AU2013204215B2 - Electronic lighting controller - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic lighting controller is described which provides a simple and cost effective way to install electronic lighting such as LEDs. The installation is as simple as, or simpler than wiring a traditional mains (1 20V or 240V AC) system and the installer can use the same wiring and switches as used in a standard installation. The installer only has to install wires from the controller to a standard switches and to the electronic lights and does not need to worry out ratings, load types, intermediate switches, etc. The controller consolidates the AC mains input, DC electronic and LED power output and control functions into one unit to reduce complexity and price. The same controller can be used for providing switching, dimming, multi-way switching, multi-way dimming, master off, and master on functionality. Further there is no requirement for complicated control system buses or programming tools such as those found in sophisticated and expensive building automation system. Dim Switch Common 402 403 404 -540 310 320 330 06 Figure 3 Figure 4 500 510 520 530 Bed 1 Bed 2 Hallway S531 10 53 7053 5125 1234 34 Figure 5

Description

1 ELECTRONIC LIGHTING CONTROLLER INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE [0001] The content of following co-pending patent application filed by the same applicant on the same day as the present application and entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING A CONTROLLER" is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to lighting. In a particular form the present invention relates to lighting controllers for electronic lighting fixtures. BACKGROUND [0003] Electronic or solid state lighting, such as semi-conductor light emitting diode (LED) lights, organic LEDs (OLEDs) are becoming popular due to their longer service life and high energy efficiency compared to traditional electrical lighting such as fluorescent and incandescent lights. With energy costs rising home and offices are looking to use electronic lights to reduce overall energy bills and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. [0004] However whilst electronic based lighting is desirable from a cost or environmental point of view, there are a number of hurdles preventing wide spread use of electronic based lighting in homes and offices. Firstly most buildings are wired for supplying alternating current (AC) signals (mains power) to lighting fixtures whereas most electronic lighting requires a direct current (DC) signal. Some LED lights incorporate driver circuits in their base, however this generally increases cost whilst reduces the lifetime of the LED light reducing the cost effectiveness. Thus for existing houses and offices to take full advantage of electronic based lighting requires a substantial and generally costly retrofit or redesign of the lighting system, typically including substantial re-wiring. [0005] Also whilst electronic lighting fixtures can potentially be used in new dwellings and offices, or during substantial retrofits, the different ratings, loads, and lighting controls (switches) required for supporting electronic lighting in parallel with mains (eg 120V or 240V) AC power signals provide installation challenges for most electricians and electrical contractors. This is compounded by the lack of experience of such professionals in wiring buildings for electronic lighting. This complexity has confused and complicated the sales marketing, and installation of electronic lighting in new homes and offices. [0006] Additionally dimming of electronic lighting fixtures represents another significant hurdle. There are no industry standards for dimming of electronic lighting fixtures, and diming of electronic lighting fixtures is complex and extremely difficult for most electricians to understand. Whilst some LEDs have 2 attempted to integrate dimming circuits into the lights fixture, these have typically had poor performance and significantly reduced life span. [0007] There is thus a need to provide improved wiring arrangements and components to support the use of electronic lighting in homes and offices, or to at least provide electricians and electrical contractors with a useful alternative. SUMMARY [0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided an electronic lighting controller comprising: a plurality of input ports for receiving command signals for controlling one or more electronic lighting fixtures; a plurality of output ports for connection to one or more electronic lighting fixtures; at least one master control input port for receiving an override signal for all of the one or more electronic lighting fixtures to either an on state or an off state; a power source input for receiving a power signal; a power supply circuit for generating Direct Current (DC) power signals for each of the plurality of outputs ports from the received power signal; an output controller coupled to the plurality of input ports, the at least one master control input port and the power supply circuit, wherein the output controller maps each of the plurality of output ports to one or more of the plurality of input ports, and for controlling generation of DC power signals for each output port based upon received command signals on the mapped one or more input ports and a received override signal from the at least one master control input port. [0009] In a further aspect, the power signal is an alternating current (AC) voltage signal. The power supply may be a switched mode power supply which supplies power to an electronic driver circuit associated with each output. The electronic driver circuit may be under the control of a microcontroller which controls switching and dimming based on input command signals from input devices. [0010] The input ports may comprise an input sensor for detecting whether the input is an AC switch input or a dry contact switch input and which generates an output signal to the output controller when the sensed input switch is in an on state. The input ports may each comprise a dimming input connector and a switch input connector to allow an installer to select the input type. An input/output mapping interface may be provided. This may be using an address selector associated with each output (eg switch or button), or a LCD screen and associated buttons. The master control inputs may be master on, master off or both. [0011] According to a second aspect, there is provided a lighting control system comprising: a plurality of electronic lighting controller according to the first aspect; 3 a plurality of switches, each switch connected to at least one input port of at least one of the plurality of electronic lighting controllers; a plurality of electronic lighting fixtures, each electronic lighting fixture connected to one output of one electronic lighting controller; and at least one master control switch connected to the master control input of each of the plurality of electronic lighting controllers to cause all of the at least one electronic lighting fixtures to be switched on or off in response to actuation of one of the least one master control switches. [0012] In a further aspect the switches may be dry contact switches and/or AC switches. The master control inputs may be master on, master off or both. The master on may be received from a triggering device, such as alarm system or smoke detector. The switches, lighting fixtures and controllers may be connected using standard building wiring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0013] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0014] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an electronic lighting controller connected to electronic lighting fixtures and an electronically controlled relay; [0015] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the controller illustrated in Figure 1; [0016] Figure 3 is a close up illustration of a controller input comprising diming or switching inputs; [0017] Figure 4 is an circuit diagram of the input sensor for detecting whether the input is an AC switch input or a dry contact input; [0018] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a home installation embodiment using multiple controllers; [0019] Figure 6 is an internal circuit diagram of an embodiment of an electronic lighting controller; [0020] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0021] Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an electronic lighting controller 10 which includes a plurality of inputs ports 20 and a plurality of output ports 30 which are connected via wiring or cabling to electronic lighting fixtures 40, such as LED or 4 fluorescent lights. The controller receives a power signal such as an alternating current (AC) voltage signal, and converts this into a direct current (DC) output voltage signal for driving the electronic lights connected to the output ports. The controller also includes an interface to allow a user to map an input port to an output port, and thus input devices such as switches to output devices such as LED lights. Multiple input ports may be mapped (or channelled) to one output port or multiple output ports may be mapped to a single input, and thus the number of inputs and the number of outputs do not have to be identical. In this embodiment the electronic lighting controller comprises four input ports and four output ports, however any number (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100) of input and output ports could be provided. The controller can be configured to perform 1 to 1 mapping, 1 to many, many to many or many to 1 mapping of input ports to output ports. The controller also includes a master control input port 50 which can be used to override the inputs (eg to all on, or all off states). Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the controller illustrated in Figure 1. In this embodiment the controller includes a power supply circuit 60, a microcontroller 70, and a plurality of electronic driver circuits 80. [0022] An input power signal 12 such as standard 240 alternating current (AC) voltage signal, is connected to a power source input 16 via connector 14, such as standard PVC insulated (sheathed) 2 or 3 wire copper mains supply wiring which is typically used in residential buildings and offices (eg as per AS/NZS 3000 or other relevant standards). The AC signal may be any mains AC signal such as 50/60Hz 110-120V or 240-250V signals. The power supply circuit in the controller is coupled to (ie receives) the power source input and provides regulated power signals for other components of the electronic lighting controller and output devices. In one embodiment the power supply circuit comprises a switch mode power supply 60 which receives the AC mains signal and provides Safe Electric Low Voltage (SELV) DC output signals 62 via wires 64 to each of a plurality of electronic driver circuits 80. The electronic driver circuits condition the DC SELV signal to the appropriate levels and/or switching frequencies or characteristics required to drive an LED lighting fixture. In other embodiments, the input power signal could be a non standard AC signal, or a DC signal in which case the power supply comprises a suitable DC to DC converter to supply regulated DC power to components of the controller. For example in houses or buildings with DC power generating devices such as photovoltaic cells, or DC storage devices (eg batteries, which may be used in conjunction with DC power generation devices) DC power could be directly fed to the electronic controller (ie prior to inversion to an AC power signal). [0023] In this embodiment electronic lighting controller 10 has 4 output ports 35, 36, 37, 38. An electronic driver circuit 81, 82, 83 and 84 is associated with each output port 35, 36, 37, 38, which are in turn connected to electronic devices 40 comprising electronic lighting fixtures 41, 42, 43 and an electronically controlled relay 44. The relay 44 receives an AC signal 45 which is electronically switched to provide the AC signal at an output 46 to non electronic load 48 such as compact fluorescent light or a motor load. Other electronic devices which may be controlled include external dimming devices for incandescent or low voltage Halogen lamps. Wiring to the electronic fixtures from the electronic controller may use standard building wiring, such as that used to provide AC power. This simplifies 5 wiring of the house by the installer, as they do not need to carry many different types of wiring. Alternatively as the wire is carrying a DC signal, rather than a mains AC signal, special wiring may be used to designate that the wire is carrying a DC signal, or DC rated wiring may be used. For example telephone wiring or CAT5/5e/6 twisted pair network cabling may be used. Such cabling may use RJl 1, RJ14 or RJ45 connectors or plugs at one or both ends, or the wires may inserted into a corresponding output socket on the electronic lighting controller or a socket on the lighting fixture. [0024] The output signals from the output ports may be constant amplitude signals to drive the light at a fixed luminesce level, or the signals may be encoded or varied to control the luminesce level of the light (ie provide dimming functionality). For example the electronic driver may use pulse width modulation (PWM) or vary the amplitude of the output pulse (or pulses) to provide dimming functionality. Such electronic signals can also be used to drive electronically controlled relays, which can in turn be used to control non electronic loads such as fans, heaters, incandescent lights, fluorescent lights, etc. For example a bathroom may include two LED lights (electronic driven devices), a fan and a heating lamp (non electronic or mains AC powered devices). In this case a single four button switch plate for controlling each device could be provided which is wired up to four inputs of an electronic lighting controller. The four outputs could be connected (respectively) to the two LED lights, and two relays used for controlling the fan and heating lamp. In this way the same electronic lighting controller can be used to control all of the devices in the bathroom using standard building wiring. [0025] The lighting controller 10 also includes 4 input ports (or more generally input channels) 21 22 23 24 which receive command signals from switches for controlling one or more lighting fixtures via wires 25 26 27 28 (respectively). The wiring may be standard building wiring, and may be connected to dry contact push button switches. Alternatively the switches may be standard AC switches such as those typically used to control incandescent lighting. This facilitates use of the controller in new installations or retrofits in which existing wiring is utilised. As is discussed below, each input port (or channel) may include an input sensor for sensing whether the input is an AC switch input or a dry contact switch input. The input sensor can be used to generate an output signal when the sensed input switch, whether it is a dry contact or AC switch, is in an on state. [0026] The lighting controller 10 also includes an output controller 70 for receiving and processing the command signals from the input devices via the input ports 20, and sending control signals to the outputs to control the switching and/or dimming of electronic lighting fixtures and other electronic devices. The output controller 70 also maps each input to an output and may provide other functionality such as controlling a user display and other internal sensing and control functions such as thermal sensing, power measurement and protection mechanisms. The output controller may be a microprocessor, microcontroller or other suitable device. Example controllers include HCO8 series, STM8 series (STM8Ll5 1), MSP430 series (MSP430F2012) microcontrollers, and ARM based microcontrollers (STM32F051K4, LPC1 10LV, etc.). An input/output mapping user interface may be provided on the 6 exterior of the electronic lighting controller comprising a user programmable address selector such as a DIP switch, button, jumper, tactile switch, etc associated with each output port to allow a user to map an output to one of the input ports. In one embodiment an input button (switch, actuator, etc) may be provided with each input port and each output port. A visual indicator may also be associated with each button. To program the controller, a user could press an input button associated with a port, and then press buttons associated with one or more output ports within a defined time period. This would establish mapping of an input port to an output port. If no button associated with an output port was pressed within a timeout period of pressing a button associated with an input port then no mapping would be made for that input port, and any previous mappings would be cleared. Alternatively pressing an output button would toggle the mapping state (eg mapped to unmapped, unmapped to mapped). Indicators (eg LEDs) could be used to indicate mapping status. Alternatively the input/output mapping interface may be a low cost LCD screen and input buttons for receiving and display mapping information, or the electronic lighting controller may include a communications interface or a network interface for receiving external mapping information from another device (eg remote control or building automation system). An example of a method for mapping the inputs to outputs using buttons and visual indicators is described in co-pending application filed by the applicant on the same day as the present application entitled "System and method for programming a controller", the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment the lighting controller has 4 input ports (or channels) designated 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the exterior of the lighting controller. Each output port 35 36 37 38 also has an associated dip switch 31, 32, 33, 34 which has a switch setting or address associated with each of the inputs 1, 2, 3, 4 to allow a user to map input devices (e.g. switches) to output devices (e.g. LED lights). Internally the lighting controller includes a microcontroller 70 which has address inputs 71, switch inputs 72, and switch control outputs 75. The address inputs 71 received the selected addresses of each output via switches 31, 32, 33, 34. Switch inputs 72 receive on/off and dimming commands signals from external switches via input ports 25 26 27 28. Switch control outputs 75 are provided via wires 76 to each of the electronic driver circuits 81 82 83 84 associated with each output. The switch control outputs act as control signals for controlling or switching the electronic driver circuits to control DC power on output ports 35 36 37 38. Thus there is not a direct connection between devices connected to inputs and devices connected to outputs. The address inputs 71 allow the control unit to map input command signals to output ports. Various mappings of input ports to output ports can be implemented such as 1 to 1 mappings (ie one switch controls one light), 1 to many (one switch controls several lights simultaneously), many to 1 mappings (multiple switches control one light), or many to many mappings (a switch can control multiple lights, and each light can control a different combination of lights). This can be defined or implemented using a mapping matrix with the number of rows corresponding to the number of inputs and number of columns corresponding to the number of outputs. If an entry (i, j) is set to a value of 1 the input i is mapped to the output j, and if the entry is set to zero the input i is not mapped to output 7 j. For example I to 1 has l's in matrix elements (1,1), (2,2), (3,3), (4,4); Ito many has l's in (1,1), (1,2), (2,3), (2,4); many to 1 has l's in (1,1), (2,1), (3,3), (3,4), and many to many has 1's in (1,1), (1,2), (2,2), (2,3), (3,1), (3,3), (4,2), (4, 4). Zero's are in the remaining matrix elements. [0028] The input and output ports allow physical connection of wiring or cables to external switched or devices. The physical ports comprise one or more connection points which allow individual wires to be connected and secured. Multiple wires to multiple devices may be connected to a single connector. For example a wall switch may be connected to an input port on multiple electronic lighting controllers, and/or multiple LED lights may be connected to the same output port. The input or output connectors may allow direct wiring of standard building wiring. For example the connector may comprise a pin with an aperture for receiving the exposed end or section of building wire, and a spring or screw fastener which is used to fasten the received wire against an electrical contact point in the aperture or on the pin. The ability to use standard building wiring allows efficient installation, as installers can carry long length (eg in drums) which can be cut on site to the required length. The number of connection points or pins provided at an input port will depend upon the type of wiring arrangement used. For example a dry contact input switch may use 2 pins (neutral and load). [0029] Alternatively if wiring or cabling is used which is fitted with a plug, the port may be an appropriate socket for receiving a plug and establishing a connection with each of the wires in the cabling. In this case the installer can carry a range of cable lengths fitted with plugs, or bare cable with tools for attaching a plug to a cable end. [0030] A lighting fixture may be operated in either dimming or switching mode. To provide flexibility during installation, and to facilitate programming, an input port may include both dimming connectors and switching connectors. Figure 3 is a close up illustration 300 of a controller input port 21. The input port has dimming connector 310, a switching connector 320 and a common ground connector 330. Labels or standard colours may be provided on the exterior of the electronic lighting controller to designate the connector type. The two wires from a switch can be connected to either dimming 310 and common 330 connectors if dimming is required, or to switching 320 and common 330 connectors if standard on/off switching is required. [0031] To provide installation flexibility, each input port may include an input sensor for sensing whether the input is an AC switch input or a dry contact switch input. By taking advantage of the characteristics of the mains waveform, it is possible to produce a suitable input for the microcontroller regardless of the type of input (AC switch or dry contact). Figure 4 is a circuit diagram 400 of an embodiment of an input sensor for detecting whether the input is an AC switch input or a dry contact input. An output signal generator 408 is used to generate an output signal when the input is greater than a threshold value. This output signal is provided to an input 72 of the microcontroller. The output signal generator 408 may a Schmitt-trigger or other CMOS gate arrangement.

8 [0032] The input sensor comprises an input pin 401. The input pin 401 is biased by a high resistance resistor 402 (eg 100k) to a low DC bias voltage. This bias voltage is below the threshold value when a dry contact switch input is in an off state. The input terminal 401 is also connected to a first high resistance 403 (eg IMeg Ohm) and a small AC bypass capacitor 405, for instance InF. The input terminal's potential is then be sensed via a second high-value resistor 404 (eg 100k) and clamp diodes 406 407 which provides an input to a FET such as CMOS gate (eg configured as a Schmitt-trigger). As shown in Figure 4 the second resistor 404 is connected between the junction of the first resistor 403 and the AC bypass capacitor 405, and the junction of two clamp diodes 406 407. Additionally, the input circuit also provides protection against damage from transients. [0033] Component values are selected so that when over 100V AC is present at 50 / 60 Hz, a periodic signal is produced at the output by the output signal generator. When the AC switch is open (ie off), the bypass capacitor clamps the AC component below the point where the gate produces a periodic signal. The DC bias will determine the 'off state of the output. When the input is tied to the reference with a voltage-free (dry) contact, the output state will change because the DC bias is bypassed to a reference level which is greater than the threshold to generate an output pulse whilst the dry contact switch is in an on state. That is the input sensor is configured such that when a dry contact switch input is in an off state, the first DC voltage is less than the threshold value, and when a dry contact switch input is in an on state the DC bias is bypassed to a reference level greater than the threshold. Further when an AC switch input is in an off state, the AC bypass capacitor clamps the AC signal below the threshold value, and when an AC switch input is in an on state, a series of periodic output pulses are generated by the output signal generator. [0034] The microcontroller can thus detect either the level change or a single pulse (eg due to actuation of a dry contact switch), or periodic level changes or periodic pulses (eg due to actuation of an AC switch), and produce the same output regardless of which input signal is provided by the input sensor. This provide flexibility for installers in the choice of switches, as well as reducing costs when retrofitting homes or offices with LED lights, as existing wiring and switches may be used. [0035] The microcontroller receives input signals at switch inputs 72 from the input ports which are interpreted by the microcontroller to generate output signals for controlling the electronic driver circuits. The input ports may directly provide the signals, or the input ports may include further circuits to protect or buffer the microcontroller switch inputs 72, or circuits for pre-processing and modify the received input signals or generating a further signal (or signals) for interpretation by the microcontroller. For example opto-couplers arrangements may be used to generate switch input signals 72 from the received input signal at the port. The input ports can accept dry contact signals by detecting the rising edge, falling edge level or timing of a signal from a dry contact switch, or AC signals by sensing AC voltage, current, timing, frequency, pulses, etc; Input devices may be dry contact push button switches, AC push button switches, rocker (ie on/off) switches, an AC sensing switch (eg doorbell, curtain switch, Passive Infra- 9 Red (PIR) switches, smoke alarm, etc). Suitable devices include those manufactured by Schneider Electric under the Clipsal Brand such as 30MBP or 30PBBP or HPM770XM or NX770M or any equivalent single pole normally open non-latching mechanism. The microcontroller and input ports can also provide indicator signals back to the input device so that the switching status can be indicated to the user at the input device. This indicator may be an LED, LCD, neon or other display or audio element. [0036] The microcontroller and input ports can be configured in a variety of ways. In one embodiment the microcontroller is configured to receive separate switching and dimming inputs from each input port. For example with 4 input ports the microcontroller could include 8 switch inputs, with switch inputs 1-4 for switching input signals for input ports 1-4, and switch inputs 5-8 for dimming input signals for input ports 1-4. The microcontroller can monitor the state of each of the 8 switch inputs, or those detected to be connected to a load, and generate appropriate output commands. In another embodiment microcontroller may be configured to receive separate switching and dimming up, and dimming down inputs from each input port. For example in the case of 4 input ports there would be 12 switch inputs. In another embodiment, the microcontroller may have a single switch input associated with each input port, and monitor one or more characteristics of the input signal, such as pulse duration or width. A short duration press may be interpreted as switching state change request (eg off to on, or on to off), and a long duration press (eg longer than some threshold) as a request to change the dimming level. A quick succession of pulses (eg double or triple tap) could quickly increase to the maximum (or minimum) level, or to a predefined level (eg 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 90%). [0037] The microcontroller can be configured to interpret a dimming command in a variety of ways. In one embodiment the dimming range of an output device is divided into a number of dimming intervals or levels with the microcontroller storing the current dimming level. The number of intervals or levels may be a binary amount (eg 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 512, 1024, etc) or a non binary amount (eg 5, 10, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 etc). In this embodiment, the signal is sampled at defined intervals, and if the signal is still on (eg logic high), then the dimming level is incremented by one unit. This provides real-time feedback to the user, ie the longer they hold the button down the brighter the lighting gets. Various arrangements can be used to handle the behaviour when the maximum dimming level is reached. In one embodiment the diming level increases until the maximum is reached, and no further incrementing occurs whilst the button is pressed. On the next button press the microcontroller switches to decrements the dimming signal, until the minimum is reached. That is the dimming level bounces back and forth between maximum and minimum dimming levels. In another embodiment the dimming direction (ie incrementing or decrementing of the diming level) is switched on each new button press (ie first press increases dimming level, next press decreases dimming level, next press increases dimming level, next press decreases dimming level, etc). In another embodiment the separate buttons or input signals are provided for dimming increases and dimming decreases, or the current voltage level of the input signal.

10 [0038] The electronic lighting controller also includes a master control input port 50 for receiving a signal via connector 54 for overriding commands from the plurality of inputs and switching all of the electronic lighting fixtures to either an on state or an off state. The master control input port 50 may comprise a single input in which a first signal indicates a master on request and a second signal indicates a master off request (or command) to the microcontroller. As shown in Figure 1, a switch input 52 may be provided to allow the installer to select the type of master control functionality (ie master on, or master off). Alternatively the master control input port may comprise a separate master on input port and a separate master off input ports. The port(s) may provide their output directly to the microcontroller, or may include circuits for buffering the input and/or generating a command signal to the microcontroller 70. For example in Figure 1, a single input and a switch input may be provided to respective inputs 73 74 of the microcontroller, or in the case that there are separate master on and master off input ports, the respective on and off input ports could be connected to separate inputs 73 74 on the microcontroller. In another embodiment a single input may be provided on the microcontroller and the microcontroller configured to interpret a signal as a dedicated master off input, a dedicated master on input. Further if appropriate circuits are included in the master control input port 50, the input port could provide different signals for master on and master off commands which can be interpreted by the microcontroller. [0039] Providing a master off control for lights in a building using standard 120V or 240V AC wiring is difficult to achieve. Typically such functionality is only provided in more sophisticated and expensive building control or automation systems. However by providing a master off input to an electronic lighting controller, and looping the master off inputs to all electronic lighting controllers, a simple and cost effective master off control can be provided. To designate the master on switch, the wall switch maybe a green button. This master on switch (green button) can be provided at the front door so all lights can be switched off when leaving the house. However multiple master off switches or buttons can be provided, for example at the front and rear doors, or even in the master bedroom. Additionally or alternatively master on functionality maybe provided via the use of electronic lighting controllers. The input to the master on input may be provided by a wall switch (eg a red button, similar to the master on green button), or alternatively the input may be connected to an alarm system and/or a smoke detector. An alarm trigger signal may thus be used to switch on all the lights in the building. [0040] The electronic lighting controller may also comprise a communications interface for communicating with input devices or programming of the microcontroller, and/or a network interface for receiving or transmitting digital signals from or to other bus network or gateway to be processed by the electronic lighting controller. For example a USB port, serial port, Bluetooth, Zigbee, IrDA, or near field communications protocol could be used for communicating with a remote device such as portable computing device, smart phone, tablet, a remote control, or a token. These input commands may be switching or dimming commands for individual lights or master on/off control signals. For example emergency services could have a standard master on token. The communications interface or network interface could also be used for programming the device, or receiving reporting or status information. The 11 bus network may be a Clipsal C-Bus, DALI, KNX, RS232, RS485, or a gateway signal from or to other communication systems such as ZigBee, Z-wave, etc. Multiple network interfaces on separate lighting controllers may be interconnected to a gateway or other device to allow central control of all network functions (eg remote control, scene control, status reporting, etc). [0041] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a home installation 500 using multiple electronic lighting controllers. The building comprises 4 rooms namely bedroom 1 520, bedroom 2 520, a hallway 530 and a lounge room 540. Three electronic lighting controller 550 560 570 are provided. Solid black lines indicate DC wiring between electronic lights and an electronic lighting controller, dashed lines indicate wiring between 2 wire momentary contact (ie dry contact) input wall switches and an electronic lighting controller, dotted lines indicate wiring for providing master off functionality (green button), and dash-dot lines indicate mains AC input to the electronic lighting controllers. [0042] Bedroom 1 510 comprises a momentary contact wall switch 515 connected to the first input of electronic lighting controller 550 which maps this input to the first two outputs ports, which are in turn connected to two LED lighting fixtures 511 512. Bedroom 2 520 comprises a momentary contact wall switch 525 connected to the fourth input of the same electronic lighting controller 550 which maps this input fourth to the third and fourth two outputs ports, which are in turn connected to two LED lighting fixtures 521 522. Hallway 530 comprises a momentary contact wall switch 535 connected to the first input of electronic lighting controller 570 which maps this input to all four outputs ports, which are in turn connected to four separate LED lighting fixtures 531 532 533, 534. Lounge 540 comprises two momentary contact wall switches 545 546, both connected to the first input of electronic lighting controller 560 which maps this input to all four outputs ports, which are in turn connected to four separate LED lighting fixtures 541 542 543, 544. Additionally a momentary contact wall switch 581 is connected via wiring 580 to each master off input of each of the electronic lighting controllers 550, 560 and 570. [0043] Figure 6 is an internal circuit diagram of an embodiment of an electronic lighting controller, featuring a network interface, an input/output mapping interface and input and output mapping indicators in the form of buttons and coloured LEDs. The circuit has a number of functional blocks which will now be described. [0044] Power supply. The power supply circuit is an AC/DC switching mode converter connected to main supply with high efficiency at full load and standby. This power supply provides power to internal circuits and external lighting loads. [0045] Load Drivers. Load driver outputs constant current to drive LED lamps. LED lamps can be dimmed by controlling the output constant current with pulse width modulation (PWM) waveforms. This load driver is implemented by forward converter topology.

12 [0046] Control Unit. The Control Unit can be implemented by a microcontroller for sensing input signals from Input Devices, driving LED indicators, controlling Load Drivers, decoding and encoding network packages. [0047] Channel / Master-ON / Master-OFF Control Inputs. All these control inputs are implemented by opto-couplers. The input devices such as momentary switches when connected to these control inputs generates signals through the opto-diode coupling into the photo-transistor of the opto-couplers, creating sensing signals to the control unit for lighting control purposes. Short press of momentary switches for channel control inputs toggle ON and OFF of associated LED lamps. Long presses can dim up and down of the LED lamps. For master-ON control input, any short or long press forces all LEDs to ON and similar for master-OFF control input. [0048] Input & Output Mapping Interfaces and Input & Output Mapping Indicators. The input mapping interfaces are implemented by push buttons, and the input mapping indicators are implemented by LEDs. The operation of the input/output mapping interface is described in co- pending patent application, filed by the same applicant on the same day as the present application and entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING A CONTROLLER", and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0049] Network Interface. The network interface is directly connecting with the control unit. The control unit decodes the data packages from network to control its LED lamps. [0050] The controller described herein enables and a new but simple and cost effective way to install electronic lighting, including dimming, for a standard new home or office build (or retrofit). The controller can consolidate the AC mains input, DC electronic or LED power output and control functions into one unit to reduce complexity and reduce price (both product and installation price). The same controller can be used for providing switching, dimming, multi-way switching, multi-way dimming, master off (exit or green button), and master on (eg smoke detector / emergency button) functionality. The system can be wired like a switching system and provides optional dimming capability (ie dimming is provided for free). There is no requirement for complicated control system buses or programming tools such as those found in sophisticated and expensive building automation system. Additionally the installation is as simple as, or simpler than wiring a traditional mains (120V or 240V AC) system. Further the installer can use the same wiring and switches as used in a standard installation. Further the installer does not need to worry out ratings, load types, intermediate switches, etc. Rather the installer only has to install wires from the controller to a standard press or rocker switch. Further the dimmer is literally taken out of the wall eliminating any in wall heating issues and simplifying the install. Wiring is simplified as inputs are logically mapped via the central controller to outputs. That is the mapping of input devices to output devices is not determined by fixed physically wiring. The input to output mapping can be easily performed by programming the logical relationship of control inputs and output devices using a user interface on the controller. This simplifies the design process and installation. Designers/installers need only decide which switches are to control which output devices and ensure wiring is laid between inputs and the controller and outputs and the controller, rather than having to design the entire physical wiring plan. Also the ability to reprogram the controller allows for easy and rapid reconfigurations in response to changed circumstances (eg if the furniture in a room is reconfigured so a different lighting patterns and control arrangement is needed). [0051] The controller can be programmed to include added functionality such as the ability to set up switch inputs as timers and to set dimming rates. A communications module may be included to allow programming with 'Near Field' wireless technology/protocols and a smart phone. Switch status can be indicated via visual (eg LED) indicators or a low cost LCD screen. In this case buttons could also be provided to allow setup with the LCD screen. The controller could also be fitted with a C-BUS or DALI module, or have the ability to have a C-Bus/DALI module added at a later date. [0052] Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof. [0053] Those of skill in the art would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention. [0054] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. For a hardware implementation, processing may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof. Software modules, also known as computer programs, computer codes, or instructions, may contain a number a number of source code or object code segments or instructions, and may reside in any computer readable medium such as a RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD- ROM, a DVD-ROM or any other form of computer readable medium. In the alternative, the computer readable medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the computer readable medium may reside in an ASIC or related device. The software codes may be stored in a memory unit and executed by a processor. The memory unit may be implemented within the processor or external to the processor, in which case it can be communicatively coupled to the processor via various means as is known in the art. [0055] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. [0056] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. [0057] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (23)

1. An electronic lighting controller comprising: a plurality of input ports for receiving command signals for controlling one or more electronic lighting fixtures; a plurality of output ports for connection to one or more electronic lighting fixtures; at least one master control input port for receiving an override signal for all of the one or more electronic lighting fixtures to either an on state or an off state; a power source input for receiving a power signal; a power supply circuit for generating Direct Current (DC) power signals for each of the plurality of outputs ports from the received power signal; an output controller coupled to the plurality of input ports, the at least one master control input port and the power supply circuit, wherein the output controller maps each of the plurality of output ports to one or more of the plurality of input ports, and for controlling generation of DC power signals for each output port based upon received command signals on the mapped one or more input ports and a received override signal from the at least one master control input port.

2. The electronic lighting controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power signal is an alternating current (AC) voltage signal.

3. The electronic lighting controller as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of input ports comprises an input sensor for detecting whether the input is an AC switch input or a dry contact switch input and which generates an output signal to the output controller when the sensed input switch is in an on state.

4. The electronic lighting controller as claimed in claim 3, wherein the input sensor comprises: an input pin biased to a first DC voltage; a first resistor and an AC bypass capacitor; an input potential sensor comprising a second resistor connected between the junction of the first resistor and the AC bypass capacitor, and the junction of two clamp diodes to sense an input potential; and an output signal generator coupled to the input potential sensor which generates an output signal when the sensed input potential is greater than a threshold value; wherein, the input sensor is configured such that when a dry contact switch input is in an off state, the first DC voltage is less than the threshold value, and when a dry contact switch input is in an on state the DC bias is bypassed to a reference level greater than the threshold, and when AC switch input is in an off state, the AC bypass capacitor clamps the AC signal below the threshold value, and when an AC switch input is in an on state, a series of periodic output pulses are generated by the output signal generator. 16

5. The electronic lighting controller as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an address selector associated with each output for allowing a user to map an output to one of the plurality of input ports.

6. The electronic lighting controller as claimed in claim 5, wherein each address selector is an externally accessible switch located adjacent an output port.

7. The electronic lighting controller as claimed in claim 5, wherein each address selector is an externally accessible button and indicator adjacent an output port.

8. The electronic lighting controller as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a user interface for allowing a user to map each of the plurality of output ports with at least one of the plurality of input ports.

9. The electronic lighting controller as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one master control input is a master control off input for switching all of the one or more electronic lighting fixtures to an off state.

10. The electronic lighting controller as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one master control input comprises a master control on input for switching all of the one or more electronic lighting fixtures to an on state, and a master control off input for switching all of the one or more electronic lighting fixtures to an off state.

11. The electronic lighting controller as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the least one master control input is a single master control input which receives a first input signal for switching all of the one or more electronic lighting fixtures to an on state and a second input signal for switching all of the one or more electronic lighting fixtures to an off state.

12. The electronic lighting controller as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of output ports includes an electronic driver circuit, and the power supply circuit is a switched mode power supply which provides DC power to each of the electronic driver circuits, and the controller comprises a microcontroller which maps each input to each output and sends control signals for controlling each of the electronic driver circuits in response to the state of the plurality of input ports and the state of the master control off input.

13. The electronic lighting controller as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of input ports comprises a dimming input connector and a switch input connector. 17

14. The electronic lighting controller as claimed in claim 13, wherein the output controller generates a dimming output signal to the one or more output ports associated with the input if a dimming command signal is detected from an input port.

15. The electronic lighting controller as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the output controller detects the duration of the input signal, and generates a switching output if the duration of the input signal is less than a dimming threshold, and a dimming output if the duration of the input signal is longer than the dimming threshold.

16. A lighting control system comprising: a plurality of electronic lighting controller as claimed in claim 1; a plurality of switches, each switch connected to at least one input port of at least one of the plurality of electronic lighting controllers; a plurality of electronic lighting fixtures, each electronic lighting fixture connected to one output of one electronic lighting controller; and at least one master control switch connected to the master control input of each of the plurality of electronic lighting controllers to cause all of the at least one electronic lighting fixtures to be switched on or off in response to actuation of one of the least one master control switches.

17. The lighting control system as claimed in claim 16, wherein at least one of the plurality of switches is a dry contact switch.

18. The lighting control system as claimed in claim 16, wherein at least one of the plurality of switches is an AC switch.

19. The lighting control system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein each of the plurality of the electronic lighting controller comprises a master control off input and the at least one master control switch comprises at least one master control off switch to cause all of the at least one electronic lighting fixtures to be switched off in response to actuation of one of the least one master control switches.

20. The lighting control system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein each of the plurality of the electronic lighting controller comprises a master control on input and the at least one master control switch comprises at least one master control on switch to cause all of the at least one electronic lighting fixtures to be switched on in response to actuation of one of the least one master control switches.

21. The lighting control system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein each of the plurality of the electronic lighting controller comprises a master control on input and a master control off input, and the at least one master control switch comprises at least one master control off switch to cause all of the at least one electronic lighting fixtures to be switched off in response to actuation of one of the least one master 18 control switches, and at least one master control on switch to cause all of the at least one electronic lighting fixtures to be switched on in response to actuation of one of the least one master control switches.

22. The lighting control system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein each of the plurality of the electronic lighting controller comprises a master control on input and a master control off input, and the at least one master control switch comprises at least one master control off switch to cause all of the at least one electronic lighting fixtures to be switched off in response to actuation of one of the least one master control switches, and each of the a master control on inputs are connected to triggering device to cause all of the at least one electronic lighting fixtures to be switched on in response to a trigger signal from the triggering device.

23. The lighting control system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the connections use standard building wiring.