JP2022549912A - Intelligent lighting control multi-load system, apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

An intelligent lighting control system includes dimmable lighting control components configured to support multiple independent dimmable lighting loads in a single unit to be installed in one wall box. The lighting control system makes efficient use of hardware to reduce redundant components. The system uses a single power supply (e.g. branch circuit) and is designed so that the on/off/dimming state of one load does not affect any of the other multiple loads contained in the unit. Decouple the output. Certain embodiments provide a one-gang architecture, but other embodiments can use other gang architectures, such as two-gang, three-gang or more gangs. Embodiments employ a single line/branch circuit input with a single line/branch circuit input to decouple control of the lighting module dimming load from control of the other loads. Manage load efficiently. [Selection drawing] Fig. 7

Description

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

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

In some markets, multiple loads (lighting and/or general purpose) may be located within the same electrical wall box. This "multiple loads in a single wall box configuration" can often be found in older building homes in the United States and in international markets of 220-240V such as can be found in Europe and Asia. be. Basic light switches generally tend to simply implement multiple independent mechanical or electromechanical components in parallel within a single unit for installation.

The drawings are primarily for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some cases various aspects of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein are exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate understanding of the various features. may be shown. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally refer to like features (eg, functionally similar elements and/or structurally similar elements).

1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a lighting control device; FIG. 1B is a fully exploded view of the lighting control device of FIG. 1A; FIG. 1B shows the lighting control device of FIG. 1A mounted on a wall; FIG. Fig. 3 shows a multi-switch lighting control device; Fig. 3 shows a multi-switch lighting control device; FIG. 3 shows a room with a lighting control device that transitions through various lighting settings and lighting fixtures controlled by the lighting control device. FIG. 3 shows a room with a lighting control device that transitions through various lighting settings and lighting fixtures controlled by the lighting control device. FIG. 3 shows a room with a lighting control device that transitions through various lighting settings and lighting fixtures controlled by the lighting control device. FIG. 3 shows a room with a lighting control device that transitions through various lighting settings and lighting fixtures controlled by the lighting control device. FIG. 3 shows a room with a lighting control device that transitions through various lighting settings and lighting fixtures controlled by the lighting control device. FIG. 3 shows a room with a lighting control device that transitions through various lighting settings and lighting fixtures controlled by the lighting control device. Fig. 4 is a flow diagram of the operation of a system for controlling lighting control devices; Fig. 3 is a flow diagram of a system for remotely operating a lighting control device; Fig. 3 is a flow diagram of a system for remotely configuring operation of lighting control devices; Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram of a lighting control system having a single transformer built with multiple windings to decouple control of a dimming load of a lighting switch; 1 is a diagram of a lighting control system; FIG. 1 illustrates a lighting control system including multiple lighting control devices; FIG. 1 illustrates a lighting control system including multiple lighting control devices; FIG. Figure 2 schematically shows a lighting control device; Fig. 3 schematically shows a block diagram of the processing performed by the 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 found that various embodiments disclosed herein utilize a single transformer constructed with multiple windings to decouple control of switching/dimming loads in a single switch. to provide an apparatus, system and method for

Various embodiments described herein provide multiple independent dimmable lighting loads powered from a single branch circuit in a single unit to be installed in one wall box. An intelligent lighting control system is provided that includes a dimming lighting control component configured to support. The disclosed embodiments of the lighting control system make efficient use of hardware to reduce redundant components. The embodiments disclosed herein use a single power source (e.g., a single branch circuit in-wall LINE wire) and one load on/off/dimming status is included in the unit Decouple the output (eg, the LOAD output to the instrument) so that it does not affect any of the other loads. Certain embodiments are provided in a one-gang architecture, but other embodiments may use other gang architectures, such as two-gang, three-gang or more gangs. The disclosed embodiment uses a single line/transformer constructed with multiple windings to isolate (isolate) the control of lighting module dimming loads from each other and from other loads. Efficiently manage multiple loads with a power input. A schematic diagram of one embodiment of a system configured in this manner is shown in FIG. The system may be embodied in any of the illumination 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 A more detailed description of various concepts associated with the present system, method and components of the lighting control device and exemplary embodiments thereof follows.

FIG. 1A is a partially exploded perspective view of lighting control device 100. FIG. Lighting control device 100 includes a switch module 102 that includes a light switch actuator 106 and a tactile display 104 housed within light switch actuator 106 . The lighting control device 100 also includes a wall plate cover 108 that includes a switch module aperture 110 extending therethrough. Lighting control device 100 also includes base module 112 configured to couple to switch module 102 via multi-pin socket 114 . The base module 112 is sized and configured to be received within a one gang wall electrical box and has a volume substantially corresponding thereto. Base module 112 is configured to be coupled to an electrical wall box via connecting tabs 116 and fastener holes 118 in connecting tabs 116 .

Light switch actuator 106 includes an outer operating surface 122 that may be constructed of glass, as further described herein. For example, the operating surface 122 can be moved, for example, by pressing the curved bottom portion 120, which causes the light switch actuator 106 to pivot. Pivoting the light switch actuator 106 and the operating surface 122 moves the contact component (shown in FIG. 2) of the switch actuator 106 from the first position to the second position. Movement of the contact piece results in connection of the current path, for example by allowing two electrical contacts to be connected or by connecting a contact piece with an electrical contact. The connection of the current paths allows electrical energy supplied by a power supply connected to the base module 112 to energize or activate the tactile display 104, as described in further detail herein. . Tactile display 104 is configured within switch module to move simultaneously with at least a portion of operating surface 122 and actuator 106 . When activated or energized, the tactile display 104 allows the user to define or select predetermined lighting settings, where the lighting settings are provided to one or more lighting fixtures. change the voltage or power that Changes in the power supplied to the lighting fixtures can include multiple different voltages supplied to each fixture, including but not limited to location, light intensity, light color, bulb type, light type, Based on various parameters including ambient light level, time of day, type of activity, room temperature, noise level, energy costs, user proximity, user identity, or various other parameters that may be specified or detected. be able to. Additionally, the lighting control device 100 can be connected to all of the light sources in a room or even a house, and work with one or more other lighting control devices 100 located in the unit or room. and may be connected to the same or different lighting fixtures.

FIG. 1B is a fully exploded view of the lighting control device 100 of FIG. 1A. As shown in FIG. 1B, tactile display 104 is positioned between outer operating surface 122 and light switch actuator 106 . Operating surface 122 allows light from tactile display 104 and/or an unobstructed line-of-sight path or other light for sensor 127 (e.g., light from light pipe 126 passing through operating surface 122 to indicate operation). may be constructed from a high impact resistant glass material. The tactile display 104 is composed of a polymer-based capacitive touch layer 124 and a light emitting diode panel 125 controlled via one or more modules or processors located on a printed circuit board 129 . Tactile display 104 is housed within recess 131 of light switch actuator 106 below operating surface 122 . Light switch actuator 106 may be formed as a thermoplastic housing including housing cover 133 and housing base 135 . Light switch actuator housing cover 133 is pivotally connected to housing base 135 via pin 136 and housing cover 133 is biased against housing base 135 via torsion spring 137 . In certain embodiments, the light switch actuator housing cover 133 may be configured to slide or translate or rotate. The outer operating surface 122 is biased by the switch actuator housing cover 133 and moves simultaneously with the tactile display 104 contained within 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 or open a circuit on a primary printed circuit board 150, which also houses the switch controller or processor. In certain embodiments, light switch actuator 106 may include a circuit board stack including primary printed circuit board 150 and secondary printed circuit board 138 . The light switch actuator 106 can include a latch 136 for coupling to the base module 112 (eg, when the light switch actuator 106 passes through the opening 110 in the wall plate cover 108), which latch allows the light switch actuator 106 to It clicks into place. Housing base 135 includes a multi-pin connector or plug 134 configured to engage multi-pin socket 114 of base module 112 .

The lighting control device 100 includes a mounting frame 142 configured to be attached to an electrical wall box. Mounting frame 142 provides a uniform surface for mounting other modules (eg, base module 112 and switch module 102). Once the base module is connected to the wall electrical box via the mounting frame 142, the wall plate cover 108 can be coupled to the mounting frame 142 and the light switch actuator 106 is connected through the switch module opening 110. can be inserted. In certain embodiments, the wall plate cover may be magnetically coupled to the mounting frame 142 and/or the tabs 116 of the base module. The magnets may be recessed and mounted within some openings in the wall plate cover 108 . As previously mentioned, base module 112 is configured to be coupled to mounting frame 142 via connection tabs 116 . Base module 112 is further configured to be electrically coupled to a power source (eg, wires coming from a breaker to a wall electrical box) and to one or more lighting fixtures wired to the electrical box. Base module 112 thus provides an interface between the power supply and light switch actuator 106 and one or more lighting fixtures. The base module includes a processor 140 and circuitry for managing power supplied by the power source and routed to one or more lighting fixtures according to lighting setting selections specified via the light switch actuator 106 or tactile display 104. It includes substrate 141 .

The one or more processors 130 on the printed circuit board 138 and the processor 140 in the base module may be used in a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, another portable computing device, one or more other lighting control devices 100, or may include a wireless link for communicating with one or more remote electronic devices, such as other electronic devices operating at a location. In certain embodiments, wireless links include, but are not limited to, smart light bulbs, thermostats, garage door openers, door locks, remote controls, televisions, security devices, security cameras, smoke detectors, home video game consoles, robotic systems , or other communication-enabled sensing devices and/or drive devices or appliances. The wireless links are BLUETOOTH class, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth-Low-Energy also known as BLE (BLE and BT Classic are completely different protocols sharing only branding), 802.15.4 , WiMAX, infrared channels or satellite bands. A wireless link may also include any cellular network standard used to communicate between mobile phones, including but not limited to standards certified as 1G, 2G, 3G or 4G. A network standard may be certified as one or more generations of mobile communication standards by meeting specifications or standards, such as those maintained by the International Telecommunications Union. For example, the 3G standard can correspond to the world common next-generation mobile phone system (IMT-2000) specifications, and the 4G standard can correspond to the fourth generation mobile communication system (IMT-Advanced) specifications. Examples of cellular network standards include AMPS, GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE, LTE Advanced, Mobile WiMAX, and WiMAX-Advanced. Cellular network standards may use different channel access schemes (eg, FDMA, TDMA, CDMA or SDMA). In some embodiments, different types of data may be transmitted over different links and standards. In other embodiments, the same type of data may be transmitted over different links and standards.

2A shows the lighting control device 100 of FIG. 1A mounted on a wall 200. FIG. As shown in FIG. 2A, base module 112 is not visible when mounting lighting control device 100 in view of wall plate cover 108 . Because wall plate cover 108 attaches to base module 112 , wall plate cover 108 appears to float on wall 200 . Lighting control device 100 may be activated by user 103 interacting with outer operating surface 122 and tactile display 104 .

Figures 2B and 2C illustrate multiple switch configurations of multiple lighting control devices. FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate two switch and three switch embodiments, respectively, in which lighting control devices 202 and 203 respectively control lighting switch actuator 106 and auxiliary switches 204 and 208 and 2 switches. 1 and 3 base modules 112, respectively.

Figures 3A-3F illustrate a room with a lighting control device that transitions through various lighting settings and lighting fixtures controlled by the lighting control device.

In FIG. 3A, lighting control device 300 is connected to a base module located behind wall plate 308 . Light control device 300 includes a dynamic light switch actuator 306 and an auxiliary light switch actuator operable similar to the light switch actuators described in connection with FIGS. 1A-2C. As shown in FIG. 3A, the non-illuminated outer operating surface 322 of light switch actuator 306 is inactive and unactuated. In response to user 103 moving actuation surface 322 of light switch actuator 306, light switch actuator 306 begins to be energized, as shown in FIG. 3B. Activation or activation of light switch actuator 306 is signaled by power lamp indicator 305 and by maximum light setting icon 351 . Light switch actuator 306 is fully energized as shown in FIG. 3C with icon 351 fully illuminated (rather than partially illuminated as shown in FIG. 3B). In this particular configuration, primary light sources 309 and 310 are shown at full power. FIG. 3D shows transitions between lighting settings. This transition is facilitated by the completion of user's 103 swipe gesture 312 across tactile display 304 and along operating surface 322, as shown in FIG. 3D. When the user completes gesture 312, icon 351 is swiped from haptic display 304 as the haptic display switches to the new lighting setting shown in FIG. 3E. The new lighting setting shown in FIG. 3E is represented or identified by dinner icon 352 . The new lighting setup shown in FIG. 3 has lighting fixture 309 turned off so that lamp 316 and sconce 318 are brightened to change the lighting scene of the room. A change in lighting settings results in a change in the distribution of power to a particular lighting fixture based on the selected lighting settings. The light switch actuator 306 can be preprogrammed with multiple lighting settings or can be configured with a particular lighting setting as specified by the user 103 . Further swipe gesture 315 shown in FIG. 3F or a different gesture is used to transition from the lighting setting of FIG. 3F represented by icon 352 to the further lighting setting.

FIG. 4 provides a flow diagram of the operation of a system for controlling lighting control devices. FIG. 4 illustrates the control operation of a control system, such as processor 130, configured to control lighting control device 100 or 300, according to various embodiments of the invention. At 401, a tactile display contained within a light switch actuator is activated by moving the light switch actuator, for example by moving an operating surface of the light switch actuator. At 402, a lighting fixture electrically coupled to the light switch actuator through the base module is such that movement of the light switch actuator causes the contact piece to move to a new position, thereby providing an electrical connection between the power source and the lighting fixture(s). is enabled or powered when the current path of is closed. A tactile display housed within the light switch actuator moves simultaneously with the operating surface. At 403, a lighting setting selection request is received via the tactile display, such as by a particular movement(s) on the tactile display. The lighting setting selection request identifies a lighting setting (singular) from among a plurality of lighting settings. The user may swipe multiple times to switch across multiple lighting settings, or may perform specific movements corresponding to specific lighting settings, such specific movements including, but not limited to, connecting A half swipe and tap is included to reduce the light intensity of all of the illuminated fixtures to half their maximum output. Light settings specify different power distribution schemes for one or more lighting fixtures connected to the light switch module. At 404, a power distribution scheme is identified. At 405, the identified power distribution scheme is applied to control signals from the light switch actuators to adjust one, some or all of the light sources, for example based on the power distribution scheme corresponding to the selected lighting setting. Conveyed by the responding base module. A power distribution scheme or profile may be stored in a memory device of the lighting control device. In certain embodiments, the power distribution scheme may be adjusted to consider other parameters, such as ambient lighting from natural light or unconnected light sources. In certain embodiments, the power distribution scheme may be adjusted based on one or more other sensor parameters. In certain embodiments, the lighting settings are the time of day, detected parameters (e.g., brightness, temperature, noise), or other devices, including but not limited to any electronic device described herein. can be adjusted by automation based on the activation of

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a system for remotely operating lighting control devices. In certain embodiments, lighting control device 100 or 300 may be operable from a remote device when an actuator switch is activated or energized. In such cases, the remote device may include one or more computer program applications, such as system 500, running on the device for communicating with and controlling the lighting control device. Accordingly, at 501, the control system 500 activates a connection module to create a communication interface between the mobile electronic device and the light switch module. The connection module allows the remote device to send one or more wireless transmissions to the lighting control device via a communication protocol. At 502, the control system 500 causes the remote device to generate a representation of icons on the display device of the mobile electronic device to facilitate selection of lighting settings. At 503, control system 500 receives a lighting setting selection based on the user selecting a particular icon. At 504, the transmission module communicates the selected lighting settings to the lighting control device such that the light switch module and/or the base module provide a power distribution scheme corresponding to the lighting settings to be communicated to the lighting fixtures. be able to. A haptic display of the lighting control device may be updated in response to receiving the lighting settings to display icons corresponding to the lighting settings selected on the mobile electronic device and selected on the haptic device.

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of a system for remotely configuring operation of lighting control devices. Remote devices may include, but are not limited to, devices including cell phones, mobile computing devices, or computing devices located remotely from the lighting control device. At 601, a mobile electronic device creates a communication interface with a light switch module. At 602, the lighting fixture identification module initiates a sensor-based protocol to identify parameters associated with one or more lighting fixtures connected to the light switch control module. At 603, a representation of the icon is displayed on the display device of the mobile electronic device by the display selection module. At 604, the lighting settings configuration module enables the user to create power distribution schemes or profiles for identified lighting fixtures based on user-specified inputs related to identified parameters and lighting intensities. At 605, a storage module is used to store power distribution schemes and to associate specific lighting setting icons with power distribution schemes. At 606, the transmission module communicates the power distribution scheme and associated icon to the light switch control module.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-load circuit 700 of a lighting control system having one transformer built with multiple windings to decouple control of the dimming loads of a single lighting switch. Multiple load circuit 700 may be implemented through the lighting control systems shown in FIGS. 1A-6 and 8-11, according to embodiments of the present invention. To that end, the multi-load circuit 700 provides multiple independent dimmable lighting loads powered from a single branch circuit within a single unit to be mounted within a single wall box (e.g., a gang). including a dimming lighting control component configured to support Illustratively, the dimming lighting control component is embodied as a micro control unit (MCU) 702 arranged on the secondary side of the transformer, and multiple (eg, three) lighting/ A processor configured to control a load circuit. The lighting/load circuit is constructed and arranged to support three independent dimmable loads in a single (1) gang architecture dimensioned for mounting within a single wall box. The lighting/load circuit can be implemented as a field effect transistor (FET) 704 configured as a half-bridge gate device coupled to the dimming loads LD1-LD3 and controlled by a gate driver (power amplifier) 706. , the gate drivers are each connected to (i.e., powered by) a different winding of the transformer and controlled across an isolation boundary embodied as an isolation buffer (optical isolator) 708 driven by MCU 702. be done. The MCU 702 is thus powered by the secondary winding 710 of the transformer.

In one or more embodiments, multi-load circuit 700 utilizes the hardware of switch controller 802 to provide a fully functional multi-load circuit that efficiently utilizes hardware to reduce redundant components. and a base module, such as base lighting control module 812 , of a lighting control system, such as lighting control system 800 . That is, the embodiment uses a single power source (e.g., a LINE wire in the wall of a single branch circuit) and the on/off/dimming status of one load is included in the unit. Decouple the output (eg, the LOAD output to a lighting circuit coupled to the lighting fixture) so as not to affect any of the loads. Certain embodiments are provided in a one-gang architecture, but other embodiments may use other gang architectures, such as two-gang, three-gang or more gangs. The disclosed embodiments use a single transformer constructed with multiple windings to decouple control of the dimming load of the lighting module from other loads to provide multiple power inputs at a single line/power input. Manage load efficiently. A voltage zero-crossing circuit 712 coupled to a single power supply provides an input to MCU 702 configured to control output dimming (ie, control load dimming).

Advantageously, multi-load circuit 700 is needed to control multiple (three) lighting/load circuits mounted in a relatively small footprint (e.g., single-gang architecture) within a single wall box. less wiring. A lighting control system with multiple load circuits can be implemented in geographic areas that supply a nominal service voltage greater than 200V, thus consuming less wall space when mounted in a single-gang wall unit. Allows the use of thin wires (eg 0.75 mm ² /18 AWG).

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a lighting control system 800 configured to perform certain lighting control operations described herein. Lighting control system 800 illustrates lighting control system components that may be implemented in a lighting control system including an airgap system as described herein. Lighting control system 800 is shown separated into a base lighting control module 812 (which may be configured similar to base module 112) and a switch module or switch controller 802 (which may be configured similar to switch module 102). . As described herein, switch module 802 includes a tactile interface operable via graphical user interface module 852, such as tactile display 104 and light switch actuator 106 described herein, and switches. An actuator can be included. The switch module 802 houses a processor 850 that can be configured to send commands to and receive inputs from a microcontroller 840, which includes a transformer 818, a power isolator and an AC-DC converter. 814 (which may include a flyback converter), a dimmer such as a TRIAC dimmer 813 , and voltage and current sensors 816 . In some embodiments, base lighting control module 812 can include a MOSFET dimmer. A power isolator 814 separates the analog AC current from the low power or DC digital components in the base lighting control module 812 and switch module 802 . Power isolator 814 may provide power input to switch control module 802 via power module 853 . Power module 853 includes power circuitry configured to regulate the flow of power from base module 812 to switch controller module 802 , including sending power to one or more modules within switch controller module 802 . . Switch module 802 also houses a communications module, which may include one or more antennas or other wireless communications modules. The switch module 802 also houses sensor modules, which may include one or more sensors such as light sensors, cameras, microphones, thermometers, humidity sensors, and air quality sensors. . A processor 850 is communicatively coupled to one or more modules in switch module 802 to control the operation of these modules and to receive input from these modules, for example, connected to base lighting control module 812 . Controls regulation of electrical energy flow to the lighting circuit of lighting fixture 824 .

Base lighting control module 812 includes a ground terminal 830 for grounding various electrical component enclosures within module 812 . The base lighting control module 812 includes a neutral terminal 828, a line terminal 826, and a load terminal 822 for connecting to the neutral wire. As shown in FIG. 8, the voltage and current sensor(s) detect changes in voltage or current along the line that powers one or more lighting fixtures 824 connected to the lighting circuit (750). Coupled to the load line for detection. Base lighting control module 812 also includes a controller 840 communicatively coupled to processor 850 . Base lighting control module 812 also includes LED indicator lights 842 and 841 for showing information regarding the status of base lighting control module 812 . For example, in some embodiments, LED indicator light 841 may indicate when the neutral wire is connected, while LED indicator light 842 may indicate when the three-way connection is connected. can be done.

9A and 9B show a lighting control system including multiple lighting control devices. FIG. 9A illustrates one embodiment of a lighting control system 900 that includes multiple lighting control subsystems distributed (eg, in different rooms of a building) across a building (eg, home, office, etc.). In the embodiment of lighting control system 900 shown in FIG. 9A, rooms 902a-902d have different lighting control systems. For example, the lighting control system for room 902a includes lighting control device 904a, lighting circuit 910a, light sensor 906a and motion sensor 908a. Lighting control system 900 may include a central lighting control device 904 that acts as a central control for lighting control system 900 . In certain embodiments, central lighting control device 904 may include a lighting control system such as systems 100 or 800 .

A lighting control system for room 902a is described that includes lighting control device 904a, light sensor 906a, motion sensor 908a and lighting circuit 910a. However, the concepts and applications discussed are not limited to lighting control systems in room 902a, but lighting control systems in other rooms (eg, 902b-902d), or lighting control sub-systems that may be distributed across two or more rooms. It can be applied to the system in general.

Light sensor 906a detects, for example, ambient light (natural light and/or from lighting fixtures connected to lighting circuit 910a) by converting electromagnetic energy (e.g., photon energy) into an electrical signal (e.g., a current or voltage signal). light). An electrical signal may be transmitted to the lighting control device 904a. Photosensor 906a may include one or more of a photoresistor, a photodiode, a charge-coupled device, and the like. Optical sensor 906a may include an optical filter that allows certain frequencies of light to be preferentially transmitted and thus detected by optical sensor 906a. For example, an optical filter may be configured to transmit frequencies corresponding to light emitted from illumination circuit 910a. This may allow the light sensor (eg, 906a) to preferentially detect light from illumination circuit 910a while blocking light produced by other light sources. For example, if the light sensor is located in a room that receives natural ambient light (eg, sunlight), the light sensor may substantially block the natural ambient light and detect light primarily from lighting circuit 910a. Also, light sensor 906a may be configured to efficiently and accurately detect a range of light intensities (eg, a range of intensities that may be produced by lighting circuit 910a). This may allow the light sensor 906a to efficiently and accurately detect light at various intensity settings of the illumination circuit 910a.

Motion sensor 908a may be configured to detect motion within room 902a. For example, a motion sensor can detect movement of an occupant within room 902a. Motion sensors 908a include passive sensors (eg, passive infrared (PIR) sensors), active sensors (eg, microwave (MW) sensors, ultrasonic sensors, etc.), and both passive and active sensors. One or more of the included hybrid sensors (eg, Dual Technology Motion sensors) can be included. Passive sensors do not emit any energy and detect changes in surrounding energy. 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 sound pulses and detect their reflections. For example, a MW sensor emits a microwave pulse and detects its return. Hybrid sensors can include both passive and active sensors, thus motion can be detected both actively and passively (hybrid detection). Hybrid detection can have several advantages, for example, the probability of false motion detection can be smaller in a hybrid sensor compared to an active/passive sensor.

Lighting control device 904a is configured to communicate with light sensor 906a and motion sensor 908a. The motion sensor 908a can send a notification signal to the lighting control device 904a indicating that motion has been detected, for example, in the room 902a in an area proximate to the lighting circuit 910a. Light sensor 906a can send a notification signal to lighting control device 904a indicating that light emitted from lighting circuit 910a has been detected. Additionally, the notification signal may contain information regarding the properties of the detected light (eg, intensity, bandwidth, etc.). The lighting control device 904a can store data in a device database representing notification signals received from the motion sensor and the light sensor. Lighting control device 904a may include clocks and/or timers that enable lighting control device 904a to track the time and/or duration of signals received from light sensor 906a and motion sensor 908a. Tracking time and/or duration information may also be stored in the device database.

Lighting control device 904a may be configured to send and receive data over the Internet. Lighting control device 904a infers information about ambient natural light from data about weather conditions, sunshine hours, etc., for example, from online databases (eg, databases such as weather.gov, gaisma.com, noaa.gov, wunderground.com, etc.). be able to. For example, the received data may include information regarding times of sunrise and sunset for the geographic region associated with lighting control system 900 and time of year. Based on this, the lighting control device 904a can infer the time periods when ambient natural light is not available. In another example, the received data may include information regarding weather conditions. The lighting control device 904a can, for example, infer that cloudy conditions may lead to a decrease in ambient natural light. Lighting control device 904a can store the data and/or inferred information in a device database. This may allow the lighting control device 904a to infer patterns between the usage of the lighting circuit 910a and the ambient natural lighting conditions.

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

The lighting control device 904a may be configured to receive data and/or instructions from a communication device 920 (eg, mobile phone, laptop computer, iPad, input device (eg, keypad, touch screen, etc.)). Additionally or alternatively, communication device 920 can be an input device (eg, a keypad, touch screen, etc.). For example, computing device 920 may provide instructions regarding the operation of lighting control device 904a. Based on such instructions, the lighting control device 904a can switch on/off one or more bulbs of the lighting circuit 910a. Computing device 920 may also instruct lighting control device 904a to change operating parameters of lighting circuit 910a. For example, lighting control device 904a may be instructed to increase or decrease the brightness of lighting circuit 910a (eg, by increasing or decreasing the power supplied to the lighting circuit). Communication device 920 may instruct lighting control device 904a to perform one or more of the functions described above at a particular time or after a particular period of time. For example, communication device 920 can instruct lighting control device 904a to set a timer at the end of which a desired function is performed. Through communication device 920, information related to lighting control system 900 may be communicated to lighting control device 904a. For example, a user can enter a room type (eg, bedroom, kitchen, living room, etc.) for rooms 902a-902d. A user shuts down one or more lighting control subsystems in rooms 902a-902d for a desired period of time, for example, when the user leaves for vacation. Communication device 920 can communicate with lighting control device 904a using short-range wireless technology (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) via a cellular network and/or physical connection (eg, Ethernet cable). Data and/or instructions received from communication device 920 by lighting control circuitry 904a may be stored in a device database. The time the data and/or instructions were received may also be stored in the device database.

Lighting control device 904a may be configured to communicate information to communication device 920 and/or an output screen. For example, lighting control device 904a may set operating parameters associated with lighting circuit 910a (e.g., brightness of lighting circuit 910a, transient times for which lighting circuit 910a is turned on and off, duration of operation of lighting circuit 910a, etc.). I can tell you. Lighting control device 904a can communicate notification signals from light sensor 906a and motion sensor 908a to communication device 920 . For example, communication device 920 may be notified that motion or light is detected in room 902a.

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

Central lighting control device 904 may include a central device database. Data stored in the device database associated with the lighting control devices 904a-904d may be transferred to the central device database, eg, periodically. In some embodiments, the central lighting control device can request certain information from the device database of the lighting control devices. For example, central lighting control device 904 may request lighting control device 904a for information related to one or more of light sensor 906a, motion sensor 908a, instructions from communication device 920, and the like. FIG. 9B shows another embodiment of lighting control system 900 . In this embodiment, central lighting control device 904 also acts as the "lighting control device" for the lighting control subsystem associated with room 902a (including light sensor 906a, motion sensor 908a, and lighting circuit 910a).

FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of a central lighting control device 904 as described in FIG. 9B. Central lighting control device 904 includes lighting circuit system 1010 , controller 1020 and communication system 1030 . Controller 1020 can control the operation of lighting circuit system 1010 and communication system 1030 and receive data from lighting circuit system 1010 and communication system 1030 . Controller 1020 includes processor 1022 and 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 power the lighting circuit 910a and detect the response of the lighting circuit 910a. The lighting circuit system 1010 can include a power supply circuit 1014 that can power the lighting circuit 910a, a detector circuit 1012 that can detect the response of the lighting circuit 910a. Power supply circuit 1014 can include an adjustable voltage/current source that can provide an input voltage/current signal to lighting circuit 910a. Detector circuit 1012 is configured to detect the response of illumination circuit 910a (which may include one or more of current, voltage and impedance responses). In some embodiments, detector circuit 1012 is a voltage sensing circuit that can detect a voltage response (eg, voltage across lighting circuit 910a) or a current response (eg, current flowing into lighting circuit 910a). A current sensing circuit can be included that can detect the Power supply circuit 1014 may also provide power to light sensor 906a and voltage sensor 908a.

Communication system 1030 is configured to communicate with light sensor 906a, motion sensor 908a, and lighting control devices (910a-910d in FIG. 9A, 910b-910d in FIG. 9B). For example, communication system 1030 (eg, antenna, router, etc.) can send instructions from controller 1020 (eg, instructions to detect light/motion) to light sensor 906a and/or motion sensor 908a. Commands can be sent wirelessly in the 2.4 GHz ISM band using various wireless technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Low Power Radio (LPR), etc.). Additionally or alternatively, instructions may be sent in the form of electrical signals (eg, current signals, voltage signals) or optical signals over physical connections (eg, transmission lines, Ethernet cables, etc.). Communication system 930 may be configured to receive notification signals from optical sensor 906 a and/or motion sensor 908 a (eg, via the command transmission channel described above) and communicate the notification signals to controller 1020 .

Communication system 1030 may also be configured to communicate with communication device 920, eg, through a cellular network, wireless technology, or the like. Communication system 1030 can include, for example, routers that enable communication with websites and online databases over the Internet. For example, controller 1020 can instruct communication system 1030 to access the website of the manufacturer of the light bulb (eg, the light bulb of lighting circuit 910a) and download the relevant specifications. Communication system 1030 can also, for example, download software (eg, drivers) that can enable controller 1020 to communicate with optical sensor 906a and motion sensor 908a. Communication system 1030 can also download the latest operating system for controller 1020 .

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

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

The control device 904 can also include information obtained from online databases in its behavior analysis of the user. For example, the control device 904 may be notified that the user switches on the lights 910a in the morning on certain days of the year. Device 904 compares this behavior to weather conditions (known via an online database) and determines that lights 910a are switched on in the morning on days when the sky is cloudy. Based on this pattern, the control device 904 can automatically switch on the lights 910a on days when the sky is cloudy. Additionally, the control device 904 can learn that weather conditions affect the operation of the lighting circuit 910a, but not the operation of the lighting circuit 910b. This may result from the fact that 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. There is The control device 904 can infer that the operation of the lighting circuit 910b is independent of weather conditions. In some embodiments, control device 904 can change the operating parameters of lighting circuit 910a based on weather conditions. For example, control device 904 may change the brightness setting of lighting circuit 910b based on weather conditions.

FIG. 11 shows controller 1020 including processor 1022 and storage device 1024 and configured to execute lighting control module 1102 . Lighting control module 1102 can collect, store, and analyze data to determine the operation of lighting circuits (eg, lighting circuit 910a). Lighting control module 1102 can include data collection module 1104 , system control module 1106 , and pattern recognition module 1108 . The data collection module collects data from the communication system 1030 (eg, data from the online database, detector circuit 1012, communication device 920, notification signals from light sensors 906a-906d and motion sensors 908a-908d, etc.). , the data may be stored in the central device database 1112 of the storage device 1024 . System control module 1106 controls the operation of lighting circuit system 1010 . For example, system control module 1106 can instruct power circuit 1014 to change the power supplied to lighting circuit 910a. Based on the voltage/current response of lighting circuit 910a measured by detector circuit 1012, system control module 906 determines the bulb type (e.g., incandescent, fluorescent, LED, halogen, high intensity discharge, full spectrum, UV, blacklight, antique, vintage) and store this information in the central device database 1112 . System control module 1106 may also control the operation of optical sensors 906a-906d and motion sensors 908a-908d. For example, the light and motion sensors can be instructed to start or stop detecting light and motion signals. The pattern recognition module 1108 uses data from the central device database 1112 as "training data" to infer patterns based on which operating parameters of the lighting circuits 910a-910d may be determined. Can include technology.

Embodiments of the subject matter and operations described herein may be implemented by digital electronic circuitry, or through computer software, firmware or hardware, including the structures disclosed herein and their structural equivalents. or any combination of one or more thereof. Embodiments of the subject matter described herein comprise one or more computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium for execution by or to control the operation of a data processing apparatus (i.e., may be implemented as one or more modules of computer program instructions).

A computer storage medium may be or be included in a computer readable storage device, a computer readable storage circuit board, a random or serial access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more thereof. Further, although computer storage media is not a propagated signal, computer storage media can be a source or destination of computer program instructions encoded in an artificially generated propagated signal. Also, a computer storage medium can be or be contained within one or more separate physical components or media (eg, multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices).

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

The term "data processor" refers to all kinds of apparatus, devices and machines for processing data, including, by way of example, programmable processors, computers, system-on-chips or systems-on-chips, or combinations of the above. machine). The device may include special-purpose logic (eg, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)). In addition to hardware, the apparatus also includes code that generates an execution environment for the computer program in question (e.g., processor firmware, protocol stacks, database management systems, operating systems, cross-platform runtime environments, virtual machines). , or any combination of one or more thereof). The devices and execution environments can implement infrastructures for a variety of different computing models, 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 A type or procedural language is included, which may be arranged 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. . Computer programs may, but do not necessarily, correspond to files in a file system. The program may be either in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple cooperative files (e.g., files containing one or more modules, subprograms, or portions of code), other program or data (eg, one or more scripts stored in a markup language document). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer located at one site or on multiple computers distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

The processes and logic flows described herein involve one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform actions by manipulating input data and generating output. can be performed by Also, the process and logic flow can be performed by special purpose logic (e.g. FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)) and the device is also implemented as such special purpose logic. can be

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random-access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing actions according to instructions, and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer also includes one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical disks) for storing data from, receiving data from, or operatively coupled to transfer data to a device or both. However, a computer need not have such a device. Additionally, the computer may be used by other devices (e.g., mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable audio or video players, home video game consoles, global positioning system (GPS) reception, just to name a few). or embedded in a portable storage device (eg, Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive). Suitable devices for storing computer program instructions and data include, 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 Includes all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices including CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated into, special-purpose logic.

To provide interaction with a user, embodiments of the subject matter described herein include a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) for displaying information to the user; and can be implemented on a computer having a keyboard and pointing device (eg, mouse or trackball) that allows a user to provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can be used to provide interaction with the user as well, e.g., the feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or haptic feedback) and input from the user may be received in any form including acoustic, speech or tactile input. Additionally, the computer sends a web page to a web browser on the user's user device, for example, in response to requests received from the web browser, by sending documents to and receiving documents from the device used by the user. This allows interaction with the user.

Embodiments of the subject matter described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes backend components, such as data servers, or middleware components (e.g., application servers) or a front-end component (e.g., a user computer with a graphical display or web browser that allows a user to interact with an embodiment of the content described herein), or one or more Including any combination of such back-end components, middleware components, or front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication (eg, a communication network). Examples of communication networks include local area networks (“LAN”), wide area networks (“WAN”), internetworks (eg, “Internet”), and peer-to-peer networks (eg, 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, the server sends data (eg, HTML pages) to user devices (eg, to display data and receive user input from users interacting with the user device). Data generated at the user device (eg, results of user interactions) may be received from the user device at the server.

While this specification contains details of many specific embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or any claimable invention, but rather the specifics of any particular invention. It should be construed as a description of features that are specific to the embodiment. 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 suitable subcombination. Further, while features may be described above as working in a particular combination, even if originally claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination may in some cases be used in that combination. may be deleted from and claimed combinations may be directed to subcombinations or variations of subcombinations.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means a direct connection of two members or an indirect connection to each other. Such connections can be fixed or movable in nature. Such a connection may be two members or two members integrally formed with each other as a single unitary body and any additional intermediate members or any two members or two members attached to each other. of additional intermediate members. Such connections may be permanent in nature or may be detachable or removable in nature.

It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be covered by the present disclosure. As will be appreciated, features of disclosed embodiments may be incorporated into other disclosed embodiments.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the functions described herein may be performed and/or the results and/or advantages of one or more of them may be realized. One will readily envision various other means and/or structures for obtaining . Each such variation and/or modification is considered within the scope of the embodiments of the invention described herein. More specifically, as will be readily recognized by those skilled in the art, all parameters, dimensions, materials and configurations described herein are intended to be exemplary, and actual parameters, dimensions, materials and/or configuration will depend on the particular use or application in which the teaching(s) of the present invention 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 embodiments of the invention described herein. Therefore, it is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are provided for purposes of illustration only and that within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents, embodiments of the invention are specifically described. and may be practiced other than as described in the claims. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. Further, any combination of two or more of such features, systems, articles, materials, kits and/or methods may be incorporated within the scope of the present disclosure if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits and/or methods are not mutually exclusive. included within the scope of the invention.

Also, the techniques described herein may be embodied as methods, of which at least one example is provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable manner. Thus, embodiments can be devised in which the operations are performed in a different order than shown, which may perform several operations simultaneously, even though shown as sequential operations in the exemplary embodiment. can include performing.

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 those skilled 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.

Claims (13)

A lighting control system,
a light switch module having a processor;
a base module connected to an alternating current (AC) power source and including a plurality of switches coupled to a corresponding plurality of loads, each of said plurality of switches being coupled to a driver coupled to said processor;
a transformer having a plurality of windings;
A lighting control system, wherein a separate winding is coupled to each driver for controlling each of the plurality of switches and configured to decouple control of the plurality of loads received at the base module. said base module comprising a base housing forming a well and including an electrical connector connected to a first switch driver of said base module and disposed within said well for mating with said light switch module; 2. The lighting control system of Claim 1, wherein the light switch module is configured to fit at least partially within the well of the base module. The lighting switch module includes:
a module housing;
a graphical user interface (GUI) coupled to the module housing and connected to the processor;
3. The lighting control system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the GUI is configured to display a lighting scene to control each of the plurality of loads. 4. The lighting control system of claim 3, wherein the module housing is configured to fit within a one-gang wall box. A lighting control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the AC power supply is at least 200V. A lighting control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the processor is powered from a secondary winding of the transformer. 7. A lighting control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the base module further comprises a plurality of isolation buffers connected between each switch driver and the processor. A lighting control system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a voltage zero-crossing circuit coupled to the AC power supply and the processor. 8. The lighting control system of Claim 7, wherein the processor is configured to use input from the voltage zero-crossing circuit to dim the multiple loads. A method of operating a lighting control system comprising:
Driving a plurality of switches coupled to a plurality of loads powered by an alternating current (AC) power source, each of the plurality of switches driven from a separate transformer winding of a transformer coupled to the AC power source. and each of the plurality of switches is controlled by a processor;
receiving input from a voltage zero-crossing circuit coupled to the AC power source for dimming each of the plurality of loads by the processor;
The method, wherein the AC power source is at least 200V. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the lighting control system is in a housing configured to fit within a one-gang wall box. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising displaying a lighting scene corresponding to dimming of the plurality of loads on a graphical user interface coupled to the housing. receiving input from a tactile display for selecting a lighting scene, said processor and tactile display being coupled in the same housing;
12. The method of claim 10 or 11, further comprising dimming the plurality of loads by the processor according to a selected lighting scene.

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