IL291759A - Intelligent lighting control multi-load systems apparatuses and methods - Google Patents

Description

INTELLIGENT LIGHTING CONTROL MULTI-LOAD SYSTEMS APPARATUSES AND METHODS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/908,506, which was filed on September 30, 2019, by Ian Charles Smith for INTELLIGENT LIGHTING CONTROL MULTI-LOAD SYSTEMS APPARATUSES AND METHODS, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND Technical Field The present application relates generally to the field of lighting control systems.

Background Information In some markets, multiple loads (lighting and/or general purpose) may be located in the same electrical wall box. This “multi-load in single wall-box configuration” can often be found in older constructed homes in the US and often in international 220–240V markets, such as may be found in Europe and Asia. Basic light-switches generally tend to just package multiple independent mechanical or electro-mechanical components in parallel within a single unit for installation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings primarily are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; in some instances, various aspects of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein may be shown exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate an understanding of different features. In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to like features (e.g., functionally similar and/or structurally similar elements): FIG. 1A is a perspective partially exploded view of a lighting control device; 2 FIG. 1B is a fully exploded view of the lighting control device of FIG. 1A; FIG. 2A shows the lighting control device of FIG. 1A mounted on a wall; FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate multi-switch lighting control devices; FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate a lighting control device transitioning through various lighting settings and a room having lighting fixtures controlled by the lighting control device; FIG. 4 provides a flow diagram of operations of a system for controlling a lighting control device; FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a system for remotely operating a lighting control device; FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a system for remotely configuring operations of a lighting control device; FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic for a lighting control system having one transformer constructed with multiple winding to isolate control of dimming loads in a light-switch; FIG. 8 is a diagram of a lighting control system; FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate lighting control systems that include multiple lighting control devices; FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a lighting control device; and FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a block diagram of the processes run by a controller of the lighting control device.

The features and advantages of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

OVERVIEW The inventors have appreciated that various embodiments disclosed herein provide apparatuses, systems, and methods for utilizing a single transformer constructed with multiple windings in order to isolate control of switching/dimming loads in a single switch.

Various embodiments described herein provide intelligent lighting control systems including a dimming light control component that is configured to support multiple independent dimmable lighting loads powered from a single branch circuit 3 within a single unit to be installed within one wall box. The disclosed embodiments of the lighting control systems efficiently utilize hardware to reduce redundant components. The embodiments described herein use a single power source (e.g., LINE wire in wall of a single branch circuit) and decouple the outputs (e.g., LOAD output to fixture) so that the on/off/dim state of one load does not affect any of the other multiple loads included in the unit. Certain embodiments are provided in 1 gang architecture while other embodiments may use other gang architectures such as 2 gang, 3 gang or more. The embodiments disclosed efficiently manage multiple loads with a single line/power input using one transformer constructed with multiple windings to isolate control of dimming loads in a light module from each other and other loads. The schematic of one embodiment of a system configured in this manner is illustrated in FIG. 7. This system can be embodied in any of the lighting system embodiments shown and described in FIGS. 1A-6 and 8-11.

The features and advantages of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

DESCRIPTION Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and exemplary embodiments of, inventive systems, methods and components of lighting control devices.

FIG. 1A is a perspective partially exploded view of a lighting control device 100. The lighting control device 100 includes a switch module 102 including a light switch actuator 106 and a tactile display 104 housed in the light switch actuator 106.

The lighting control device 100 also includes a wall plate cover 108 including a switch module opening 110 extending therethrough. The lighting control device 100 also includes a base module 112 configured for coupling to the switch module 102 via multi-pin socket 114. The base module 112 is sized and configured for receipt within a one-gang wall electrical box and has a volume corresponding substantially thereto.

The base module 112 is configured to be coupled to a wall electrical box via connection tabs 116 and fastener apertures 118 in the connection tabs 116.

The light switch actuator 106 includes an outer actuation surface 122, which as discussed further herein may be composed of glass. The actuation surface 122 is 4 movable, for example, by pushing on the curved foot 120 to cause the light switch actuator 106 to pivot, for example. The pivoting of the light switch actuator 106 and the actuation surface 122 causes a contact component (shown in FIG. 2) of the switch actuator 106 to move from a first position to a second position. Movement of the contact component causes a connection of an electrical flow path, for example by allowing two electrical contacts to connect or by connecting the contact component with an electrical contact. The connecting of the electrical flow path permits electrical energy supplied by a power source connected to the base module 112 to energize or activate the tactile display 104, as discussed in further detail herein. The tactile display 104 is structured in the switch module to move contemporaneously with at least a portion of the actuation surface 122 and with the actuator 106. When activated or energized, the tactile display 104 allows a user to define or select predefined lighting settings where the lighting settings change the voltage or power supplied to one or more light fixtures. The change in power supplied to the light fixtures may include a plurality of different voltages supplied to each fixture and may be based on various parameters including, but not limited to, location, light intensity, light color, type of bulb, type of light, ambient light levels, time of day, kind of activity, room temperature, noise level, energy costs, user proximity, user identity, or various other parameters which may be specified or detected. Furthermore, the lighting control device 100 may be connected to all of the lights in a room or even in a house and can be configured to operate cooperatively with one or more other lighting control devices 100 located in a unit or room and connected to the same or distinct lighting fixtures.

FIG. 1B is a fully exploded view of the lighting control device 100 of FIG. 1A. As demonstrated in FIG. 1B, the tactile display 104 is positioned between the outer actuation surface 122 and the light switch actuator 106. The actuation surface 122 may be composed of an impact-resistant glass material permitting light from the tactile display 104 and/or a clear sight of path for sensors 127 or other lights, such as a light from light pipe 126 indicating activation to pass through the actuation surface 122. The tactile display 104 is composed of a polymer-based capacitive touch layer 124 and a light emitting diode panel 125, which are controlled via one or more modules or processors positioned on the printed circuit board 129. The tactile display 104 is housed within a recess 131 of the light switch actuator 106 beneath the 5 actuation surface 122. The light switch actuator 106 may be formed as a thermoplastic housing including a housing cover 133 and a housing base 135. The light switch actuator housing cover 133 is pivotally connected to the housing base 135 via pins 136 and the housing cover 133 is biased with respect the housing base 135 via torsion spring 137. In particular embodiments, the light switch actuator housing cover 133 may be configured to slide or otherwise translate or rotate. The outer actuation surface 122 is biased with the switch actuator housing cover 133 and moves contemporaneously therewith in concert with the tactile display 104 housed in the cover component 133 of the light switch actuator 106. The light switch actuator 106 includes a switch pin 128 movable between positions to close an open circuit on the primary printed circuit board substrate 150, which board also houses a switch controller or processor. In certain embodiments the light switch actuator 106 may include a circuit board stack, including the primary printed circuit board substrate 150 and a secondary printed circuit board 138 The light switch actuator 106 may include a latch 136 for coupling to the base module 112 (e.g. as the light switch actuator 106 is passed through the opening 110 in the wall plate cover 108), which latch causes the light switch actuator 106 to click into place. The housing base 135 includes a multi- pin connector or plug 134 configured to engage the multi-pin socket 114 of the base module 112.

The lighting control device 100 includes a mounting chassis 142 configured to be installed to an electrical wall box. The mounting chassis 142 creates an even surface for installation of the other modules (e.g., the base module 112 and the switch module 102). Once the base module is connected to the electrical wall box via the mounting chassis 142, the wall plate cover 108 can be coupled to the mounting chassis 142 and the light switch actuator 106 can be inserted through the switch module opening 110. In particular embodiments, the wall plate cover can be coupled to the mounting chassis 142 and/or the tabs 116 of the base module via magnets. The magnets may be recessed within openings of a portion of the wall plate cover 108. As noted, the base module 112 is configured to be coupled to the mounting chassis 142 via connection tabs 116. The base module 112 is further configured to be electrically coupled to a power source (e.g., an electrical wire coming from an electrical breaker box to the electrical wall box) and to one or more light fixtures wired to the electrical box. Accordingly, the base module 112 provides an interface between a power 6 source, the light switch actuator 106, and one or more light fixtures. The base module includes a processor 140 and a circuit board 141 for managing the power supplied by the power source and routed to the one or more light fixtures in accordance with a light setting selection identified via the light switch actuator 106 or the tactile display 104.

One or more of the processor 130 on the printed circuit board 138 and the base module processor 140 may include wireless links for communication with one or more remote electronic device such as a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, another mobile computing devices, one or more other lighting control devices 100 or other electronic devices operating in a location. In certain embodiments the wireless links permit communication with one or more devices including, but not limited to smart light bulbs, thermostats, garage door openers, door locks, remote controls, televisions, security systems, security cameras, smoke detectors, video game consoles, robotic systems, or other communication enabled sensing and/or actuation devices or appliances. The wireless links may include BLUETOOTH classes, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth- low-energy, also known as BLE (BLE and BT classic are completely different protocols that just share the branding), 802.15.4, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), an infrared channel or satellite band. The wireless links may also include any cellular network standards used to communicate among mobile devices, including, but not limited to, standards that qualify as 1G, 2G, 3G, or 4G. The network standards may qualify as one or more generation of mobile telecommunication standards by fulfilling a specification or standards such as the specifications maintained by International Telecommunication Union. The 3G standards, for example, may correspond to the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specification, and the 4G standards may correspond to the International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced (IMT- Advanced) specification. Examples of cellular network standards include AMPS, GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE, LTE Advanced, Mobile WiMAX, and WiMAX- Advanced. Cellular network standards may use various channel access methods e.g.

FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, or SDMA. In some embodiments, different types of data may be transmitted via different links and standards. In other embodiments, the same types of data may be transmitted via different links and standards. 7 FIG. 2A shows the lighting control device 100 of FIG. 1A mounted on a wall 200. As demonstrated in FIG. 2A, the base module 112 is not visible upon installation of the lighting control device 100 in view of the wall plate cover 108.

Because the wall plate cover 108 attaches to the base module 112, the wall plate cover 108 appears to be floating on the wall 200. The lighting control device 100 may be activated by a user 103 interacting with the outer actuation surface 122 and the tactile display 104.

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate multi-switch configurations of multiple lighting control device. FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate two switch and three-switch embodiments respectively where the lighting control devices 202 and 203 each include a light switch actuator 106 as well as auxiliary switches 204 and 208, as well as 2 and 3 base modules 112, respectively.

FIGS. 3A - 3F illustrate a lighting control device transitioning through various lighting settings and a room having lighting fixtures controlled by the lighting control device.

In FIG. 3A, the lighting control device 300 is connected to a base module positioned behind the wall plate 308. The lighting control device 300 includes a dynamic light switch actuator 306, operable in a manner similar to the light switch actuator discussed in connection with FIGS. 1A-2C, and an auxiliary light switch actuator. As demonstrated in FIG. 3A the unilluminated outer actuation surface 322 of the light switch actuator 306 is inactive and not energized. In response to a user 103 moving the actuation surface 322 of the light switch actuator 306, the light switch actuator 306 begins to become energized, as shown in FIG. 3B. The energization or activation of the light switch actuator 306 is signaled by the power light indicator 305 and by full lighting setting icon 351. As shown in FIG. 3C where the icon 351 is fully lit (rather than partially lit as in FIG. 3B), the light switch actuator 306 is fully energized. In this particular configuration, the primary lights 309 and 310 are illuminated at full power. FIG. 3D shows the transition between lighting settings. As demonstrated in FIG. 3D, this transition is facilitated via user 103 completing swiping gesture 312 across the tactile display 304 and along the actuation surface 322. As the user completes the gesture 312, the icon 351 is swiped from the tactile display 304 as the tactile display toggles to a new light setting shown in FIG. 3E. The new light setting shown in FIG. 3E is represented or identified by the dinner icon 352. The new 8 light setting shown in FIG. 3 has the light fixture 309 powered down and has caused lamp 316 and sconces 318 to become illuminated to change the lighting scene in the room. The change in the light setting causes a change in distribution of power to certain lighting fixture based on the selected lighting setting. The light switch actuator 306 may be pre-programmed with a plurality of lighting settings or may be configured with particular lighting settings as specified by the user 103. A further swiping gesture 315 shown in FIG. 3F or a different gesture are used to transition from the lighting setting of FIG. 3F represented by icon 352 to a further lighting setting.

FIG. 4 provides a flow diagram of operations of a system for controlling a lighting control device. FIG. 4 illustrates control operations of a control system, such as processor 130 configured to control the lighting control device 100 or 300, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. At 401, the tactile display housed in the light switch actuator is activated by moving the light switch actuator, for example by moving the actuation surface of the light switch actuator. At 402, the light fixtures electrically coupled to the light switch actuator via a base module are powered as the movement of the light switch actuator causes a contact component to move into a new position and thereby permit or cause an electrical flow path between a power source and the light fixture(s) to be closed. The tactile display housed in the light switch actuator is moved contemporaneously with the actuation surface. At 403, a lighting setting selection request is received via the tactile display, for example by a particular motion or motions on the tactile display. The lighting setting selection request identifies a lighting setting from among a plurality of lighting settings. A user may swipe multiple times to toggle through the plurality of lighting settings or may conduct a specific motion that corresponds to a particular lighting setting including, but not limited to, a half swipe and tap to achieve a light intensity of all the connected light fixtures at half of their peak output. The lighting settings identify distinct power distribution schemes for one or more light fixtures connected to the light switch module. At 404, a power distribution scheme is identified. At 405, the identified power distribution scheme is transmitted, for example by the base module responding to control signals from the light switch actuator, to adjust one, some, or all of the lights based on the power distribution scheme corresponding to the lighting setting selected. The power distribution schemes or profiles may be stored in 9 a memory device of the lighting control device. In certain embodiments, the power distribution schemes may be adjusted to account for other parameters such as ambient lighting from natural light or an unconnected source. In certain embodiments the power distribution schemes may be adjusted based on one or more other sensor parameters. In particular embodiments, the lighting setting may be adjusted by automation based on time of day, sensed parameters such as light, temperature, noise, or activation of other devices including, but not limited to, any electronic device described herein.

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a system for remotely operating a lighting control device. In particular embodiments, the lighting control device 100 or 300 may be operable from a remote device if the actuator switch is activated or energized. In such instances, the remote device may include one or more computer program applications, such as system 500, operating on the device to communicate with and control the lighting control device. Accordingly, at 501, the control system 500 initiates a connection module to generate a communication interface between a mobile electronic device and a light switch module. The connection module may cause the remote device to send one or more wireless transmission to the lighting control device via a communication protocol. At 502, the control system 500 causes the remote device to generate a display of icons on a display device of the mobile electronic device to facilitate selection of a lighting setting. At 503, the control system 500 receives a lighting setting selection based on the user selecting a particular icon. At 504, a transmission module causes the lighting setting selected to be transmitted to the lighting control device so that the light switch module and/or the base module can cause the power distribution scheme corresponding to the lighting setting to be transmitted to the lighting fixtures. The tactile display of the lighting control device may be updated in concert with receipt of the lighting setting to display the icon selected on the mobile electronic device and corresponding to the lighting setting selected on the tactile device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a system for remotely configuring operations of a lighting control device. The remote device may include devices including, but not limited to a mobile phone, a mobile computing device or a computing device remote from the light control device. At 601, the mobile electronic device generates a communication interface with the light switch module. At 602, a 10 light fixture identification module initiates a sensor-based protocol to identify a parameter associated with one or more light fixtures connected to the light switch control module. At 603, a display selection module causes a display of an icon to appear on a display device of the mobile electronic device. At 604, a lighting setting configuration module allows a user to create a power distribution scheme or profile for the light fixtures identified based on the identified parameters and a user specified input related to light intensity. At 604, a storage module is used to the store the power distribution scheme and associate a particular lighting setting icon with the power distribution scheme. At 605, a transmission module transmits the power distribution scheme and the associated icon to the light switch control module.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic for a multi-load circuit 700 of a lighting control system having one transformer constructed with multiple windings to isolate control of dimming loads in a single light-switch. The multi-load circuit 700 may be implemented through lighting control systems shown in FIGS. 1A-6 and 8-11 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. To that end, the multi-load circuit 700 includes a dimming light control component that is configured to support multiple independent dimmable lighting loads powered from a single branch circuit within a single unit to be installed within one wall box (e.g., single gang).

Illustratively, the dimming light control component is a processor embodied as a micro-control unit (MCU) 702 arranged on a secondary side of the transformer and configured to control a plurality of (e.g., three) lighting/load circuits on a primary side of the transformer. The lighting/load circuits are configured and arranged to support three independent dimmable loads in a single (1) gang architecture dimensioned for installment within the single wall box. The lighting/load circuits may be embodied as field effect transistors (FETs) 704 configured as half-bridged gate devices coupled to dimming loads LD1-3 and controlled by gate drivers (power amplifiers) 706, each connected to (i.e., powered by) a different winding of the transformer and controlled across an isolation boundary embodied as isolation buffers (opto-isolators) 708 driven by the MCU 702. Accordingly, the MCU 702 is powered by a secondary winding 710 of the transformer.

In one or more embodiments, the multi-load circuit 700 may operate with a controller, such as switch controller 802, and a base module, such as base lighting control module 812, of a lighting control system, such as lighting control system 800, 11 to provide a fully functional, multi-load circuit that efficiently utilizes hardware to reduce redundant components. That is, the embodiments use a single power source (e.g., LINE wire in wall of a single branch circuit) and decouple the outputs (e.g., LOAD output to lighting circuit coupled to a light fixture) so that the on/off/dim state of one load does not affect any of the other multiple loads included in the unit.

Certain embodiments are provided in a one (1) gang architecture while other embodiments may use other gang architectures such as 2 gang, 3 gang or more. The disclosed embodiments efficiently manage multiple loads with a single line/power input using the single transformer constructed with multiple windings to isolate control of the dimming loads in the light module from the other loads. A voltage zero- cross circuit 712 coupled to the single power source provides input to the MCU 702 configured to control dimming of the outputs (i.e., controls dimming of the loads).

Advantageously, the multi-load circuit 700 diminishes the wiring needed to control multiple (3) lighting/load circuits installed in a relatively small footprint (e.g., single-gang architecture) within one wall box. A lighting control system having the multi-load circuit may be deployed in geographical areas that supply a nominal service voltage greater than 200v and, thus, permit use of thinner wiring (e.g., 0.75 2 mm /18 AWG) that consumes less wall space when installed in a single gang wall unit.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a lighting control system 800 configured to execute certain lighting control operations described herein. The lighting control system 800 illustrates lighting control system components that can be implemented with a lighting control system including an air gap system as described herein. The lighting control system 800 is depicted separated into a base lighting control module 812 (which may be configured in a manner similar to base module 112) and a switch module or switch controller 802 (which may be configured in a manner similar to switch module 102).

As described herein, the switch module 802 can include a tactile interface, operable via the graphical user interface module 852, and a switch actuator, such as the tactile display 104 and the light switch actuator 106 described herein. The switch module 802 houses a processor 850, which may be configured to send commands to microcontroller 840 and receive inputs from the micro-controller 840 to control the operation of a transformer 818, a power isolator and an AC to DC converter 814 (which may include a flyback converter), and a dimmer, such as a TRIAC dimmer 12 813, a voltage and current sensor 816. In some embodiments, the base lighting control module 812 may include a MOSFET dimmer. The power isolator 814 separates the analog AC current from the low power or DC digital components in the base lighting control module 812 and the switch module 802. The power isolate 814 may provide power inputs to the switch control module 802 via a power module 853.

Power module 853 includes power circuitry configured to regulate the flow of power from the base module 812 to the switch controller module 802 including directing power to one or more of the modules in the switch controller module 802. The switch module 802 also houses a communication module, which can include one or more antennae or other wireless communication modules. The switch module 802 also houses a sensor module, which can include one or more sensors, such as a light sensor, a camera, a microphone, a thermometer, a humidity sensor, and an air quality sensor. The processor 850 is communicably coupled with one or more modules in the switch module 802 to control the operation of and receive inputs from those modules, for example to control modulation of the flow of electrical energy to a lighting circuit of a light fixture 824 connected to the base lighting control module 812.

The base lighting control module 812 includes a ground terminal 830 for grounding various electrical components container in the module 812. The base light control module 812 includes a neutral terminal 828 for connecting to a neutral wire, a line terminal 826, and a load terminal 822. As shown in FIG. 8, the voltage and current sensor(s) are coupled to the load line to detect changes in the voltage or current along the line carrying power to one or more light fixtures 824 connected to the lighting circuit (750). The base lighting control module 812 also includes a controller 840 communicably coupled to the processor 850. The base lighting control module 812 also includes LED indicator lights 842 and 841 for indicating information regarding the status of the base lighting control module 812. For example, in some embodiments LED indicator light 841 can indicates if a neutral wire is connected while LED indicator light 842 can indicate if a 3-way connection is connected.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate lighting control systems that include multiple lighting control devices. FIG. 9A describes an embodiment of lighting control system 900 that includes multiple lighting control subsystems that are distributed over a building (e.g., house, office etc.), for example, in different rooms of the building. In the embodiment of the lighting control system 900 illustrated in FIG. 9A, rooms 13 902a-d have distinct lighting control systems. For example, the lighting control system of room 902a includes lighting control device 904a, lighting circuit 910a, light sensors 906a and motion sensors 908a. The lighting control system 900 can include a central lighting control device 904 that serves as a central control for the lighting control system 900. In certain embodiments, the central lighting control device 904 can include a lighting control system such as system 100 or 800.

The lighting control system of room 902a, which includes lighting control device 904a, light sensor 906a, motion sensor 908a and lighting circuit 910a, is discussed. However, the concepts and applications discussed are not limited to the lighting control system in the room 902a and can be generally applied to lighting control systems in other rooms (e.g., 902b-d) or lighting control subsystems that may distributed over more than one room.

The light sensor 906a is configured to detect ambient light (which can include natural light and/or light from a light fixture connected to the lighting circuit 910a), for example by converting the electromagnetic energy (e.g., photon energy) into an electrical signal (e.g., a current or a voltage signal). The electrical signal can be communicated to the lighting control device 904a. The light sensor 906a can include one or more photo-resistors, photodiodes, charge coupled devices etc. The light sensor 906a can include a light filter that preferentially allows certain frequencies of light to be transmitted and therefore detected by the light sensor 906a. For example, the light filter can be configured to transmit frequencies that correspond to the light emanating from the lighting circuit 910a. This can allow the light sensor (e.g. 906a) to preferentially detect light from the lighting circuit 910a while filtering out light generated by other sources. For example, if the light sensor is located in a room that receives ambient natural light (e.g., daylight), the light sensor can substantially filter out the ambient natural light and primarily detect light from the lighting circuit 910a.

The light sensor 906a can also be configured to efficiently and accurately detect a range of light intensities, for example, the range of intensities that can be produced by the lighting circuit 910a. This can allow the light sensor 906a to efficiently and accurately detect light for various intensity settings of the lighting circuit 910a.

The motion sensor 908a can be configured to detect motion in the room 902a.

For example, the motion sensor can detect movement of an occupant in the room 902a. The motion sensor 908a can include one or more of passive sensors (e.g., 14 passive infrared (PIR) sensor), active sensors (e.g., microwave (MW) sensor, ultrasonic sensors etc.) and hybrid sensors that include both passive and active sensor (e.g., Dual Technology Motion sensors,). The passive sensors do not emit any energy and detect changes in energy of the surrounding. For example, a PIR sensor can detect infrared energy emitted by the human body (due to the temperature associated with the human body). Active sensors, on the other hand, emit electromagnetic or sonic pulses and detect the reflection thereof. For example, MW sensor emits a microwave pulse and detects its reflection. Hybrid sensors can include both active and passive sensors and therefore motion can be sensed both actively and passively (hybrid sensing). Hybrid sensing can have several advantages, for example, the probability of false positive detection of motion can be smaller in hybrid sensors compared to active/passive sensors.

The lighting control device 904a is configured to communicate with the light sensor 906a and motion sensor 908a. The motion sensor 908a can send a notification signal to the lighting control device 904a conveying that motion has been detected in an area proximal to the lighting circuit 910a, for example, in the room 902a. The light sensor 906a can send a notification signal to the lighting control device 904a conveying that light emanating from the lighting circuit 910a has been detected.

Additionally, the notification signal can include information about the properties of the detected light, e.g., intensity, bandwidth etc. The lighting control device 904a can store data representative of the notification signals received from the motion and light sensors in a device database. The lighting control device 904a can include a clock and/or a timer that allows the lighting control device 904a to track the time and/or duration of the received signals from the light sensor 906a and motion sensor 908a.

The tracking time and/or duration information can be also be stored in the device database.

The lighting control device 904a can be configured to receive and transmit data through the internet. The lighting control device 904a can, for example, infer information about ambient natural light from data about the weather conditions, daylight hours etc. from online databases (e.g., databases of weather.gov, gaisma.com, noaa.gov wunderground.com etc.). For example, the received data can include information about the sunrise and sunset times in the geographical area associated with the lighting control system 900 and the time of the year. Based on this, the 15 lighting control circuit 904a can infer the time period during which no ambient natural light is available. In another example, the received data can contain information about the weather conditions. The lighting control circuit 904a can infer, for example, that overcast conditions can lead to reduction in natural ambient light. The lighting control device 904a can save the data and/or inferred information in the device database. This can allow the lighting control device 904a to infer patterns between the usage of the lighting circuit 910a and ambient natural light conditions.

The lighting control device 904a can be configured to determine one or more properties of the lighting circuit 910a. For example, device 904a can determine the type (e.g., incandescent, fluorescent, LED, halogen, high intensity discharge, full spectrum, UV, black light, antique, vintage) and the wattage of the light bulbs associated with the lighting circuit 910a. The light control device 904a can also search online databases for information about the detected light bulbs. For example, the lighting control device 904a can download specifications (e.g., information about voltage, wattage, luminescence, dimmability, average life etc.) from online databases of the manufacturers of the detected light bulb. The lighting control device 904a can also download information related to the light and motion sensors, for example, drivers associated with the light and motion sensors. The determined properties and the downloaded information about the lighting circuit 910a can be stored in the device database.

The lighting control device 904a can be configured to receive data and/or instructions from communication device 920 (e.g., cellphone, laptop, iPad, input device such as keypad, touch screen etc.). Additionally, or alternately, communication device 920 can be input device (e.g., keypad, touchscreen etc.). For example, the computation device 920 may provide instructions for the operation of the lighting control device 904a. Based on the instruction, the lighting control device 904a can switch on/off one or more light bulbs in the lighting circuit 904a. The computation device 920 can also instruct the lighting control device 904a to change the operation parameters of the lighting circuit 910a. For example, the lighting control device 904a can be instructed to increase/decrease the brightness of the lighting circuit 904a (e.g., by increasing/decreasing the power suppled to the lighting circuit). The communication device 920 can instruct the lighting control device 904a to perform one or more of the aforementioned functions at a certain time or after a certain period 16 of time. For example, the communication device 920 can instruct the lighting control device 904a to set up a timer at the end of which a desired function is performed.

Through the communication device 920, information related to the lighting control system 900 can be conveyed to the lighting control device 904a. For example, a user can input the room-types (e.g., bedroom, kitchen, living room etc.) of the rooms 902a- d. The user shutdown one or more the lighting control subsystems in room 902a-d for a desired period of time, for example, when the user will be away for a vacation. The communication device 920 can communicate with the lighting control device 904a using short-range wireless technology (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi etc.), through a cellular network and/or a physical connection (e.g., Ethernet cable). The data and/or instruction received by the lighting control circuit 904a from the communication device 920 can be stored in the device database. The time at which the data and/or instruction were received can also be stored in the device database.

The lighting control device 904a can be configured to communicate information to the communication device 920 and/or an output screen. For example, the lighting control device 904a may communicate the operational parameters associated with the lighting circuit 910a (e.g., brightness of the lighting circuit 910a, tentative time at which the lighting circuit 910a will be turned on/off, duration of operation of the lighting circuit 910a etc.). The lighting control device 904a can communicate notification signal from the light sensor 906a and motion sensor 908a to the communication device 920. For example, communication device 920 can be notified that motion or light has been detected in room 902a.

The central lighting control device 904 can communicate with the lighting control subsystems distributed over the building (e.g., rooms 902a-d), and provide a central control for the lighting control system 900. The central lighting control device 904 can control the operation of light sensors 906a-d, motion sensors 908a-d, lighting circuits 910a-d and lighting control devices 904a-d. For example, the central lighting control device 904 can instruct the lighting control device 904a to change the operating parameters of the lighting circuit 910a. The central lighting control device 904 can also receive notification signals from light sensors 906a-d and motion sensors 908a-d, and communication device 920.

The central lighting control device 904 can include a central device database.

Data stored in device databases associated with lighting control devices 904a-d can be 17 transferred, for example, periodically, to the central device database. In some embodiments, the central lighting control device can request specific information from the device databases of lighting control devices. For example, the central control device 904 can request the lighting control device 904a for information related to one or more of light sensors 906a, motion sensors 908a, instructions from communication device 920, etc. FIG. 9B illustrates another embodiment of the lighting control system 900. In this embodiment the central light control device 904 also operates as the "lighting control device" for the lighting control subsystem associated with room 902a (which includes light sensor 906a, motion sensor 908a and lighting circuit 910a).

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the central lighting control device 904 as described in FIG 9B. The central lighting control device 904 includes lighting circuit system 1010, controller 1020 and communication system 1030. The controller 1020 can control the operation of and receive data from the lighting circuit system 1010 and communication system 1030. The controller 1020 includes a processor 1022 and a storage device 1024. The processor is configured to run applications that control the operation of the lighting control system 900, and the storage device 1024 can store data related to the lighting control system 900 (e.g., central device database, device database etc.).

The lighting circuit system 1010 can transmit electrical power to and detect response of the lighting circuit 910a. The lighting circuit system 1010 can include a power circuit 1014 that can supply power to the lighting circuit 910a, and a detector circuit 1012 that can detect the response of the lighting circuit 910a. The power circuit 1014 can include a tunable voltage/current source that can supply an input voltage/current signal to the lighting circuit 910a. The detector circuit 1012 is configured to detect a response of the lighting circuit 910a that can include one or more of current, voltage and impedance response. In some embodiments, the detector circuit 1012 may include a voltage sensing circuit that can detect a voltage response (e.g., voltage across the lighting circuit 910a) or a current sensing circuit that can detect a current response (e.g., the current flowing into the lighting circuit 910a). The power circuit 1014 can also supply power to the light sensor 906a and the voltage sensor 908a.

The communication system 1030 is configured to communicate with light sensor 906a, motion sensor 908a, and lighting control devices (e.g., 910a-d in FIG 18 9A, 910b-d in FIG. 9B). For example, the communication system 1030 (e.g., antenna, router etc.) can transmit instructions (e.g., instruction to detect light/motion) from the controller 1020 to the light sensor 906a and/or motion sensor 908a. The instructions can be transmitted wirelessly in the 2.4 GHz ISM band using various wireless radio technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Low Power Radio (LPR) etc.). Additionally, or alternately, the instructions can be transmitted in the form of an electrical signal (e.g., current signal, voltage signal) or optical signal through a physical connection (e.g., transmission line, Ethernet cable etc.). The communication system 930 can be configured to receive notification signals (e.g., through the channels of instruction transmission described above) from the light sensors 906a and/or motion sensors 908a and convey the notification signal to the controller 1020.

The communication system 1030 can also be configured to communicate with communication device 920, for example, through a cellular network, wireless radio technology etc. The communication system 1030 can include, for example, a router that allows it to communicate through the internet with websites and online databases.

For example, the controller 1020 can instruct the communication system 1030 to access the website of a light bulb manufacturing (e.g., light bulb in the lighting circuit 910a) and download the relevant specifications. The communication system 1030 can also, for example, download software (e.g., drivers) that can allow the controller 1020 to communicate with the light sensors 906a and motion sensors 908a. The communication system 1030 can also download updated operating systems for the controller 1020.

The lighting control device 904 can control the operation of lighting circuits 910a-d based on notification signals from the light sensors 906a-d and motion sensors 908a-d. For example, if the lighting circuit 910a has been switched on and no motion is observed by the motion sensor 908a for a predetermined period of time, the control device 904 can automatically switch off the lighting circuit 910a. The control device 904 can make the determination that the lighting circuit 910a has been switched on based on notification signal from the light sensor 906a and/or the response from the detector circuit 1012. The period of time between the last detected motion and the time at which the lighting circuit 910a is switched off can be based on, for example, an input provided by a user through the communication device 920. This period of time can be different for different rooms. For example, the period of time can be 19 longer for the room 902a (e.g., bedroom) compared to the room 902b (e.g., a bathroom).

The lighting control system 900 can be configured to control the operation of the lighting circuits 910a-d based on analysis of the behavior of one or more users of the system 900 and data acquired by the system 900. The behavior analysis can include, for example, pattern recognition of the notification signals from the light sensors 906a-d and motion sensors 908a-d, instructions provided by the user through communication device 920 and information obtained by lighting control device 904 from online databases. For example, the central lighting control device 904 can be notified by the light sensor 906a that the lighting device 910a is switched off at approximately a certain time during the weekdays and at approximately a different time during the weekends. Based on this pattern, the lighting control device 904 can set switch off times, which are different for weekends and weekdays, for automatically switch off the light 910a. Automatic switching off the light 910s can be suspended if motion is detected by motion sensor 908a, and notification can be sent to the communication device 920.

The control device 904 can also include information obtained from online databases in its behavioral analysis of the users. For example, the control device 904 can be notified that the user switches on the light 910a in the mornings of certain days in the year. The device 904 compares this behavior with the weather conditions (known through online databases) and determines that the light 910a is switched on in the mornings of days when the sky is overcast. Based on this pattern, the control device 904 can automatically switch on the light 910a on days when the sky is overcast. Additionally, the control device 904 may learn that the weather conditions effect the operation of lighting circuit 910a but not of lighting circuit 910b. This may arise from the fact the room 902a, associated with lighting circuit 910a, has windows and receives natural ambient light, while room 902b, associated with lighting circuit 910b, does not have windows and does not receive natural ambient light. The control device 904 can infer that the operation of lighting circuit 910b is independent of weather conditions. In some embodiments, the control device 904 can change the operating parameters of lighting circuit 910a based on weather conditions. For example, the control device 904 can change the brightness setting of the lighting circuit 910b based on the weather conditions. 20 FIG. 11 illustrates the controller 1020 including the processor 1022 and the storage device 1024 and configured to execute light control module 1102. The light control module 1102 can collect, store and analyze data, and determine the operation of a lighting circuit (e.g., lighting circuit 910a). The light control module 1102 can include a data collection module 1104, system control module 1106, and pattern recognition module 1108. The data collection module can collect data (e.g., data from online databases, detector circuit 1012, communication device 920, notification signals from light sensors 906a-d and motion sensors 908a-d etc.) from the communication system 1030 and store the data in the central device database 1112 in storage device 1024. The system control module 1106 controls the operation of lighting circuit system 1010. For example, system control module 1106 can instruct the power circuit 1014 to change the electrical power supplied to the lighting circuit 910a. The system control module 906 can determine, based on voltage/current response of the lighting circuit 910a measured by the detector circuit 1012, the type of light bulbs (e.g., incandescent, fluorescent, LED, halogen, high intensity discharge, full spectrum, UV, black light, antique, vintage) therein and store this information in the central device database 1112. The system control module 1106 can also control the operation of the light sensors 906a-d and motion sensors 908a-d. For example, it can instruct the light and motion sensors to start or suspend detection of light and motion signals. The pattern recognition module 1108 can include machine learning techniques that use data in the central device database 1112 as "training data" to infer patterns based on which the operating parameters for the lighting circuits 910a-d can be determined.

Embodiments of the subject matter and the operations described in this specification can be implemented by digital electronic circuitry, or via computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions, encoded on computer storage medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus.

A computer storage medium can be, or be included in, a computer-readable storage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access 21 memory array or device, or a combination of one or more of them. Moreover, while a computer storage medium is not a propagated signal, a computer storage medium can be a source or destination of computer program instructions encoded in an artificially generated propagated signal. The computer storage medium can also be, or be included in, one or more separate physical components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices).

The operations described in this specification can be implemented as operations performed by a data processing apparatus on data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices or received from other sources.

The term “data processing apparatus” encompasses all kinds of apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multiple ones, or combinations, of the foregoing. The apparatus can include special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). The apparatus can also include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, a cross-platform runtime environment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them. The apparatus and execution environment can realize various different computing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributed computing and grid computing infrastructures.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are 22 located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform actions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., a FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory or a random access memory or both.

The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing actions in accordance with instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive), to name just a few. Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, 23 feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is used by the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on a user’s user device in response to requests received from the web browser.

Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front end component, e.g., a user computer having a graphical display or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an embodiment of the subject matter described in this specification, or any combination of one or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

The computing system can include users and servers. A user and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of user and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a user-server relationship to each other. In some embodiments, a server transmits data (e.g., an HTML page) to a user device (e.g., for purposes of displaying data to and receiving user input from a user interacting with the user device). Data generated at the user device (e.g., a result of the user interaction) can be received from the user device at the server.

While this specification contains many specific embodiment details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any 24 suitable sub combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub combination or variation of a sub combination.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. It is recognized that features of the disclosed embodiments can be incorporated into other disclosed embodiments.

While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed.

Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any 25 combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

Also, the technology described herein may be embodied as a method, of which at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. It should be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. All embodiments that come within the spirit and scope of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed.

What is claimed is:

Claims (10)

1. A lighting control system comprising:

a light switch module having a processor;

a base module including plurality of switches connected to an alternating

current (AC) power source and coupled a corresponding plurality

of loads, wherein control of each of the switches is coupled a driver

connected to the processor; and

a transformer having a plurality of windings, wherein a separate winding is

coupled to each driver to control each of switches and configured

to isolate control of the plurality of loads received at the base

module.

2. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the base module

includes a base housing forming a well and including an electrical connector

connected to a first switch driver of the base module and positioned in the well to

couple with the light switch module, wherein the light switch module is configured

for nesting, at least in part, in the well of the base module.

3. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the light

switch module further comprises:

a module housing; and

a graphical user interface (GUI) coupled to the module housing and

connected to the processor, wherein the GUI is configured to

display lighting scenes to control each of the loads.

4. The lighting control system according to claim 3, wherein the module housing

is configured to fit into a single gang wall box.

5. The lighting control system according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the AC

power source is at least 200v.27

6. The lighting control system according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the

processor is powered from a secondary winding of the transformer.

7. The lighting control system according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the base

module further comprises a plurality of isolation buffers connected between each

switch driver and the processor.

8. The lighting control system according to any of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a

voltage zero-cross circuit coupled to the AC power source and to the processor.

9. The lighting control system according to claim 7, wherein the processor is

configured to use input from the voltage zero-cross circuit to dim the plurality of

loads.

10. A method of operating a lighting control system comprising:

driving a plurality of switches coupled to plurality of loads powered from

an alternating current (AC) power source, wherein each of the

plurality of switches is driven from a separate transformer winding

of a transformer coupled to the AC power source, wherein each of

the switches is controlled by a processor; and

receiving input from a voltage zero-cross circuit coupled to the AC power

source to dim by the processor each of the plurality of loads,

wherein the AC power source voltage is at least 200v.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the lighting control system is in a

housing configured to fit into a single gang wall box.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising:

displaying a lighting scene on graphical user interface coupled to the

housing corresponding to dimming of the plurality of loads. 28

13. The method according to claim 10 or claim 11, further comprising:

receiving input from a tactile display selecting a lighting scene, wherein

the processor and tactile display are coupled to a same housing;

and

dimming the plurality of loads by the processor according the selected

lighting scene.

Roy S. Melzer, Adv.

Patent Attorney

G.E. Ehrlich (1995) Ltd.

11. Menachem Begin Road

5268104 Ramat Gan

. 1

INTELLIGENT LIGHTING CONTROL MULTI-LOAD SYSTEMS

APPARATUSES AND METHODS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

5 The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent

Application Serial No. 62/908,506, which was filed on September 30, 2019, by Ian

Charles Smith for INTELLIGENT LIGHTING CONTROL MULTI-LOAD

SYSTEMS APPARATUSES AND METHODS, which is hereby incorporated by

reference.

10 BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to the field of lighting control

systems.

Background Information

15 In some markets, multiple loads (lighting and/or general purpose) may be

located in the same electrical wall box. This “multi-load in single wall-box

configuration” can often be found in older constructed homes in the US and often in

international 220–240V markets, such as may be found in Europe and Asia. Basic

light-switches generally tend to just package multiple independent mechanical or

20 electro-mechanical components in parallel within a single unit for installation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings primarily are for illustrative purposes and are not intended

to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter described herein. The drawings

are not necessarily to scale; in some instances, various aspects of the inventive

25 subject matter disclosed herein may be shown exaggerated or enlarged in the

drawings to facilitate an understanding of different features. In the drawings,

like reference characters generally refer to like features (e.g., functionally similar

and/or structurally similar elements):

FIG. 1A is a perspective partially exploded view of a lighting control

30 device; 2

FIG. 1B is a fully exploded view of the lighting control device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A shows the lighting control device of FIG. 1A mounted on a wall;

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate multi-switch lighting control devices;

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate a lighting control device transitioning through

5 various lighting settings and a room having lighting fixtures controlled by the

lighting control device;

FIG. 4 provides a flow diagram of operations of a system for controlling a

lighting control device;

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a system for remotely operating a lighting

10 control device;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a system for remotely configuring

operations of a lighting control device;

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic for a lighting control system having one

transformer constructed with multiple winding to isolate control of dimming loads in

15 a light-switch;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a lighting control system;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate lighting control systems that include multiple

lighting control devices;

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a lighting control device; and

20 FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a block diagram of the processes run by a

controller of the lighting control device.

The features and advantages of the inventive subject matter disclosed

herein will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below

when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

25 OVERVIEW

The inventors have appreciated that various embodiments disclosed herein

provide apparatuses, systems, and methods for utilizing a single transformer

constructed with multiple windings in order to isolate control of switching/dimming

loads in a single switch.

30 Various embodiments described herein provide intelligent lighting control

systems including a dimming light control component that is configured to support

multiple independent dimmable lighting loads powered from a single branch circuit 3

within a single unit to be installed within one wall box. The disclosed embodiments

of the lighting control systems efficiently utilize hardware to reduce redundant

components. The embodiments described herein use a single power source (e.g.,

LINE wire in wall of a single branch circuit) and decouple the outputs (e.g., LOAD

5 output to fixture) so that the on/off/dim state of one load does not affect any of the

other multiple loads included in the unit. Certain embodiments are provided in 1 gang

architecture while other embodiments may use other gang architectures such as 2

gang, 3 gang or more. The embodiments disclosed efficiently manage multiple loads

with a single line/power input using one transformer constructed with multiple

10 windings to isolate control of dimming loads in a light module from each other and

other loads. The schematic of one embodiment of a system configured in this manner

is illustrated in FIG. 7. This system can be embodied in any of the lighting system

embodiments shown and described in FIGS. 1A-6 and 8-11.

The features and advantages of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein

15 will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken

in conjunction with the drawings.

DESCRIPTION

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to,

and exemplary embodiments of, inventive systems, methods and components of

20 lighting control devices.

FIG. 1A is a perspective partially exploded view of a lighting control device

100. The lighting control device 100 includes a switch module 102 including a light

switch actuator 106 and a tactile display 104 housed in the light switch actuator 106.

The lighting control device 100 also includes a wall plate cover 108 including a

25 switch module opening 110 extending therethrough. The lighting control device 100

also includes a base module 112 configured for coupling to the switch module 102 via

multi-pin socket 114. The base module 112 is sized and configured for receipt within

a one-gang wall electrical box and has a volume corresponding substantially thereto.

The base module 112 is configured to be coupled to a wall electrical box via

30 connection tabs 116 and fastener apertures 118 in the connection tabs 116.

The light switch actuator 106 includes an outer actuation surface 122, which

as discussed further herein may be composed of glass. The actuation surface 122 is 4

movable, for example, by pushing on the curved foot 120 to cause the light switch

actuator 106 to pivot, for example. The pivoting of the light switch actuator 106 and

the actuation surface 122 causes a contact component (shown in FIG. 2) of the switch

actuator 106 to move from a first position to a second position. Movement of the

5 contact component causes a connection of an electrical flow path, for example by

allowing two electrical contacts to connect or by connecting the contact component

with an electrical contact. The connecting of the electrical flow path permits

electrical energy supplied by a power source connected to the base module 112 to

energize or activate the tactile display 104, as discussed in further detail herein. The

10 tactile display 104 is structured in the switch module to move contemporaneously

with at least a portion of the actuation surface 122 and with the actuator 106. When

activated or energized, the tactile display 104 allows a user to define or select

predefined lighting settings where the lighting settings change the voltage or power

supplied to one or more light fixtures. The change in power supplied to the light

15 fixtures may include a plurality of different voltages supplied to each fixture and may

be based on various parameters including, but not limited to, location, light intensity,

light color, type of bulb, type of light, ambient light levels, time of day, kind of

activity, room temperature, noise level, energy costs, user proximity, user identity, or

various other parameters which may be specified or detected. Furthermore, the

20 lighting control device 100 may be connected to all of the lights in a room or even in a

house and can be configured to operate cooperatively with one or more other lighting

control devices 100 located in a unit or room and connected to the same or distinct

lighting fixtures.

FIG. 1B is a fully exploded view of the lighting control device 100 of FIG.

25 1A. As demonstrated in FIG. 1B, the tactile display 104 is positioned between the

outer actuation surface 122 and the light switch actuator 106. The actuation surface

122 may be composed of an impact-resistant glass material permitting light from the

tactile display 104 and/or a clear sight of path for sensors 127 or other lights, such as a

light from light pipe 126 indicating activation to pass through the actuation surface

30 122. The tactile display 104 is composed of a polymer-based capacitive touch layer

124 and a light emitting diode panel 125, which are controlled via one or more

modules or processors positioned on the printed circuit board 129. The tactile display

104 is housed within a recess 131 of the light switch actuator 106 beneath the 5

actuation surface 122. The light switch actuator 106 may be formed as a

thermoplastic housing including a housing cover 133 and a housing base 135. The

light switch actuator housing cover 133 is pivotally connected to the housing base 135

via pins 136 and the housing cover 133 is biased with respect the housing base 135

5 via torsion spring 137. In particular embodiments, the light switch actuator housing

cover 133 may be configured to slide or otherwise translate or rotate. The outer

actuation surface 122 is biased with the switch actuator housing cover 133 and moves

contemporaneously therewith in concert with the tactile display 104 housed in the

cover component 133 of the light switch actuator 106. The light switch actuator 106

10 includes a switch pin 128 movable between positions to close an open circuit on the

primary printed circuit board substrate 150, which board also houses a switch

controller or processor. In certain embodiments the light switch actuator 106 may

include a circuit board stack, including the primary printed circuit board substrate 150

and a secondary printed circuit board 138 The light switch actuator 106 may include

15 a latch 136 for coupling to the base module 112 (e.g. as the light switch actuator 106

is passed through the opening 110 in the wall plate cover 108), which latch causes the

light switch actuator 106 to click into place. The housing base 135 includes a multi-

pin connector or plug 134 configured to engage the multi-pin socket 114 of the base

module 112.

20 The lighting control device 100 includes a mounting chassis 142 configured to

be installed to an electrical wall box. The mounting chassis 142 creates an even

surface for installation of the other modules (e.g., the base module 112 and the switch

module 102). Once the base module is connected to the electrical wall box via the

mounting chassis 142, the wall plate cover 108 can be coupled to the mounting

25 chassis 142 and the light switch actuator 106 can be inserted through the switch

module opening 110. In particular embodiments, the wall plate cover can be coupled

to the mounting chassis 142 and/or the tabs 116 of the base module via magnets. The

magnets may be recessed within openings of a portion of the wall plate cover 108. As

noted, the base module 112 is configured to be coupled to the mounting chassis 142

30 via connection tabs 116. The base module 112 is further configured to be electrically

coupled to a power source (e.g., an electrical wire coming from an electrical breaker

box to the electrical wall box) and to one or more light fixtures wired to the electrical

box. Accordingly, the base module 112 provides an interface between a power 6

source, the light switch actuator 106, and one or more light fixtures. The base module

includes a processor 140 and a circuit board 141 for managing the power supplied by

the power source and routed to the one or more light fixtures in accordance with a

light setting selection identified via the light switch actuator 106 or the tactile display

5 104.

One or more of the processor 130 on the printed circuit board 138 and the base

module processor 140 may include wireless links for communication with one or

more remote electronic device such as a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, another

mobile computing devices, one or more other lighting control devices 100 or other

10 electronic devices operating in a location. In certain embodiments the wireless links

permit communication with one or more devices including, but not limited to smart

light bulbs, thermostats, garage door openers, door locks, remote controls, televisions,

security systems, security cameras, smoke detectors, video game consoles, robotic

systems, or other communication enabled sensing and/or actuation devices or

15 appliances. The wireless links may include BLUETOOTH classes, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth-

low-energy, also known as BLE (BLE and BT classic are completely different

protocols that just share the branding), 802.15.4, Worldwide Interoperability for

Microwave Access (WiMAX), an infrared channel or satellite band. The wireless

links may also include any cellular network standards used to communicate among

20 mobile devices, including, but not limited to, standards that qualify as 1G, 2G, 3G, or

4G. The network standards may qualify as one or more generation of mobile

telecommunication standards by fulfilling a specification or standards such as the

specifications maintained by International Telecommunication Union. The 3G

standards, for example, may correspond to the International Mobile

25 Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specification, and the 4G standards may

correspond to the International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced (IMT-

Advanced) specification. Examples of cellular network standards include AMPS,

GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE, LTE Advanced, Mobile WiMAX, and WiMAX-

Advanced. Cellular network standards may use various channel access methods e.g.

30 FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, or SDMA. In some embodiments, different types of data

may be transmitted via different links and standards. In other embodiments, the same

types of data may be transmitted via different links and standards. 7

FIG. 2A shows the lighting control device 100 of FIG. 1A mounted on a wall

200. As demonstrated in FIG. 2A, the base module 112 is not visible upon

installation of the lighting control device 100 in view of the wall plate cover 108.

Because the wall plate cover 108 attaches to the base module 112, the wall plate cover

5 108 appears to be floating on the wall 200. The lighting control device 100 may be

activated by a user 103 interacting with the outer actuation surface 122 and the tactile

display 104.

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate multi-switch configurations of multiple lighting

control device. FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate two switch and three-switch embodiments

10 respectively where the lighting control devices 202 and 203 each include a light

switch actuator 106 as well as auxiliary switches 204 and 208, as well as 2 and 3 base

modules 112, respectively.

FIGS. 3A - 3F illustrate a lighting control device transitioning through various

lighting settings and a room having lighting fixtures controlled by the lighting control

15 device.

In FIG. 3A, the lighting control device 300 is connected to a base module

positioned behind the wall plate 308. The lighting control device 300 includes a

dynamic light switch actuator 306, operable in a manner similar to the light switch

actuator discussed in connection with FIGS. 1A-2C, and an auxiliary light switch

20 actuator. As demonstrated in FIG. 3A the unilluminated outer actuation surface 322

of the light switch actuator 306 is inactive and not energized. In response to a user

103 moving the actuation surface 322 of the light switch actuator 306, the light switch

actuator 306 begins to become energized, as shown in FIG. 3B. The energization or

activation of the light switch actuator 306 is signaled by the power light indicator 305

25 and by full lighting setting icon 351. As shown in FIG. 3C where the icon 351 is fully

lit (rather than partially lit as in FIG. 3B), the light switch actuator 306 is fully

energized. In this particular configuration, the primary lights 309 and 310 are

illuminated at full power. FIG. 3D shows the transition between lighting settings. As

demonstrated in FIG. 3D, this transition is facilitated via user 103 completing swiping

30 gesture 312 across the tactile display 304 and along the actuation surface 322. As the

user completes the gesture 312, the icon 351 is swiped from the tactile display 304 as

the tactile display toggles to a new light setting shown in FIG. 3E. The new light

setting shown in FIG. 3E is represented or identified by the dinner icon 352. The new 8

light setting shown in FIG. 3 has the light fixture 309 powered down and has caused

lamp 316 and sconces 318 to become illuminated to change the lighting scene in the

room. The change in the light setting causes a change in distribution of power to

certain lighting fixture based on the selected lighting setting. The light switch

5 actuator 306 may be pre-programmed with a plurality of lighting settings or may be

configured with particular lighting settings as specified by the user 103. A further

swiping gesture 315 shown in FIG. 3F or a different gesture are used to transition

from the lighting setting of FIG. 3F represented by icon 352 to a further lighting

setting.

10 FIG. 4 provides a flow diagram of operations of a system for controlling a

lighting control device. FIG. 4 illustrates control operations of a control system, such

as processor 130 configured to control the lighting control device 100 or 300, in

accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. At 401, the tactile

display housed in the light switch actuator is activated by moving the light switch

15 actuator, for example by moving the actuation surface of the light switch actuator. At

402, the light fixtures electrically coupled to the light switch actuator via a base

module are powered as the movement of the light switch actuator causes a contact

component to move into a new position and thereby permit or cause an electrical flow

path between a power source and the light fixture(s) to be closed. The tactile display

20 housed in the light switch actuator is moved contemporaneously with the actuation

surface. At 403, a lighting setting selection request is received via the tactile display,

for example by a particular motion or motions on the tactile display. The lighting

setting selection request identifies a lighting setting from among a plurality of lighting

settings. A user may swipe multiple times to toggle through the plurality of lighting

25 settings or may conduct a specific motion that corresponds to a particular lighting

setting including, but not limited to, a half swipe and tap to achieve a light intensity of

all the connected light fixtures at half of their peak output. The lighting settings

identify distinct power distribution schemes for one or more light fixtures connected

to the light switch module. At 404, a power distribution scheme is identified. At 405,

30 the identified power distribution scheme is transmitted, for example by the base

module responding to control signals from the light switch actuator, to adjust one,

some, or all of the lights based on the power distribution scheme corresponding to the

lighting setting selected. The power distribution schemes or profiles may be stored in 9

a memory device of the lighting control device. In certain embodiments, the power

distribution schemes may be adjusted to account for other parameters such as ambient

lighting from natural light or an unconnected source. In certain embodiments the

power distribution schemes may be adjusted based on one or more other sensor

5 parameters. In particular embodiments, the lighting setting may be adjusted by

automation based on time of day, sensed parameters such as light, temperature, noise,

or activation of other devices including, but not limited to, any electronic device

described herein.

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a system for remotely operating a lighting

10 control device. In particular embodiments, the lighting control device 100 or 300 may

be operable from a remote device if the actuator switch is activated or energized. In

such instances, the remote device may include one or more computer program

applications, such as system 500, operating on the device to communicate with and

control the lighting control device. Accordingly, at 501, the control system 500

15 initiates a connection module to generate a communication interface between a

mobile electronic device and a light switch module. The connection module may

cause the remote device to send one or more wireless transmission to the lighting

control device via a communication protocol. At 502, the control system 500 causes

the remote device to generate a display of icons on a display device of the mobile

20 electronic device to facilitate selection of a lighting setting. At 503, the control

system 500 receives a lighting setting selection based on the user selecting a particular

icon. At 504, a transmission module causes the lighting setting selected to be

transmitted to the lighting control device so that the light switch module and/or the

base module can cause the power distribution scheme corresponding to the lighting

25 setting to be transmitted to the lighting fixtures. The tactile display of the lighting

control device may be updated in concert with receipt of the lighting setting to display

the icon selected on the mobile electronic device and corresponding to the lighting

setting selected on the tactile device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a system for remotely configuring

30 operations of a lighting control device. The remote device may include devices

including, but not limited to a mobile phone, a mobile computing device or a

computing device remote from the light control device. At 601, the mobile electronic

device generates a communication interface with the light switch module. At 602, a 10

light fixture identification module initiates a sensor-based protocol to identify a

parameter associated with one or more light fixtures connected to the light switch

control module. At 603, a display selection module causes a display of an icon to

appear on a display device of the mobile electronic device. At 604, a lighting setting

5 configuration module allows a user to create a power distribution scheme or profile

for the light fixtures identified based on the identified parameters and a user specified

input related to light intensity. At 604, a storage module is used to the store the power

distribution scheme and associate a particular lighting setting icon with the power

distribution scheme. At 605, a transmission module transmits the power distribution

10 scheme and the associated icon to the light switch control module.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic for a multi-load circuit 700 of a lighting control

system having one transformer constructed with multiple windings to isolate control

of dimming loads in a single light-switch. The multi-load circuit 700 may be

implemented through lighting control systems shown in FIGS. 1A-6 and 8-11 in

15 accordance with embodiments of the present invention. To that end, the multi-load

circuit 700 includes a dimming light control component that is configured to support

multiple independent dimmable lighting loads powered from a single branch circuit

within a single unit to be installed within one wall box (e.g., single gang).

Illustratively, the dimming light control component is a processor embodied as a

20 micro-control unit (MCU) 702 arranged on a secondary side of the transformer and

configured to control a plurality of (e.g., three) lighting/load circuits on a primary side

of the transformer. The lighting/load circuits are configured and arranged to support

three independent dimmable loads in a single (1) gang architecture dimensioned for

installment within the single wall box. The lighting/load circuits may be embodied as

25 field effect transistors (FETs) 704 configured as half-bridged gate devices coupled to

dimming loads LD1-3 and controlled by gate drivers (power amplifiers) 706, each

connected to (i.e., powered by) a different winding of the transformer and controlled

across an isolation boundary embodied as isolation buffers (opto-isolators) 708 driven

by the MCU 702. Accordingly, the MCU 702 is powered by a secondary winding 710

30 of the transformer.

In one or more embodiments, the multi-load circuit 700 may operate with a

controller, such as switch controller 802, and a base module, such as base lighting

control module 812, of a lighting control system, such as lighting control system 800, 11

to provide a fully functional, multi-load circuit that efficiently utilizes hardware to

reduce redundant components. That is, the embodiments use a single power source

(e.g., LINE wire in wall of a single branch circuit) and decouple the outputs (e.g.,

LOAD output to lighting circuit coupled to a light fixture) so that the on/off/dim state

5 of one load does not affect any of the other multiple loads included in the unit.

Certain embodiments are provided in a one (1) gang architecture while other

embodiments may use other gang architectures such as 2 gang, 3 gang or more. The

disclosed embodiments efficiently manage multiple loads with a single line/power

input using the single transformer constructed with multiple windings to isolate

10 control of the dimming loads in the light module from the other loads. A voltage zero-

cross circuit 712 coupled to the single power source provides input to the MCU 702

configured to control dimming of the outputs (i.e., controls dimming of the loads).

Advantageously, the multi-load circuit 700 diminishes the wiring needed to

control multiple (3) lighting/load circuits installed in a relatively small footprint (e.g.,

15 single-gang architecture) within one wall box. A lighting control system having the

multi-load circuit may be deployed in geographical areas that supply a nominal

service voltage greater than 200v and, thus, permit use of thinner wiring (e.g., 0.75

2

mm /18 AWG) that consumes less wall space when installed in a single gang wall

unit.

20 FIG. 8 is a schematic of a lighting control system 800 configured to execute

certain lighting control operations described herein. The lighting control system 800

illustrates lighting control system components that can be implemented with a lighting

control system including an air gap system as described herein. The lighting control

system 800 is depicted separated into a base lighting control module 812 (which may

25 be configured in a manner similar to base module 112) and a switch module or switch

controller 802 (which may be configured in a manner similar to switch module 102).

As described herein, the switch module 802 can include a tactile interface, operable

via the graphical user interface module 852, and a switch actuator, such as the tactile

display 104 and the light switch actuator 106 described herein. The switch module

30 802 houses a processor 850, which may be configured to send commands to

microcontroller 840 and receive inputs from the micro-controller 840 to control the

operation of a transformer 818, a power isolator and an AC to DC converter 814

(which may include a flyback converter), and a dimmer, such as a TRIAC dimmer 12

813, a voltage and current sensor 816. In some embodiments, the base lighting

control module 812 may include a MOSFET dimmer. The power isolator 814

separates the analog AC current from the low power or DC digital components in the

base lighting control module 812 and the switch module 802. The power isolate 814

5 may provide power inputs to the switch control module 802 via a power module 853.

Power module 853 includes power circuitry configured to regulate the flow of power

from the base module 812 to the switch controller module 802 including directing

power to one or more of the modules in the switch controller module 802. The switch

module 802 also houses a communication module, which can include one or more

10 antennae or other wireless communication modules. The switch module 802 also

houses a sensor module, which can include one or more sensors, such as a light

sensor, a camera, a microphone, a thermometer, a humidity sensor, and an air quality

sensor. The processor 850 is communicably coupled with one or more modules in the

switch module 802 to control the operation of and receive inputs from those modules,

15 for example to control modulation of the flow of electrical energy to a lighting circuit

of a light fixture 824 connected to the base lighting control module 812.

The base lighting control module 812 includes a ground terminal 830 for

grounding various electrical components container in the module 812. The base light

control module 812 includes a neutral terminal 828 for connecting to a neutral wire, a

20 line terminal 826, and a load terminal 822. As shown in FIG. 8, the voltage and

current sensor(s) are coupled to the load line to detect changes in the voltage or

current along the line carrying power to one or more light fixtures 824 connected to

the lighting circuit (750). The base lighting control module 812 also includes a

controller 840 communicably coupled to the processor 850. The base lighting control

25 module 812 also includes LED indicator lights 842 and 841 for indicating information

regarding the status of the base lighting control module 812. For example, in some

embodiments LED indicator light 841 can indicates if a neutral wire is connected

while LED indicator light 842 can indicate if a 3-way connection is connected.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate lighting control systems that include multiple

30 lighting control devices. FIG. 9A describes an embodiment of lighting control

system 900 that includes multiple lighting control subsystems that are distributed over

a building (e.g., house, office etc.), for example, in different rooms of the building. In

the embodiment of the lighting control system 900 illustrated in FIG. 9A, rooms 13

902a-d have distinct lighting control systems. For example, the lighting control

system of room 902a includes lighting control device 904a, lighting circuit 910a, light

sensors 906a and motion sensors 908a. The lighting control system 900 can include a

central lighting control device 904 that serves as a central control for the lighting

5 control system 900. In certain embodiments, the central lighting control device 904

can include a lighting control system such as system 100 or 800.

The lighting control system of room 902a, which includes lighting control

device 904a, light sensor 906a, motion sensor 908a and lighting circuit 910a, is

discussed. However, the concepts and applications discussed are not limited to the

10 lighting control system in the room 902a and can be generally applied to lighting

control systems in other rooms (e.g., 902b-d) or lighting control subsystems that may

distributed over more than one room.

The light sensor 906a is configured to detect ambient light (which can include

natural light and/or light from a light fixture connected to the lighting circuit 910a),

15 for example by converting the electromagnetic energy (e.g., photon energy) into an

electrical signal (e.g., a current or a voltage signal). The electrical signal can be

communicated to the lighting control device 904a. The light sensor 906a can include

one or more photo-resistors, photodiodes, charge coupled devices etc. The light sensor

906a can include a light filter that preferentially allows certain frequencies of light to

20 be transmitted and therefore detected by the light sensor 906a. For example, the light

filter can be configured to transmit frequencies that correspond to the light emanating

from the lighting circuit 910a. This can allow the light sensor (e.g. 906a) to

preferentially detect light from the lighting circuit 910a while filtering out light

generated by other sources. For example, if the light sensor is located in a room that

25 receives ambient natural light (e.g., daylight), the light sensor can substantially filter

out the ambient natural light and primarily detect light from the lighting circuit 910a.

The light sensor 906a can also be configured to efficiently and accurately detect a

range of light intensities, for example, the range of intensities that can be produced by

the lighting circuit 910a. This can allow the light sensor 906a to efficiently and

30 accurately detect light for various intensity settings of the lighting circuit 910a.

The motion sensor 908a can be configured to detect motion in the room 902a.

For example, the motion sensor can detect movement of an occupant in the room

902a. The motion sensor 908a can include one or more of passive sensors (e.g., 14

passive infrared (PIR) sensor), active sensors (e.g., microwave (MW) sensor,

ultrasonic sensors etc.) and hybrid sensors that include both passive and active sensor

(e.g., Dual Technology Motion sensors,). The passive sensors do not emit any energy

and detect changes in energy of the surrounding. For example, a PIR sensor can detect

5 infrared energy emitted by the human body (due to the temperature associated with

the human body). Active sensors, on the other hand, emit electromagnetic or sonic

pulses and detect the reflection thereof. For example, MW sensor emits a microwave

pulse and detects its reflection. Hybrid sensors can include both active and passive

sensors and therefore motion can be sensed both actively and passively (hybrid

10 sensing). Hybrid sensing can have several advantages, for example, the probability of

false positive detection of motion can be smaller in hybrid sensors compared to

active/passive sensors.

The lighting control device 904a is configured to communicate with the light

sensor 906a and motion sensor 908a. The motion sensor 908a can send a notification

15 signal to the lighting control device 904a conveying that motion has been detected in

an area proximal to the lighting circuit 910a, for example, in the room 902a. The light

sensor 906a can send a notification signal to the lighting control device 904a

conveying that light emanating from the lighting circuit 910a has been detected.

Additionally, the notification signal can include information about the properties of

20 the detected light, e.g., intensity, bandwidth etc. The lighting control device 904a can

store data representative of the notification signals received from the motion and light

sensors in a device database. The lighting control device 904a can include a clock

and/or a timer that allows the lighting control device 904a to track the time and/or

duration of the received signals from the light sensor 906a and motion sensor 908a.

25 The tracking time and/or duration information can be also be stored in the device

database.

The lighting control device 904a can be configured to receive and transmit

data through the internet. The lighting control device 904a can, for example, infer

information about ambient natural light from data about the weather conditions,

30 daylight hours etc. from online databases (e.g., databases of weather.gov, gaisma.com,

noaa.gov wunderground.com etc.). For example, the received data can include

information about the sunrise and sunset times in the geographical area associated

with the lighting control system 900 and the time of the year. Based on this, the 15

lighting control circuit 904a can infer the time period during which no ambient natural

light is available. In another example, the received data can contain information about

the weather conditions. The lighting control circuit 904a can infer, for example, that

overcast conditions can lead to reduction in natural ambient light. The lighting

5 control device 904a can save the data and/or inferred information in the device

database. This can allow the lighting control device 904a to infer patterns between the

usage of the lighting circuit 910a and ambient natural light conditions.

The lighting control device 904a can be configured to determine one or more

properties of the lighting circuit 910a. For example, device 904a can determine the

10 type (e.g., incandescent, fluorescent, LED, halogen, high intensity discharge, full

spectrum, UV, black light, antique, vintage) and the wattage of the light bulbs

associated with the lighting circuit 910a. The light control device 904a can also search

online databases for information about the detected light bulbs. For example, the

lighting control device 904a can download specifications (e.g., information about

15 voltage, wattage, luminescence, dimmability, average life etc.) from online databases

of the manufacturers of the detected light bulb. The lighting control device 904a can

also download information related to the light and motion sensors, for example,

drivers associated with the light and motion sensors. The determined properties and

the downloaded information about the lighting circuit 910a can be stored in the device

20 database.

The lighting control device 904a can be configured to receive data and/or

instructions from communication device 920 (e.g., cellphone, laptop, iPad, input

device such as keypad, touch screen etc.). Additionally, or alternately, communication

device 920 can be input device (e.g., keypad, touchscreen etc.). For example, the

25 computation device 920 may provide instructions for the operation of the lighting

control device 904a. Based on the instruction, the lighting control device 904a can

switch on/off one or more light bulbs in the lighting circuit 904a. The computation

device 920 can also instruct the lighting control device 904a to change the operation

parameters of the lighting circuit 910a. For example, the lighting control device 904a

30 can be instructed to increase/decrease the brightness of the lighting circuit 904a (e.g.,

by increasing/decreasing the power suppled to the lighting circuit). The

communication device 920 can instruct the lighting control device 904a to perform

one or more of the aforementioned functions at a certain time or after a certain period 16

of time. For example, the communication device 920 can instruct the lighting control

device 904a to set up a timer at the end of which a desired function is performed.

Through the communication device 920, information related to the lighting control

system 900 can be conveyed to the lighting control device 904a. For example, a user

5 can input the room-types (e.g., bedroom, kitchen, living room etc.) of the rooms 902a-

d. The user shutdown one or more the lighting control subsystems in room 902a-d for

a desired period of time, for example, when the user will be away for a vacation. The

communication device 920 can communicate with the lighting control device 904a

using short-range wireless technology (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi etc.), through a cellular

10 network and/or a physical connection (e.g., Ethernet cable). The data and/or

instruction received by the lighting control circuit 904a from the communication

device 920 can be stored in the device database. The time at which the data and/or

instruction were received can also be stored in the device database.

The lighting control device 904a can be configured to communicate

15 information to the communication device 920 and/or an output screen. For example,

the lighting control device 904a may communicate the operational parameters

associated with the lighting circuit 910a (e.g., brightness of the lighting circuit 910a,

tentative time at which the lighting circuit 910a will be turned on/off, duration of

operation of the lighting circuit 910a etc.). The lighting control device 904a can

20 communicate notification signal from the light sensor 906a and motion sensor 908a to

the communication device 920. For example, communication device 920 can be

notified that motion or light has been detected in room 902a.

The central lighting control device 904 can communicate with the lighting

control subsystems distributed over the building (e.g., rooms 902a-d), and provide a

25 central control for the lighting control system 900. The central lighting control device

904 can control the operation of light sensors 906a-d, motion sensors 908a-d, lighting

circuits 910a-d and lighting control devices 904a-d. For example, the central lighting

control device 904 can instruct the lighting control device 904a to change the

operating parameters of the lighting circuit 910a. The central lighting control device

30 904 can also receive notification signals from light sensors 906a-d and motion sensors

908a-d, and communication device 920.

The central lighting control device 904 can include a central device database.

Data stored in device databases associated with lighting control devices 904a-d can be 17

transferred, for example, periodically, to the central device database. In some

embodiments, the central lighting control device can request specific information

from the device databases of lighting control devices. For example, the central control

device 904 can request the lighting control device 904a for information related to one

5 or more of light sensors 906a, motion sensors 908a, instructions from communication

device 920, etc. FIG. 9B illustrates another embodiment of the lighting control system

900. In this embodiment the central light control device 904 also operates as the

"lighting control device" for the lighting control subsystem associated with room 902a

(which includes light sensor 906a, motion sensor 908a and lighting circuit 910a).

10 FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the central lighting control device 904 as

described in FIG 9B. The central lighting control device 904 includes lighting circuit

system 1010, controller 1020 and communication system 1030. The controller 1020

can control the operation of and receive data from the lighting circuit system 1010 and

communication system 1030. The controller 1020 includes a processor 1022 and a

15 storage device 1024. The processor is configured to run applications that control the

operation of the lighting control system 900, and the storage device 1024 can store

data related to the lighting control system 900 (e.g., central device database, device

database etc.).

The lighting circuit system 1010 can transmit electrical power to and detect

20 response of the lighting circuit 910a. The lighting circuit system 1010 can include a

power circuit 1014 that can supply power to the lighting circuit 910a, and a detector

circuit 1012 that can detect the response of the lighting circuit 910a. The power circuit

1014 can include a tunable voltage/current source that can supply an input

voltage/current signal to the lighting circuit 910a. The detector circuit 1012 is

25 configured to detect a response of the lighting circuit 910a that can include one or

more of current, voltage and impedance response. In some embodiments, the detector

circuit 1012 may include a voltage sensing circuit that can detect a voltage response

(e.g., voltage across the lighting circuit 910a) or a current sensing circuit that can

detect a current response (e.g., the current flowing into the lighting circuit 910a). The

30 power circuit 1014 can also supply power to the light sensor 906a and the voltage

sensor 908a.

The communication system 1030 is configured to communicate with light

sensor 906a, motion sensor 908a, and lighting control devices (e.g., 910a-d in FIG 18

9A, 910b-d in FIG. 9B). For example, the communication system 1030 (e.g., antenna,

router etc.) can transmit instructions (e.g., instruction to detect light/motion) from the

controller 1020 to the light sensor 906a and/or motion sensor 908a. The instructions

can be transmitted wirelessly in the 2.4 GHz ISM band using various wireless radio

5 technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Low Power Radio (LPR) etc.). Additionally, or

alternately, the instructions can be transmitted in the form of an electrical signal (e.g.,

current signal, voltage signal) or optical signal through a physical connection (e.g.,

transmission line, Ethernet cable etc.). The communication system 930 can be

configured to receive notification signals (e.g., through the channels of instruction

10 transmission described above) from the light sensors 906a and/or motion sensors 908a

and convey the notification signal to the controller 1020.

The communication system 1030 can also be configured to communicate with

communication device 920, for example, through a cellular network, wireless radio

technology etc. The communication system 1030 can include, for example, a router

15 that allows it to communicate through the internet with websites and online databases.

For example, the controller 1020 can instruct the communication system 1030 to

access the website of a light bulb manufacturing (e.g., light bulb in the lighting circuit

910a) and download the relevant specifications. The communication system 1030 can

also, for example, download software (e.g., drivers) that can allow the controller 1020

20 to communicate with the light sensors 906a and motion sensors 908a. The

communication system 1030 can also download updated operating systems for the

controller 1020.

The lighting control device 904 can control the operation of lighting circuits

910a-d based on notification signals from the light sensors 906a-d and motion sensors

25 908a-d. For example, if the lighting circuit 910a has been switched on and no motion

is observed by the motion sensor 908a for a predetermined period of time, the control

device 904 can automatically switch off the lighting circuit 910a. The control device

904 can make the determination that the lighting circuit 910a has been switched on

based on notification signal from the light sensor 906a and/or the response from the

30 detector circuit 1012. The period of time between the last detected motion and the

time at which the lighting circuit 910a is switched off can be based on, for example,

an input provided by a user through the communication device 920. This period of

time can be different for different rooms. For example, the period of time can be 19

longer for the room 902a (e.g., bedroom) compared to the room 902b (e.g., a

bathroom).

The lighting control system 900 can be configured to control the operation of

the lighting circuits 910a-d based on analysis of the behavior of one or more users of

5 the system 900 and data acquired by the system 900. The behavior analysis can

include, for example, pattern recognition of the notification signals from the light

sensors 906a-d and motion sensors 908a-d, instructions provided by the user through

communication device 920 and information obtained by lighting control device 904

from online databases. For example, the central lighting control device 904 can be

10 notified by the light sensor 906a that the lighting device 910a is switched off at

approximately a certain time during the weekdays and at approximately a different

time during the weekends. Based on this pattern, the lighting control device 904 can

set switch off times, which are different for weekends and weekdays, for

automatically switch off the light 910a. Automatic switching off the light 910s can be

15 suspended if motion is detected by motion sensor 908a, and notification can be sent to

the communication device 920.

The control device 904 can also include information obtained from online

databases in its behavioral analysis of the users. For example, the control device 904

can be notified that the user switches on the light 910a in the mornings of certain days

20 in the year. The device 904 compares this behavior with the weather conditions

(known through online databases) and determines that the light 910a is switched on in

the mornings of days when the sky is overcast. Based on this pattern, the control

device 904 can automatically switch on the light 910a on days when the sky is

overcast. Additionally, the control device 904 may learn that the weather conditions

25 effect the operation of lighting circuit 910a but not of lighting circuit 910b. This may

arise from the fact the room 902a, associated with lighting circuit 910a, has windows

and receives natural ambient light, while room 902b, associated with lighting circuit

910b, does not have windows and does not receive natural ambient light. The control

device 904 can infer that the operation of lighting circuit 910b is independent of

30 weather conditions. In some embodiments, the control device 904 can change the

operating parameters of lighting circuit 910a based on weather conditions. For

example, the control device 904 can change the brightness setting of the lighting

circuit 910b based on the weather conditions. 20

FIG. 11 illustrates the controller 1020 including the processor 1022 and the

storage device 1024 and configured to execute light control module 1102. The light

control module 1102 can collect, store and analyze data, and determine the operation

of a lighting circuit (e.g., lighting circuit 910a). The light control module 1102 can

5 include a data collection module 1104, system control module 1106, and pattern

recognition module 1108. The data collection module can collect data (e.g., data from

online databases, detector circuit 1012, communication device 920, notification

signals from light sensors 906a-d and motion sensors 908a-d etc.) from the

communication system 1030 and store the data in the central device database 1112 in

10 storage device 1024. The system control module 1106 controls the operation of

lighting circuit system 1010. For example, system control module 1106 can instruct

the power circuit 1014 to change the electrical power supplied to the lighting circuit

910a. The system control module 906 can determine, based on voltage/current

response of the lighting circuit 910a measured by the detector circuit 1012, the type of

15 light bulbs (e.g., incandescent, fluorescent, LED, halogen, high intensity discharge,

full spectrum, UV, black light, antique, vintage) therein and store this information in

the central device database 1112. The system control module 1106 can also control

the operation of the light sensors 906a-d and motion sensors 908a-d. For example, it

can instruct the light and motion sensors to start or suspend detection of light and

20 motion signals. The pattern recognition module 1108 can include machine learning

techniques that use data in the central device database 1112 as "training data" to infer

patterns based on which the operating parameters for the lighting circuits 910a-d can

be determined.

Embodiments of the subject matter and the operations described in this

25 specification can be implemented by digital electronic circuitry, or via computer

software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this

specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of

them. Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be

implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of

30 computer program instructions, encoded on computer storage medium for execution

by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus.

A computer storage medium can be, or be included in, a computer-readable

storage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access 21

memory array or device, or a combination of one or more of them. Moreover, while a

computer storage medium is not a propagated signal, a computer storage medium can

be a source or destination of computer program instructions encoded in an artificially

generated propagated signal. The computer storage medium can also be, or be

5 included in, one or more separate physical components or media (e.g., multiple CDs,

disks, or other storage devices).

The operations described in this specification can be implemented as

operations performed by a data processing apparatus on data stored on one or more

computer-readable storage devices or received from other sources.

10 The term “data processing apparatus” encompasses all kinds of apparatus,

devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a

programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multiple ones, or

combinations, of the foregoing. The apparatus can include special purpose logic

circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application

15 specific integrated circuit). The apparatus can also include, in addition to hardware,

code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question,

e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database

management system, an operating system, a cross-platform runtime environment, a

virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them. The apparatus and

20 execution environment can realize various different computing model infrastructures,

such as web services, distributed computing and grid computing infrastructures.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, software

application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language,

including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and

25 it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module,

component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing

environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file

system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or

data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file

30 dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that

store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program

can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are 22

located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a

communication network.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed

by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs

5 to perform actions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes

and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as,

special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., a FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an

ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way

10 of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more

processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive

instructions and data from a read only memory or a random access memory or both.

The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing actions in

accordance with instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions

15 and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to

receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for

storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks. However, a

computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded in

another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile

20 audio or video player, a game console, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver,

or a portable storage device (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive), to name

just a few. Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and data

include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by

way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash

25 memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks;

magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the

memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments of the subject matter

described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display

30 device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for

displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse

or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of

devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, 23

feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual

feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be

received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. In addition, a

computer can interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents

5 from a device that is used by the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web

browser on a user’s user device in response to requests received from the web

browser.

Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be

implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component, e.g., as a

10 data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or

that includes a front end component, e.g., a user computer having a graphical display

or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an embodiment of the

subject matter described in this specification, or any combination of one or more such

back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can

15 be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a

communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area

network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the

Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

The computing system can include users and servers. A user and server are

20 generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication

network. The relationship of user and server arises by virtue of computer programs

running on the respective computers and having a user-server relationship to each

other. In some embodiments, a server transmits data (e.g., an HTML page) to a user

device (e.g., for purposes of displaying data to and receiving user input from a user

25 interacting with the user device). Data generated at the user device (e.g., a result of

the user interaction) can be received from the user device at the server.

While this specification contains many specific embodiment details, these

should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may

be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of

30 particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the

context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single

embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single

embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any 24

suitable sub combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as

acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features

from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and

the claimed combination may be directed to a sub combination or variation of a sub

5 combination.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of

two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary or

moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two

members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single

10 unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any

additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be

permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ

according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to

15 be encompassed by the present disclosure. It is recognized that features of the

disclosed embodiments can be incorporated into other disclosed embodiments.

While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated

herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means

and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one

20 or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or

modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments

described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that

all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant

to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or

25 configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the

inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to

ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the

specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood

that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that,

30 within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive

embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed.

Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual

feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any 25

combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or

methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not

mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

Also, the technology described herein may be embodied as a method, of which

5 at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method

may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed

in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include

performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in

illustrative embodiments.

10 The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements

unless stated to that effect. It should be understood that various changes in form and

detail may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit

and scope of the appended claims. All embodiments that come within the spirit and

scope of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed.

15

CLAIMED IS: