WO2015095922A1 - Dali electronic control device, system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an electronic control device (ECD) for use in a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) system. The ECD has a DALI interface for receiving and outputting data according to DALI protocol, a microcontroller for processing data for outputting at the DALI interface, a memory for storing a DALI group identifier for access by the microprocessor; and a plug receiver for receiving a plug containing at least one DALl group identifier for allowing transfer of the DALI group identifier from the plug to the memory. Also disclosed is a DALl system incorporating the ECD and a method of assigning the ECD to a DALI group.

Description

BALI ELECTRONIC CONTROL DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALl) control system and in particular, to assigning a DALl electronic control device (ECD) to a DALl group.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

10002 j The following co-pending patent applicatiotis are referred to in the following description;

Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2013905074 entitled "DALl Control System and Method"; and

Australian Provisional Patent Application No, 2013905070 entitled "DALl Device Grouping System and Method".

[0003] The entire content of each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference. PRIORITY

|O004{ The present application claims priority from:

Australian Provisional Patent. Application No. 2013905074 entitled "DALl Control System and Method";

Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2013905070 entitled "DALl Device Grouping System and Method"; and

Australian Provisional Patent Application No, 2013905071 entitled "DAL! Electronic Control Device. System and Method".

(0005 j The contents of these applications are hereb incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0006] The control of elements in a building such as lighting, heating and cooling is becoming more important as attempts are made to use these elements i a more energy efficient manner and to provide the building occupants with a greater degree of comfort and control. [00Θ7{ The Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALi protocol is a lighting control protocol that allows individual control and monitoring of each device in a lighting system, (e.g. ballasts, emergency lighting etc.), as well as groups of such devices. DALI evolved from Digital Signal Interface (DSI) to become an open standard no defined in IEC 60929. The standard defines the communications protocol and. electrical interface for compliant devices, and allows 64 DALI compliant devices to be supported on a single loop or network,

|0008] A DALI Communications interface unit is used to communicate with de ices on a. DALI network (also referred to as a loop or line) and may be connected to a controller or gateway device to allow connection of the DALI network to a computer or other network. DALI controllers may include a clock and be used to provide scheduling of DALI groups for scheduled occupancy, sequencing for o verride timers and effect lighting. The controller may also provide local intelligence enabling operation in the absence of a network connection.

(0 09J DALI systems thus provide a great degree of flexibility and control of lighting systems, al low ing control and monitoring of individual de vices such as ballasts and emergenc fittings, as well as groups of^* such devices.

[001.0] In a DALI network, devices are provided either as an electronic control device (ECD) (which includes devices such as switches, sensors and other control input devices) or electronic control gear (ECG) (which include ballasts and dimmer circuits, and which receive control signals from an ECD to control a load connected to the ECG). The ECDs and ECGs are connected via a DALI data bus which consists of two wires earning the data according to the D ALI protocol.

[0011] Figure 1 shows a typical prior art DALI system arrangement 500. The arrangement comprises a DALI bus 510, connecting a plurality of electronic control gear (ECGs) 100, 100\ 100'", 100"" to 100n\ and a plurality of electronic control devices (ECDs) 200, 200' and 200". Each of the ECGs and ECDs are connected to the DALI bus 510 via respective connector lines 51 1. In some arrangements, a DALI controller 520 is provided to provide additional control functions and allow programming of the various devices once installed.

[0012] A typical DALI system may also comprise a power supply 300, which provides power to each of the devices via power supply line 310.

|0013] Each ECG 100 is connected to a respective load 600 which in one example is a light emitting diode (LED) light which the ECG controls. [0014] The ECDs 200 allo w control of the loads by a user, in one embodiment, the ECD 200 is a simple ON/OFF switch. In another embodiment, the ECD 200 is a dimmer switch, allowing the user to selectively dim a load.

[0015{ For example, if a user turns the switch on the ECD 200 from the OFF position to the ON position, this signal is transferred to the DALI bus 51 on connector line 511 , via a forwar frame, which is provided to all ECGs 100 that are associated with the group with which the ECD 100 is associated. This will, cause those ECG 200 to turn their respective loads 600 from the OFF state to the ON state.

|0016j In some cases, an ECD will interrogate an ECG to determine its current status. This interrogation is done by way of the ECD generating and broadcasting to the relevant ECGs a forward Iranie containing the appropriate data. In response, the interrogated ECGs will respond with a. shorter, backward frame, containing the appropriate data.

[0017] One of the features of the DALI system is that devices can be grouped together so that a control input applied to an ECD (for example an ON/OFF switch) causes all ECGs that are grouped in the same group as the ECD to perform that function (e.g. turn ON or OFF). Up to 16 groups can be allocated to the various devices within the network.

[0018 J Figure 2 shows the arrangement of Figure 1, illustrating dev ices associated to a particular DALI. group. In this Figure, the shaded DALI devices are associated with the same group. This association is done via programming of each device once installed, as will be understood by the person skilled in the art. Part of the programming process i ncludes uploading i nto memory of each DALI device, parameters that control how each device will respond to a particular command. For example, each DALI device will have its own address (1.-64) programmed, the group to which it is assigned (1 - 16), a % value associated with its minimum brightness^' setting (0-100%), a % value^' associated with its maximum brightness setting (0-100%) , and instructions relating to specific scenes settings.

[0019] One of the complexities of setting up a DALI network is that each device (ECD or ECG) must, be programmed once installed, to allow the network to function as required. Tins programming is generally required to be performed by a skilled technician.

SUMMARY

[0020] According to a first aspect, there is provided a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) electronic control device (ECD) comprising: a DALI interface for receiving and outputting data according to DALI protocol; a microcontroller for processing data for outputting at the DALI interface; a memory for storing a DALI group identifier for access by the microprocessor; and a plug receiver for receiving a plug containing at least one DALI group identifier for allowing transfer of the DALI group identifier from the plug to the memory.

[0021] Accordin to a second aspect, there is provided a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface {DALI) system comprising at least one electronic control device (ECD) according to the first aspect.

[00221 According to a third aspect, there is provided a metliod of assigning a DALI electronic control device (ECD) to a DALI group, the method comprising: inserting a plug containing data relating to at least one DALI group into the DALI ECD.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00231 Embodiments of the various aspects described herein will be detailed with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0024] Figure 1 - shows a general DALI system arrangement according to the prior art;

[0025] Figure 2 - shows the arrangement of Figure 1 indicating that some of the devices are associated with a particular DALI group;

|0026j Figure 3 - shows a plug according to one aspect described herein;

[0027| Figure.4 A - shows one embodiment of a DALI device interface;

[0028] Figure 4B - shows another embodiment of a DALI device interface;

[0029] Figure 4C - shows another embodiment of a DALI device interface;

[0030] Figure 4D - shows another embodiment of a DALI device interface;

[0031] Figur 4E - shows another embodiment of a DALI device interface;

[0032] Figure 4F - shows another embodiment of a DALI device interface;

[0033] Figure 40 - shows another embodiment of a DALI device interface;

[0034] Figure 5 - shows another embodiment of a plug described herein; [0035j Figure 6A - shows one embodiment of a plu group selector: (0036] Figure 6B - shows another embodiment of a plug group selector; [0037] Figure 6C - shows another embodiment of a plug group selector; [0038] Figure 6D— shows another embodiment of a plug group selector;

|0039| Figure 7 A - shows an embodiment of a DALI device/ ECD according to one aspect described herein;

[0040] Figure 7B - shows the DALI device/ECD of Figure 7 A with a plug of Figure 3 inserted therein:

[0041 [ Figure 7C - shows the DALI device/ECD of Figure 7 A with a plug of Figure 5 inserted therein;

[0042] Figure 8 - shows an embodiment of a DALI system according to one aspect described herein;

[0043] Figure 9 - shows an embodiment of a DALI system according to another aspect described herein;

[0044] Figure 10 - shows a flowchart of a method of assigning DALI device/ECD to a group according to one embodiment;

[0045] Figure Ϊ 1 A ~ shows a flowchart of a method f assigning a DALI de vice/ECD to a group according to another embodiment;

[0046] Figure 1 IB - shows a flowchart of a method of assigning a DALI device/ECD to a group according to another embodiment of the method of Figure 11 A;

[0047] Figure ! 2A - shows an embodiment of an ECD with plug receiver:

[0048] Figure 12B - shows the ECD of Figure 12A with a plug;

[0049] Figure 13 - shows an embodiment of a plug;

[0050] Figure 14 - shows a block diagram of the components inside a plug according to one embodiment; [0051] Figure 15 - shows a circuit diagram of one embodiment of the block diagram of Figure 14;

(0052| Figure 16 - shows a block diagram inside a DALI device according to one embodiment;

[0053] Figure 17 - shows a circuit diagram of the block diagram of Figure 16 according to one embodiment; and

[0054] Figure 18 - shows an example of a DALI system to which one or more aspects described herein may be applied.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(0055J Figure 3 shows one embodiment of a plug 700 according to one aspect described herein. Plug 700 comprises a plug memory 710 for storing a group identifier, such as data indicating one of the 16 DALI groups, being 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. 16.

[0056] Plug 700 will have on its surface, some indicia to indicate to the user which DALI group is stored in the plug memory. This indicia is in one embodiment, a number relating to the stored group identifier (e.g. 5). In another embodiment;, the indicia is a word relating to the DALI group identifier (e.g. FIVE). In another embodiment, the indicia is a colour which is associated with the stored DALI group identifier (e.g. red).

[0057] In practice, an installer or user is able to use this plug to associate one or more DALI devices to the particular DALI group associated with the plug as will be described in more detail below. For example, if the installer or user wishes to assign five DALI devices to group 9, then the installer or user will insert the appropriate plug Into each of the five DALI devices. It is then also more apparent to which group each DALI device is assigned. For example, all DALI devices having a blue plug belong to the same DALI group.

[0058] Plug 700 also comprises DALI device interface 720 for interlacing between the plug memory 710 and the DALI device (not show in this view), to thereby allow transfer of a selected group identifier into the DALI device.

[0059] The DALI device interface 720 can also take on any suitable form. In one embodiment, DALI device interface 720 is a single pin as shown in Figure 4A, for being received in a corresponding socket in the DALI device. In another embodiment, DALI device interface 720 is two pins as shown in Figure 4B. In another embodiment, DALI device interface 720 is six pins as shown in Figure 4C. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 4D, D ALI device interface 720 is a socket for receiving a J

correspondin pin from the DALI device. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 4E, DALI device interface 720 is two sockets. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 4F, DALI device interface 720 is six sockets. It will be appreciated that any number of pins or sockets could be used as required by the specific application, including 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. 10, between 10 and 20 and more than 20.

[0060] In other embodiments s iU, DALI device interface 720 can be any other type of connector, including a Universal Serial Bus (USB) type connector or an R J -45 type connector.

[0061 j In another embodiment as shown i Figure 4G, DALI device interface 720 is a wireless interface, allowing the selected DALI group number to be transferred to the DALI device wirelessfy. in one embodiment, the wireless interface is an RF transmitter for transmitting the data to a corresponding RF receiver in the DALI device. In another embodiment, the wireless transmitter is an infrared OR) transmitter for transmitting data to a corresponding IR receiver in the DALI device. In another embodiment the wireless interface transfers data by induction. Any other suitable wireless interface is also possible as will be understood by the person skilled in the art.

10062 j Figure 5 shows another embodiment of a plug 700 according to another aspect described herein. Plug 700 comprises a plug memory 71 for storing a pluralit of group identifiers such as data indicating one of the 16 DALi groups, being 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, I I , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. in one embodiment, the plug memory 710 stores two DALI groups. In another embodiment, the plug memory stores 3 DALI groups. In another embodiment, the plug memory 710 stores between 4 and 10 DALI groups. In another embodiment, the plug memory 710 stores between 10 and 16 DA LI groups, in another embodiment, the plug memory 710 stores all 16 DALI groups,

[0063 j In other embodiments, data relating to short addresses is used in place of groups, allowing up to 64 separate designations.

[0064] Plug 700 also comprises DALI device interface 720 for interfacing between the plug memory 710 and the DALI. device (not shown in this view), to thereb allow transfer of a selected group identifier into the DALI device. The DALI plug interface 720 in this embodiment can take on any suitable form, including any of those described previously with reference to Figures 4A to 4G. In other embodiments still, DALI device interface 720 ca be any other type of connector, including a.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) type connector or an RJ-45 type connector.

[0065] In tills embodiment, plug 700 also comprises plug group selector 730 which allows a user to select one of the plurality of group identifiers stored on the plug memory 710, [0066] Plug group sciector can take any suitable form. In one embodiment, plug group selector 730 is a rotary dial as shown in Figure 6A. In this embodiment, a range of indicators (for example numbers) associated with the group number is indicated on the plug 700 around, a rotary dial. The rotational position of the dial determines which group is selected from the plurality of stored groups. For example, if the arrow on the dial points to the number 7, then DALI group 7 is selected,

[0067} In another embodiment, plug group selector 730 is a slide switch as shown in Figure 6B. In this embodiment, a range of indicators (for example numbers) associated with the group number is indicated on the plug 700 in a sequence. The linear position of the slide switch determines which group is selected from the plurality of stored groups.

[0068} In another embodiment, plug group selector 730 is a plurality of buttons or small switches as shown in Figure 6C, In this embodiment, a range of indicators (for example numbers) associated with the grou number is indicated on the plug 700 in a sequence. Each indicator has a button or small switc next to it. Actuation of a particular one of these buttons or small switches determines which group is selected from the plurality of stored groups.

[0069j In another embodiment as shown in Figure 6D, plug group selector 730 is a wireless selector, This allows remote selection of one of the groups stored in die plug memory 710, b way of a smart phone or tablet, or other remote controller. Wireless plug selector 730 may be an antenna, an IR receiver, or a near field receive for receiving signals from another near field device.

[0070] in a further embodiment, plug group selector 730 is a data port for receiving a cable from another device. to select the DALI group. In one embodiment the data port is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.

[00711 Figure 7A shows an embodiment of a DALI device 800 and in particular, in this embodiment, an electronic control device (ECU) 200. In this embodiment, DALI dcvice ECD 800/200 comprises a DALI interface 810 for receiving and outputting data according to DALI protocol. Microcontroller 820 is provided for processing data received at the DALI interface 1 and a memory 830 that stores a DALI group identifier for access by the microprocessor.

[0072 j In accordance with an aspect described herein, DALI device/ECD 800/200 also comprises a plug receiver 840 for receiving the plug 700 previously described, to allow the transfer, of the group identifier associated with the plug 700, or in the case of the embodiment of plug 700 where a group is selectable, allows the transfer of the selected group identifier from the plug 700 to the memory 830. [0073] Plug receiver 840 can be any suitable recei ver to receive a range of DALI device interfaces 720 as previously described with reference to Figures 4A to 4G, In other embodiments soil, DAI J plug receiver 840 can be any other type of connector, including a Universal Serial Bus (USB) type connector or an RJ-45 type connector.

[0074] It will be understood that while according to this aspect described herein, DALI device 800 is an electronic control device (ECD) (including a switch, a dimmer switch or a sensor), DALI device 800 is, in other embodiments, an electronic control gear (ECG) 1 0 (includin a ballast, a dimmer circuit or an LED driver). It will be appreciated howe ver, that due to the constraints of the physical dimensions of an ECD that are not as prevalent in ECGs, incorporation of a plug receiver involves some challenges. The various aspects and embodiments described herein allow such plugs to be used with ECDs.

|0075| It will also be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that DALI device/ECG 800/1 0 will in some embodiments, also have additional control circuitry for controlling a connected load (not shown) such as a light, in accordance with commands received by DALI device/ECG 800/100 via DALI interface 81 .

[0076] Figure 7B shows a DALI dcvice/ECD 800/200 with plug 700 inserted into plug receiver 840. This then allows DALI .device/BCD 800/200 to be associated with the DALI group associated with the plug 700 as previously described. In the embodiment where plu 700 has a plug group selector 730 as shown in Figure 7G, changing the plug group selector 730 on the plug 700 will assign the DALI device 800 to the newly-seieeted group.

[0077] In another aspect as shown in Figure 8, DALI system 500 comprises at least one DALI device as an electronic control device (ECD) 800/200. ECGs 1 0 are also provided in some embodiments, with none, one or more of these ECGs. being a DA LI device 800 as described above.

[0078] Figure 9 shows an embodiment of DALI system 500 in which a DALI device 800 is provided as an ECD 800/200 and as an ECG/ 100. in other embodiments, the DALI system 500 has a mixture of multiple ECDs and ECGs provided as DALI devices 800 and in some embodiments, all ECDs and ECGs are provided as DALI devices 800 as described above.

[0079] In the DALI system 500 shown in Figures 8 and 9, the ECDs and ECGs can have either the plug arrangement of Figure7B or of Figure 7C (that is, with DAL I group non-selectable and with DALI group selectable). [0080] Figure 1 shows a method step according to one aspect described herein for assigning an electronic control device (ECD) to a DALI group, in step 1100, a plug as previously described with reference to Figures 3 to 4G is inserted into DALI device/ECD 800/200. This automatically assigns DALI device/ECD 800/200 to the DALI group Stored on the ping 700.

[0081] Figure 1 1 A shows a flowchart of one embodiment of a method according to another aspect described herein. In this embodiment, a DALI device/ECD 800/200 is assigned to a DALI group by, in step 11.1.0, inserting a plug 700 into the DALI deviee/ECD 800/200, and in step 1 120. selecting the desired DALI group to which the DALI device/ECD 800/200 is to be assigned, using the plug group selector 730 of the ping as previously described with reference to Figures 5 to 6D. f0O82J In another embodiment of this aspect, these steps ca be reversed as shown in Figure 1 IB. ^"That is, in step 1120, the DALI group desired is selected o the plug 700 using the plug group selector 730, and then in step 1 110, plug 700 is inserted into DALI device/ECD 800/200, thus setting the group assignment for the DALI device/ ECD 800/200.

[0083 j It will be appreciated that the above methods are equally application to a D LI device being an ECG 800/100,

J0O84] Figure Ϊ 2 Α shows an embodiment of DALI deviee/ECD 800/200. In this figure, DALI plug receiver 840 is sho n. Figure 12B is a picture of an actual DALI dev ice/ECD 800/200 with DALI plug receiver 840 and plug 700. In this arrangement, the DALI device interface 720 of plug 700 is provided by sockets for receiving corresponding pins from the plug receiver 840 of the ECD.

[0085] Figure 13 shows an embodiment of plug 700 with six sockets of the DALI device interface 720 for receiving respective pins of the plug receiver 840 of the DALI device. The body of the plug 700 is made, in one embodiment, from a lastic that encapsulates the internal circuitry and components. Any suitable material can be used for the body of the plug as will be understood by the person skilled in the art, including plastics, rubbers or metal.

[0086] Figure 14 shows a system block diagram, of the internal structure of a plug 700 according to one embodiment. Figure 14 shows microcontroller 710 with one or more addresses hard coded in the microcontroller 710. The microcontroller 710 is connected to DALI device interface 720 to provide the address data to the DALI device when, interrogated by the microcontroller of the DALI device as will b understood by the person skilled in the art. One or more of the electrical connections formed by the DALI device interface 720 can also provide power from the DALI device to power the mierocontrolkr 710 in plug 700. [0087{ The address or addresses coded in the microcontroller 710 are provided by one or more of a number of means. n one embodiment, t e address or addresses are preprogramed. n another embodiment, the address or addresses are provided or selected by the plug group selector 730 as previou sly d escri ed .

[0088] In an embodiment in which the plug group selector 730 is a rotary dial as previously described with reference to Figure 6A, microcontroller 710 can determine which address has been selected by one or more of any suitable means. In one embodiment, an input to the microcontroller monitors a voltage or a current level at the input, the magnitude of which is varied in accordance with the position of the rotary dial, In one embodiment of this application, the rotary dial is a potentiometer, whose voltage output varies with the rotational posi tion of the dial. in another embodiment, of this application, the rotation of the dial moves an electrical contact from one conductive track to another, with each conductive track providing a different voltage output which can be sensed by the input of the microcontroller connected to the electrical contact of the dial.

[0089] In another embodiment, in which the plug group selector 730 is a sliding switch as described with reference to Figure 6B, a similar arrangement as with the rotary dial can be used. In one embodiment, the sliding switch causes an electrical connector to slide over a resistive linear element, thereby varying the resistance and thus the voltage across the sliding switch. This varying voltage can be measured at an input of the microcontroller 710 and can be used to determine which address is to be output to the connected DAL! device 800. in another embodiment of this aspect, the sliding switch can switch the electrical connector betwee different conductive tracks to provide different voltages at the input of the microcontroller 710.

10090] in another embodiment in. which the plug group selector 730 is provided by a series of small buttons or switches as previously described with reference to Figure 6C, in one embodiment of this implementa tion, each switch is connected to a respective input of microcontroller 710 such that actuation of one of the switches applies a voltage to the respective input of the microcontroller 7.10 which allows the selectio of one of the addresses stored, therein.

{0091 J In another embodiment, in which the plug group selector 730 is a wireless plug selector 730 as previously described with, reference to Figure 6D. in. this embodiment, wireless plu selector 730 may be an antenna, an 1R receiver, or a near field receiver for recei v ing signals from another near field device. In some embodiments, the antenna, or an RF receiver may even be provided within or as part of microcontroller 710 to receive signals directly, indicative of a selected address. [0092] Figure 5 shows an exemplary circuit diagram of the circuitry in. lug 700. Figure 15 shows a microcontroller 710 with input/output pins 19-24 connected to respective pins of the DALI^" device interface 720 for connectio to a plug receiver 840 of a DALI device 800 (not shown). One or more of inpnt'output pins, for example, 6-17, can be used to receive signals from the plug group selecto 730 as described above,

[00931 An example of pseudo code for allowing the microcontroller to provide a selected address to the connected DAL device is:

PROGR AM send address

Listen for query command from hos

If queried

Reply with current address

Else

Do nothing

[0094] Figure 16 shows a block diagram inside a DALI device of the connection between the plug receive 840 and the microcontroller 820 in the DALI device. The pins of plu receiver 840 connect with the respective sockets of DALI device interface 720 to allow transfer of data, such as a selected group, as previously described.

[0095] Figure 17 shows an exemplary circuit layout of this arrangement in the DALI device 800.

[0096] As will be understood b the person skilled in the art, memory 830 also contains DALI- specific data in its memory that allows it to perform certain functions in response to DALI commands contained in the data frames according to the DALI protocol .

[0097] Usually, an ECG will receive data from an ECD in the form of a- forward frame, which contains 1 bits according to the DALI protocol. In some cases, if an ECD interrogates an ECG to determine its status, the ECG will reply with backward frame, which contains 1 i bits. According to another aspect described herein however, the ECG generates and transmits a data frame in the form of a forward frame. This forward frame is then received by other ECGs and processed as if it were a command from an ECD, [0098] A forward frame structure, comprises a start bit "a", an. address byte (b (1-bit), c (6 bits) and d ( 1 -bit)), a data byte (e bits)) which specifics a command, and stop bits (f (2 bits)).

[0099] The address bits indicate which devices the frame is directed to. Options are "Broadcast", in which all ECGs react; "Group (1 - 16) - in which the ECGs assigned to the specified group react: and "Address" (.1 -64) - in which a particular ECG at that address reacts.

[00100] The command byte determines the action of the ECG, for example "turn on", 'turn off" , "direct level 50%" (1 -100), "step up", "step down", " recall scene 2" (there are 16 scenes in total) and many others.

[00101] in some embodiments, groups may be defined -using short addresses to allow for a greater number than 16 groups to be defined, in one example, i the case where the control device 400 turns ON, the DALl command would be [group x^'|[ON , where x is the group number of 1 -16. In another embodiment,, using short addresses instead of groups, the equivalent. DALl command is

[address χ]|ΌΝ], where x is the address number (1-64).

|00l02j The provision of the plugs 700 and DALl devices 800 described herein, provides for a simpler means of installing DALl system, and facilitates the retrofitting and replacemen t of DALl devices in an already-installed DAL! system. In particular, the task of assigning a DAL l device to a DALl group is greatly simplified by the use of the plug system or by the directly-selectable D Ll device system. This task may even, be completed by a relati vely unskilled user.

[00103] Figure 18 shows an example of a DALl system using various aspects described herein. In particular, the DALl system has n+1 ECGs, being n LED Drivers 100 to 100 °^"1 with corresponding loads (in this example being LEDs) 600 - 60 ^{l !} . Another ECG 100 " (in this case being a relay unit) controls load 600 " in this case a chandelier with mul iple incandescent lights.

[00104] ECD 200 is connected to the DALl bus 51 to control the ECGs connected to. the bus

510.

[0 105] Control device 400 is connected to the switched active input 110 of ECG 100"^"2 as described in the co-pending PC f patent application previously referred to and incorporated by reference, and control device 400' is connected to the switched active input 1.10 " of the relay unit 100 " as well as to the switched active input 110'^?* of ECG 100"'. As previously described, actuation of the control devices 400 and 400' will allow the user to control corresponding ECGs on the DALl system by causing those ECGs to transmit a forward frame controlling other ECGs in the same group to act as instructed by the control, device as previousl described. [00106] In this embodiment, the ECGs are grouped using the rotary dial as the device group selector 850, or as the plug group selector 730, in the case where a plug 700 is used.

[00107] In this system depicted in Figure 1 8, instructions can also be issued to the DALl system by personal mobile devices such as a smart phone or tablet 500 with an appropriate App loaded thereon. The personal mobile device 550 transmits a wireless signal to Wi-Fi device 540 which in turn tra smits a Wi-Fi signal to Wi-Fi gateway 530 connected to the DALl system to thereby process control commands.

[00108] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the contex requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as ^comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer o group of integers, but not the exclusion of any othe integer or group of integers.

[001093 The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[00110] Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips may be referenced throughout the above description, ma be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[00111] Those of skill in the art would further appreciate that tire various illustrative logical blocks., modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software or instructions, or

combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether suc functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing departure from the scope of the various applications and aspects described herein.

[00112] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor. or in a combination of the two. For a hardware implementation, processing may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers., micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof. Software modules, also known as computer programs, computer codes, or instructions, may contain a number a number of source code or object code segments or instructions, and may reside in any computer readable medium such as a RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a Bin-ray disc, or any other form of computer readable medium. In some aspects the computer-readable media may comprise non-transitory computer- readable media (e.g., tangible media), in addition, for other aspects computer-readable media may comprise transitory computer- readable medi (e.g. , a signal). Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. In another aspect, the computer readable medium ma be integral to the processor. The processor and the computer readable medium may reside in an ASIC or related device. The software codes may be stored in a memory unit and the processor may be configured to execute them. The memory unit may be implemented within the processor or external to the processor, in which case it can be communicati vel coupled to the processor via various means as is known in the art.

[00113 j Further, it should be appreciated that modules and/or other appropriate means for performing the methods and techniques described herein can be downloaded and/or otherwise obtained by computing device. For example, such a device can be coupled to a server to facilitate the transfer of means for performing the methods described herein. Alternatively, various methods described herein can be provided vi storage means (e.g., RAM, ROM, a physical storage medium such as a compact disc (CD) or floppy disk, etc.), such that a computing device can obtain the various methods upon coupling or providing the storage means to the device. Moreover, any other suitable technique for providing the methods and techniques described herein to a device can be utilized.

[00114] In one form the various aspects may comprise a computer program product fo performing the method or operations presented herein. For example, such a computer program product ma comprise a computer (or processor) readable medium having instructions stored (and/or encoded) thereon, the instructions being executable by one or more processors to perform, the operations described herein. For certain aspects, the computer program product may include packaging material.

[00115] Any Input/Output Interface may comprise a network interface and/or communications module for communicating with an equivalent communications module in another device using a predefined communications protocol (e.g. Bluetooth.. Zigbee, IEEE 802.15, IEEE 802,1 1, TCP/IP, UDP, etc.).

[00116] The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another -without, departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims,

[00117] As used herein, the term "determining" encompasses a wide variet of actions. For example, "determining" may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigati , looking up (e.g., looking u in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in. a memory) and the like. Also, "determining" may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing and the like.

[00118j It will be appreciated by those skiik-d in the art that the various aspects and embodiments described herein are not. restricted in their use to the particular application described. Neither are they restricted in the embodiments with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein, it will be appreciated that the various aspects are not limited to the embodiment or embodiments diseiosed, but are capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope as set forth and defined by the: following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A Digital Addressabie Lightin Interface (DALI) electronic control device (ECD) comprising: a DALI interface for receiving and outputting data according to DALI protocol; a .microcontroller for processing data for outputting at the DALI interface; a memory for storing a DALI group identifier for access by the microprocessor; and a plug receiver for receiving a plug containing at least one D LI group identifier for allowing transfer of the DALI group identifier from the plug to the memory.

2. A Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) system comprising at least one electronic control device (ECD) as claimed in claim 1.

3. A Digital Addressabie Lighting interface (DALI) system as claimed in claim 2 further comprising at least one electronic control gear (ECG), the ECG comprising:

a DALI interface for receiving and outputting data according to DALI protocol;

a microcontroller for processing data received at the DALI interface;

a memory for storing a DALI group identifier fo access by the microprocessor; and a plug receiver for receiving a plug containing at least one DALI. group identifier for allowing transfer of the DALI group identifier from the plug to the memory .

4. A Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) system as claimed in. any one of claims 2 or 3 wherein the pi ug comprises a ping group selector for selecting one of a pluralit of DALI groups for assigning to the ECD or the ECG.

5. A method of assigning a DALI electronic control device (ECD) to a DALI group, the method comprising:

inserting a plug containing data relating to at least one DALI grou into the DALI ECD.

6. A method of assigning a DALI electronic control device (ECD) to a DALI group as claimed in claim 5 wherein the plug inserted comprises a plug group selector for selecting one of a plurality of DALl groups stored in the plug and wherein the method further comprises selecting the DALl grou using the plug group selector on the plug.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the step of insetting is conducted before the step of selecting.

8. A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein tlie step of selecting is conducted before the step of inserting.

9. A Digital Addressable Lighting Interface {DALl) electronic control device (EC.D) comprising: a DALi interface for receiving and output-ting data according to DAL! protocol; a microcontroller for processing data for oittputting at the DALi interface; a memory for storing a DALl short address for access by the microprocessor; and plug receiver for receiving a plug containing at least one DALI short address for allowing transfer of the DALI short address from the plug to the memory.

10. A method of assigning a DALl electronic, control device (ECD) to a DALi group, tlie method comprising:

inserting a plug containing data relating to at least one DALl short address into the DALI ECD.