WO2013056320A1

WO2013056320A1 - Touch dimmer lighting control

Info

Publication number: WO2013056320A1
Application number: PCT/AU2012/001290
Authority: WO
Inventors: David O'driscoll
Original assignee: Brightgreen Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-10-20
Filing date: 2012-10-12
Publication date: 2013-04-25
Also published as: EP2769600A4; AU2012325685B2; EP2769600A1; AU2012325685A1; NZ623833A

Abstract

A touch panel device (12) for a dimmer lighting control system (10), the device (12) comprising a touch sensitive surface (14) capable of detecting movement of a finger or fingers in first and second directions, and a processing means (16) for generating first and second control signals respectively based on this detection. In use, the balance of the load between first and second light circuits and a total light output of both light circuits can be controlled with the same touch panel device (12).

Description

"TOUCH DIMMER LIGHTING CONTROL" Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to lighting control and relates particularly to touch dimmer lighting control system for controlling two or more light circuits with one touch panel.

Background to the invention

Touch dimmer lighting control systems are known in the art which employ a touch panel to vary the brightness of a single light circuit. The touch panel replaces a conventional light switch and rotary dimmer control knob. For example, US Patent Application No 2010/0301682 by Huang, filed 2 December 2010, describes a feather-touch dimming switch which comprises an enclosure having a mounting surface, a flat plate button mounted on the mounting surface, a dimming button, a tripping button, a dimmer mounted inside the enclosure, a resetting/tripping device, and a dimming control circuit. The device of Huang is used to switch the power ON/OFF to a single light circuit and/or to dim the light by controlling the power supplied to the light circuit.

US Patent No 7,566,996 issued on 28 July 2009 to Altonen and Spira, discloses a touch dimmer that comprises a face plate having a planar front surface with an opening through which a bezel with a touch sensitive surface extends. The front surface of the bezel is positioned immediately above a touch sensitive device which is actuated by a user touching the front surface of the bezel. Actuation of the lower portion of the front surface causes a single lighting load to be switched ON/OFF. Actuation of the upper portion of the front surface causes the intensity of the lighting load to change.

Prior art touch dimmers have tended to duplicate the controls provided by a conventional mechanical switch and rotary dimmer. The present invention was developed with a view to providing a touch dimmer lighting control system which expands the functionality of a touch dimmer beyond that of conventional mechanical light switches and rotary dimmers.

References to prior art in this specification are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be taken as an admission that such prior art is part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a touch panel device for a dimmer lighting control system, the device comprising: a touch sensitive surface capable of detecting movement of a finger in first and second directions, and a processing means for generating first and second control signals respectively based on this detection wherein, in use, the balance of the load between first and second light circuits and a total light output of both light circuits can be controlled with the same touch panel device. Typically the touch sensitive surface is capable of detecting movement of a finger in first and second perpendicular directions. Advantageously the touch sensitive front surface is capable of detecting movement of a finger in a horizontal direction (X axis) and a vertical direction (Y axis).

Preferably the first and second control signals generated by the processing means are based on a combination of the detected movement of the finger on the touch sensitive surface in the X and Y directions. A vertical movement of the finger in the direction of the Y axis may result in the generation of a first and second control signals that vary the power to both light circuits (and hence the brightness) to exactly the same extent, whereas a horizontal movement of the finger in the direction of the X axis may result in the generation of first and second control signals that vary the power to the first and second light circuits respectively to a different extent. Movement of the finger in a diagonal direction preferably results in a combination of these brightness variations in the first and second control signals. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a touch dimmer control system comprising: first and second light circuits; a touch panel device having a touch sensitive surface capable of detecting movement of a finger in first and second directions, and a processing means for generating first and second control signals respectively based on this detection; and, first and second lighting control means responsive to the first and second control signals respectively for controlling the first and second light circuits respectively and wherein, in use, the balance of the load between the first and second light circuits and the total light output of both light circuits can be controlled with the same touch panel device.

Preferably the first and second light circuits are selected to have different colour temperatures. Advantageously when the touch sensitive surface is swiped with the finger in a horizontal direction (X axis), the processing means generates first and second control signals which causes the balance of the load (power output) between the first to the second light circuits to change so as to vary the colour temperature. Advantageously when the touch sensitive surface is swiped with the finger in a vertical direction (Y axis), the processing means generates first and second control signals which causes the total power output to both the first and second light circuits to vary between 0% and 100% brightness.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a touch panel device for a dimmer lighting control system, the device comprising: a touch sensitive surface capable of detecting movement of a one or more fingers in first and second directions, and a processing means for generating first and second control signals respectively based on this detection wherein, in use, the balance of the load between first and second light circuits and a total light output of both light circuits can be controlled with the same touch panel device. The touch sensitive surface may be capable of detecting movement of the one or more fingers in first and second perpendicular directions. The touch sensitive front surface may be capable of detecting movement of the one or more fingers in a horizontal direction (X axis) and a vertical direction (Y axis). The first and second control signals generated by the processing means may be based on a combination of the detected movement of the one or more fingers on the touch sensitive surface in the X and Y directions. A vertical movement of the one or more fingers in the direction of the Y axis results in the generation of a first and second control signals that vary the power to both light circuits (and hence the brightness) to exactly the same extent, whereas a horizontal movement of the one or more fingers in the direction of the X axis results in the generation of first and second control signals that vary the power to the first and second light circuits respectively to a different extent. Movement of the or more fingers in a diagonal direction may result in a combination of these brightness variations in the first and second control signals.

The term "light circuit" as employed in this specification refers to one or more lights connected in a single circuit. However, please note, that one lighting device or luminaire may comprise one or more light circuits.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Likewise the word "preferably" or variations such as "preferred", will be understood to imply that a stated integer or group of integers is desirable but not essential to the working of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

The nature of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of several specific embodiments of a touch dimmer lighting control system, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the touch dimmer lighting control system according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a functional block circuit diagram of the touch panel device in the touch dimmer lighting control system of Figure 1;

Figures 3 (a), (b), ^'(c), _. (d) and (e) illustrate different control strokes preferably employed with the touch dimmer control system of Figure ;

Figures 4 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) illustrate a first preferred embodiment of a touch panel employed in the touch dimmer control system of Figure 1 in perspective, rear, side, section, front and top plan view respectively;

Figure 5 is a flow chart for a typical control program employed in a processing means of the touch panel device of Figure 2; and

Figure 6 is a functional block circuit diagram of the touch panel device in the touch dimmer lighting control system according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

A first preferred embodiment of a touch dimmer lighting control system 10 in accordance with the invention, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, comprises a touch panel device 12 having a touch sensitive surface 14. The touch sensitive surface 14 is capable of detecting movement of a finger in first and second directions. The device 12 also includes a processing means 16 for generating first and second control signals respectively based on this detection. The processing means 16 is typically a programmable electronic device, such as a PLC or EEPROM, which controls the logic of the control signals generated according to a preset control program. Figure 5 illustrates in flow chart form a typical control program employed in the processing means 16 for generating the first and second control signals based on the detected movement of a finger on the touch sensitive surface 14.

The system 10 typically further comprises first and second lighting control means 18a and 18b responsive to the first and second control signals respectively for controlling first and second light circuits respectively. The lighting control means 18 are standard off-the-shelf components for controlling a light fixture. For example, if the light fixture is a downlight with a 12 Volt halogen or compact fluorescent light (CFL) globe, the lighting control system may comprise a transformer for converting the mains power voltage to 12 Volt, and a dimmer for decreasing or increasing the voltage, and hence the power to the globe, to vary the intensity of the light output. The dimmer typically employs a silicon-controlled rectifier or thyristor, rather than a potentiometer or variable resistor, to vary the output power in response to the input control signal. In the illustrated first embodiment first and second light circuits are embodied in a single, dual output light fixture or luminaire 20. The luminaire 20 has first and second light globes (not visible), and therefore is effectively first and second light circuits in the one light device. Each globe in the luminaire 20 is typically rated at a different colour temperature, for example, one at 3000k and the other at 5000k. The 5000k globe typically produces a much whiter, 'cold' colour temperature light, whereas the 3000k globe produces a more yellow, 'warm' colour temperature light. In use, the balance of the load between the first and second light circuits and the total light output of both light circuits can be controlled with the same touch panel device 12. It will be understood that the lighting control system may be used to control two or more light circuits and their corresponding lighting control means. Each light circuit may comprise one or more light globes connected in the one circuit.

Typically the touch sensitive surface 14 is capable of detecting movement of a finger in first and second perpendicular directions. Advantageously the touch sensitive front surface 14 is capable of detecting movement of a finger in a horizontal direction (X axis) and a vertical direction (Y axis).

Preferably the first and second control signals generated by the processing means 16 are based on a combination of the detected movement of the finger on the touch sensitive surface 14 in the X and Y directions. Thus, for example, a vertical movement of the finger in the direction of the Y axis may result in the generation of first and second control signals that vary the power to both light circuits (and hence the brightness) to exactly the same extent, whereas a horizontal movement of the finger in the direction of the X axis may result in the generation of first and second control signals that vary the power to the first and second light circuits respectively to a different extent. Movement of the finger in a diagonal direction would thus result in a combination of these brightness variations in the first and second control signals.

In the illustrated first embodiment, Output 1 of the touch sensitive device 12 is connected to the first light circuit A which in this case is the 3000k globe in the luminaire 20, and the Output 2 of the touch sensitive device 12 is connected to the second light circuit B which in this case is the 5000k globe in the luminaire 20. When the touch sensitive surface 14 is tapped once, as shown in Figure 3 (a), the control signals generated by the device 12 is a simple ON/OFF signal to the respective light control means 18 for switching the globes ON or OFF. Processing means 16 detects that the signal from the touch surface 14 is a single tap (Step 102 in Figure 5) and switches the lights ON or OFF accordingly (Step 104 in Figure 5).

When the touch sensitive surface 14 is swiped with the finger in a horizontal direction (X axis) from left to right, as shown in Figure 3(b), the processing means 16 generates first and second control signals which causes the balance of the load (power output) to move from the first to the second light circuit (3000k to 5000k or from warmer to colder colour temperature), as per Steps 106 and 108 in Figure 5. On the other hand, when the touch sensitive surface 14 is swiped with the finger in a horizontal direction (X axis) from right to left, the processing means 16 generates first and second control signals which causes the balance of the load (power output) to move from the second to the first light circuit (5000k to 3000k or from colder to warmer colour temperature), as per Steps 110 and 1 12 in Figure 5. The result is a range of colour temperatures between 3000k to 5000k. When the touch sensitive surface 14 is swiped with the finger in a vertical direction (Y axis) from top to bottom, as shown in Figure 3(c), the processing means 16 generates first and second control signals which causes the total power output to both the first and second light circuits (3000k and 5000k) to decrease from 100% to 0% brightness, as per Steps 1 14 and 116 in Figure 5. On the other hand, when the touch sensitive surface 14 is swiped with the finger in a vertical direction (Y axis) from bottom to top, the processing means 16 generates first and second control signals which causes the total power output to both the first and second light circuits (3000k and 5000k) to increase from 0% to 100% brightness, as per Steps 1 18 and 120 in Figure 5. When the touch sensitive surface 14 is swiped with the finger in a diagonal direction from top left to bottom right, as shown in Figure 3(d), the processing means 16 generates first and second control signals which causes both the brightness and the colour temperature of the luminaire 20 to decrease. On the other hand, when the touch sensitive surface 14 is swiped. with the finger in a diagonal direction from top right to bottom left, the processing means 16 generates first and second control signals which causes the brightness of the luminaire 20 to decrease and the colour temperature to increase.

Advantageously the touch panel device 12 may also be Bluetooth enabled. The processing means 16 may then be designed to interpret a double tap, tap and hold of the finger on the touch sensitive surface 14, as shown in Figure 3(e), to generate a signal to activate a Bluetooth interface in the • device 12 for receiving programming instructions from an external Bluetooth enabled device such as an iPhone with an App for setting the time, autorythm, etc in the device 12. This is illustrated as Steps 122 and 124 in Figure 5. The Bluetooth interface may also be used to provide remote control of the touch panel device 12.

Preferably the touch panel device 12 also has first and second inputs (Inputs 2 and 3) for connecting the device 12 to alternative external dimming and colour temperature control means such as, for example, an automatic intelligent lighting control system. Such a system may be set to vary the brightness and colour temperature of the lights according to the natural circadian rhythm, the season and the time of day.

Further variations to the invention are envisaged including variations as to the action of touching the touch panel of the touch panel device so as to produce differing lighting effects. A second preferred embodiment of a touch dimmer lighting control system in accordance with the invention, as illustrated in Figure 6, comprises a touch panel device 32 having a touch sensitive surface 34. The touch panel device 32 and the touch sensitive surface 34 are similar in design to that of the touch panel device 12 and the touch sensitive surface 14. Additional settings may be provided which are activated from the touch panel 32 by touching the touch sensitive surface 34 with the finger or fingers in different ways. With the power in the ON state and by using a "small" touch 40, by holding the finger down with a light touch, and making a small movement in the direction of the X axis, the colour balance 50 may be adjusted. A small movement of the finger in the direction of the Y axis, changes the brightness 52. If the finger is released for more than a set duration, the change mode is exited.

In the "multi touch" option 42, two fingers are used in the vertical Y positioning to set the ON/OFF ramping speed 54, and how quickly the lights come on or go off. A further option of a "power" tap or large touch 44, using two or more fingers with a stronger pressing force, toggles the power state, with no change to settings.

Now that preferred embodiments of the dimmer lighting control system and touch panel device have been described in detail, it will be apparent that the described embodiments provide a number of advantages over the prior art, including the following:

(i) A single touch panel device can replace multiple prior art mechanical switches and rotary dimmers for controlling a plurality of light circuits. (ii) Both brightness and colour temperature can be controlled with a single touch panel device.

(iii) An infinite variety of combinations of brightness and colour temperature can be achieved with a simple touch control.

(iv) By varying the way in which the finger or fingers press the touch panel device, different effects can be achieved, for example in lighting brightness and colour balance.

It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention. For example, whilst the touch panel devices of the illustrated embodiments are stand-alone lighting control devices, it could also be integrated into the software and touch screen of an intelligent building control system used for controlling climate, lighting, security, ΑΛ/ and other electrical systems in a building. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described.

Claims

1. A touch panel device for a dimmer lighting control system, the device comprising; a touch sensitive surface capable of detecting movement of a finger in first and second directions, and a processing means for generating first and second control signals respectively based on this detection wherein, in use, the balance of the load between first and second light circuits and a total light output of both light circuits can be controlled with the same touch panel device. ¹

2. A touch panel device as defined in claim 1 , wherein the touch sensitive surface is capable of detecting movement of a finger in first and second perpendicular directions.

3. A touch panel device as defined in claim 2, wherein the touch sensitive front surface is capable of detecting movement of a finger in a horizontal direction (X axis) and a vertical direction (Y axis).

4. A touch panel device as defined in claim 3, wherein the first and second control signals generated by the processing means are based on a combination of the detected movement of the finger on the touch sensitive surface in the X and Y directions.

5. A touch panel device as defined in claim 4, wherein a vertical movement of the finger in the direction of the Y axis results in the generation of a first and second control signals that vary the power to both light circuits (and hence the brightness) to exactly the same extent, whereas a horizontal movement of the finger in the direction of the X axis results in the generation of first and second control signals that vary the power to the first and second light circuits respectively to a different extent.

6. A touch panel device as defined in claim 5, wherein movement of the finger in a diagonal direction results in a combination of these brightness variations in the first and second control signals.

7. A touch dimmer control system comprising: first and second light circuits; a touch panel device having a touch sensitive surface capable of detecting movement of a finger in first and second directions, and a processing means for generating first and second control signals respectively based on this detection; and, first and second lighting control means responsive to the first and second control signals respectively for controlling the first and second light circuits respectively and wherein, in use, the balance of the load between the first and second light circuits and the total light output of both light circuits can be controlled with the same touch panel device.

8. A touch dimmer control system as defined in claim 7, wherein the first and second light circuits are selected to have different colour temperatures.

9. A touch dimmer control system as defined in claim 8, wherein when the touch sensitive surface is swiped with the finger in a horizontal direction (X axis), the processing means generates first and second control signals which causes the balance of the load (power output) between the first to the second light circuits to change so as to vary the colour temperature.

10. A touch dimmer control system as defined in claim 9, wherein when the touch sensitive surface is swiped with the finger in a vertical direction (Y axis), the processing means generates first and second control signals which causes the total power output to both the first and second light circuits to vary between 0% and 00% brightness.

11. A touch panel device for a dimmer lighting control system, the device comprising: a touch sensitive surface capable of detecting movement of a one or more fingers in first and second directions, and a processing means for generating first and second control signals respectively based on this detection wherein, in use, the balance of the load between first and second light circuits and a total light output of both light circuits can be controlled with the same touch panel device.

12. A touch panel device as defined in claim 1 1 , wherein the touch sensitive surface is capable of detecting movement of the one or more fingers in first and second perpendicular directions.

13. A touch panel device as defined in claim 2, wherein the touch sensitive front surface is capable of detecting movement of the one or more fingers in a horizontal direction (X axis) and a vertical direction (Y axis).

14. A touch panel device as defined in claim 13, wherein the first and second control signals generated by the processing means are based on a combination of the detected movement of the one or more fingers on the touch sensitive surface in the X and Y directions.

15. A touch panel device as defined in claim 14, wherein a vertical movement of the one or more fingers in the direction of the Y axis results in the generation of a first and second control signals that vary the power to both light circuits (and hence the brightness) to exactly the same extent, whereas a horizontal movement of the one or more fingers in the direction of the X axis results in the generation of first and second control signals that vary the power to the first and second light circuits respectively to a different extent.

16. A touch panel device as defined in claim 15, wherein movement of the one or more fingers in a diagonal direction results in a combination of these brightness variations in the first and second control signals.