storing digital data representing the delay time in a memory. The microcontroller may also have means for storing digital data representing the preset intensity level in a memory. In addition, the controller can have means for changing or changing the fade rate or delay to off stored in the memory. The microcontroller also has means for distinguishing between a temporary time of activation of the control switch and a time greater than or equal to the temporary period for the purpose of initiating a lighting fade at an appropriate fade speed.

  In one embodiment of the invention, all fade rates are equal. In other embodiments, each fade rate is different. In other embodiments, the second fade speed is substantially faster than the first fade speed.

  In another embodiment of the invention, the power control unit includes an infrared lens for receiving an infrared signal including information transmitted from the wireless infrared transmitter.

  In one aspect of the invention, the lens includes a flat infrared receiving surface, an infrared output surface, and a flat infrared transmissive (transmitting) body portion therebetween. The output surface of the lens has a shape corresponding to the input surface of the infrared detector. The flat transmissive portion of the lens has an outer side that substantially corresponds to an ellipse. The side surfaces are arranged on both sides of the longitudinal axis, and the longitudinal axis is determined by the lens. The oval side surface reflects infrared rays that enter the input surface of the lens. The light is reflected from the side surface and passes to the output surface through the transmissive member portion. The output surface directs infrared light to the input surface of the infrared detector. The infrared detector is disposed substantially behind the lens output surface.

  In another aspect of the invention, the infrared lens is disposed on the movable member such that the output surface of the lens is adjacent to the input surface of the infrared detector. This infrared detector is arranged at a fixed position behind the lens. The movable member and the lens move in a direction toward or away from the fixed position of the infrared detector and its input surface.

  For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, but the invention is not limited to the precise constructions and instrumentalities shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Like elements are given like reference numerals and refer to the drawings. Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a power control and infrared reception control unit 10 embodying a power control device according to the present invention that controls power delivered to at least one electrical device (not shown). The control unit 10 includes a cover plate 11 and a plurality of control actuators. The plurality of control actuators include a power level selection actuator 12 operable by the user, a control switch actuator 13 operable by the user, hereinafter referred to as a toggle switch actuator 13, and an air gap switch actuator 18. The air gap switch actuator 18 controls an air gap switch (not shown) in order to remove power to the control unit 10. Furthermore, the control unit 10 has a power level indicating device in the form of a plurality of individual LEDs 14 arranged in a straight line.

  Further, the control unit 10 includes a lens 70 that receives infrared rays (IR) provided in the opening 15 of the toggle switch actuator 13. Lens 70 captures IR control signals transmitted by any of a number of wireless transmitter units 20, 30, 40, 50 described below. The structure of the infrared receiving lens 70 will be described in detail later.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the power control signal may be a user-operable wireless handheld basic remote control 20, as shown in FIGS. Transmitted to the control unit 10 by an improved remote control 30, 30, 50 of the wireless handheld type.

  In another aspect of the invention, the control unit 10 embodies a power control and infrared receiver circuit 100 as shown in FIG. 10 for controlling one or more electrical devices. The control unit 10 is designed to control the power sent to at least one electrical device.

  Preferably, the electric device controlled by the control unit 10 is an electric lamp as shown in FIG. This control unit 10 controls the power delivered to the electric lamp, i.e. the lamp 114, in a known manner by using a phase control triac circuit or other circuit, and thus controls the light intensity of the lamp 114.

  However, the electrical device may be a fan, a motor, a relay, or the like. Further, the type of electric lamp 114 to be controlled is not limited to an incandescent lamp, and may be a low voltage incandescent lamp, a fluorescent lamp or other type of electric lamp.

  In the following preferred embodiments, the electric device is one or more lamps 114, and the control unit 10 controls the intensity (luminous intensity) of these lamps.

  When the electrical device includes at least one lamp, the at least one lamp defines an illumination area (hereinafter “area”). By incorporating a plurality of control units 10, a plurality of areas can be created and controlled. This area is used to create a lighting scene (hereinafter “scene”) by controlling the power level, and thus by controlling the intensity of the lamp associated with one or more areas, thereby allowing multiple scenes to be create. Thus, multiple scenes can be created by one or more power control units 10 and can be controlled by a control unit or remote transmitters 20, 30, 40, 50.

  Hereinafter, as used herein, “actuate” or “activate” means either opening, closing, or keeping closed for a certain time for a switch having one or more polarities. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switch is a momentary contact switch and is actuated by applying sufficient pressure to the switch actuator to open or close the switch. However, other types of switches can be used.

Power Control and Receiver Unit Referring to FIG. 1, the power level selection actuator 12 is actuated by the user to set the desired level of light intensity of one or more lamps controlled by the control unit 10. Further, the selection actuator 12 has an upper power level selection portion 12a and a lower power level selection portion 12b, and controls the power level selection switches 62a and 62b shown in FIG.

  When activated, the upper power level selection portion 12a causes an increase in the intensity of the lamp controlled by the control unit 10, i.e. an "increase". Conversely, the lower power level selection portion 12b causes a decrease in luminous intensity of the lamp controlled by the control unit 10, that is, a “down” when the control unit 10 is operated in the on state. Further, the lower power level selection portion 12b can be used to set and store a delay time to off when activated when the control unit 10 is in the off state. The longer the operation of the lower power level selection portion 12b, the longer the set and stored delay time.

  The operation of the control switch actuator 13 that can be actuated by the user can cause the control unit 10 to respond in various ways. The response method depends on the exact nature of the operation of the control switch actuator 13 that activates the control switch 63. That is, depending on whether it is operated at a temporary time, at a time longer than the temporary time, or at a number of temporary times that are rapidly consecutive, and the operation of the control switch actuator 13 It also depends on the state of the previous control unit 10.

  In the present invention, the operation is to have a temporary time when the operation time is less than 0.5 seconds. Two consecutive actuations (double taps) of a rapidly consecutive actuator refers to two temporary actuations that are within 0.5 seconds of each other. Three consecutive actuations (triple taps) of a rapidly continuous actuator refers to three temporary actuations that are all within 1.0 seconds. The four consecutive actuations (quad taps) of a rapidly consecutive actuator refers to four temporary actuations all within 1.5 seconds.

  These times are currently preferred for determining whether two, three, or four taps have occurred, but any short period can be used without departing from the invention. For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, a time of 1.5 seconds can be used to determine whether a double tap, triple tap or quad tap has occurred, thereby enabling other implementations of the present invention. In an example, if two consecutive temporary periods of operation occur within 1.5 seconds, a double tap may be recognized. The time to search for a plurality of continuous operations having a temporary time is considered a short time.

  It is possible to have actuator actuation of 0.5 seconds or more, which is considered to be extended in nature and has an extended duration.

  The response to the operation of the control switch actuator 13 increases the light intensity from zero to a preset level (“Fade to preset”), increases the light intensity to the maximum (“Fade to Full”), and reduces it to zero light intensity. (“Fade off”), Decrease luminous intensity to zero after delay (“Delay off”), Store preset luminous intensity level in memory (“Locked preset”), and Preset from memory Removing the light intensity level ("interrupt locked preset"). These features are associated with the control unit 10 and are implemented by the circuit arrangement shown in block diagram 100 of FIG. 10 and described in detail in the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  The “Fade to Preset” response is effected by a single activation of the control switch actuator 13 that can be activated by the user when the control unit 10 is in the off state, thereby reducing the intensity of the lamp 114 from zero. Increase to preset light intensity level with first fade speed. This may be a locked preset level, or a level where the lamp was illuminated when the control unit 10 was last turned on, as will be described in more detail later.

  The “full fade” response is effected by two actuations, i.e., two consecutive, temporary actuations (double taps) of the control switch actuator 13 that can be actuated by the user, whereby the lamp The light intensity of 114 is increased from the off state or any light intensity level to the maximum light intensity level at the second fade rate.

  The “fade off” response is effected by a single actuation of the user actuable control switch actuator 13 for a temporary period of time, thereby controlling from any light intensity level to the off state at a third fade speed. The intensity of the lamp 114 associated with the unit 10 is reduced.

  The “delayed off” response is performed by an “extended operation”, ie, an operation beyond the temporary activation of the control switch actuator 13 that can be activated by the user, whereby the light intensity of the lamp 114 is changed to any light intensity after a delay time. Decrease from level to off state with third fade speed. The duration of the delay time, ie how long the delay time lasts from start to finish, depends on the length of time that the control switch actuator 13 is activated. In the preferred embodiment, the delay time is directly proportional to the length of time that the control switch actuator 13 is actuated.

  An operation of less than 0.5 seconds is considered a temporary or short time. Actuation of 0.5 seconds or more results in a 10 second delay time increase every additional 0.5 seconds when the control switch actuator 13 is actuated. Therefore, if the control switch actuator 13 is held for 2 seconds, the delay time is 30 seconds.

  The variable off fade is performed by an “extension operation” of the control switch actuator 13 to reduce the light intensity of the lamp 114 from any light intensity to off at a variable fade speed. The variable fade speed depends on the duration of operation. Whether the unit has a fade in variable delay or variable off with extended actuation of the control switch actuator 13 depends on the programming of the microprocessor 108 shown in FIG.

  The “locked preset” response is effected by triple actuation, that is, three actuations (triple taps) of the user switch activatable control switch actuator 13 in rapid succession of temporary times. The intensity of the lamp 114 does not change, but the intensity level is stored in memory as a locked preset level, and subsequent changes to the intensity level of the lamp do not affect the locked preset level.

  The “Locked Preset Break” response is effected by quad actuation, ie, four actuations (4 taps) of the user switch-actuated control switch actuator 13 in rapid, continuous and temporary periods. Although the luminous intensity of the electric lamp 114 does not change, the luminous intensity level stored in the memory as a locked preset level is erased.

  When the locked preset level is stored in memory and the control unit 10 is in the off state, the “Fade to Preset” response increases the intensity of the lamp 114 to the locked preset level. If the locked preset level is not stored in memory and the control unit 10 is in the off state, the “Fade to preset” response will indicate the intensity of the lamp 114 when the control unit 10 was last in the on state. The level increases to the level illuminated by the lamp 114.

  In the context of multiple actuations of the control switch actuator 13, a method for storing or clearing a locked preset level has been described which includes a switch for storing a locked preset level and a locked preset level. Can be achieved by using two additional individual switches with a switch for erasing, and the continuous operation of one additional switch that alternately stores and erases the locked preset power level. It can also be achieved by use.

  A control switch that is operable by the user when the control unit 10 is in the on state if the delay time is stored by actuating the lower power level selection portion 12b when the control unit 10 is in the off state as described above The “fade off” response made by one actuation of the actuator 13 for a temporary period maintains the illumination stored delay time at its current intensity, and then turns the illumination off at a third fade rate. Reduce to.

  FIG. 21 shows the delay profile of the control unit 10 with the delay off to 20 seconds off. This profile shows how the intensity level of the lamp 114 changes at four different starting intensity levels starting from the current intensity level. In this case, the lamp 114 remains at the current intensity level for a delay time of 20 seconds before the intensity of the lamp decreases to zero. The delay time to off is variable and the preferred embodiment has a variable delay time range of 10 to 60 seconds with a 10 second step. While these delay times are currently preferred, not only are the delay times to off and the associated fade rates to off at the end of the delay time that can be used in the present invention, without departing from the present invention, Any desired delay, fade rate or combination thereof can be used.

  The control unit 10 remains at the current intensity level 600 during the delay time. At the end of the delay time, the light intensity of the lamp 114 decreases to zero. A suitable fade rate 602 to reduce to zero is 33% per second. Preferably, the delay time and fade rate are stored in the form of digital data in the microprocessor 108 and can be recalled from memory when required by an off delay routine stored in memory.

  A similar profile in the case of a 20 second delay off-off delay profile and other possible off-off delay times is shown in FIG. 21 by the control unit 10 in response to an extended actuation of the control switch actuator 13. Is used regardless of whether a "delay in" is performed or delayed off by a previously stored delay time in response to a temporary actuation of the control switch actuator 13.

  The control unit 10 and the cover plate 11 are not limited to a specific shape, and a type attached to a conventional wall box usually used for installation of the lighting control device is preferable.

  The selection actuator 12 and the control switch actuator 13 are not limited to a particular configuration and may be any suitable design that can be actuated by the user. Preferably, although not necessarily so, the actuator 12 controls two separate temporary contact push switches 62a, 62b, but may control a rocker switch, for example, without departing from the invention. it can. Actuation of the upper portion 12a of the actuator 12 increases, i.e. increases, the luminous intensity level, and actuation of the lower portion 12b of the actuator 12 decreases, i.e. lowers, the luminous intensity level. Preferably, but not necessarily, the actuator 13 controls a push button temporary contact type switch 53, but the switch 53 may be of any other suitable type without departing from the scope of the present invention. May be.

  Similarly, the effect of actuating the control switch actuator 13 has been described above with respect to a particular actuation sequence of a control switch having a particular effect, ie, a “full fade” response is made by two taps and “locks” Although “presets made” are described above as being performed with three taps, the relationship between a particular actuation sequence and a particular effect can be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, another embodiment of the present invention can perform a “full fade” with three taps.

  The control unit 10 has a light intensity level indication in the form of a plurality of light intensity level indicating devices 14. The indicating device is preferably a light emitting diode (LED) or the like, but not necessarily. The light intensity level indicating device 14 is often referred to as an LED for convenience, but such reference is intended to facilitate the description of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention by any particular indicating device. In this embodiment, the light intensity level indicating devices 14 are arranged in a linear array so as to represent the light intensity range of one or more lamps controlled by the control unit 10. The intensity range is from the minimum intensity level (zero or “off”) to the maximum intensity level (“full on”). The intensity of the controlled illumination is visually displayed, preferably at 100% output of one intensity level indicating device 14 when the lamp is on.

  The light intensity level indicating device 14 of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 shows seven indicating devices arranged vertically in a linear arrangement. By illuminating the indicating device at the top of the array, the maximum luminous intensity level is indicated. Illuminating the central indicating device indicates that the light intensity level is approximately mid-range, and illuminating the lowest indicating device in the array indicates the minimum light intensity level.

  Any suitable number of light intensity level indicating devices 14 can be used. By increasing the number of array pointing devices, a finer gradation between intensity light levels can be achieved. Further, when the controlled light or lights are off, all of the light intensity level indicating devices 14 are preferably low level lighting at 0.5% of maximum power, as convenient for the user. Can always be illuminated. The indicating device indicating the actual light intensity level of the lamp when the lamp returns to the on state is illuminated at a slightly higher illumination level, preferably 2% of maximum output. These lighting characteristics allow the light intensity level indicating device 14 to be more easily perceived by the eyes in a dark environment, assisting the user in looking for a switch in a dark room, and constructing a “night lighting mode” To do. In addition to controlling room lighting, an important feature of the present invention is to provide sufficient contrast between the level indicating devices so that the user can see the actual light intensity level at a glance.

  The light intensity level indicating device 14 is also used to provide feedback to the user of the control unit 10 regarding how the control unit 10 responds to various actuations of the control switch actuator 13 and the selection switch actuator 12.

  For example, when the control unit 10 is in the off state, if a “fade to preset” response is made by a single actuation of the control switch actuator 13 for a temporary period of time, the light intensity level indicating device 14 will go from “night illumination mode”. After changing and illuminating the lowermost indicator device, the upper indicator devices are successively illuminated one after another as the light intensity increases until the indicator device indicating the light intensity at the preset light intensity level is illuminated.

  Furthermore, when a “full fade” response is made by two taps of the control switch actuator 13, the light intensity level indicators change from their original state and as the light intensity increases fully, The upper indicator devices are successively illuminated one after the other until the uppermost indicator device is illuminated.

  Further, when the control unit 10 is in the ON state, if the response of “fade off” is performed by one operation of the control switch actuator 13 for a temporary period, the luminous intensity level indicating device 14 causes the luminous intensity to reach the lowest level. As it decreases, it changes from their original state and illuminates the lower, indicating devices one after the other. Finally, the light intensity level indicating device 14 indicates the “night illumination mode” when the light intensity decreases to zero.

  Furthermore, when a “delayed off” response is made by the extended actuation of the control switch actuator 13 when the control unit 10 is in the on state, the light intensity level indicating device 14 first indicates the length of the selected delay time. . After the control switch actuator 13 is closed and held for 0.5 seconds, the lowermost indicating device repeats on and off to indicate that a 10 second delay has been selected, and after another 0.5 second, the next The uppermost indicator device of repeatedly turns on and off, indicating that a 20 second delay has been selected. Such a process is performed in accordance with the delay time, and the upper pointing device continuously turns on and off one after another until the control switch actuator 13 is released.

  When the control switch actuator 13 is released, the indicating device indicating the current light intensity level is repeatedly turned on and off during the delay time. At the end of the delay time, the indicating device indicating the current level is illuminated, and the lower indicating devices are successively illuminated one after another as the illumination decreases to the lowest level. Finally, when the light intensity decreases to zero, the light intensity level indicating device 14 indicates the “night illumination mode”.

  When a “locked preset” response is made by three actuations of the control switch actuator 13, the intensity level indicating device representing the current intensity level of the lamp flashes twice at a frequency of 2 Hz and the intensity level is successfully Indicates that it has been stored in

  When the “Locked Preset Break” response is made by four actuations of the control switch actuator 13, the light intensity level indicating device indicating the current light intensity level of the lamp flashes twice at a frequency of 2 Hz and displays the light intensity level. Indicates that it has been erased from memory.

  When an “increase” response is made by actuation of the upper portion 12a of the selected actuator 12, the light intensity level indicators 14 change from their original state and either the operation is terminated or the light intensity level is maximized. As the operation continues until the topmost indicating device 14 in the array is illuminated, the upper indicating devices are successively illuminated one after the other.

  If a “down” response is made by actuation of the lower portion 12b of the selection actuator 12 while the control unit 10 is in the on state, the light intensity level indicator 14 will change from their original state and will the operation end? As the operation continues until the lowest light intensity level in the array is illuminated when the light intensity level reaches a minimum, the lower indicators are successively illuminated one after the other. The control unit 10 is not turned off.

  Finally, when the lower portion 12b of the selection actuator 12 is activated when the control unit 10 is in the off state, the light intensity level indicating device 14 first indicates “night illumination mode”. After the lower part 12b has been activated for 4.0 seconds, the lowermost indicating device repeatedly turns on and off to indicate that a 10 second delay has been selected. After another 0.5 second, the next uppermost indicator device repeats on and off, indicating that a 20 second delay has been selected, and successively higher upper indicator devices one after another until the lower portion 12b is released. Repeat on and off. When the lower portion 12b is released, the indicating device indicating the selected delay time blinks twice at a frequency of 2 Hz, indicating that the delay time has been successfully stored, and then the light intensity level indicating device 14 returns to “night illumination mode”.

One embodiment of a basic infrared signal transmission wireless remote control unit 20 suitable for use with the wireless transmitter unit control unit 10 is shown in FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B and 2C.

  The basic wireless control unit 20 includes a user-operable transmitter power level selection actuator 23 and an associated light intensity selection switch 223, a user-actuated transmitter control switch actuator 21 and an associated transmitter control switch 221. , Including a plurality of control actuators. The transmitter selection actuator 23 further includes an increase power level selection portion 23a and a decrease power level selection portion 23b, and controls the light intensity selection switches 223a and 223b, respectively.

  Further, the basic wireless control unit 20 has an infrared transmitting diode 26 disposed in the opening 25 at the end 24 of the basic wireless control unit 20, as best shown in FIG. 2C. As another example, the basic wireless control unit 20 may further include an address switch 222 and an address switch actuator 22, which will be described later in more detail with an “address send” switch (not shown). ). The switches 221, 222, 223a, 223b are shown in FIG.

  The operation of the increased power level selection portion 23a, the lower power level selection portion 23b or the transmitter control switch actuator 21 of the basic wireless remote control unit 20 is controlled by the upper power level selection portion 12a and the lower power level selection portion 12b of the control unit 10. Or it has the same effect as operating the control switch actuator 13.

  Actuation of the actuators 23a, 23b, 21 of the basic wireless remote control unit 20 closes each switch 223a, 223b, 221 actuated by each actuator. The closure of the switch is detected by the microprocessor 27 and the information that the actuator has been activated is obtained from the infrared signal from the infrared transmitting diode 26, as will be described in more detail later in connection with the description of FIGS. Is transmitted through.

  The infrared signal is detected by the infrared receiver 104 and the signal information is sent to a microprocessor 108 that decodes the signal information as will be described in more detail later in conjunction with the description of FIGS. 10 and 13-20. .

  In general, actuating the actuator of the basic wireless remote control unit 20 has the same effect as actuating the corresponding actuator on the control unit 10. Thus, actuating the transmitter control switch actuator 21 for a temporary period has the same effect as actuating the control switch actuator 13 of the control unit 10 for a temporary period. (As mentioned above, the exact effect is highly dependent on the state of the control unit 10 prior to operation). However, if desired, certain functions can only be accessed from the control unit 10 and not from the basic wireless remote control unit 20, or vice versa. For example, the three taps of the transmitter control switch actuator 21 have no effect on the control unit 10, whereas the three taps of the control switch actuator 13 can have the effects described above.

  One embodiment of an improved infrared signal transmission wireless remote control unit 30 suitable for use with the control unit 10 is shown in FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B. The improved wireless control unit 30 includes a user-actuable transmitter power level selection actuator 33 and associated light intensity selection switch 333, and a user-actuated transmitter scene control actuator 31 and associated switch 331. And having a plurality of control actuators. Further, the transmitter selection actuator 33 has an increase power level selection portion 33a and a decrease power level selection portion 33b, and controls the light intensity selection switches 333a and 333b, respectively. Furthermore, the scene control actuator 31 includes a scene selection actuator 31a and an off actuator 31b, and controls the scene control switches 331a and 331b, respectively.

  In addition, the improved wireless control unit 30 has an infrared transmission diode 36 disposed in an opening 35 at the end 34 of the improved wireless control unit 30, as best shown in FIG. 2B. As another example, the improved wireless control unit 30 further includes an address switch 332 and an address switch actuator (not shown, but the same as the address switch actuator 22 used with the basic wireless control unit 20). obtain. Switches 331a, 331b, 332, 333a, 333b are shown in FIG. 12A.

  The operation of the increased power level selection portion 33a or the lower power level selection portion 33b of the improved wireless control unit 30 has the same effect as operating the upper power level selection portion 12a or the lower power level selection portion 12b of the control unit 10, respectively. Have

  Actuation of the scene selection actuator 31a over a temporary time changes the intensity of the lamp 114 from its current intensity level (which may be off) to a first preprogrammed preset intensity level at a first fade rate. Let

  Actuation of the scene selection actuator 31a over two rapidly successive periods of time changes the intensity of the lamp 114 from its current intensity level (which may be off) to a second preprogrammed preset intensity level. Change at 1 fade speed.

  A method for pre-programming the preset light intensity level will be described in detail later.

  Actuation of the off actuator 31b has the same effect as actuating the control switch actuator 13 of the control unit 10 when the control unit 10 is in the on state and sending a non-zero power level to the lamp under control, It has no effect when the control unit 10 is in the off state and is sending zero power to the lamp. Accordingly, by operating the off actuator 31b, it is possible to provide a fade response to the off from the control unit 10 or a delay response to the off.

  Actuation of actuators 33a, 33b, 31a, 31b operating with the improved wireless remote control unit 30 closes each switch 333a, 333b, 331a, 331b. The closing of this switch is detected by the microprocessor 47. Information that the actuator has been actuated is transmitted via an infrared signal from an infrared transmitting diode 36, as will be described in more detail later in connection with the description of FIGS. 6 and 12A.

  The infrared signal is detected by the infrared receiver 104 and the signal information is sent to a microprocessor 108 that decodes the signal information as will be described in more detail later in connection with the description of FIGS. 10 and 13-20. .

  A second embodiment of an improved infrared transmission wireless remote control unit 40 suitable for use with the control unit 10 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A. The improved wireless control unit 40 includes a user-operable transmitter power level selection actuator 43 and associated light intensity selection switch 443, and a user-actuated transmitter scene control actuator 41 and associated switch 441. And having a plurality of control actuators. The transmitter selection actuator 43 is a paddle actuator, and the paddle actuator moves upward to operate the increase light intensity selection switch 443a and moves downward to operate the decrease light intensity selection switch 443b. The scene control actuator 41 includes scene selection actuators 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d that control the respective scene control switches 441a, 441b, 441c, 441d, and 441e, and an off actuator 41e.

  Further, the improved wireless control unit 40 has an infrared transmitting diode 46 disposed in the opening 45 at the end 44 of the improved wireless control unit 40, as best shown in FIG. 4A. As another example, the improved wireless control unit 40 further includes an address switch 442 and an address switch actuator (not shown but similar to the address switch actuator 22 used with the basic wireless control unit 20). Can have. The switches 441a, 441b, 441c, 441d, 441e, 442, 443a, 443b are shown in FIG. 12B.

  Actuating the increased intensity switch 443a by moving the transmitter selection actuator upward has approximately the same effect as activating the upper power level selection portion 12a of the control unit 10. Similarly, actuation of the dimming intensity switch 443b by moving the transmitter selection actuator downward has generally the same effect as activating the lower power level selection portion 12a of the control unit 10.

  Actuation of each of the scene selection actuators 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d over a temporary period of time changes the luminous intensity of the lamp 114 from its current luminous intensity level (which may be off) to the first, second, third and third. Each is varied at a first fade speed to 4 preprogrammed preset levels.

  The activation of each of the scene selection actuators 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d over two rapidly successive periods of time causes the light intensity of the lamp 114 to change from its current light intensity level (which may be off) to the fifth, 6. Change to first, seventh and eighth pre-programmed preset levels at first fade speed, respectively.

  A method for pre-programming the preset light intensity level will be described in detail later.

  The operation of the off actuator 41e has the same effect as operating the control switch actuator 13 of the control unit 10 when the control unit 10 is in the on state and supplying a non-zero power level to the lamp under control. However, it has no effect when the control unit 10 is in the off state and is sending zero power to the lamp. Therefore, by operating the off actuator 41e, it is possible to fade off from the control unit 10 or to provide a delayed response to off.

  Actuation of the actuators 43, 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, 41e of the improved wireless remote control unit 30 closes each switch 443a, 443b, 441a, 441b, 441c, 441d, 441e that they actuate. The closing of this switch is detected by the microprocessor 47. Information that the actuator has been actuated is transmitted from the infrared transmitting diode 46 via an infrared signal, as will be described in more detail later in connection with the description of FIGS. 6 and 12B.

  The infrared signal is detected by the infrared receiver 104 and the signal information is sent to a microprocessor 108 that decodes the signal information as will be described in more detail later in connection with the description of FIGS. 10 and 13-20. .

  A third embodiment of an improved infrared transmission wireless remote control unit 50 suitable for use with control unit 10 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A.

  The improved wireless control unit 50 includes a user-operable transmitter power level selection actuator 53 and associated light intensity selection switch 553, and a user-actuated transmitter scene control actuator 51 and associated switch 551. And having a plurality of control actuators. The transmitter selection actuator 53 is a paddle actuator. The paddle actuator moves upward to actuate the increasing light intensity selection switch 553a and moves downward to actuate the decreasing light intensity selection switch 553b. The scene control actuator 51 includes scene selection actuators 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d that control the respective scene control switches 551a, 551b, 551c, 551d, and 551e, and an off actuator 51e. Further, the scene control actuator 51 includes special function selection actuators 51f, 51g, 51h, 51i for controlling the special function control switches 551f, 551g, 551h, 551i.

  Further, the improved wireless control unit 50 has an infrared transmitting diode 56 disposed in the opening 55 at the end 54 of the improved wireless control unit 50, as best shown in FIG. 5A. As another example, the improved wireless control unit 50 further includes an address switch 552 and an address switch actuator (not shown but similar to the address switch actuator 22 used with the basic wireless control unit 20). Can have. Switches 551a, 551b, 551c, 551d, 551e, 551f, 551g, 551h, 551i, 552, 553a, and 553b are shown in FIG. 12C.

  Actuating the increased intensity switch 553a by moving the transmitter selection actuator upward has approximately the same effect as activating the upper power level selection portion 12a of the control unit 10. Similarly, actuation of the reduced intensity selection switch 553b by moving the transmitter selection actuator downward has substantially the same effect as activating the lower power level selection portion 12b of the control unit 10.

  The activation of each of the scene selection actuators 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d over a temporary period of time changes the intensity of the lamp 114 from its current intensity level (which may be off) to the first, second, third and third. Each is varied at a first fade speed to 4 preprogrammed preset levels.

  The activation of each of the scene selection actuators 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d over two rapidly successive times quickly changes the intensity of the lamp 114 from its current intensity level (which may be off) to a fifth, The sixth, seventh and eighth pre-programmed preset light intensity levels are varied at the first fade speed, respectively.

  The third embodiment 50 of the improved transmitter includes a special function actuator 51f, 51g, 51h, 51i for controlling each special function switch 551f, 551g, 551h, 551i. This is different from the second embodiment 40. These special function actuators can be used to select ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth pre-programmed preset light intensity levels or to select special functions. As another example, some special function actuators can be used to select pre-programmed preset light intensity levels, and some can be used to select special functions.

  The method of pre-programming the preset light intensity level and the nature of the special function will be described in detail later.

  Actuation of the off actuator 51e has the same effect as actuating the control switch actuator 13 of the control unit 10 when the control unit 10 is in the on state and sending a non-zero power level to the lamp under control, It has no effect when the control unit 10 is in the off state and is sending zero power to the lamp. Therefore, by operating the off actuator 51e, it is possible to provide a fade response to the off from the control unit 10 or a delay response to the off.

  The operation of the actuators 53, 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 51e, 51f, 51g, 51h, 51i of the improved wireless remote control unit 30 depends on the respective switches 553a, 553b, 551a, 551b, 551c, 551d that they operate. , 551e, 551f, 551g, 551h, 551i. The closing of this switch is detected by the microprocessor 47. Information that the actuator has been actuated is transmitted via an infrared signal from the infrared transmitting diode 56, as will be described in more detail later in connection with the description of FIGS. 6 and 12C.

  The infrared signal is detected by the infrared receiver 104 and the signal information is sent to a microprocessor 108 that decodes the signal information as will be described in more detail later in connection with the description of FIGS. 10 and 13-20. .

  The method for pre-programming preset light intensity levels accessed from the improved wireless control units 30, 40, 50 is similar for each of the improved remote controls.

  The programming mode of the control unit 10 is entered as follows. That is, the actuator combination of the improved remote control device is actuated, the switch controlled by the actuator is kept closed for a period of time, preferably 3 seconds, and the infrared signal is sent from the transmitter to the control unit 10. By transmitting, the control unit 10 then enters the programming mode.

  In the improved remote control 30 embodiment shown in FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B, the programming mode is entered by simultaneously operating the scene selection actuator 31a and the off-actuator 31b. In the case of the embodiment 40 shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the programming mode is entered by simultaneously operating the scene selection actuator 41a and the off actuator 41e. In the case of the embodiment 50 shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A, the programming mode is entered by simultaneously operating the scene selection actuator 51a and the off actuator 51e.

  The control unit 10 enters the programming mode and is ready to program the first preset light intensity level. The topmost indicating device 14 (indicating that the first preset light intensity level is being programmed) flashes at a duty cycle of approximately 10% and corresponds to the light intensity level currently programmed as the first preset light intensity level. The indicating device 14 blinks with a 90% duty cycle. The duty cycle refers to a temporal relative amount in which one indication device 14 is on and the other indication device 14 is on. Only one of the pointing devices 14 is illuminated at a time due to a limitation in the power supply that supplies power to the pointing device 14.

  The stored light intensity levels activate the increased power level selection portion 33a or the reduced power level selection portion 33b or the off-actuator 31b for the improved remote control 30 embodiment shown in FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B. And, in the case of the improved remote control 40 embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the power level selection actuator 43 is moved up or down to increase or decrease intensity selection switch 443a. , Or in the case of the improved remote control 50 embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A, the power level selection actuator 53 is moved up or down. Activating the increase light intensity selection switch 553a or the decrease light intensity selection switch 553b Rukoto or by actuating the off actuator 51e,, it is adjusted. In all embodiments of the improved remote control 30, 40, 50, the stored light intensity can also be adjusted by actuating the upper power level selection portion 12a and the lower power level selection portion 12b of the control unit 10. it can.

  As the light intensity is adjusted, the light intensity of the lamp 114 changes, and the indicating device 14 illuminated with a 90% duty cycle also changes to indicate the new current light intensity level.

  Once the desired intensity level to be programmed as the first preset intensity level (which may be off) is achieved, another preset intensity level to be programmed is selected or the programming mode is exited. In the case of the improved remote control 30 shown in FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B, only the first preset light intensity level can be programmed, so the only option at this point is to exit the programming mode. is there.

  If it is desired to program other preset light intensity levels, this will activate the scene selection actuators 41b, 41c, 41d for a temporary time in the improved remote control embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A. In the improved remote control embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A, the scene selection actuators 51b, 51c, 51d are selected by actuating for a temporary time.

  These scene selection actuators select second, third and fourth preset light intensity levels to be programmed, respectively. When the second preset light intensity level is selected, the second highest indicator device 14 flashes with a 10% duty cycle, and when the third preset light intensity level is selected, the third highest indicator device 14 is 10%. When the fourth preset light intensity level is selected, the intermediate indicating device 14 blinks with a duty cycle of 10%.

  Fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth preset intensities to be programmed by actuating the scene selection actuators 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d for two temporary times Each level can be selected.

  The highest indicating device 14, the second highest indicating device 14, the third highest indicating device 14, and the intermediate indicating device 14 flash at a duty cycle other than 10% and are to be programmed fifth, sixth, Indicates that either 7 or 8 preset light intensity level has been selected.

  Select the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth preset light intensity levels from the special function actuators 51f, 51g, 51h, 51i using the improved transmitter 50 embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A. If so, they can be selected for programming by actuating special function actuators 51f, 51g, 51h, 51i.

  The highest indicating device 14, the second highest indicating device 14, the third highest indicating device 14 and the intermediate indicating device 14 flash at a second duty cycle other than 10% and are to be programmed. 10. Indicates that the eleventh or twelfth preset light intensity level has been selected.

  The intensity to be stored is adjusted in the same manner as described above for programming the first preset intensity level.

  Once all desired preset light intensity levels have been programmed, the same combination of actuators used to enter the programming mode is again actuated for a period of time, preferably 3 seconds, and from the transmitter to the control unit 10 Exit programming mode by sending a signal. At the end of this period, the control unit exits the programming mode. Alternatively, the programming mode can be exited by actuating the actuator 13 of the control unit 10 for a temporary period.

  The action of the special function actuators 51f, 51g, 51h, 51i of the improved transmitter 50 depends on the specific special function programmed in the control unit 10 that receives the infrared signal.

  One option is to use a special function selection actuator to select additional programmed intensity levels as described above. The first special function that can be selected by the first special function actuator is “fade off with a determined fade time”. This function is the same as “delay off” except for the following points. That is, in the case of “delayed off”, the intensity of the lamp 114 remains at the current intensity during the delay time, and then decreases to zero in a relatively short time, but “fades off in the determined fade time” In this case, the light intensity level of the lamp 114 begins to decrease when the actuator is released, and then continues to decrease until the light intensity reaches zero at the end of the “determined fade time”.

  The “determined fade time” is determined by the length of time that the first special function actuator is activated. The longer the actuator is operated, the longer the fade time.

  After the first special function actuator is activated, the indicating device 14 blinks the bottom LED to indicate that a 10 second fade time has been selected. For each additional 0.5 second when the first special function actuator is activated, the fade time increases every 10 seconds to a maximum of 60 seconds. Continuously, the upper indicating device 14 blinks one after another to indicate that the increased fade time has been selected. When the first special function actuator is released, the light intensity of the lamp 114 begins to decrease, and the indicating device 14 that indicates the current light intensity blinks. As the light intensity of the lamp 114 decreases until the indicator device 14 indicates “night illumination mode” when the lamp 114 is at zero power, the indicator devices 14 below continuously flash successively.

  A second special function that can be selected by the second special function actuator is "return to previous brightness level". This feature allows the intensity of the lamp 114 to be returned to the last preset level that it had prior to the last actuation of the scene selection actuator, control switch actuator, or power level actuator.

  In this way, the user of the control unit 10 can return to the last selected preset level which may be a pre-programmed preset light intensity level, a locked preset light intensity level or an unlocked preset light intensity level. is there. The luminous intensity level of the electric lamp 114 gradually increases or decreases from the current luminous intensity level to the luminous intensity level to be returned, and the indicating device 14 continues until the indicating device 14 indicating the luminous intensity level of the preset level selected last is illuminated. The illumination of the LEDs corresponding to the light intensity level of the LED is continuously illuminated, and the LEDs that are successively higher or lower are successively illuminated.

  Other special functions can be arbitrarily programmed into the control unit 10 and can be selected by activating different special function actuators.

  As another example, the operation of the optional address switch actuator 22 and the address switches 222, 332, 442, 552 and the address transmission switch (not shown) is similar to the basic wireless control unit 20 and the improved wireless control unit 30. , 40 and 50 are the same.

  The first use of the optional address switch actuator 22 and address transmission switch is to give the control unit 10 a specific address. The address switch actuator 22 controls the address switches 222, 332, 442, and 552, which are normally a plurality of positions, and selects different addresses A, B, C, D, and the like. If it is desired to give address B to a particular control unit 10, the address switch actuator is adjusted to select B and then the address transmission switch is activated. The address transmission switch is not shown, but may have a desired shape. Preferably, the address transmission switch is actuated by a small and unobtrusive actuator. Because it is used only occasionally. As another example, the actuator of the address transmission switch can be hidden under the battery compartment cover of the wireless control unit 20, 30, 40, 50, for example, in normal use.

  Alternatively, in the case of the three embodiments of the improved wireless control unit 30, 40, 50, the function of the address transmission switch is to use existing actuators, for example off-actuators 31b, 41e, 51e and an increased power level selection portion 33a. It can be obtained by operating in combination or by moving the transmitter selection actuators 43, 53 upward.

  After the address transmission switch has been activated or the appropriate combination of actuators has been activated, an infrared signal is sent from the wireless control unit 20, 30, 40, 50, which addresses any control unit 10 that receives the signal. Instruct B to attach itself. The light intensity level indicating device 14, which indicates the current light intensity level of the lamp, blinks three times at a frequency of 2 Hz, indicating that the address has been successfully received and stored in the memory.

  As another example, a light intensity level indicator 14 that indicates the current light intensity level of the lamp 114 flashes at a frequency of 2 Hz until the control switch actuator 13 is activated for a temporary time to store the address in memory. To do. If the actuator 13 of the control unit 10 that receives the infrared signal is not activated within 2 minutes, the address is not stored and the control unit 10 returns to the state before receiving the infrared signal.

  In this way, the same or different addresses can be assigned to a plurality of control units 10.

  If all the control units 10 that are desired to be controlled by the wireless control unit 20, 30, 40, 50 are addressed, the wireless control unit 20, 30, 40, 50 can be assigned a special address in the following manner. It can be used to control only the control unit 10 marked with.

  The address switch actuator 22 is adjusted to a position for selecting an address of the control unit 10 to be controlled, for example, A. After this is done, which ones are sent from the wireless control unit 20, 30, 40, 50 in response to actuation of other actuators, eg, scene selection actuators 31, 41, 51 or transmitter selection actuators 33, 43, 53 Such a signal also includes address information A.

  Only the control unit 10 previously labeled with address A responds to the infrared signal containing address information A. The other control unit 10 does not respond. Thus, by assigning different addresses to the plurality of control units 10, each control unit 10 can be individually controlled even when all units receive infrared signals.

  The address switch actuator 22 can also select all addresses. This cannot be used to label the control unit 10. However, when the control unit 10 is labeled with individual addresses A, B, C, etc., it is transmitted from the wireless control unit 20, 30, 40, 50 by selecting all addresses with the address switch actuator 22. The infrared signal can include all addresses. In this case, all control units 10 receiving infrared signals with all addresses respond regardless of the individual addresses attached to them.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the circuit of the power control unit 10 is shown at 100 in the control unit block diagram. With the exception of wireless remote control operation, this circuit is well known to those skilled in the art and is fully described in US Pat. No. 5,248,919, incorporated herein by reference. Therefore, a detailed description of the prior art circuit will not be given here, only the new features of the present invention will be described.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides the features of wireless remote control operation as described below in combination with the lighting control disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,248,919. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the circuitry of the power control unit 10 is in addition to being commanded by an actuator located in the power control unit 10, in addition to wireless remote control units 20, 30, 40, 50 (FIGS. 2, 3). 4 and 5 respectively) commanded by the infrared control signal transmitted. The infrared receiver 104 is responsive to the infrared control signal and converts the signal into an electrical control signal input to the microprocessor 108. This is because the signal detector 102 is responsive to a control signal from a switch 110 located in the power control unit 10 as well as a control signal from a switch 111 in a wired remote lighting control unit. , 248, 919, in a manner similar to providing a control signal input to the microprocessor 108 of the present invention, similar to the control signal, signal detector 32 and microprocessor 28. However, the operation of the program is different and provides additional functions and features not disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,248,919.

  In the present invention, the control signal input is generated by the switch actuator of the power control unit 10, and the switch actuator of the wireless remote control unit 20, 30, 40, 50 that can be operated by the user or the switch actuator of the wired lighting control unit. Generated by. In either case, these signals are sent to the microprocessor 108 for processing. The microprocessor 108 then sends appropriate signals to other parts of the control circuit, thereby controlling the light intensity level and status of the lamp 114 associated with the control unit 10.

  A block diagram of the control circuit 200 of the basic remote control unit 20 is shown in FIG. The light intensity selection actuator 23 activates the light intensity selection switch 223a or 223b, and the control switch actuator 21 activates the transmitter control switch 221 to send the input to the microprocessor 27. The microprocessor 27 sends the encoded control signal to the LED drive circuit 28, which drives the LED 26 to generate and transmit the infrared signal encoded by the microprocessor 27. This LED 26 is located in an IR transmitter opening 25 embedded in the end wall 24 of a basic remote control unit 20 that can be activated by the user.

  Address switch actuator 22 actuates address switch 222 and provides input to microprocessor 27. The “Send Address” switch is not shown in FIG. 11, but provides an input to the microprocessor 27 as described above.

  The battery 49 sends power to the basic remote control unit 20.

  The microprocessor 27 has a preprogrammed software routine that controls its operation. The operation of the routine in the microprocessor 27 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. There is one large flow path or routine that the program in the microprocessor 27 follows. This path is selected whenever the decision step (node) 2000 “one or more actuators actuated” is “yes”. This occurs whenever the control switch actuator 21 or the power level selection actuator 23 is actuated. Following the decision step “Which actuator (s) have been actuated” is followed by “Determine which actuator has been actuated” in step 2004, where a determination is made as to which actuator has been actuated. Step 2004 “Determine which actuator has been actuated” is followed by Step 2006 “Determine Address”, where the microprocessor 27 determines the setting of the address switch 222. Microprocessor 27 then proceeds to "Look up the number corresponding to the actuated actuator and selected address" in step 2008. The microprocessor then proceeds to “encode number” in step 2010 and proceeds to “carry code” in step 2012.

  If the control switch actuator 21 or the power level selection actuator 23 is not activated by the user, the remote control unit 20 enters the “sleep mode” of step 2002 and the state of the control unit 10 does not change.

  A block diagram of each of the control circuits of the improved wireless remote control unit 30, 40, 50 is shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C. These block diagrams are similar to the block diagram 200 shown in FIG. 11, and the scene control switches 331 a and 331 b in the block diagram 300 are replaced with the transmitter control switch 221 in the block diagram 200. The scene control switches 441a, 441b, 441c, 441d, and 441e in the block diagram 400 are replaced with the transmitter control switch 221 in the block diagram 200. The scene control switches 551a, 551b, 551c, 551d, and 551e and the special function switches 551f, 551g, 551h, and 551i in the block diagram 500 are replaced with the transmitter control switch 221 in the block diagram 200.

  The scene control switch provides an input to the microprocessor 47. Microprocessor 47 provides the encoded control signal to LED drive circuit 48. The LED drive circuit 48 drives the LEDs 36, 46, 56 to generate and transmit infrared signals encoded by the microprocessor 47. These signals are transmitted through IR openings 35, 45, 55 located in the end walls 34, 44, 54 of the improved wireless remote control units 30, 40, 50.

  The address switch actuator 22 of the improved remote control unit 30, 40, 50 actuates the address switches 332, 442, 552, respectively, to provide input to the microprocessor. Address send switches not shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C also provide inputs to the microprocessor 47.

  The improved remote control unit 30, 40, 50 uses the same pre-programmed software routine as shown in FIG. 6 to control their operation. The actual code behavior may be different. Whenever the scene control switch or power level selection switch is actuated, “whether one or more actuators have been actuated” in decision step 2000 of FIG. 6 is “yes”.

  Referring to FIGS. 13-20, the microprocessor 108 of the control unit 10 has a preprogrammed software routine that controls its operation. The routine operation of the microprocessor 108 is shown in the flow charts of FIGS. Referring to FIG. 13, there are four main flow paths or routines that the microprocessor 108 can follow. These paths are selected by the input control signal source. The first three paths, ie, “rising” in step 1030, “falling” in step 1024, and “toggling” in step 1036, when the power selection actuator 12 or the control switch actuator 13 are actuated as described above. Selected.

  The functions of preprogrammed software routines for operation by wireless remote control are also described in detail. This is the “IR signal” of the fourth path in step 1012.

  Referring to FIG. 13, the program begins with “main” in step 1000 as shown. The first determination step is “in IR program mode” in step 1002. The program determines whether the control unit 10 is in a program mode so that a preprogrammed light intensity can be stored. If the output from “Is IR Program Mode?” In decision step 1002 is “yes”, the next decision step is “whether an actuator or IR signal was received within the last two minutes” in step 1004. Decision step 1004 performs a timeout function that determines whether the user is at a loss during the program mode. If the user does not touch the actuator of the control unit within 2 minutes, the unit automatically exits the program mode and stops the blinking indicating device 14. If the output from the decision step 1004 is “no”, the control unit 10 receives the “Exit Program Mode” command in Step 1026 and the “Stop Blinking LED” command in Step 1028, and the program executes “Main” in Step 1000. Return to. If the output from decision step 1004 is “yes”, the program proceeds to decision step 1006 “actuator has been activated”. It is checked whether the actuator has been actuated in the control unit 10, i.e. whether the power level selection actuator 12 or the control switch actuator 13 has been actuated.

  If the output of “actuator actuated” in decision step 1006 is “yes”, the program proceeds to “in IR program mode” in decision step 1018 where it checks again whether the control unit 10 is in program mode. Is done. If the output of decision step 1018 “is in IR program mode” is “yes”, the program proceeds to “go to IR program mode routine” in step 1020. This is shown in more detail in the IR program mode routine 1100 shown in FIG.

  If the output from decision step 1018 is "no", the program proceeds to decision step 1030 "rising" where a check is made as to whether the upper power level selection portion 12a has been activated. If the output from decision step “rising” is “yes”, the program proceeds to “go to ascent routine” at step 1032. This “rise” routine 1400 is shown in more detail in FIG.

  If the “rising” output of decision step 1030 is “no”, the program proceeds to “declining” of step 1022 where a check is made as to whether the lower power level selection portion 12b has been activated. If the output from “decline” at decision step 1022 is “yes”, the program proceeds to “go to descent routine” at step 1024. This “down” routine 1200 is shown in more detail in FIG.

  If the output from “decline” at decision step 1022 is “no”, the program proceeds to “toggle” at decision step 1034 where a check is made as to whether the control switch actuator 13 has been actuated. If the output from “Toggle” at decision step 1034 is “yes”, the program proceeds to “Go to Toggle Routine” at step 1036. This “toggle” routine 1300 is shown in more detail in FIG. If the output of “toggle” at step 1034 is “no”, the program returns to “main” at step 1000.

  If the output of “actuator actuated” at decision step 1006 is “no”, the program proceeds to “actuator actuated during last 2 minutes” at decision step 1008. Decision step 1008 performs another timeout check that determines whether the control actuator has been actuated in the last two minutes. If the output from decision step 1008 is “yes”, the program proceeds to decision step 1010 “IR signal?” Where a determination is made as to whether an IR signal has been received. If the “IR signal” output of decision step 1010 is “yes”, the program proceeds to “go to IR signal routine” in step 1012. The “IR signal routine” of step 1500 is shown in more detail in FIGS. If the output of “Is IR signal” at decision step 1010 is “no”, the program proceeds to “Update LED” at step 1014 where the state of the light intensity indicating device 14 is updated, and the program proceeds to “1000” Return to “Main”. The control unit 10 continues to update the LED display even if the actuator is not actuated or no IR signal is received. If decision step 1008 “actuator actuated in last 2 minutes” is “no”, the program proceeds to “reset learned address mode” in step 1016 and proceeds to decision step 1010 “IR signal?” .

  After the program proceeds to “Learn Address Mode” in step 1590 and “Store New Address” in step 1580, which will be described in more detail later, the program looks for a confirmation signal. If the control unit does not receive a confirmation signal within 2 minutes, the “learning address mode” is reset and the new address received is erased.

  Referring to FIG. 14, the first decision step encountered in the “IR program mode” is “toggle” in step 1102. The IR program mode is a mode in which the preset light intensity level can be stored in the control unit 10 by operating the actuator of the control unit 10 or the improved wireless transmitter 30, 40, 50. In decision step 1102, “Toggle?”, A determination is made as to whether the control switch actuator 13 has been actuated. If the output of this step is “yes”, the control unit 10 receives the instruction “stop blinking LED” in step 1104, and all the blinking indicating devices 14 are turned off. The program proceeds to “Exit Program Mode” at step 1106 and “Update LED” at step 1108 where the pointing device 14 is updated to the correct state and the program proceeds to “return to top of main” at step 1110. move on. This is one way to exit program mode. Other methods will be described in detail later.

  If the “toggle” output of decision step 1102 is “no”, then the next decision step 1112 is “rising” where a determination is made as to whether the upper power level selection portion 12a has been activated. . If the output of this step is “yes”, the program moves to “is it at the top” of decision step 1114. If the “top” output of decision step 1114 is “yes”, the intensity of the lamp 114 cannot be increased any further and does not change, and the program proceeds to “return to top of main” in step 1110. If the “top” output of decision step 1114 is “no”, the control unit 10 receives the “increase brightness level step by step” command of step 1116, where the output power of the control unit 10 is increased. The The program continues to “determine scene” in step 1118, where the program checks which scene is being programmed.

  The unit proceeds to decision step 1120 “Is the same actuator actuated in the last 0.5 seconds”. By including the function of this decision step, additional functions can be accessed by actuating the actuator multiple times. If the output of decision step 1120 is “no”, the unit receives the instruction “store light intensity level as scene preset” in step 1130, where the new light intensity level for the scene selection actuator being programmed is stored. Is done.

  The program proceeds to step 1100 "Return to top of main". If the output of decision step 1120 "Is the same actuator actuated in the last 0.5 seconds" is "yes", i.e., multiple actuations of the actuator occur within a certain period of time, then the unit proceeds to step 1122 In response to the commands “Add 4 to scene number” and “Store light intensity level as scene preset” in step 1130, the program proceeds to “Return to top of main” in step 1000.

  If the “Toggle” output of decision step 1102 is “no” and the “Increase” output of decision step 1112 is “no”, the program moves to the next large routine and “Decrease” of decision step 1124. Enter "". A determination is made as to whether the lower power level selection portion 12b has been activated. If the output from decision step 1124 is “no”, then no change occurs and the program proceeds to “return to top of main” at step 1110.

  If the output of decision step 1124 is “yes”, the program proceeds to decision step 1126 “bottom or off”. A determination is made as to whether the lamp 114 is minimally lit or off. If the output from decision step 1120 is “yes”, the intensity cannot be further reduced, no change occurs, and the program proceeds to “return to top of main” at step 1110. If the output from decision step 1126 is “no”, control unit 10 receives the command “decrease luminous intensity step by step” in step 1128, where the output power of control unit 10 is reduced, and then step In response to the “decide scene” 1118 command, the unit again checks which scene is being programmed.

  The program proceeds to decision step 1120 “Is the same actuator actuated in the last 0.5 seconds”. If the output from decision step 1120 is “no”, the unit receives a “store light intensity level as scene preset” command in step 1130 where the new light intensity for the scene selection actuator being programmed is stored. The The program proceeds to step 1110 "Return to top of main". If the output of “Is the same actuator actuated in the last 0.5 seconds” in decision step 1120 is “yes”, the unit adds “4 to scene number” in step 1122 and “scene preset as step 1130” Upon receipt of the command “store brightness level”, the program proceeds to “return to top of main” at step 1110.

  Referring to FIG. 15 and the “Descent” routine 1200, the first decision step is “Is the unit on?” At step 1202, where a decision is made as to whether the control unit 10 is “on”. If the output from decision unit 1202 “is unit on” is “yes”, the program proceeds to decision step 1204 “is lower end”, where a determination is made as to whether the lamp 114 is at a minimum intensity. Made. If the output from decision step 1204 is “yes”, the intensity cannot be decreased any further, no change will occur, and the program proceeds to “return to top of main” at step 1206. If the “whether lower end” output of decision step 1204 is “no”, the program proceeds to “fading” decision step 1222. A determination is made as to whether the control unit 10 is in a stable state or fading between two different output light intensity levels. If the output from decision step 1222 is “yes”, the control unit 10 is fading between two different light intensity levels, so the control unit 10 will “stop fading” in step 1224 and “ In response to the command “decrease luminous intensity level by one step”, the output power of the control unit 10 is reduced. The next decision step is “Is it an IR instruction” in step 1214.

  If the “fading” output of decision step 1222 is “no”, the power output from the control unit 10 is in a stable state, and the control unit 10 issues a command “decrease luminous intensity step by step” in step 1212. In response, the output power of the control unit 10 is reduced. The program proceeds to decision step 1214, "Is it an IR instruction", where a determination is made as to whether an infrared signal has been received that put the program into a "down" routine at step 1200.

  If the output from “Is it an IR instruction” at decision step 1214 is “yes”, the program proceeds to “Update LED” at step 1216 and then proceeds to “Return to top of main” at step 1206. There is no change to the stored preset level. This is because, unless the control unit 10 is in the program mode, the lowering command from the wireless transmitter only affects the current light intensity. Further, as described in detail below, the light intensity level adjusted by using a light intensity selection actuator operable by the user of the control unit 10 is temporary when the locked preset mode is set. If the locked preset mode is not set, it is stored.

  If the output of “whether it was an IR instruction” at decision step 1214 is “no”, the program proceeds to “whether the locked preset mode is set” at decision step 1208, where preset light intensity is stored. A decision is made about whether. If the output from decision step 1208 is “no” and the locked preset has not been stored, the unit receives an “update preset” command in step 1210, where the current of the unlocked preset The memory storing the value of stores the new luminous intensity level in it. The program proceeds to “Update LED” at step 1212 where the state of the light intensity indicating device 14 is updated and the program proceeds to “return to top of main” at step 1206. If the output of decision step 1208 “is locked preset mode set” is “yes”, the unit receives an “update LED” command from step 1216, and then the “top of main” step 1206 Go to “Back to”. There is no change in the stored preset intensity level.

  If the decision step 1202 “unit is on” output is “no”, then the unit proceeds to decision step 1221 “delayed off in program mode”. Each time a user actuates an actuator that turns off the control unit 10, the delay off time can be stored permanently to delay a certain amount of time before the unit turns off. If the control unit 10 is in a programmed delay time, the output from decision step 1221 is “yes” and the program proceeds to decision step 1226 “Is the descent actuator held for 10 seconds”?

  The permanently stored delay-off time can be erased by operating the actuator resulting in the “down” command in step 1200 for an extended period of time, ie, 10 seconds. If the output from decision step 1226 is “yes”, the unit receives a “cancel delay off time” command in step 1228 and the program proceeds to “return to top of main” in step 1206. If the output from decision step 1226, "Descent actuator was held for 10 seconds" is "no", the program proceeds to "Determine how much the descent actuator was held" step 1230, where step A determination is made as to how long the 1200 “down” command actuator has been actuated. The program follows step 1232 “Set Delay Off Time Corresponding to Holding Time” where the appropriate delay time is stored. The program follows step 1234 “Blink LED” where the indicating device blinks as described above. The program proceeds to step 1206 "Return to top of main". The longer the user depresses the “down” command actuator, the longer the stored delay off time.

  If the output from “Delay Off Program Mode” at decision step 1221 is “no”, then the unit proceeds to “4.0 seconds maintained down” at decision step 1218. In order to store the delay off time permanently, the user operates the actuator issuing the “down” command for an extended period of time, ie 4 seconds. If decision step 1218 is “no”, the program proceeds to “return to top of main” at step 1206.

  If the output from decision step 1218 is “yes”, the control unit 10 receives the command “Start Delayed Off Program Mode” in step 1220 and receives the command to blink the lowermost indicating device 14 as described above. Then, the process proceeds to “blink LED” in step 1234. The program then proceeds to step 1206 "Return to top of main".

  Referring to FIG. 16, in the “rising” routine 1400, the first decision step is decision step 1402, “Is the unit on?”, Where a determination is made as to whether the control unit 10 is in the on state. If the output from decision unit 1402 “unit is on” is “yes”, ie, control unit 10 is on, the program moves to decision step 1404 “is the top”, where lamp 114 A determination is made as to whether is the maximum luminous intensity.

  If the output from decision step 1404 is “yes”, the luminous intensity cannot be further increased, no change occurs, and the program proceeds to “return to top of main” in step 1420. If the output from decision step 1404 is “no”, the routine continues to decision step 1406 “fading” where the control unit 10 is in a stable state or between two different output intensity levels. A decision is made as to whether or not the fading is over. If the output from decision step 1406 is yes, the control unit 10 is fading between two different light intensity levels, so the control unit 10 receives the “stop fading” command of step 1408, and then In response to the command “increase luminous intensity level step by step” in step 1410, the output power of the control unit 10 is increased. If the output from “Fade” in decision step 1406 is “no”, the unit receives the command “Increase luminous intensity step by step” in step 1410, where the output power of the control unit 10 is increased. The The program then proceeds to decision step 1412 “Is it an IR instruction” where a determination is made as to whether an infrared signal has been received that caused the program to enter the ascent routine 1400. If the output from decision step 1412 is “yes”, control unit 10 proceeds to “update LED” in step 1418 and then the program proceeds to “return to top of main” in step 1420. There is no change in the stored preset level. This is because the rising routine command of step 1400 from the wireless transmitter only affects the current light intensity level unless the control unit 10 is in program mode. If the output from “whether it was an IR instruction” at decision step 1412 is “no”, the program proceeds to “whether the locked preset mode is set” at decision step 1414, where the preset light intensity level is locked. A determination is made as to whether or not is stored. If the output from decision step 1414 is “yes”, control unit 10 proceeds to “LED update” in step 1418 where the state of light intensity indicator 14 is updated and then the program is Go to “Return to Top”. If the output from decision step 1414 is “no”, the unit receives a “update preset” command in step 1416 where a memory (not shown) that stores the current value of the unlocked preset is stored. The new intensity level is stored in its memory and goes to “Update LED” in step 1418. If the output from the decision unit 1402 “unit is on” is “no”, the control unit 10 receives a “turn on bottom” command in step 1422, where the control unit 10 is turned on and the program is Go to “Increase luminous intensity level step by step” in step 1410, then go to “Is it an IR instruction” in decision step 1412.

  Referring to FIG. 17 and the “Toggle” routine 1300, the first decision step is “in learning address mode” of step 1302, where the control unit 10 decides whether it is in a mode in which it is given a new address. Is made. If the decision is made by the microprocessor 108 that the control unit 10 has a new address, the output from decision step 1302 is “yes”. The microprocessor then proceeds to “use new address for signal recognition” in step 1304 which instructs the control unit 10 to store the received new address as the address of that unit. Next, the process proceeds to “return to the top of the main” in step 1306. As described above, the control unit 10 can receive a unique address via the IR signal. This makes it possible to use a transmitter having an address selection switch to control a plurality of control units 10 individually. If the output of decision step 1302 “is in learning address mode” is “no”, the program proceeds to decision step 1330 “last toggle?” Where the control switch actuator 13 has been in a temporary time or more. A determination is made as to whether it is activated. If the output from decision step 1330 is “yes”, the program proceeds to decision step 1332 “Fade off?” Where a determination is made as to whether the power level at the output of the control unit 10 is decreasing. Done. If the output of decision step 1332 is “yes” and the power output is decreasing, then the program proceeds to decision step 1334 “Toggle held for 1/2 second”, where the control switch is longer than 1/2 second A determination is made as to whether the actuator 13 has been actuated and, if so, how long it has been actuated. If the output of this step is “yes”, the control unit 10 receives the “delay off with determined delay time” command of step 1336 where the control unit 10 is the time the control switch actuator 13 is activated. The current power level is output for the duration of the delay time corresponding to the length of the current, then the output power level is decreased, thus reducing the luminous intensity of the lamp 114 to zero. The program proceeds to “Update LED” in step 1338, where the indicating device 14 indicating the current light intensity level flashes for a delay time and continuously lowers as the output power level from the control unit 10 decreases. Are sequentially illuminated. The program then proceeds to step 1306 "Return to top of main".

  If the output from the “last toggle” at decision step 1330 is “no” and the control switch actuator 13 has not been actuated for more than a temporary time, the program proceeds to the “last 0.5 seconds” at decision step 1318. A determination is made as to whether the control switch actuator 13 has already been actuated in a temporary manner in the last 0.5 seconds. If the output from decision step 1318 is “yes”, the program proceeds to decision step 1320 “is the third tap in 1.0 seconds?”, Where this is a temporary period within 1.0 seconds. A determination is made as to whether this is the third operation. If the output from the decision step 1320 is “yes”, the control unit 10 receives the “store current luminosity level as locked preset” command of step 1322 where the current luminosity level is locked. It is stored in the memory as a light intensity level. The program continues to “maintain current brightness level” in step 1324, the current brightness level does not change, and the program proceeds to “flash LED twice” in step 1326. The indicating device 14 indicating the current light intensity level blinks twice at a frequency of 2 Hz, and indicates that the current light intensity level is stored. The program proceeds to “Set Locked Preset Mode” at step 1328 where the microprocessor 108 is updated to reflect that it is in the locked preset mode. The program proceeds to "Update LED" at step 1338, where the indicating device 14 indicating the current light intensity level is illuminated.

  If the output from the decision step 1320 “is the third tap in 1.0 seconds” is “no”, the program proceeds to decision step 1340 “is the fourth tap in 1.5 seconds?” Here, a determination is made as to whether this is the fourth activation of a temporary period within 1.5 seconds. If the output from decision step 1340 is “no”, it must be the second activation of the temporary period, and control unit 10 proceeds to “full fade with fast fade” in step 1346. The intensity of the lamp 114 quickly increases to the maximum intensity, and the program proceeds to “Update LED” in step 1338, where successive higher level indicators continue to increase as the intensity of the lamp 114 increases. Illuminated.

  If the output from decision step 1340 is “yes”, this is the fourth activation of the temporary period within 1.5 seconds. The program proceeds to Step 1342 “Suspend Locked Preset”, where the microprocessor 108 is updated to remove the control unit 10 from the locked preset mode. The program proceeds to “Blink LED twice” in step 1344, where the indicating device indicating the current light intensity level blinks twice at a frequency of 2 Hz, then proceeds to “Update LED” in step 1338, where The indicator device 14 for indicating the current light intensity level is illuminated.

  If the output from decision step 1318 “toggle tapped in last 1/2 second” is “no”, the program proceeds to “unit on or fading up” at step 1308, where control A determination is made as to whether the unit 10 is in the on state or whether it is fading between two light intensity levels. If the output from decision step 1308 is “yes”, the program proceeds to decision step 1310 “Is Delay Off Mode Set?”. If the output from decision step 1310 is “yes” and a predetermined delay time until off is stored (see description of delay setting routine 1232 in FIG. 15), control unit 10 is “programmed” in step 1312. Receive a "delay off in time" command. The lamp 114 remains at the current intensity level for the stored delay time, and then the intensity of the lamp 114 decreases to zero. The program proceeds to step 1306 "Return to top of main". If the output from the decision step 1310 “Is delay off mode set?” Is “no”, the control unit 10 receives the “fade off” command from step 1314 and the luminous intensity of the lamp 114 is reduced to zero. To do. Then proceed to “Update LED” in step 1338, and the lower indicator devices are successively illuminated one after another as the intensity of the lamp 114 decreases.

  If the output of decision unit 1308 “unit on or fading up” is “no”, the control unit 10 receives a “fade to preset” command in step 1316, where the intensity of the lamp 114 reaches the preset level. Increase. This preset level may be a locked preset level or the last preset level when the control unit 10 is in the on state. The program proceeds to "Update LED" in step 1338, where the upper indicator device 14 is continuously illuminated one after another as the light intensity of the lamp 114 increases.

  If the output from “Fade Off” at decision step 1332 is “no”, the program proceeds to “Update LED” at step 1338 where the state of the indicating device 14 is updated. If the output of “whether toggle for 1/2 second was held” at decision step 1334 is “no”, the program proceeds to “update LED” at step 1338 and the state of the indicating device 14 is updated.

  Referring to FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 and the “IR signal” routine 1500, starting with “Is correct signal address” in decision step 1550, the control unit 10 will see if the IR signal address matches the unit address. The first check determines whether to respond to the received IR signal. If the addresses do not match, the control unit 10 ignores the IR signal. If the output from decision step 1550 is “no”, the program proceeds to “return to top of main” at step 1564.

  If the output from decision step 1550 is “yes”, then the program proceeds to decision step 1552 “in IR program mode” where a determination is made as to whether control unit 10 is in IR program mode. If the output of this step is “no”, the program proceeds to a series of decision steps.

  The first decision step is “rising” of step 1528, where the increased power level actuators 23a, 33a have been actuated or the power level selection actuators 43, 53 have been actuated to their upper positions. A determination is made whether the IR signal indicates. If the output from “Is rising” in decision step 1528 is “yes”, the program proceeds to “Go to rising routine” in step 1530. The rising routine is shown in FIG. If the output from decision step 1528 is “no”, the program proceeds to decision step 1508 “decreasing” where reduced power level actuators 23b, 33b have been activated or power level selection actuators 43, 53. A determination is made whether the IR signal indicates that has been actuated to its lowered position. If the output from “decline” at decision step 1508 is “yes”, the program proceeds to “go to descent routine” at step 1510. The descending routine is shown in FIG. If the output from “decline” at decision step 1508 is “no”, the program proceeds to “full on” at decision step 1502, where the IR signal is transmitted to the transmitter switch as shown in FIG. A determination is made as to whether to indicate that two temporary actuations of eta 21 have occurred in a short period of time. If the output from decision step 1502 is “yes”, the control unit 10 receives a “fast fade to full-on fade” command in step 1512, which quickly increases the intensity of the lamp 114 to a maximum, then Proceed to "Update LED" in step 1562, where as the light intensity of the lamp 14 increases, the successively higher indicator devices 14 are illuminated one after another, and then the program proceeds to the top of the main in step 1564.

  If the output from “whether full on” at decision step 1502 is “no”, the program proceeds to “off” at decision step 1532 where off actuators 31b, 41e, 51e have been activated or transmitted. A determination is made as to whether the IR signal indicates that the machine switch actuator 21 has been activated and whether the control unit 10 is in the on state. If the output from decision step 1532 is “yes”, the control unit 10 receives a “Fade Off” command in step 1534 where the intensity of the lamp 114 is reduced to zero and then the “LED” in step 1562 is turned off. Update ", where the lower indicator devices 14 are successively illuminated one after another as the intensity of the lamp 114 decreases to zero.

  If the “OFF” output of decision step 1532 is “NO”, the program proceeds to “ON ON PRESET” at decision step 1514 where the basic transmitter actuator 21 shown in FIG. A determination is made as to whether the IR signal indicates that a single actuation of a temporary period has occurred and whether the control unit 10 is in the off state. If the output from decision step 1514 is “yes”, the control unit 10 receives a “Fade to preset” command in step 1516 where the intensity of the lamp 114 is changed from zero to a locked preset intensity level or locked. Increase to a preset light intensity level that is one of the released preset light intensity levels, then proceed to “Update LED” in step 1562, where the lamp 114 is illuminated until the indicating device 14 indicating the preset light intensity level is illuminated. As the light intensity increases, the continuously higher indicator devices 14 are successively illuminated.

  If the “Preset On” output at decision step 1514 is “no”, the program proceeds to “Delay Off” at decision step 1504, where as shown in FIGS. A determination is made as to whether the IR signal indicates that the transmitter switch actuator 21 or off-actuator 31, 41e, 51e has been activated for a time of 0.5 seconds or more. If the output from decision step 1504 is “yes”, control unit 10 receives the instruction “delay off with determined delay time” in step 1536. The microprocessor 108 determines the delay time from the length of time that the actuators 21, 31, 41e, 51e are activated, and the control unit 10 holds the lamp 114 at the current intensity level for the length of the delay time, and then the lamp Decrease the luminous intensity of 114 to zero. The program then proceeds to “Update LED” in step 1562, where the indicating device 14 indicating the current light intensity level flashes for a delay time and then continuously lowers as the light intensity of the lamp 114 decreases to zero. The indicating device 14 is illuminated one after another.

  If the output of “Delay Off” at decision step 1504 is “no”, the program proceeds to “Scene Command” at decision step 1518, where the scene selection actuators 31a, 41a-d, 51a-d. A determination is made as to whether the IR signal indicates that one or one of the special function actuators 51f-i used as the scene selector actuator of the improved wireless transmitter has been activated. If the output of decision step 1518 is “yes”, the program proceeds to “determine scene” in step 1538 where the particular scene selection actuator that was actuated is determined. The program then continues to decision step 1540 "Is the same scene actuator actuated in the last 0.5 seconds" where a decision is made as to whether a particular scene selection actuator has already been actuated in the last 0.5 seconds. The If the output from decision step 1540 is “yes”, the program proceeds to “add 4 to scene number” in step 1542 to store the preset stored with a larger number associated with the particular scene selection actuator. The intensity level is used. The program then proceeds to “Fade to Scene” at step 1520 where the intensity value of the lamp 114 is increased or decreased until it equals the desired stored preset intensity level. This desired stored preset light intensity level is pre-programmed into the control unit 10 from the improved wireless transmitter 30, 40, 50 in connection with the scene selection actuator. The program proceeds to “Update LED” in step 1562, where the light intensity of the lamp 114 is changed until the indicating device 14 indicating the current light intensity is illuminated first and then the indicating device 14 indicating the preset light intensity level is illuminated. As it changes, the upper or lower indicator device is continuously illuminated one after the other. If the output of decision step 1540 “Is the same scene actuator actuated in the last 0.5 seconds” output is “no”, the program does not add 4 to the scene number and “fade to scene” in step 1520. Proceed to step 1562 “Update LED” which then performs the same action as described above for control unit 10.

  If the decision scene 1518 “scene command” output is “no”, then the program proceeds to decision step 1506 “IR program signal” where appropriate actuators of the improved transmitter 30, 40, 50 are applied. A combination is activated and a determination is made as to whether the IR signal indicates that the control unit has entered the program mode. If the output of decision step 1506 is “yes”, the program proceeds to decision step 1522 “Are the program signal received for 3 seconds” where a determination is made as to whether the actuator combination was actuated for 3 seconds. . If the output of decision step 1522 is “yes”, the program proceeds to decision step 1524 “is currently in program mode” where a determination is made as to whether control unit 10 is currently in program mode. If the output of decision step 1524 is “yes”, the program proceeds to “exit IR program mode” in step 1544 where the control unit 10 exits the program mode. The program then proceeds to “store preset scene light intensity level” in step 1546 where the preset light intensity level associated with the last actuator programmed here is stored in memory, then the program proceeds to “flash LED” in step 1548. The operation proceeds to “Stop”, where the indicating device 14 that is repeatedly turned on and off in relation to the program mode disappears. The program then proceeds to “Update LED” at step 1562 where the light intensity of the indicating device 14 is updated to reflect the new condition of the control unit 10 and then the program returns to the top of the main at step 1564.

  If the output of decision step 1524 “is currently in program mode” is “no”, the program proceeds to “enter scene 1 program mode” in step 1526. The control unit 10 enters a program mode and commands to receive a signal that adjusts the stored preset intensity for a preset that is recalled by actuating the first selected scene actuator 31a, 41a, 51a. receive. The program then proceeds to “flash LED” at step 1560. The indicating device 14 repeats on and off as described above with respect to the description of the preset light intensity programming from the improved remote control transmitter 30, 40, 50, then the program proceeds to "Update LED" in step 1562, where The luminous intensity of the indicating device 14 is updated to reflect the new conditions of the control unit 10. If the output of decision step 1522 “received a program signal for 3 seconds” is “no”, the program proceeds to “update LED” in step 1562. If the output of “IR program signal” at decision step 1506 is “no”, the program proceeds to “special function?” At decision step 1592 where the special function actuator 51f-i is improved wireless remote control. A determination is made as to whether an IR signal has been received indicating that the device 50 has been activated.

  If the “special function” output of decision step 1592 is “no”, the program proceeds to “learning address mode” of decision step 1590 where IR indicating that the control unit 10 should be given a new address. A determination is made as to whether a signal has been received. If the output of “Learning Address Mode” at decision step 1590 is “no”, the program proceeds to “return to top of main” at step 1564. If the output of decision step 1590 is “yes”, the program proceeds to “store new address” in step 1580 where the new address assigned to control unit 10 is stored in memory. The program then proceeds to step 1564 "Return to top of main". If the “special function?” Output of decision step 1592 is “yes”, this indicates that the special function actuator 51 f-i has been operated with the improved wireless remote control 50. The program then proceeds to decision step 1594 "Long Fade Function" where a special function is selected by making a determination as to whether an IR signal has been received indicating that "Long Fade Function" has been selected. Determine what has been done. If the “Long Fade Function?” Output of decision step 1594 is “yes”, then the unit receives the command “Fade Off with Determined Fade Time” in step 1596, where the intensity level of the lamp 114 is It slowly decreases to zero over a period of time depending on how long the special function actuator has been activated. The program then proceeds to "flash LED" at step 1560 where the indicator device 14 repeats on and off as described above in connection with the description of the special function "Fade to OFF at a determined fade time". The program then proceeds to “Update LED” in step 1562 where the luminous intensity of the indicating device 14 is updated to reflect the new conditions of the control unit 10. If the “Long Fade” output of decision step 1594 is “no”, the program proceeds to “Previous Luminance Level” of decision step 1586, where the special function of “Previous Luminance Level” has been selected. A determination is made as to whether an IR signal has been received. If the “previous intensity level” output of decision step 1586 is “no”, the program proceeds to “return to top of main” step 1564. If the output of “Is Previous Luminance Level” at decision step 1586 is “yes”, the program proceeds to “Return to Previous Luminance Level” at step 1588 where the control unit 10 determines the luminous intensity of the lamp 114 as You are instructed to adjust the intensity of the lamp 114 before it was last adjusted by the operation of the scene selection actuator or the increase or decrease power level selection actuator. The program then proceeds to “Update LED” in step 1562 where the luminous intensity of the indicating device 14 is updated to reflect the new conditions of the control unit 10.

  If the output of decision step 1552 “in IR program mode” is “yes”, then the control unit 10 is in “IR program mode” and the program proceeds to decision step 1554 “rising”, where A determination is made as to whether the increased power level actuators 23a, 33a have been actuated or whether an IR signal has been received indicating that the power selection actuators 43, 53 are in their upper positions. If the “rising” output of decision step 1554 is “yes”, the program proceeds to “increase the luminous intensity level by one step” in step 1556 where the output power of the control unit 10 is increased. The program then proceeds to “Store luminosity level as preset for scene” in step 1558, where a new luminosity level is stored for the programmed scene selection actuator, and the program goes to “flash LED” in step 1560. Proceeding here, the indicating device 14 repeatedly turns on and off as described above to indicate the programmed scene selection actuator and the current light intensity level. The program proceeds to “Update LED” in step 1562 where the luminous intensity of the indicating device 14 is updated to reflect the new conditions of the control unit 10. The program then proceeds to step 1564 "Return to top of main". If the “rising” output of decision step 1554 is “no”, the program proceeds to “declining” of decision step 1566 where the reduced power level actuators 23 b, 33 b have been activated or the power selection actuator 43. A determination is made as to whether an IR signal has been received indicating that 53 is in its lowered position.

  If the “decrease” output of decision step 1566 is “yes”, the program proceeds to “decrease light intensity step by step” in step 1568 where the output power of the control unit 10 is reduced. The program then has the same effect as described immediately above, step 1558 “stores the light intensity level as a preset for the scene”, step 1560 “flashes the LED”, step 1562 “updates the LED”, step Proceed to 1564 "Return to top of main".

  If the “decrease” output of decision step 1566 is “no”, the program proceeds to “decision command” of decision step 1572 where the scene selection actuators 31a, 41a-d, 51a-d are activated. A determination is made as to whether an IR signal is received indicating that. If the output of the “scene command” in decision step 1572 is “yes”, the program proceeds to “determine scene” in step 1574 and a determination is made as to which scene selection actuator has been actuated. The program then proceeds to decision step 1576 "Is the same scene actuator activated during the last 0.5 seconds" where a determination is made as to whether the same scene selection actuator was activated during the last 0.5 seconds. If the output of decision step 1576 “Is the same scene actuator actuated in the last 0.5 seconds” is “yes”, then the program “adds 4 to the scene number” in step 1570 and “add to scene” in step 1578 Proceed to “Fade” and the intensity level of the lamp 114 is increased or decreased to the last intensity level stored for the preset intensity level programmed here. The program then has the same effect as described above, in step 1588 “Store luminosity level as scene preset”, step 1560 “flashing LED”, step 1562 “update LED”, step 1564 “ Go to “Return to top of main”.

  If the output of “Is the same scene actuator actuated in the last 0.5 seconds” output of decision step 1576 is “no”, the control unit does not add 4 to the scene number and “fade to scene” of step 1578 In response to the command, step 1558 has the same effect as described above, “Storing the luminous intensity level as a preset for the scene”, step 1560 “flashing LED”, step 1562 “update LED”, step 1564 “main” Go to "Return to the top of the". If the output of “is a scene command” at decision step 1572 is “no”, the program proceeds to “off” at decision step 1582, where IR indicating that off actuators 31b, 41e, 51e have been activated. A determination is made as to whether a signal has been received.

  If the “off” output of decision step 1582 is “yes”, the unit receives a “fade off” command in step 1584 where the output power of the control unit 10 is reduced to zero. The program then has the same effect as described above, step 1558 “stores the light intensity level as a preset for the scene”, step 1562 “flash LED”, step 1562 “update LED” and step 1564 “ Go to “Return to top of main”. If the “off” output of decision step 1582 is “no”, the program proceeds to “return to top of main” at step 1564.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, power control unit 10 includes an infrared lens 70 that receives infrared signals from wireless remote control units 20, 30, 40, 50.

  Referring to FIG. 7, which shows a plan view of lens 70, the basic principle of action of infrared lens 70 is to refract and reflect infrared light through lens 70 and into detector 76. The detector 76 comprises an infrared receiving surface 78 that receives infrared energy and converts it into electrical energy. The lens 70 has an input surface 71, an output surface 73, and a flat main body portion 72 therebetween. The input surface 71 is preferably flat and has a rectangular shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the input surface 71. The rectangular shape includes an input surface extension portion 79, and this portion 79 extends beyond the main body portion 72 at both ends of the input surface 71. The input surface extension 79 enhances the intermediate angular performance of the lens 70. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8B, the lens can capture more infrared rays incident at an angle within about ± 40 ° with respect to a line perpendicular to the input surface 71.

  The output surface 73 of the lens includes a concave portion 73 a that is recessed inward toward the center of the lens 70. This concave portion 73a refracts infrared light passing therethrough from the body portion 72 onto the input surface 77 of the detector 76 and thus onto the receiving surface 78.

The body portion 72 has a substantially flat shape with a planar top and bottom surface, and the side surface 72 a is defined by an ellipse 74. The ellipse 74 is determined by x ² / a ² + y ² / b ² = 1 in orthogonal coordinates. Here, the ellipse is symmetric with respect to the major axis (principal axis) 74x and the minor axis 74y, and the length 74a of the two arcs is the distance from any point on the ellipse 74 to the two focal points 74c, 74c ′. It has become. The lengths 74a of the two arcs from the focal points 74c, 74c ′ form an equal angle 74d with the circumference of the ellipse 74, at any arbitrary point on the ellipse, so that the side surface of the lens 70 72a is defined. The side surface 72a reflects infrared rays entering the main body portion 72 from the input surface 71 and directs reflected light toward the output surface 73 as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C. These figures show infrared rays incident on the input surface at 0 °, 40 °, and 80 °, respectively. As a whole, when the lens 70 is installed in the actuator 13 as shown in FIG. It shows how wide-angle the field of view captures infrared radiation.

The operation of the lens 70 will be described with reference to FIG. When an infrared point light source (not shown) arranged at the focal point 74c emits infrared rays in a certain direction, all the formed angles 74d (hereinafter “α”) [angle α ≦ sin ⁻ (1 / n) = α ₀ With respect to (Snell's law, where n is the refractive index of the lens material), the light beam is totally reflected around the circumference of an ellipse 74 defining the lens side surface 72a. This light is reflected to another focal point 74c '. As the degree of eccentricity of the ellipse increases, the angle 74d formed corresponding to the angle α (α ≦ α ₀ ) also increases. Therefore, when the short axis 74y of the ellipse 74 decreases, the field of view of the input surface 71 increases.

  In operation, infrared light is emitted from an external source such as the wireless remote transmitters 20, 30, 40, 50, etc. of the power control unit 10 and enters the input surface 71. In the preferred embodiment of the lens, the input surface 71 has a planar rectangular shape. However, the lens can be manufactured in any shape and contour. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 9A, when viewed from the front of the unit, the input surface 71 is rectangular (rectangular), the long side dimension is 1.67 cm (0.660 inch), and the short side dimension is 0. 30 cm (0.120 inch). Further, the lens 70 is typically manufactured from an optical material such as polycarbonate plastic having a refractive index n of preferably 1 to 2. Here, n is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in vacuum to the speed of light in the optical material. Preferably, a lexan 141 having a refractive index n = 1.586 is used.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the infrared detector 76 (shown in broken lines) is an infrared receiving diode (photodiode) 78, which is surrounded by a hemispherical cover 77, typically made of an infrared transparent material. A suitable infrared detector is manufactured by Sony Corporation and sold under part number SBX8025-H.

  In another aspect of the present invention, the lens 70 is disposed on a movable member such as the control switch actuator 13, and the lens output surface 73 is disposed adjacent to the input surface 77 of the infrared detector 76. The infrared detector 76 is disposed at a fixed position behind the lens 70. The movable member 13 and the lens 70 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B move toward and away from the fixed position of the infrared detector 76 and its input surface 77. Typically, the output surface 73 of the lens 70 is separated from the front surface 77 of the detector 76 by 0.20 cm (0.080 inch) at the point where it is farthest from the front surface 77 of the detector 76.

  Concave output surface 73 of lens 70 provides the desired optical characteristics and generally corresponds (adapts) to input surface 77 of detector 76. As a result, the lens 70 can be attached closer to the detector 76.

  What has been described above discloses how to configure the two dimensions of the lens 70 having a wide viewing angle in a single plane, preferably a horizontal plane, when installing the lens 70 in the control switch actuator 13. Has been described in two dimensions along the x and y axes.

  In order to construct a lens with a wide viewing angle in two directions, the design described above is used twice in the orthogonal direction around the lens axis 74x. The resulting lens is an ellipsoid. The length of the y-axis 74y and the length of the z-axis (not shown) perpendicular to the ray entering the lens at 0 ° with respect to a perpendicular line depends on the shape of the receiving surface 78 of the infrared detector 76. In the case of a square receiving surface 78, the y-axis and z-axis of the lens are equal, so the lens input surface is circular. Such a lens has a wide angle performance equal to all directions in front of the lens. Even when wide-angle performance is desired only along a single plane, the lens must have a certain thickness. One way of manufacturing such a lens is to cut the top and bottom of the ellipsoid so that its thickness is preferably approximately equal to the thickness of the receiving surface 78. The result is a substantially rectangular input surface 71 with short edges that fit into an elliptical arc. This is substantially the structure shown in FIGS. 7 and 9B, where the side surface 72a is an elliptical part in two directions.

  The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or basic stance, and thus is intended to illustrate the scope of the invention rather than in the foregoing specification. The range should be mentioned.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of a power control and receiver unit with an infrared lens according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a basic handheld remote control unit according to the present invention. 2A is a left side view of the basic remote control unit shown in FIG. 2B is a right side view of the basic remote control unit shown in FIG. FIG. 2C is an end view of the basic remote control unit shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an improved wireless transmitter unit according to the present invention. 3A is a right side view of the improved wireless transmitter unit shown in FIG. 3B is an end view of the improved wireless transmitter unit shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view of another preferred embodiment of a wireless transmitter unit with scene control according to the present invention. 4A is an end view of the wireless transmitter unit shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of a preferred improved wireless transmitter unit according to the present invention with scene and special function control. FIG. 5A is an end view of the other improved transmitter unit shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the transmitter unit. FIG. 7 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an infrared lens according to the present invention. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing the operation of the infrared lens shown in FIG. 7 when infrared light passes through the lens at an incident angle of 0 °. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the action of the infrared lens shown in FIG. 7 when the infrared light passes through the lens at an incident angle of 40 °. FIG. 8C is a diagram showing the action of the infrared lens shown in FIG. 7 when infrared light passes through the lens at an incident angle of 80 °. FIG. 9A shows the setting of an infrared lens placed on a movable surface according to the present invention. FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a movable surface-arranged infrared lens and infrared detector. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the circuit of the receiver unit shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the basic remote control unit circuit shown in FIG. 12A is a block diagram of the circuit of the improved remote control unit shown in FIG. 12B is a block diagram of the circuit of the improved remote control unit shown in FIG. FIG. 12C is a block diagram of the circuit of the improved remote control unit shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a functional flowchart of the operation of the receiver unit. FIG. 14 is a functional flow diagram of the operation of the receiver unit. FIG. 15 is a functional flowchart of the operation of the receiver unit. FIG. 16 is a functional flow diagram of the operation of the receiver unit. FIG. 17 is a functional flowchart of the operation of the receiver unit. FIG. 18 is a functional flowchart of the operation of the receiver unit. FIG. 19 is a functional flowchart of the operation of the receiver unit. FIG. 20 is a functional flowchart of the operation of the receiver unit. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a delay profile for turning off the power control apparatus shown in FIG.

Claims (56)

A device for remotely controlling power supplied to at least one electrical device,
(A) Wireless transmission having a first transmitter switch, the first transmitter switch for generating and transmitting first and second control signals in response to actuation of the first transmitter switch Machine,
(B) at least one control unit having a receiver for receiving the first control signal transmitted from the wireless transmitter;
Have
The at least one control unit has a control circuit for controlling power supplied to the at least one electrical device in response to the first control signal;
The second control signal instructs the control unit to store a preset power level supplied to the at least one electrical device in a memory;
Said device. A device for controlling the power supplied to at least one electrical device,
Having at least one control unit having a power control circuit and a first control unit switch for generating a first control signal;
The power control circuit controls power supplied to the at least one electrical device in response to the first control signal;
The first control unit switch instructs the at least one control unit to reduce power supplied to the at least one electrical device from a non-zero power level to a substantially zero power level; and a preset Operative to generate a plurality of additional control signals to instruct the at least one control unit to store a power level in memory;
Said device. A device for controlling the power supplied to at least one electrical device,
Having at least one control unit having a power control circuit and at least one control unit switch for generating first, second and third control signals;
The power control circuit controls power supplied to the at least one electrical device in response to the first control signal;
The second control signal instructs the control unit to store a preset power level in memory;
The third control signal instructs the control unit to erase the preset power level from the memory;
Said device. A device for controlling the power supplied to at least one electrical device,
At least one control unit having a power control circuit;
A first control unit switch for generating a first control signal in response to actuation of the first control unit switch;
Have
The power control circuit controls power supplied to the at least one electrical device in response to the first control signal;
The first control signal commands the control unit to reduce the power supplied to the at least one electrical device to zero after a first delay time, the first delay time being the first delay time Proportional to the length of time the control unit switch of the
Said device. A device for controlling the power supplied to at least one electrical device,
Having at least one control unit having a power control circuit and at least one control unit switch for generating first, second and third control signals;
The power control circuit controls power supplied to the at least one electrical device in response to the first control signal;
The second control signal instructs the at least one control unit to store a period of delay time in a first memory;
The third control signal instructs the at least one control unit to reduce power supplied to the at least one electrical device from a non-zero power level to a zero power level after the delay time;
Said device. A device for controlling the power supplied to at least one electrical device,
A wireless transmitter having at least one transmitter switch, wherein the at least one transmitter switch includes first and second transmitter switches for generating and transmitting first and second control signals. Including wireless transmitter,
At least one control unit having a receiver for receiving the first and second control signals from the wireless transmitter, the addressability and the power supplied to the at least one electrical device; A control circuit for controlling the at least one control unit;
Have
The first control signal commands the at least one control unit to respond to a signal including one of a plurality of addresses;
The second control signal includes an address component, and the at least one control unit includes the second control signal when the address component of the second control signal is the same as an address assigned to the at least one control unit. In response to a control signal of 2,
Said device.   One of the plurality of additional control signals commands the at least one control unit to increase power supplied to the at least one electrical device from a zero power level to a non-zero power level. The apparatus according to claim 2.   The at least one electric device includes an electric lamp, and the power control circuit that controls electric power supplied to the at least one electric device includes an intensity control circuit for controlling an intensity of the electric lamp. An apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.   Actuation of the first control switch is said at least one if the power control circuit controls the power supplied to the at least one electrical device to a non-zero power level prior to the actuation. Commanding the at least one control unit to reduce the power supplied to the electrical device from a non-zero power level to a zero power level, and prior to the operation, the power control circuit controls the at least one electrical device. Instructing the at least one control unit to increase the power supplied to the at least one electrical device from zero to a non-zero power level if the supplied power is controlled to be zero; 6. A device according to claim 2, 3, 4 or 5. Actuation of the first control switch is said at least one if the power control circuit controls the power supplied to the at least one electrical device to a non-zero power level prior to the actuation. Commanding the at least one control unit to reduce the power supplied to the electrical device from a non-zero power level to a zero power level, and prior to the operation, the power control circuit controls the at least one electrical device. Instructing the at least one control unit to increase the power supplied to the at least one electrical device from zero to a non-zero power level if controlling the supplied power to be zero;
Here, when the preset power level is stored in the memory, the non-zero power level is equal to the stored preset power level, and the preset power level is not stored in the memory. Wherein the non-zero power level condition is a last set power level of the at least one electrical device;
The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that   2. Two consecutive actuations of the first control unit switch in a short time command the at least one control unit to provide maximum power to the at least one electrical device. The apparatus according to 3, 4, or 5.   4. A device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that three consecutive actuations of the first control unit switch in a short time command the at least one control unit to store the preset power level. .   4. The at least one control unit according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that four consecutive actuations of the first control unit switch in a short time command the at least one control unit to erase the preset power level from the memory. The device described.   Having a second and a third control unit switch, the operation of the second control unit switch commanding the at least one control unit to increase the power level supplied to the at least one electrical device; The operation of the third control unit switch commands the at least one control unit to reduce a power level supplied to the at least one electrical device. The apparatus according to 5 or 6.   And further comprising second and third control unit switches, wherein operation of the second control unit switch commands the at least one control unit to increase a power level supplied to the at least one electrical device. And actuating the third control unit switch commands the at least one control unit to reduce a power level supplied to the at least one electrical device, wherein the second and third control unit switches are 4. The apparatus of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the apparatus is used to set the preset power level stored in the memory.   The apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising an indicating device for indicating that the preset power level is stored in the memory.   A wireless transmitter having a first transmitter switch for generating and transmitting at least one transmitted control signal to the at least one control unit; and for receiving the at least one transmitted control signal 6. A device according to claim 2, 3, 4 or 5, comprising a receiver in the at least one control unit.   Actuation of the first transmitter switch is the least if the power control circuit controls the power supplied to the at least one electrical device to a non-zero power level prior to the actuation. Instructing the at least one control unit to reduce power supplied to an electrical device from a non-zero power level to a zero power level, and prior to the operation, the power control circuit includes the at least one electrical device. Instructing the at least one control unit to increase the power supplied to the at least one electrical device from zero to a non-zero power level. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 17, characterized in that Actuation of the first transmitter switch is the least if the power control circuit controls the power supplied to the at least one electrical device to a non-zero power level prior to the actuation. Instructing the at least one control unit to reduce power supplied to an electrical device from a non-zero power level to a zero power level, and prior to the operation, the power control circuit includes the at least one electrical device. Commanding the at least one control unit to increase the power supplied to the at least one electrical device from zero to a non-zero power level;
Here, when the preset power level is stored in the memory, the non-zero power level is equal to the stored preset power level, and when the power level is not stored in the memory, The non-zero power level is the last set power level of the at least one electrical device;
The apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3.   The apparatus according to claim 1 or 17, wherein the wireless transmitter transmits infrared light and the receiver receives the infrared light.   2. The two consecutive actuations of the first transmitter switch in a short time command the at least one control unit to provide maximum power to the at least one electrical device. 18. The device according to item 17.   Having a second and a third transmitter switch, the operation of the second transmitter switch instructing the at least one control unit to increase the power level supplied to the at least one electrical device; 18. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 17, characterized in that actuation of the third transmitter switch commands the at least one control unit to reduce the power level supplied to the at least one electrical device. .   Having a second and a third transmitter switch, the operation of the second transmitter switch instructing the at least one control unit to increase the power level supplied to the at least one electrical device; Actuation of the third transmitter switch commands the at least one control unit to reduce a power level supplied to the at least one electrical device, and the second and third transmitter switches are retracted. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said apparatus is used to set said preset power level.   Furthermore, it has at least one additional control unit for controlling the power supplied to the additional electrical device, said additional control unit having an additional receiver, said each control unit having each additional unit The apparatus of claim 1, responsive to the second control signal to store an additional preset power level supplied to the electrical apparatus.   4. The at least one control unit switch includes first, second, and third control unit switches for generating the first, second, and third control signals, respectively. The device described in 1.   The at least one control unit switch includes a first control unit switch for generating the first control signal, a second control unit switch for generating the second and third control signals, 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second and third control signals are generated alternately by successive actuation of the second control unit switch.   5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one control unit further comprises an indicating device that indicates a period of the first delay time.   The at least one control unit further indicates that the at least one control unit has received the first control signal, and the at least one control unit has started the first delay time but has not yet 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an instruction device for indicating that the end of the period of the first delay time has not been reached.   5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the period of the first delay time is proportional to the length of time that the control unit switch is closed.   Actuation of the first control unit switch over a temporary period of time when the power control circuit controls the power supplied to the at least one electrical device to a non-zero power level prior to the actuation Commanding the at least one control unit to reduce power supplied to the at least one electrical device from a non-zero power level to a zero power level without the first delay time; and If the power control circuit controls the power supplied to the at least one electrical device to be zero before operation, the power supplied to the at least one electrical device is reduced from zero to non-zero power. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the at least one control unit is commanded to increase to a level. The first control unit switch further generates second and third control signals;
The second control signal instructs the control unit to store a preset power level in memory;
The third control signal instructs the control unit to erase the preset power level from the memory;
The apparatus according to claim 4.   And a wireless transmitter having a first transmitter switch for generating and transmitting a first transmitted control signal to the at least one control unit; and for receiving the transmitted control signal. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, comprising: a receiver in at least one control unit, wherein the power supplied to the at least one electrical device is reduced to zero after a second delay time. .   33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the second delay time is proportional to the length of time that the first transmitter switch is activated.   The at least one control unit further includes an indication that the at least one control unit has received the third control signal, and the at least one control unit has started the delay time but is still in the delay time. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, comprising an indication that the end of the period has not been reached.   Activation of the at least one control unit switch over a temporary period of time when the power control circuit controls the power supplied to the at least one electrical device to a non-zero power level prior to the activation; Commanding the at least one control unit to reduce power supplied to the at least one electrical device from a non-zero power level to a zero power level, and prior to the operation, the power control circuit If the power supplied to at least one electrical device is controlled to be zero, the at least one control to increase the power supplied to the at least one electrical device from zero to a non-zero power level. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the apparatus commands a unit. The first control unit switch further generates fourth and fifth control signals;
The fourth control signal instructs the at least one control unit to store a preset power level in a second memory;
The fifth control signal instructs the at least one control unit to erase the preset power level from the second memory;
The apparatus according to claim 5.   Having a second and a third control unit switch, the operation of the second control unit switch commanding the at least one control unit to increase the power level supplied to the at least one electrical device; Actuation of the third control unit switch commands the at least one control unit to reduce a power level supplied to the at least one electrical device, and the at least one control unit is further configured to reduce the delay time. The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising a delay setting switch for setting the period.   The delay setting switch is used to set the duration of the delay time when the at least one control unit is controlling the power supplied to the at least one electrical device to be zero. 38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the apparatus is a third control unit switch.   A wireless transmitter having a first transmitter switch for generating and transmitting a first transmitted control signal to the control unit; and in the control unit for receiving the transmitted control signal. And wherein the first transmitted control signal reduces power supplied to the at least one electrical device from a non-zero power level to a zero power level after the period of the delay time. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the apparatus commands the at least one control unit to reduce.   The first transmitter switch is an address selection switch for selecting one of the plurality of addresses to be included in the address component of the second control signal. 6. The apparatus according to 6. The address selection switch is further used to select one of the plurality of addresses to be used in the first control signal;
The wireless transmitter further includes a third transmitter switch, and activation of the third transmitter switch causes the first control signal to be transmitted.
41. The apparatus of claim 40.   One of the plurality of addresses is all addresses, and when all the addresses are included in the address component of the second control signal, each address assigned to the at least one control unit is assigned to each address. 41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein all of the at least one control unit is responsive to the second control signal regardless.   And a first control unit switch, wherein the first control unit switch is activated within a predetermined time after the first control signal is received by the at least one control unit. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein one of a plurality of addresses is stored in a memory in the at least one control unit. Actuation of the first control unit switch is said at least one when the control circuit controls the power supplied to the at least one electrical device to a non-zero power level prior to the actuation. Commanding the at least one control unit to reduce the power supplied to the electrical device from a non-zero power level to a zero power level, and the control circuit supplies the at least one electrical device prior to the operation. Instructing the at least one control unit to increase the power supplied to the at least one electrical device from zero to a non-zero power level if the controlled power is controlled to be zero;
Here, the first control unit switch further generates third and fourth control signals, wherein the third control signal instructs the at least one control unit to store a preset power level in a memory. And the fourth control signal instructs the control unit to erase the preset power level from the memory;
44. The apparatus of claim 43.   The at least one control unit further includes a delay setting switch for setting a delay time, and the operation of the first control unit switch is configured such that the power supplied to the at least one electric device is changed to the delay time. 45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein after at least one period of time, the at least one control unit is instructed to reduce from a non-zero power level to a zero power level. Actuation of the first control unit switch is said at least one when the control circuit controls the power supplied to the at least one electrical device to a non-zero power level prior to the actuation. Commanding the at least one control unit to reduce the power supplied to the electrical device from a non-zero power level to a zero power level, and the control circuit supplies the at least one electrical device prior to the operation. Instructing the at least one control unit to increase the power supplied to the at least one electrical device from zero to a non-zero power level if the controlled power is controlled to be zero;
Here, the operation of the first control unit switch is the at least one control to reduce the power supplied to the at least one electrical device from a non-zero power level to a zero power level after a delay time. Command unit, and the duration of the delay time is proportional to the length of time the first control unit switch is activated,
44. The apparatus of claim 43.   Having fourth and fifth transmitter switches, the operation of the fourth transmitter switch instructing the at least one control unit to increase the power level supplied to the at least one electrical device; 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein actuation of the fifth transmitter switch instructs the at least one control unit to reduce a power level supplied to the at least one electrical device. An infrared receiving surface, an infrared output surface, and an infrared transmissive body portion coupled therebetween;
The output surface has a concave shape and the body portion has an outer surface substantially conforming to an ellipse;
An infrared receiving lens characterized by the above.   49. The lens according to claim 48, wherein the receiving surface has a rectangular plane.   The lens according to claim 49, wherein a diameter of the main body portion is smaller than a dimension of a long side of the rectangle. A planar infrared receiving surface;
An infrared output surface;
A flat infrared transparent body portion coupled between them;
Have
The output surface has a shape substantially matching the input surface of the infrared detector;
The flat body portion has an outer side substantially matching an ellipse;
The external side surface is laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis of the main body portion, and is shaped to reflect infrared light entering the input surface of the lens and the main body portion to the output surface,
The output surface directs infrared light onto the input surface of the infrared detector,
The body portion has a thickness that is less than a distance between the input surface and the output surface and further less than a distance between the outer side surfaces;
An infrared receiving lens characterized by the above.   The lens has an output surface of the lens adjacent to the input surface of the infrared detector, and the output surface of the lens faces the input surface of the infrared detector and is separated from the input surface of the infrared detector. 52. The lens of claim 51, wherein the lens is disposed on a movable member so as to move. A device for controlling the power supplied to at least one electrical device,
(A) a wireless transmitter having a switch for generating and transmitting an infrared control signal;
(B) at least one control unit having a receiver for receiving the infrared control signal from the wireless transmitter;
Have
The at least one control unit includes a power control circuit for controlling power supplied to the at least one electric device in response to the infrared control signal, and the at least one control unit includes an infrared ray A light receiving lens, the lens having an infrared receiving surface, an infrared output surface, and an infrared transmissive main body portion coupled between them, the output surface having a convex shape; The body portion has an outer surface that substantially conforms to an ellipse and is formed about a longitudinal axis of the body portion.
Said device.   54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the receiving surface comprises a rectangular plane.   55. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the diameter of the body portion is smaller than the long side dimension of the rectangle.   54. The at least one control unit has a movable first switch actuator, and the infrared light receiving lens is disposed in an opening in the first switch actuator. apparatus.

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