US20160302287A1 - Systems and methods for communication via alternating current power - Google Patents
Systems and methods for communication via alternating current power Download PDFInfo
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- US20160302287A1 US20160302287A1 US15/093,438 US201615093438A US2016302287A1 US 20160302287 A1 US20160302287 A1 US 20160302287A1 US 201615093438 A US201615093438 A US 201615093438A US 2016302287 A1 US2016302287 A1 US 2016302287A1
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- alternating current
- current power
- message
- power
- zero cross
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- H05B37/0263—
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B3/00—Line transmission systems
- H04B3/54—Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
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- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B15/00—Systems controlled by a computer
- G05B15/02—Systems controlled by a computer electric
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- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05F—SYSTEMS FOR REGULATING ELECTRIC OR MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G05F1/00—Automatic systems in which deviations of an electric quantity from one or more predetermined values are detected at the output of the system and fed back to a device within the system to restore the detected quantity to its predetermined value or values, i.e. retroactive systems
- G05F1/66—Regulating electric power
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B3/00—Line transmission systems
- H04B3/54—Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
- H04B3/542—Systems for transmission via power distribution lines the information being in digital form
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- H05B33/0842—
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
- H05B45/30—Driver circuits
- H05B45/395—Linear regulators
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
- H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
- H05B47/175—Controlling the light source by remote control
- H05B47/185—Controlling the light source by remote control via power line carrier transmission
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to line transmission systems
- H04B2203/54—Aspects of powerline communications not already covered by H04B3/54 and its subgroups
- H04B2203/5404—Methods of transmitting or receiving signals via power distribution lines
- H04B2203/5412—Methods of transmitting or receiving signals via power distribution lines by modofying wave form of the power source
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to line transmission systems
- H04B2203/54—Aspects of powerline communications not already covered by H04B3/54 and its subgroups
- H04B2203/5404—Methods of transmitting or receiving signals via power distribution lines
- H04B2203/542—Methods of transmitting or receiving signals via power distribution lines using zero crossing information
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B20/00—Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps
- Y02B20/30—Semiconductor lamps, e.g. solid state lamps [SSL] light emitting diodes [LED] or organic LED [OLED]
Definitions
- Embodiments described herein generally relate to systems and methods for customized lighting and communication via alternating current power and, more specifically, to providing a communication protocol and related hardware and software for customized lighting controls.
- a method includes receiving alternating current power at a predetermined frequency, receiving communications data for a device, and determining from the communications data a message to send to the device. Some embodiments include determining an alteration to the alternating current power to convert the communications data into the message according to a predetermined format, determining a zero cross point of the alternating current power, and altering the alternating current power around the zero cross point according to the predetermined format to send the message. Some embodiments include sending the altered alternating current power with the message according to the predetermined format to the device.
- Embodiments of a system include a transistor for receiving the alternating current power at a predetermined frequency and altering the alternating current power and a zero cross detector that is coupled to the transistor for receiving the alternating current power and determining a zero cross point that indicates that the alternating current power crosses zero volts.
- Some embodiments include an alternating current controller computing device that is coupled to the zero cross detector.
- the alternating current controller computing device may include logic that when executed by a processor, causes the alternating current controller to receive a communication from a remote computing device that includes a message for including in the alternating current power, determine a predetermined format for altering the alternating current power for including the message in the alternating current power at the predetermined frequency, and receive data from the zero cross detector that indicates when the alternating current power crosses zero volts.
- Some embodiments may be configured to provide an instruction to the transistor for altering the alternating current power to include the message.
- some embodiments of a system may include a transistor for receiving the alternating current power at a predetermined frequency, altering the alternating current power, and outputting the altered alternating current power to an electric device.
- These embodiments may include a zero cross detector that is coupled to the transistor for receiving the alternating current power and determining a zero cross point that indicates that the alternating current power crosses zero volts and an alternating current controller computing device that is coupled to the zero cross detector.
- the alternating current controller computing device including logic that when executed by a processor, causes the alternating current controller to receive a communication from a remote computing device that includes a message for including in the alternating current power, determine a predetermined format for delaying at least a portion of the alternating current power for including the message in the alternating current power at the predetermined frequency, and receive data from the zero cross detector that indicates when the alternating current power crosses zero volts.
- Some embodiments may be configured to provide an instruction to the transistor for delaying at least a portion of the alternating current power to include the message.
- FIGS. 1A-1B depict a power and communications network, according to embodiments described herein;
- FIG. 2 depicts an alternating current (AC) controller, according to embodiments described herein;
- FIGS. 3A-3B depict waveforms of AC power that may be altered by the AC controller, as described herein;
- FIG. 4 depicts a lighting device, according to embodiments described herein;
- FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart for sending altered AC power to a device, according to embodiments described herein;
- FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart for including a delay in AC power for sending a message, according to embodiments described herein;
- FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart for determining contents of a message that was sent via altered AC power, according to embodiments described herein;
- FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart for altering a load, based on a determined characteristic of received AC power, according to embodiments described herein;
- FIG. 9 depicts a load computing device for determining a characteristic of AC power, according to embodiments described herein.
- Embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for customized lighting and communication via alternating current. Some embodiments may be configured to facilitate communication of data from a first device to a second device via a protocol that includes creating an altered alternating current power via alteration of an AC power waveform, where the communication is made in the same frequency as a predetermined frequency of the AC power. Additionally, some embodiments may provide for LED lighting without the need for a heat sink or other heat removal devices. Specifically, some embodiments may utilize an aluminum substrate on one or more portions of the device that provides integrated heat removal. Similarly, some embodiments may be configured to provide control of a load, such as one or more lighting devices via a communications network, such as the Internet. These and other embodiments incorporating the same will be described in more detail, below.
- FIGS. 1A-1B depict a power and communications environment, according to embodiments described herein.
- the power and communications environment may include a network 100 , which is coupled to an power generation facility 102 , an alternating current (AC) controller 104 , a lighting device 106 , and a remote computing device 108 .
- the network 100 may include a power network, which may include alternating current power that is delivered to a plurality of devices (or loads).
- the network 100 may also include a communications network, such as a wide area network, (e.g., the Internet, a cellular network, a telephone network, etc.) and/or a local area network (e.g. an Ethernet network, a wireless fidelity network, a near field communications network, etc.).
- the network 100 between any two devices may include a single wire or communication link and may include a plurality of power and/or communications channels.
- the power generation facility 102 is also included in the embodiments of FIGS. 1A and 1B and may include a power plant, a solar power generation network, power storage facility and/or other facility that facilitates the providing of power to one or more devices.
- the power generation facility 102 may be configured to create and/or provide alternating current (AC) power. It should be understood that while the power generation facility 102 described herein may create the AC power, some embodiments may include separate entities and/or facilities for creating, storing, and transmitting the AC power to the devices, which are all included in the power generation facility 102 for simplicity.
- the AC controller 104 may be configured to receive the AC power, as well as a communication signal. As described in more detail below, the AC controller 104 may additionally alter the AC power signal on the same frequency that the AC power was received to include a message into the AC power.
- the lighting device 106 may operate in concert with or separate from the AC controller 104 and may be configured to receive AC power from the power generation facility 102 for performing a function (such as illuminating a light emitting diode (LED)).
- the lighting device 106 may additionally receive a message via the AC controller 104 , which may alter the function of the lighting device 106 , facilitate monitoring of a function of the lighting device 106 , and/or perform other actions.
- the lighting device 106 is described herein as an LED illumination device; this is merely an example. While embodiments described herein relate to illumination, this description may extend to other electric or electronic devices. Accordingly, any load may be attached to the hardware and/or software described herein to provide the desired functionality.
- the remote computing device 108 may represent one or more computing devices that may facilitate sending messages and/or commands to be included in AC power.
- the remote computing device 108 may also be configured for updating software and/or firmware associated with the components, and/or provide other functionality.
- some embodiments may be configured to receive a command form the remote computing device 108 to activate the lighting device 106 .
- This command may be sent via a communications network (which is part of the network 100 ) to the AC controller 104 , which may convert the message to be communicated via an altered from of the AC power.
- the AC power may be received by the lighting device 106 , which may also receive the message.
- the lighting device 106 may thus be powered by the AC power and receive communications via the AC power.
- FIG. 1B depicts a different configuration than FIG. 1A in that the embodiment of FIG. 1B illustrates the AC controller 104 with an electric circuit panel 110 , such as a breaker panel, which may or may not be co-located with the AC controller 104 .
- the embodiment of FIG. 1B depicts the power generation facility 102 , which is connected to the network 100 .
- the power generation facility 102 may provide power to a user's facility, which may be received at the electric circuit panel 110 controlling operation and/or for distribution along a local portion of the network 100 to various loads at the user's facility.
- the AC controller 104 may be included with the electric circuit panel 110 and/or provided at the user premises and coupled to the electric circuit panel 110 via a local network to provide user control of the desired functionality. Depending on the particular embodiment, the AC controller 104 may be included in series between the power generation facility 102 and the electric circuit panel 110 . However, some embodiments may be configured with the electric circuit panel 110 between the power generation facility 102 and the AC controller 104 . Other configurations may also be utilized, depending on the embodiment. Regardless, the lighting device 106 may be coupled to the circuit for receiving power from the power generation facility 102 .
- FIG. 2 depicts an AC controller 104 , according to embodiments described herein.
- the AC controller 104 may include a transistor 202 , an AC controller computing device 204 , and a zero cross detector 206 .
- the AC controller 104 may receive AC power from the power generation facility 102 at the transistor 202 and the zero cross detector 206 .
- the AC controller 104 may also receive a communication signal such as from the remote computing device 108 at the AC controller computing device 204 .
- the AC controller computing device 204 may determine a message that was sent via the communication signal and may determine an action to take from the communication signal.
- the communication signal may request that the lighting device 106 be turned off. Accordingly, the AC controller computing device 204 may determine this request and then determine how to alter the AC power that is received by the transistor 202 may be altered to communicate that message over the same frequency as the AC power.
- the AC controller computing device 204 may determine a communications protocol.
- the communications protocol may include delaying transmission and/or inserting a standard delay time at predetermined intervals in the AC power.
- a recipient device may decode the communication.
- the AC controller computing device 204 may determine the length of delay for communicating the message. In this scenario, length of delay and timing of subsequent delays may provide the communications protocol for the recipient device to decode.
- the zero cross detector 206 may determine when the AC power is transmitting zero volts (e.g., when the voltage from the AC power changes from positive to negative or vice versa).
- the AC controller computing device 204 may insert an alteration into the AC power, such as a delay.
- the alteration may occur at or around one or more zero cross points of the AC power and may be configured as a binary signal, such that a delayed zero cross point indicates a binary “1” and a non-delayed zero cross point indicates a binary “0.”
- Other formats and protocols may be used as well, such as different lengths of delay to indicate different characters of a message.
- the transistor 202 may then implement the desired alteration to the AC power, which is sent along the network 100 .
- FIGS. 3A-3B depict waveforms of AC power that may be altered by the AC controller 104 , as described herein.
- FIG. 3A depicts a waveform 320 a of AC power for providing power to one or more devices.
- the AC power may be transmitted with a peak voltage of plus/minus 120 volts, 220 volts, 440 volts, and/or other voltages. Accordingly, between the positive and negative peaks are zero cross points 322 a - 322 d, where the voltage is zero.
- a square wave 324 a with a voltage range of 0 volts to 5 volts.
- the square wave may be created from the AC power via an AC filter 414 ( FIG. 4 ) such that the load computing device 412 ( FIG. 4 ) may be adequately powered.
- the voltage range of the square wave 324 a may vary, depending on the requirements and specifications of the load computing device 412 .
- FIG. 3B depicts a waveform 320 b of AC power that has been altered to communicate a message, as described herein.
- the waveform 320 b may be similar to the waveform 320 a, except altered to communicate the message. Accordingly, the waveform 320 b may have predetermined positive and negative voltages, as well as zero cross points corresponding with the waveform 320 a. Additionally, the waveform 320 b may have a predetermined half period (represented as “T”), which also corresponds to the waveform 320 a.
- the AC controller 104 may be configured to delay transmission of the AC power at or around one or more zero cross points 322 for a predetermined time period before continuing the transmission. As illustrated in FIG.
- the delay 326 may be implemented, such that the half period for a first portion of the waveform 230 b (T 1 ) may be the same as (or similar to) as the normal half period (T) because the delay began at the zero cross point corresponding with the zero cross point 322 a from FIG. 3A .
- the waveform 320 b may be shifted by a predetermined amount of time and thus the half period of the subsequent portion of the waveform (T 2 ) may be greater by that delayed amount of time.
- a recipient device may receive the AC power and may recognize the alteration to the AC power. Depending on the protocol being implemented, the recipient device may decode the message and react appropriately. In some embodiments, a delayed waveform at an expected zero cross point will be identified as a binary “1,” while an unaltered zero cross point of the AC power may represent a binary “0” (or vice versa). Thus, the recipient device may decode the series of binary “ones” and “zeros” to determine a message being sent via the AC power.
- a different encoding protocol such as varying the length of delay to indicate a “1” or “0” or other data (e.g., a first amount of delay may indicate a first signal such as a “1” and a second amount of delay may represent a second signal such as a “0” and/or other coding protocol).
- FIG. 3B also depicts a square wave 324 b, with a corresponding delay 328 .
- the square wave may experience a similar delay, which may also be utilized to communicate data.
- FIG. 4 depicts an electric device that takes the form of a lighting device 106 , according to embodiments described herein.
- the lighting device 106 includes a device circuit 402 and a load 404 .
- the device circuit 402 may include a voltage rectifier 406 , a voltage current converter 408 , a voltage regulator 410 , a load computing device 412 , an AC filter 414 , and an interface component 418 .
- the AC power (or the altered AC power, depending on the embodiment) may be received by the device circuit 402 at the voltage rectifier 406 .
- the voltage rectifier 406 may be configured to modify the AC power (waveform 320 a or 320 b from FIG.
- the load 404 may be configured to only activate with positive voltage. Accordingly, if the load 404 receives AC power, the LEDs may flicker due to the negative voltage being received. This may result in a potentially undesirable output. As such, the voltage rectifier 406 may be configured to output only non-negative voltage to provide a steady output from the load 404 .
- the voltage rectifier 406 may send the conditioned voltage to the voltage current converter 408 , as well as to the voltage regulator 410 .
- the voltage regulator 410 may be configured to reduce the voltage of the rectified power to a level that is usable to power the load computing device 412 .
- the voltage regulator 410 may reduce the DC voltage to about 5 volts or other voltage that is usable by the load computing device 412 . This converted DC voltage may be sent to power the load computing device 412 .
- the load computing device 412 may also be coupled to the voltage detector 416 and may be configured to alter the manner in which voltage is delivered to the load 404 . Similarly, some embodiments of the load computing device 412 may be configured to receive AC power that includes communication data; decode that communication; and perform an action, based on the decoded message.
- the voltage detector 416 may receive the conditioned voltage from the voltage rectifier 406 and may determine a characteristic of the AC power. Based on the characteristic, the load computing device 412 may send a communication to the interface component 418 , which acts as a barrier between high and low voltages. The interface component 418 may send a signal to the voltage current converter 408 , which may alter the voltage received by various portions of the load 404 , based on the message received in the AC power and decoded by the load computing device 412 .
- the AC power (with the alterations described in FIG. 3B ) may be received by the AC filter 414 .
- the AC filter 414 may receive the AC power and convert the AC power into a filtered signal, which may include computer-readable format, such as a square wave with a peak voltage that is compatible with the load computing device 412 . If the AC controller 104 ( FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2 ) alters the AC power (such as including a delay), the square wave produced by the AC filter 414 may also include the alteration (or similar alteration).
- the load computing device 412 may receive the square wave from the AC filter 414 and may utilize logic to determine the message included in the altered square wave.
- the message sent via the AC power may include an instruction to activate the load 404 , deactivate the load 404 , reduce power to the load, etc.
- Some embodiments may be configured to cause the load computing device 412 to implement a test sequence for testing operation of the lighting device 106 .
- some embodiments may cause the load to communicate a message to another device (such as a mobile phone, television, computing device, etc.).
- some embodiments may be configured such that the load is an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs).
- the load computing device 412 may cause the voltage current converter 408 to send the AC power only to those LEDs that can properly operate under the power constraints, thus changing output of the LEDs. This can provide relatively consistent output of the load 404 , regardless of the AC power.
- embodiments of the device circuit 402 may be provided on a printed circuit board (PCB) and/or other circuit material that includes an aluminum substrate as a primary component.
- PCB printed circuit board
- heat may be dissipated, thus removing the necessity for a heat sink or other heat removal devices.
- FIG. 4 depicts a single device circuit 402 and a single load 404 , this is also merely an example. Some embodiments may couple a plurality of loads 404 to a single device circuit 402 and/or a plurality of device circuits 402 together to provide the desired functionality and/or illumination. Additionally, the blocks 202 - 206 depicted in FIG. 2 and blocks 406 - 418 from FIG. 4 may be implemented in hardware (including programmable hardware), software, and/or firmware depending on the particular embodiment, so long as the desired functionality is provided. It should also be understood that while the lighting device 106 is depicted with both the device circuit 402 and the load 404 , this is also an example. Some embodiments may include a device circuit that is separate from the lighting device 106 .
- FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart for sending altered AC power to a device, according to embodiments described herein.
- AC power may be received.
- communication data may be received.
- the communication data may be received from a remote computing device 108 and/or via other source.
- a message for sending to a remote device may be determined from the communication data.
- alterations to the AC power may be determined to convert the communications data into the message according to a predetermined format.
- a zero cross point of the AC power may be determined.
- the AC power may be altered to determine alterations at or around the zero cross point.
- the altered AC power may be sent to an external device.
- FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart for including a delay in AC power for sending a message, according to embodiments described herein.
- AC power may be received.
- a communication to send may be determined.
- at least one zero cross point of the AC power may be determined.
- communication of the AC power may be delayed for a predetermined time at or around the at least one zero cross point, according to a predetermined format to communicate a message via the AC power.
- FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart for determining contents of a message that was sent via altered AC power, according to embodiments described herein.
- altered AC power may be received with an included message.
- the altered AC power may be converted into a computer-readable format.
- an action may be determined from the message in the altered AC power.
- the AC power may be utilized to perform the action, according to the determined message.
- FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart for altering a load, based on a determined characteristic of received AC power, according to embodiments described herein.
- AC power may be received.
- a characteristic of the AC power may be determined.
- a command to adjust a load based on the characteristic may be determined.
- the load may be adjusted, based on the characteristic.
- FIG. 9 depicts a load computing device 412 for determining a characteristic of AC power, according to embodiments described herein.
- the load computing device 412 includes a processor 930 , input/output hardware 932 , network interface hardware 934 , a data storage component 936 (which stores alteration data 938 a, other data 936 b, and/or other data), and the memory component 940 .
- the memory component 940 may be configured as volatile and/or nonvolatile memory and as such, may include random access memory (including SRAM, DRAM, and/or other types of RAM), flash memory, electrical erasable programmed read only memory (EEPROM), secure digital (SD) memory, registers, compact discs (CD), digital versatile discs (DVD), and/or other types of non-transitory computer-readable mediums. Depending on the particular embodiment, these non-transitory computer-readable mediums may reside within the load computing device 412 and/or external to the load computing device 412 .
- random access memory including SRAM, DRAM, and/or other types of RAM
- flash memory including electrical erasable programmed read only memory (EEPROM), secure digital (SD) memory, registers, compact discs (CD), digital versatile discs (DVD), and/or other types of non-transitory computer-readable mediums.
- EEPROM electrical erasable programmed read only memory
- SD secure digital
- registers compact discs
- DVD digital versatile discs
- the memory component 140 may store operating system logic 942 , sensing logic 944 a and altering logic 144 b.
- the sensing logic 944 a and the altering logic 944 b may each include a plurality of different pieces of logic, each of which may be embodied as a computer program, firmware, and/or hardware, as an example.
- a local interface 946 is also included in FIG. 9 and may be implemented as a bus or other communication interface to facilitate communication among the components of the load computing device 412 .
- the processor 930 may include any processing component operable to receive and execute instructions (such as from a data storage component 936 and/or the memory component 140 ). As described above, the input/output hardware 932 may include and/or be configured to interface with the components of FIG. 9 .
- the network interface hardware 934 may include and/or be configured for communicating with any wired or wireless networking hardware, including an antenna, a modem, a LAN port, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) card, WiMax card, mobile communications hardware, and/or other hardware for communicating with other networks and/or devices. From this connection, communication may be facilitated between the load computing device 412 and other computing devices, such as those depicted in FIG. 1 .
- Wi-Fi wireless fidelity
- the operating system logic 942 may include an operating system and/or other software for managing components of the load computing device 412 .
- the sensing logic 944 a may reside in the memory component 940 and may be configured to cause the processor 930 to determine voltage values, delays in power signal waveforms, as well as perform other functions, as described above.
- the altering logic 944 b may be utilized to provide instructions for altering one or more functions of the lighting device 106 .
- FIG. 9 it should be understood that while the components in FIG. 9 are illustrated as residing within the load computing device 412 , this is merely an example. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may reside external to the load computing device 412 . It should also be understood that, while the load computing device 412 is illustrated as a single device, this is also merely an example. Similarly, some embodiments may be configured with the sensing logic 944 a and the altering logic 944 b residing on different computing devices. Additionally, while the load computing device 412 is illustrated with the sensing logic 944 a and the altering logic 944 b as separate logical components, this is also an example. In some embodiments, a single piece of logic may cause the remote computing device 108 to provide the described functionality or multiple different pieces may provide this functionality.
- load computing device 412 is depicted in FIG. 9
- other computing devices such as the AC controller computing device 204 and the remote computing device 108 may also include at least a portion of the hardware described with regard to FIG. 9 .
- the hardware and software for these devices may vary from those described with regard to FIG. 9 to provide the desired functionality.
- various embodiments for customized lighting and communication via alternating current power are disclosed. These embodiments may be configured to provide a user to with the ability to control output of a load (such as a lighting device) with a remote computing device. Embodiments also provide for circuitry that does not require heat removal devices. Some embodiments may also provide the ability to communicate over AC power using the same frequency as the AC power.
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Abstract
Included are embodiments for . As an example, a method includes receiving alternating current power at a predetermined frequency, receiving communications data for a device, and determining from the communications data a message to send to the device. Some embodiments include determining an alteration to the alternating current power to convert the communications data into the message according to a predetermined format, determining a zero cross point of the alternating current power, and altering the alternating current power around the zero cross point according to the predetermined format to send the message. Some embodiments include sending the altered alternating current power with the message according to the predetermined format to the device.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/144,070, filed Apr. 7, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- Embodiments described herein generally relate to systems and methods for customized lighting and communication via alternating current power and, more specifically, to providing a communication protocol and related hardware and software for customized lighting controls.
- As lighting and power technologies have developed, there is now a desire to provide and/or utilize energy efficient electric and electronic devices. As an example, the lighting industry consumes a large amount of power and there is constantly pressure to reduce costs and reduce grid usage via more efficient lighting devices. Additionally, many current solutions produce a large amount of heat. It is also often difficult to adequately control lighting to provide the desired power consumption.
- Included are embodiments for communication via alternating current power. As an example, a method includes receiving alternating current power at a predetermined frequency, receiving communications data for a device, and determining from the communications data a message to send to the device. Some embodiments include determining an alteration to the alternating current power to convert the communications data into the message according to a predetermined format, determining a zero cross point of the alternating current power, and altering the alternating current power around the zero cross point according to the predetermined format to send the message. Some embodiments include sending the altered alternating current power with the message according to the predetermined format to the device.
- Embodiments of a system include a transistor for receiving the alternating current power at a predetermined frequency and altering the alternating current power and a zero cross detector that is coupled to the transistor for receiving the alternating current power and determining a zero cross point that indicates that the alternating current power crosses zero volts. Some embodiments include an alternating current controller computing device that is coupled to the zero cross detector. The alternating current controller computing device may include logic that when executed by a processor, causes the alternating current controller to receive a communication from a remote computing device that includes a message for including in the alternating current power, determine a predetermined format for altering the alternating current power for including the message in the alternating current power at the predetermined frequency, and receive data from the zero cross detector that indicates when the alternating current power crosses zero volts. Some embodiments may be configured to provide an instruction to the transistor for altering the alternating current power to include the message.
- Similarly, some embodiments of a system may include a transistor for receiving the alternating current power at a predetermined frequency, altering the alternating current power, and outputting the altered alternating current power to an electric device. These embodiments may include a zero cross detector that is coupled to the transistor for receiving the alternating current power and determining a zero cross point that indicates that the alternating current power crosses zero volts and an alternating current controller computing device that is coupled to the zero cross detector. The alternating current controller computing device including logic that when executed by a processor, causes the alternating current controller to receive a communication from a remote computing device that includes a message for including in the alternating current power, determine a predetermined format for delaying at least a portion of the alternating current power for including the message in the alternating current power at the predetermined frequency, and receive data from the zero cross detector that indicates when the alternating current power crosses zero volts. Some embodiments may be configured to provide an instruction to the transistor for delaying at least a portion of the alternating current power to include the message.
- The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the disclosure. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
-
FIGS. 1A-1B depict a power and communications network, according to embodiments described herein; -
FIG. 2 depicts an alternating current (AC) controller, according to embodiments described herein; -
FIGS. 3A-3B depict waveforms of AC power that may be altered by the AC controller, as described herein; -
FIG. 4 depicts a lighting device, according to embodiments described herein; -
FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart for sending altered AC power to a device, according to embodiments described herein; -
FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart for including a delay in AC power for sending a message, according to embodiments described herein; -
FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart for determining contents of a message that was sent via altered AC power, according to embodiments described herein; -
FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart for altering a load, based on a determined characteristic of received AC power, according to embodiments described herein; and -
FIG. 9 depicts a load computing device for determining a characteristic of AC power, according to embodiments described herein. - Embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for customized lighting and communication via alternating current. Some embodiments may be configured to facilitate communication of data from a first device to a second device via a protocol that includes creating an altered alternating current power via alteration of an AC power waveform, where the communication is made in the same frequency as a predetermined frequency of the AC power. Additionally, some embodiments may provide for LED lighting without the need for a heat sink or other heat removal devices. Specifically, some embodiments may utilize an aluminum substrate on one or more portions of the device that provides integrated heat removal. Similarly, some embodiments may be configured to provide control of a load, such as one or more lighting devices via a communications network, such as the Internet. These and other embodiments incorporating the same will be described in more detail, below.
- Referring now to the drawings,
FIGS. 1A-1B depict a power and communications environment, according to embodiments described herein. As illustrated inFIG. 1A , the power and communications environment may include anetwork 100, which is coupled to anpower generation facility 102, an alternating current (AC)controller 104, alighting device 106, and aremote computing device 108. Thenetwork 100 may include a power network, which may include alternating current power that is delivered to a plurality of devices (or loads). Thenetwork 100 may also include a communications network, such as a wide area network, (e.g., the Internet, a cellular network, a telephone network, etc.) and/or a local area network (e.g. an Ethernet network, a wireless fidelity network, a near field communications network, etc.). As will be understood, thenetwork 100 between any two devices may include a single wire or communication link and may include a plurality of power and/or communications channels. - The
power generation facility 102 is also included in the embodiments ofFIGS. 1A and 1B and may include a power plant, a solar power generation network, power storage facility and/or other facility that facilitates the providing of power to one or more devices. As will be understood, thepower generation facility 102 may be configured to create and/or provide alternating current (AC) power. It should be understood that while thepower generation facility 102 described herein may create the AC power, some embodiments may include separate entities and/or facilities for creating, storing, and transmitting the AC power to the devices, which are all included in thepower generation facility 102 for simplicity. - Also included in
FIGS. 1A and 1B is theAC controller 104. TheAC controller 104 may be configured to receive the AC power, as well as a communication signal. As described in more detail below, theAC controller 104 may additionally alter the AC power signal on the same frequency that the AC power was received to include a message into the AC power. - The
lighting device 106 may operate in concert with or separate from theAC controller 104 and may be configured to receive AC power from thepower generation facility 102 for performing a function (such as illuminating a light emitting diode (LED)). Thelighting device 106 may additionally receive a message via theAC controller 104, which may alter the function of thelighting device 106, facilitate monitoring of a function of thelighting device 106, and/or perform other actions. - It should be understood that while the
lighting device 106 is described herein as an LED illumination device; this is merely an example. While embodiments described herein relate to illumination, this description may extend to other electric or electronic devices. Accordingly, any load may be attached to the hardware and/or software described herein to provide the desired functionality. - Also included in
FIG. 1A is aremote computing device 108. Theremote computing device 108 may represent one or more computing devices that may facilitate sending messages and/or commands to be included in AC power. Theremote computing device 108 may also be configured for updating software and/or firmware associated with the components, and/or provide other functionality. As an example, some embodiments may be configured to receive a command form theremote computing device 108 to activate thelighting device 106. This command may be sent via a communications network (which is part of the network 100) to theAC controller 104, which may convert the message to be communicated via an altered from of the AC power. The AC power may be received by thelighting device 106, which may also receive the message. Thelighting device 106 may thus be powered by the AC power and receive communications via the AC power. -
FIG. 1B depicts a different configuration thanFIG. 1A in that the embodiment ofFIG. 1B illustrates theAC controller 104 with anelectric circuit panel 110, such as a breaker panel, which may or may not be co-located with theAC controller 104. Specifically, the embodiment ofFIG. 1B depicts thepower generation facility 102, which is connected to thenetwork 100. Thepower generation facility 102 may provide power to a user's facility, which may be received at theelectric circuit panel 110 controlling operation and/or for distribution along a local portion of thenetwork 100 to various loads at the user's facility. However, theAC controller 104 may be included with theelectric circuit panel 110 and/or provided at the user premises and coupled to theelectric circuit panel 110 via a local network to provide user control of the desired functionality. Depending on the particular embodiment, theAC controller 104 may be included in series between thepower generation facility 102 and theelectric circuit panel 110. However, some embodiments may be configured with theelectric circuit panel 110 between thepower generation facility 102 and theAC controller 104. Other configurations may also be utilized, depending on the embodiment. Regardless, thelighting device 106 may be coupled to the circuit for receiving power from thepower generation facility 102. -
FIG. 2 depicts anAC controller 104, according to embodiments described herein. As illustrated, theAC controller 104 may include atransistor 202, an ACcontroller computing device 204, and a zerocross detector 206. Specifically, theAC controller 104 may receive AC power from thepower generation facility 102 at thetransistor 202 and the zerocross detector 206. TheAC controller 104 may also receive a communication signal such as from theremote computing device 108 at the ACcontroller computing device 204. The ACcontroller computing device 204 may determine a message that was sent via the communication signal and may determine an action to take from the communication signal. As an example, the communication signal may request that thelighting device 106 be turned off. Accordingly, the ACcontroller computing device 204 may determine this request and then determine how to alter the AC power that is received by thetransistor 202 may be altered to communicate that message over the same frequency as the AC power. - In order to communicate the communication signal over the AC power, the AC
controller computing device 204 may determine a communications protocol. As an example, the communications protocol may include delaying transmission and/or inserting a standard delay time at predetermined intervals in the AC power. Depending on the timing of the plurality of delays, a recipient device may decode the communication. As another example, the ACcontroller computing device 204 may determine the length of delay for communicating the message. In this scenario, length of delay and timing of subsequent delays may provide the communications protocol for the recipient device to decode. Based on the determined communications protocol that is being used, the zerocross detector 206 may determine when the AC power is transmitting zero volts (e.g., when the voltage from the AC power changes from positive to negative or vice versa). At or around the zero cross point (e.g., a point where the AC power crosses zero volts, either from positive to negative or from negative to positive), the ACcontroller computing device 204 may insert an alteration into the AC power, such as a delay. The alteration may occur at or around one or more zero cross points of the AC power and may be configured as a binary signal, such that a delayed zero cross point indicates a binary “1” and a non-delayed zero cross point indicates a binary “0.” Other formats and protocols may be used as well, such as different lengths of delay to indicate different characters of a message. Thetransistor 202 may then implement the desired alteration to the AC power, which is sent along thenetwork 100. -
FIGS. 3A-3B depict waveforms of AC power that may be altered by theAC controller 104, as described herein. Specifically,FIG. 3A depicts awaveform 320 a of AC power for providing power to one or more devices. The AC power may be transmitted with a peak voltage of plus/minus 120 volts, 220 volts, 440 volts, and/or other voltages. Accordingly, between the positive and negative peaks are zero cross points 322 a-322 d, where the voltage is zero. - Also depicted in
FIG. 3A is asquare wave 324 a, with a voltage range of 0 volts to 5 volts. As described in more detail with regard toFIG. 4 , the square wave may be created from the AC power via an AC filter 414 (FIG. 4 ) such that the load computing device 412 (FIG. 4 ) may be adequately powered. As will be understood, the voltage range of thesquare wave 324 a may vary, depending on the requirements and specifications of theload computing device 412. -
FIG. 3B depicts awaveform 320 b of AC power that has been altered to communicate a message, as described herein. Specifically, thewaveform 320 b may be similar to thewaveform 320 a, except altered to communicate the message. Accordingly, thewaveform 320 b may have predetermined positive and negative voltages, as well as zero cross points corresponding with thewaveform 320 a. Additionally, thewaveform 320 b may have a predetermined half period (represented as “T”), which also corresponds to thewaveform 320 a. Upon determining the substance of a message to be sent, theAC controller 104 may be configured to delay transmission of the AC power at or around one or more zero cross points 322 for a predetermined time period before continuing the transmission. As illustrated inFIG. 3B , thedelay 326 may be implemented, such that the half period for a first portion of the waveform 230 b (T1) may be the same as (or similar to) as the normal half period (T) because the delay began at the zero cross point corresponding with the zerocross point 322 a fromFIG. 3A . However, because of the implemented delay, thewaveform 320 b may be shifted by a predetermined amount of time and thus the half period of the subsequent portion of the waveform (T2) may be greater by that delayed amount of time. - Accordingly, a recipient device (such as the lighting device 106) may receive the AC power and may recognize the alteration to the AC power. Depending on the protocol being implemented, the recipient device may decode the message and react appropriately. In some embodiments, a delayed waveform at an expected zero cross point will be identified as a binary “1,” while an unaltered zero cross point of the AC power may represent a binary “0” (or vice versa). Thus, the recipient device may decode the series of binary “ones” and “zeros” to determine a message being sent via the AC power. Other embodiments may utilize a different encoding protocol, such as varying the length of delay to indicate a “1” or “0” or other data (e.g., a first amount of delay may indicate a first signal such as a “1” and a second amount of delay may represent a second signal such as a “0” and/or other coding protocol).
- It should be understood that while embodiments described herein are not required to provide a delay at or around the zero cross point, the embodiments that insert delays at, around, and/or slightly after the zero cross point may (depending on the length of delay and the load) result in a more constant output of the load, as the voltage will experience less interruption. It should also be understood that, while the above description indicates that a delay is utilized, this is also an example. As described in
FIG. 3B , the AC power may actually be disconnected, creating a break in power signal. Thus, the break may actually be represented as a zero voltage event. Other alterations may also be utilized. -
FIG. 3B also depicts asquare wave 324 b, with acorresponding delay 328. As theAC controller 104 may alter the AC power, the square wave may experience a similar delay, which may also be utilized to communicate data. -
FIG. 4 depicts an electric device that takes the form of alighting device 106, according to embodiments described herein. As illustrated, thelighting device 106 includes adevice circuit 402 and aload 404. Thedevice circuit 402 may include avoltage rectifier 406, a voltagecurrent converter 408, avoltage regulator 410, aload computing device 412, anAC filter 414, and aninterface component 418. Specifically, the AC power (or the altered AC power, depending on the embodiment) may be received by thedevice circuit 402 at thevoltage rectifier 406. Thevoltage rectifier 406 may be configured to modify the AC power (waveform FIG. 3A, 3B ) to rectify or remove negative portions of the waveform and/or otherwise convert the AC power into direct current (DC) power. As an example, theload 404 may be configured to only activate with positive voltage. Accordingly, if theload 404 receives AC power, the LEDs may flicker due to the negative voltage being received. This may result in a potentially undesirable output. As such, thevoltage rectifier 406 may be configured to output only non-negative voltage to provide a steady output from theload 404. - The
voltage rectifier 406 may send the conditioned voltage to the voltagecurrent converter 408, as well as to thevoltage regulator 410. Thevoltage regulator 410 may be configured to reduce the voltage of the rectified power to a level that is usable to power theload computing device 412. As an example, thevoltage regulator 410 may reduce the DC voltage to about 5 volts or other voltage that is usable by theload computing device 412. This converted DC voltage may be sent to power theload computing device 412. - The
load computing device 412 may also be coupled to thevoltage detector 416 and may be configured to alter the manner in which voltage is delivered to theload 404. Similarly, some embodiments of theload computing device 412 may be configured to receive AC power that includes communication data; decode that communication; and perform an action, based on the decoded message. - To this end, the
voltage detector 416 may receive the conditioned voltage from thevoltage rectifier 406 and may determine a characteristic of the AC power. Based on the characteristic, theload computing device 412 may send a communication to theinterface component 418, which acts as a barrier between high and low voltages. Theinterface component 418 may send a signal to the voltagecurrent converter 408, which may alter the voltage received by various portions of theload 404, based on the message received in the AC power and decoded by theload computing device 412. - Additionally, the AC power (with the alterations described in
FIG. 3B ) may be received by theAC filter 414. As described above regardingFIGS. 3A and 3B , theAC filter 414 may receive the AC power and convert the AC power into a filtered signal, which may include computer-readable format, such as a square wave with a peak voltage that is compatible with theload computing device 412. If the AC controller 104 (FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2 ) alters the AC power (such as including a delay), the square wave produced by theAC filter 414 may also include the alteration (or similar alteration). Theload computing device 412 may receive the square wave from theAC filter 414 and may utilize logic to determine the message included in the altered square wave. Depending on the particular embodiment, the message sent via the AC power may include an instruction to activate theload 404, deactivate theload 404, reduce power to the load, etc. Some embodiments may be configured to cause theload computing device 412 to implement a test sequence for testing operation of thelighting device 106. Similarly, some embodiments may cause the load to communicate a message to another device (such as a mobile phone, television, computing device, etc.). - As an example, some embodiments may be configured such that the load is an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs). Based on the received voltage of the AC power, the
load computing device 412 may cause the voltagecurrent converter 408 to send the AC power only to those LEDs that can properly operate under the power constraints, thus changing output of the LEDs. This can provide relatively consistent output of theload 404, regardless of the AC power. - It should also be understood that embodiments of the
device circuit 402 may be provided on a printed circuit board (PCB) and/or other circuit material that includes an aluminum substrate as a primary component. By utilizing an aluminum substrate for thedevice circuit 402, heat may be dissipated, thus removing the necessity for a heat sink or other heat removal devices. - Additionally, while the embodiment of
FIG. 4 depicts asingle device circuit 402 and asingle load 404, this is also merely an example. Some embodiments may couple a plurality ofloads 404 to asingle device circuit 402 and/or a plurality ofdevice circuits 402 together to provide the desired functionality and/or illumination. Additionally, the blocks 202-206 depicted inFIG. 2 and blocks 406-418 fromFIG. 4 may be implemented in hardware (including programmable hardware), software, and/or firmware depending on the particular embodiment, so long as the desired functionality is provided. It should also be understood that while thelighting device 106 is depicted with both thedevice circuit 402 and theload 404, this is also an example. Some embodiments may include a device circuit that is separate from thelighting device 106. -
FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart for sending altered AC power to a device, according to embodiments described herein. As illustrated inblock 530, AC power may be received. Inblock 532, communication data may be received. As discussed above, the communication data may be received from aremote computing device 108 and/or via other source. Regardless, inblock 534, a message for sending to a remote device may be determined from the communication data. Inblock 536, alterations to the AC power may be determined to convert the communications data into the message according to a predetermined format. Inblock 538, a zero cross point of the AC power may be determined. Inblock 540, the AC power may be altered to determine alterations at or around the zero cross point. Inblock 542, the altered AC power may be sent to an external device. -
FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart for including a delay in AC power for sending a message, according to embodiments described herein. As illustrated inblock 630, AC power may be received. Inblock 632, a communication to send may be determined. Inblock 634, at least one zero cross point of the AC power may be determined. Inblock 636, communication of the AC power may be delayed for a predetermined time at or around the at least one zero cross point, according to a predetermined format to communicate a message via the AC power. -
FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart for determining contents of a message that was sent via altered AC power, according to embodiments described herein. As illustrated inblock 730, altered AC power may be received with an included message. Inblock 732, the altered AC power may be converted into a computer-readable format. Inblock 734, an action may be determined from the message in the altered AC power. Inblock 736, the AC power may be utilized to perform the action, according to the determined message. -
FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart for altering a load, based on a determined characteristic of received AC power, according to embodiments described herein. As illustrated inblock 830, AC power may be received. Inblock 832, a characteristic of the AC power may be determined. Inblock 834, a command to adjust a load based on the characteristic may be determined. Inblock 836, the load may be adjusted, based on the characteristic. -
FIG. 9 depicts aload computing device 412 for determining a characteristic of AC power, according to embodiments described herein. Theload computing device 412 includes aprocessor 930, input/output hardware 932,network interface hardware 934, a data storage component 936 (which storesalteration data 938 a, other data 936 b, and/or other data), and thememory component 940. Thememory component 940 may be configured as volatile and/or nonvolatile memory and as such, may include random access memory (including SRAM, DRAM, and/or other types of RAM), flash memory, electrical erasable programmed read only memory (EEPROM), secure digital (SD) memory, registers, compact discs (CD), digital versatile discs (DVD), and/or other types of non-transitory computer-readable mediums. Depending on the particular embodiment, these non-transitory computer-readable mediums may reside within theload computing device 412 and/or external to theload computing device 412. - The memory component 140 may store
operating system logic 942, sensinglogic 944 a and altering logic 144 b. Thesensing logic 944 a and the alteringlogic 944 b may each include a plurality of different pieces of logic, each of which may be embodied as a computer program, firmware, and/or hardware, as an example. Alocal interface 946 is also included inFIG. 9 and may be implemented as a bus or other communication interface to facilitate communication among the components of theload computing device 412. - The
processor 930 may include any processing component operable to receive and execute instructions (such as from adata storage component 936 and/or the memory component 140). As described above, the input/output hardware 932 may include and/or be configured to interface with the components ofFIG. 9 . - The
network interface hardware 934 may include and/or be configured for communicating with any wired or wireless networking hardware, including an antenna, a modem, a LAN port, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) card, WiMax card, mobile communications hardware, and/or other hardware for communicating with other networks and/or devices. From this connection, communication may be facilitated between theload computing device 412 and other computing devices, such as those depicted inFIG. 1 . - The
operating system logic 942 may include an operating system and/or other software for managing components of theload computing device 412. As discussed above, thesensing logic 944 a may reside in thememory component 940 and may be configured to cause theprocessor 930 to determine voltage values, delays in power signal waveforms, as well as perform other functions, as described above. Similarly, the alteringlogic 944 b may be utilized to provide instructions for altering one or more functions of thelighting device 106. - It should be understood that while the components in
FIG. 9 are illustrated as residing within theload computing device 412, this is merely an example. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may reside external to theload computing device 412. It should also be understood that, while theload computing device 412 is illustrated as a single device, this is also merely an example. Similarly, some embodiments may be configured with thesensing logic 944 a and the alteringlogic 944 b residing on different computing devices. Additionally, while theload computing device 412 is illustrated with thesensing logic 944 a and the alteringlogic 944 b as separate logical components, this is also an example. In some embodiments, a single piece of logic may cause theremote computing device 108 to provide the described functionality or multiple different pieces may provide this functionality. - It should also be understood that while the
load computing device 412 is depicted inFIG. 9 , other computing devices, such as the ACcontroller computing device 204 and theremote computing device 108 may also include at least a portion of the hardware described with regard toFIG. 9 . The hardware and software for these devices however, may vary from those described with regard toFIG. 9 to provide the desired functionality. - As illustrated above, various embodiments for customized lighting and communication via alternating current power are disclosed. These embodiments may be configured to provide a user to with the ability to control output of a load (such as a lighting device) with a remote computing device. Embodiments also provide for circuitry that does not require heat removal devices. Some embodiments may also provide the ability to communicate over AC power using the same frequency as the AC power.
- While particular embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Moreover, although various aspects have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. Accordingly, it is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the embodiments shown and described herein.
Claims (20)
1. A method for providing communication via alternating current power comprising:
receiving alternating current power at a predetermined frequency;
receiving communications data for a device;
determining, from the communications data, a message to send to the device;
determining an alteration to the alternating current power to convert the communications data into the message according to a predetermined format;
determining a zero cross point of the alternating current power;
altering the alternating current power around the zero cross point according to the predetermined format to send the message; and
sending the altered alternating current power with the message according to the predetermined format to the device.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein altering the alternating current power includes delaying transmission of the alternating current power for a predetermined amount of time after the zero cross point.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined format includes delaying transmission of the alternating current power for a predetermined amount of time after the zero cross point to represent a binary “1” and not delaying transmission of the alternating current power to represent a binary “0.”
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined format includes delaying transmission of the alternating current power, wherein a first amount of delay represents a first signal and a second amount of delay represents a second signal.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising sending the altered alternating current power to a lighting device, wherein the message controls output of the lighting device.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising sending the altered alternating current power to a lighting device, wherein the lighting device utilizes the message to communicate with another device.
7. An alternating current controller for providing communication via alternating current power comprising:
a transistor for receiving the alternating current power at a predetermined frequency and altering the alternating current power;
a zero cross detector that is coupled to the transistor for receiving the alternating current power and determining a zero cross point that indicates that the alternating current power crosses zero volts; and
an alternating current controller computing device that is coupled to the zero cross detector, the alternating current controller computing device including logic that when executed by a processor, causes the alternating current controller to perform at least the following:
receive a communication from a remote computing device that includes a message for including in the alternating current power;
determine a predetermined format for altering the alternating current power for including the message in the alternating current power at the predetermined frequency;
receive data from the zero cross detector that indicates when the alternating current power crosses zero volts; and
provide an instruction to the transistor for altering the alternating current power to include the message.
8. The alternating current controller of claim 7 , wherein altering the alternating current power includes delaying transmission of the alternating current power for a predetermined amount of time after the zero cross point.
9. The alternating current controller of claim 7 , wherein the predetermined format includes delaying transmission of the alternating current power for a predetermined amount of time after the zero cross point to represent a binary “1” and not delaying transmission of the alternating current power to represent a binary “0.”
10. The alternating current controller of claim 7 , wherein the predetermined format includes delaying transmission of the alternating current power, wherein a first amount of delay represents a first signal and a second amount of delay represents a second signal.
11. The alternating current controller of claim 7 , wherein the transistor sends the altered alternating current power to a lighting device, wherein the message controls output of the lighting device.
12. The alternating current controller of claim 7 , wherein the transistor sends the altered alternating current power to a lighting device, wherein the lighting device utilizes the message to communicate with another device.
13. The alternating current controller of claim 7 , wherein the alternating current controller is coupled to an electric circuit panel at a user premises.
14. A system for providing communication via alternating current power comprising an alternating current controller comprising:
a transistor for receiving the alternating current power at a predetermined frequency, altering the alternating current power, and outputting the altered alternating current power to an electric device;
a zero cross detector that is coupled to the transistor for receiving the alternating current power and determining a zero cross point that indicates that the alternating current power crosses zero volts; and
an alternating current controller computing device that is coupled to the zero cross detector, the alternating current controller computing device including logic that when executed by a processor, causes the alternating current controller to perform at least the following:
receive a communication from a remote computing device that includes a message for including in the alternating current power;
determine a predetermined format for delaying at least a portion of the alternating current power for including the message in the alternating current power at the predetermined frequency;
receive data from the zero cross detector that indicates when the alternating current power crosses zero volts; and
provide an instruction to the transistor for delaying at least a portion of the alternating current power to include the message.
15. The system of claim 14 , wherein delaying at least a portion of the alternating current power includes delaying transmission of the alternating current power for a predetermined amount of time after the zero cross point.
16. The system of claim 14 , wherein the predetermined format includes delaying transmission of the alternating current power for a predetermined amount of time after the zero cross point to represent a binary “1” and not delaying transmission of the alternating current power to represent a binary “0.”
17. The system of claim 14 , wherein the predetermined format includes delaying transmission of the alternating current power, wherein a first amount of delay represents a first signal and a second amount of delay represents a second signal.
18. The system of claim 14 , further comprising the electric device that receives the message and performs a function in response to the message.
19. The system of claim 14 , further comprising the electric device, wherein the electric device is configured as a lighting device, and wherein the message controls output of the lighting device.
20. The system of claim 14 , further comprising an electric circuit panel located at a user premises, wherein the electric circuit panel controls operation of the electric device.
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US20160302274A1 (en) * | 2015-04-07 | 2016-10-13 | Earth Star Solutions, LLC | Systems and methods for customized load control |
US9648706B2 (en) * | 2015-04-07 | 2017-05-09 | Earth Star Solutions, LLC | Systems and methods for customized load control |
US10298070B2 (en) * | 2015-09-10 | 2019-05-21 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Wireless power transmission system and power transmission apparatus |
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CN107710093A (en) | 2018-02-16 |
US9648706B2 (en) | 2017-05-09 |
KR102159533B1 (en) | 2020-09-25 |
UA120962C2 (en) | 2020-03-10 |
ZA201707104B (en) | 2019-11-27 |
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KR20180020127A (en) | 2018-02-27 |
EP3281078B1 (en) | 2020-06-03 |
CL2017002552A1 (en) | 2018-06-29 |
HK1249596A1 (en) | 2018-11-02 |
CN107710093B (en) | 2021-06-04 |
SG11201708309UA (en) | 2017-11-29 |
CO2017011449A2 (en) | 2019-09-30 |
MX2017012992A (en) | 2018-02-12 |
IL254913A0 (en) | 2017-12-31 |
WO2016164568A1 (en) | 2016-10-13 |
AU2016246731A2 (en) | 2017-11-30 |
AU2020200673A1 (en) | 2020-02-20 |
JP2018511160A (en) | 2018-04-19 |
AU2016246731A1 (en) | 2017-11-09 |
BR112017021616A2 (en) | 2018-07-03 |
JP6646727B2 (en) | 2020-02-14 |
RU2017137516A (en) | 2019-05-07 |
US20160302274A1 (en) | 2016-10-13 |
RU2706412C2 (en) | 2019-11-18 |
PH12017501843A1 (en) | 2018-02-26 |
RU2017137516A3 (en) | 2019-05-07 |
CA2982122A1 (en) | 2016-10-13 |
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