WO2016037213A1

WO2016037213A1 - An off/on operating state, brightness adjustment and pre- settable brightness level programmable mode control arrangement for a phase cutting control dimmer and a method of operation thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2016037213A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/000542
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew Cook
Original assignee: Hendon Semiconductors Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-09-09
Filing date: 2015-09-04
Publication date: 2016-03-17
Also published as: AU2015316165A1; AU2015316165B2; NZ730352A

Abstract

An OFF/ON operating state, brightness adjustment and pre-settable brightness level programmable mode control arrangement of a phase cutting control dimmer including a rotary encoder having a shaft user operably rotatable and axially movable to establish four separate pulsed signals wherein a microcontroller provides control to place the phase cutting control dimmer in a state to dim light brightness of the lamp under the control of the phase cutting control dimmer, or to increase light brightness of the lamp under the control of the phase cutting control dimmer, or switch between an ON or OFF operating state of the phase cutting control dimmer or place the phase cutting control dimmer in the pre- settable brightness level programmable mode dependent upon the pulsed signal the microcontroller has received from the rotary encoder.

Description

AN OFF/ON OPERATING STATE, BRIGHTNESS ADJUSTMENT AND PRE- SETTABLE BRIGHTNESS LEVEL PROGRAMMABLE MODE CONTROL ARRANGEMENT FOR A PHASE CUTTING CONTROL DIMMER AND A METHOD

OF OPERATION THEREOF

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[001] This invention relates to an improved phase cutting control dimmer that is able to utilise a single user interface feature to conveniently adjust the brightness level of the lamp, be able to switch between the standard operating states of the dimmer, including ON or OFF (standby), as well as being able to place the dimmer into a pre- settable brightness level programmable mode wherein the user will then be able to set his/her own preferred minimal level of brightness and so forth wherein all this ability to operate between the OFF and ON state, adjust brightness levels and to be able to move into a pre-settable brightness level programmable mode of the dimmer to have the dimmer operating with preferred minimum brightness levels and so forth can all be completed without incorporating mechanical switch mechanisms that would need to be separately or in conjunction purposely activated by the user when accessing or requiring any of the relevant features referenced.

BACKGROUND ART DISCUSSION

[002] Phase cutting control dimmer arrangements operate by switching AC mains supply to a lamp or light load at chosen time portions of each AC mains supply half cycle. The time period for the AC mains supply as applied to load is determined generally by an analogue or digital timer, controlling the load switching device, that must be started and stopped at exact times during each AC mains supply half cycle.

[003] It follows that there must be some form of user interface to be able to convey the user's intended brightness and/or operating state of the light under the control of the dimmer. For example, a dimmer switch arrangement requires at least two functions, those being in no particular order, firstly to control the brightness or light intensity of the lamp connected and secondly the ability to switch the light between standard operating states such as ON or OFF.

[004] While desirable to provide a user with the greatest possible range of brightness control, there may be instances where it is necessary for the user to provide or be able to select preferred brightness levels in certain applications and environments.

[005] It would be particularly advantageous to be able to provide a convenient way in which a user could place the dimmer in some type of pre-settable brightness level programmable mode so that the user would then be able to select a preferred minimum brightness setting.

[006] For example, there may be the requirement to have a minimum safe level of illumination in a public space or the need to maintain minimum power to compact fluorescent or LED lighting to avoid flickering or total loss of illumination. As lamps under the control of the dimmer can all be different out in the real world and the use and application of the lamp may differ from one environment to the other, again the ability to allow the user the opportunity to set preferred levels of brightness, such as the lowest brightness setting and so forth for the dimmer becomes an important consideration and one which this invention recognises in its provided outcome.

[007] In the past non-electrically controlled dimmer switches may have included a conventional knob rotatable by the user in communication with a potentiometer controlling the brightness level of the lamp under the control of the dimmer as well as a separate mechanical switch that controls the application of the AC mains power supply.

[008] More recently electrically controlled systems are utilising micro-controllers to control brightness levels in combination with rotary encoders connected to a dimmer operable control knob operated by the user to provide light adjustability along with separate mechanical switches, which are able to set the operating state of the dimmer between ON and OFF as required. [009] However this invention wants to provide for a seamless way in which one can comfortably continuously fully rotate, beyond 360 degrees if required, the user interface knob for brightness adjustability, change between the conventional ON or OFF (standby) operating states of the dimmer and to enter a pre-settable brightness level programmable mode to set light brightness levels, all without incorporating any separate mechanical switching mechanism to which the user would have to directly engage.

[010] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an electrically controlled dimmer arrangement made operable through a user interface connected to a rotary encoder such that brightness adjustment level of the light and switching between the operating states of the dimmer including ON, OFF and a pre-settable brightness level programmable mode can be achieved without having to incorporate a mains voltage capable mechanical switch into the rotary encoder and also without the requirement of the user to limit or restrict their seamless and continuous rotation of the knob in order to control light adjustability to the lamp under the control of a dimmer.

[01 1] Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from a complete reading of this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[012] An OFF/ON operating state, brightness adjustment and pre-settable

brightness level programmable mode control arrangement of a phase cutting control dimmer, said arrangement including;

[013] a rotary encoder having a shaft operably rotatable by a user in a first rotation direction wherein user rotation of the shaft in said first rotation direction is adapted to provide a first pulse signal from the rotary encoder to dim light brightness of a lamp under the control of the phase cutting control dimmer;

[014] said shaft operably rotatable by a user in a second rotation direction, wherein user rotation of the shaft in said second rotation direction is adapted to provide a second pulse signal from the rotary encoder to increase light brightness of the lamp under the control of the phase cutting control dimmer;

[015] said shaft operably axial movable by the user in a first axial direction, wherein user axial applied pressure or force on the shaft in the first axial direction is adapted to provide a third pulse signal from the rotary encoder representative of the user's intention to switch between an ON or OFF operating state of said phase cutting control dimmer;

[016] said shaft operably axial movable by the user in a second axial direction, wherein user axial pressure or force on the shaft in the second axial direction is adapted to provide a fourth pulse signal from the rotary encoder representative of the user's intention to operate in a pre-settable brightness level programmable mode of said phase cutting control dimmer;

[017] a micro-controller adapted to receive and interpret the first pulse signal, second pulse signal, third pulse signal and fourth pulse signal from the rotary encoder, wherein the microcontroller provides control to place the phase cutting control dimmer in a state to dim light brightness of the lamp under the control of the phase cutting control dimmer, or to increase light brightness of the lamp under the control of the phase cutting control dimmer, or switch between ON or OFF operating states of the phase cutting control dimmer or place the phase cutting control dimmer in the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode dependent upon the first pulse signal, second pulse signal, third pulse signal or fourth pulse signal received by the microcontroller from the rotary encoder.

[018] In preference user axial movement of the shaft in the first axial direction to establish the third pulse signal includes the user applying pressure on the shaft for inward axial movement of the shaft of the rotary encoder from a shaft axial resting position.

[019] In preference the shaft returns to the shaft axial resting position when pressure on the shaft from the user is released. [020] In preference the shaft returns to the shaft axial resting position when released through a spring.

[021] In preference user axial movement of the shaft in the first axial direction includes the user applying pressure on the shaft for less than 3 seconds.

[022] In preference user axial movement of the shaft in the second axial direction to establish the fourth pulse signal includes the user applying pressure on the shaft for inward axial movement of the shaft from the shaft axial resting position for longer than 3 seconds.

[023] In preference the arrangement further includes a user observable visual display device adapted to illuminate when the microcontroller receives the fourth pulse signal for placing the phase cutting control dimmer in the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode.

[024] In preference the user observable visual display device is adapted to illuminate in flashes when the microcontroller receives the fourth pulse signal.

[025] In preference when the microcontroller receives the fourth pulse signal and places the phase cutting control dimmer in the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode, pre-settable lamp brightness is selectable by user operable rotation of the shaft of the rotatory encoder in either the first rotation direction or second rotation direction.

[026] In preference the first rotation direction is anti-clockwise and wherein the second rotation direction is clockwise.

[027] In preference the pre-settable lamp brightness is selected by user operable rotation of the shaft of the rotatory encoder in the clockwise direction.

[028] In preference after the selection of the pre-settable lamp brightness is completable, a subsequent period of time of a non movable user operable engagement of the shaft provides for automatic exiting of the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode to the OFF operating state of the phase cutting control dimmer.

[029] In preference the user applies pressure on the shaft for inward axial movement of the shaft of the rotary encoder from the shaft axial resting position to place the phase cutting control dimmer in the pre-settable brightness level

programmable mode for between 8 to 12 seconds.

[030] In preference the period of time of the non movable user operable

engagement of the shaft providing for automatic exiting of the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode to the OFF operating state of the phase cutting control dimmer is between 8 to 12 seconds.

[031 ] In preference the arrangement further includes a user operable knob attached to an end of the shaft.

[032] Through this unique arrangement by having the micro-controller adapted to interpret the various provided signals established by the user rotatably engaging the shaft of the rotary encoder or by instigated axial movement of the shaft of the rotary encoder, the micro-controller is able to differentiate these various gestures made upon the shaft by the user to then have the functionality to instigate the requisite intention of the user whether that be brightness adjustability, switching between the ON or OFF operating states and/or entering a pre-settable brightness level programmable mode wherein the user will then, which as will be discussed in greater detail hereafter, be able to complete a series of sequence steps and the like in order to set preferred brightness levels including a minimum brightness setting.

[033] As the mechanism, in order to switch between the operating states and/or enter the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode is achieved through axial movement of the shaft, this is a completely separate action or gesturing required by the user when manipulating the user interface knob. [034] For example, it is expected that the shaft would have a knob attached to its end wherein the user will be able to seamlessly and continuously rotate the shaft without any restriction or increased torque for a full 360° rotation and beyond if required for brightness adjustability.

[035] Advantageously, rather than placing some type of limit on the amount of rotation available of the shaft to enter a pre-settable brightness level programmable mode or switch between an ON or OFF operating state, this is realised by not taking away that degree of freedom available to the user for continual rotation of the shaft but as introduced above through the axial movement of the shaft of the rotary encoder.

[036] Advantageously, in this invention the user's manipulation of the shaft whether it be rotational in the case of brightness adjustability or axial movement in the case of switching between operating states and entering the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode, is all completed by firstly establishing the appropriate signal that is representative of the user's intention wherein these signals are then sent to the micro-controller and upon the inherent ability and functionality within the microcontroller, the micro-controller is then able to instigate the requirements of switching between operating states, adjusting brightness level controls and/or enter the pre- settable brightness level programmable mode as required by the user.

[037] In preference the third pulse signal representative of the user's intention to switch between operating states of said dimmer including the ON or the OFF operating state is provided by a momentary (push) inward axial movement from a resting position of said shaft.

[038] In preference the shaft of the rotary encoder after a release from the momentary (push) inward axial movement from the resting position returns to the resting position.

[039] In preference the shaft returns to the resting position through a spring. [040] In preference the fourth signal representative of the user's intention to enter the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode is provided by being held in an inward (pushed) moved axial position for longer than the momentary period of time required for providing the third signal representative of the user's intention to switch between an operating state of the said dimmer including the ON or the OFF operating state.

[041] In the just referenced preferred arrangement, the micro-controller is able to differentiate between the user's intention whether to switch between an operating state of the said dimmer including ON or OFF and entering the pre-settable

brightness level programmable mode by the fact that while in both instances the shaft of the rotary encoder has been axially moved inwardly (pushed in) by the user, in the case of switching between the ON and OFF operating states the axial movement of the shaft is momentary wherein the case of the user's intention to operate in the pre- settable brightness level programmable mode the shaft is held within the inwardly moved axial position for a longer period of time.

[042] In an alternative form of the invention the user's intention of switching between the operating state of the said dimmer including ON or OFF operating state is recognised by an inward pushed axial movement of the shaft of the rotary encoder from the shaft resting position and wherein the outward pulled movement of the axial shaft provides the fourth signal representative of the user's intention to operate in a pre-settable brightness level programmable mode.

[043] In preference the shaft once pushed or pulled, either momentary or for a period of time from said resting position, upon release of the push or pull of the user said shaft returns to the resting position.

[044] In an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention the preceding preference arrangement is presented in a vice versa representation wherein the inward (pushed) axial movement of the shaft provides the fourth signal representative of the user's intention to operate in the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode and an outward (pulled) axial movement of the shaft of the rotary encoder provides the third signal representative of the user's intention to switch between the ON or OFF operating state of the dimmer.

[045] Advantageously, in these preferred embodiments once again the user will be able to have complete freedom of being able to continuously rotate the shaft for unlimited and unrestricted brightness adjustment but by axial movement of the shaft made by the user this can then communicate the user's intention that the user wishes to switch between the operating ON or OFF states of the dimmer or to enter the pre- settable brightness level programmable mode.

[046] In an alternative form of the invention the third signal representative of the user's intention to switch between the ON or OFF operating states of the dimmer is made by the inward (push) or outward (pull) axial movement of the shaft to a first level and wherein the fourth signal representative of the user's intention to operate in the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode is achieved by the inward or outward axial movement of the shaft of the rotary encoder beyond the first level that provided the third signal.

[047] In preferred embodiments the user can conveniently press in or pull out the shaft from the resting position to one level which may then be representative of the user's requirement to switch between the ON or OFF operating state of the dimmer or to then press further inward or to pull further out the shaft which would then be reflective, for example, of the user's intention to operate in the pre-settable

brightness level programmable mode.

[048] Either way once again this is an example as to how the user can simply manipulate the axial positioning of the shaft to provide the required third signal or fourth signal to the microcontroller associated with the user's intention.

[049] As the user is only axially pushing or pulling the shaft in or out or as referred to in some of the embodiments above for longer and shorter periods of time within an axially moved position, there is no interruption or limits that need to be introduced to the shaft associated with rotational movement. [050] Hence switching between the ON and OFF operating states or entering the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode, does not take away or introduce restrictions on the user's ability to comfortably, seamlessly and continuously rotate without restriction, the full 360° and beyond the shaft of the rotary encoder of which such rotatable action is associated with the brightness adjustability of the dimmer.

The switching between ON and OFF operating states, as well as placing the dimmer in the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode requires a completely different user action, gesturing or operation of the shaft by the user when compared to making brightness level adjustability.

[051 ] In preference two or more substantially momentarily sequential inward (push) and/or outward (pull) axial movement of the shaft provides for the fourth signal.

[052] In this preferred embodiment the user, by the use of a sequence of inward and outward movements of the shaft, provides the necessary third signal or the fourth signal.

[053] If the user wishes to switch between the ON or OFF operating state a single inward or outward axial movement of the shaft could then provide the requisite third signal. Alternatively the user could operably gesture a series of inward and outward axial movements of the shaft to provide the fourth signal.

[054] For example, if the user was to, without delay, press and release (pull out) several times the shaft of the rotary encoder this may very well be a means in which the fourth signal could be provided which would then be interpreted by the microcontroller that the user's intention is to enter into the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode.

[055] In preference the arrangement further includes a visual display device to indicate to the user a change in the ON or OFF operating state of the dimmer and/or the dimmer is in the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode. [056] In preference the minimum light setting is pre-set by rotating the shaft in a clockwise direction to the level that is required to be set as the minimum brightness value.

[057] In preference after the lowest available brightness value or level has been set, a period of time of non-engagement of the shaft either rotatably and/or axially results in the automatic existing of the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode to the OFF (standby) operating state.

[058] In preference the fourth signal is provided by the axial inward movement of the shaft for approximately 10 seconds wherein the indicator light begins to flash indicating that the dimmer is now in the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode which the user is then permitted to rotatably move the shaft to adjust lamp brightness to the required brightness set level and wherein after brightness set level has been completed, for a period of approximately 10 seconds thereafter no further rotational and/or axial movement of the shaft has the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode switch back to the OFF operating state wherein a subsequent inward axial movement of the shaft provides for the dimmer to be switched to the ON operating state.

[059] In preference the phase cutting control dimmer has a pre-set absolute minimum brightness value.

[060] In preference the user is allowed to subsequently restore pre-set absolute minimum brightness value settings upon axial movement of the shaft of the rotary encoder.

[061 ] In preference the subsequent re-setting of the pre-set absolute minimum brightness setting is completed by placing the dimmer in the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode and rotating the shaft in the second rotation direction. [062] In preference there is provided a phase-cut dimmer fitted with a rotary encoder with ganged push switch in which pushing, holding the knob pushed for a continuous pre-defined period, and then releasing the knob will cause the dimmer to enter a programming state in which it is able to accept and process subsequent inputs.

[063] In preference subsequent input is the user adjustment, by rotating the knob on the rotary encoder, of the lamp brightness to a level that will become the

programmed minimum brightness level.

[064] In preference the dimmer has a programming state that will be completed by the storing of the user selected level and exited if the user has performed no rotation of the encoder for a continuous pre-defined period.

[065] In preference the dimmer on exiting programming mode will return to normal operation with the exception that rotating the control knob will not allow the minimum brightness to be lower than that stored selected level.

[066] A phase-cut dimmer fitted with a rotary encoder with ganged push switch in which pushing, and holding the knob pushed while rotating that knob, will cause the dimmer to enter a programming state.

[067] In preference the dimmer of the above in which rotation of the knob [while still pushed] allows adjustment of the lamp brightness up or down in the usual way and can be used to select a level that will become the programmed minimum brightness level.

[068] In preference the dimmer of the above in which the minimum brightness programming will be completed by the storing of the user selected level and the programming state exited when the user releases the knob.

[069] A phase-cut dimmer fitted with a rotary encoder with ganged push switch in which the present lamp brightness level can be programmed as the minimum brightness level by pushing and holding the knob pushed for a continuous predefined period that causes the dimmer to enter the programming state and then to exit it upon releasing the knob.

[070] In preference the dimmer fitted with an indicator lamp that will flash at a predefined rate on entering the programming state and will remain flashing through the user adjustment period and return to a steady or OFF state upon exiting the programming state.

[071 ] In preference the dimmer in which, upon entering the programming state, will adjust the lamp brightness to a pre-determined level, advantageously by setting the load conduction time in each half cycle to 50% or less of the period of each half mains cycle.

[072] In preference the dimmer in which user adjustment of the level that will subsequently be programmed as the minimum available brightness level is restricted to levels that are below the pre-determined level referred to above.

[073] A phase-cut dimmer fitted with a rotary encoder with ganged push switch in which the following sequence of user actions will result in limiting the minimum brightness setting available to the user via subsequent rotary control action of its knob. a) Push, and hold the knob pushed, for a continuous pre-defined period. b) Release the knob.

c) Adjust the lamp brightness brighter or dimmer by using the rotary encoder until the required minimum brightness is obtained.

d) After setting is complete perform no actions on its knob for a continuous pre-defined period.

e) The dimmer will return to normal operation with the exception that rotating the control knob will now not allow the minimum brightness to be lower than that selected in step c). [074] A dimmer as reference above fitted with an indicator lamp that will flash at a pre-defined rate on expiry of the predetermined period described in a) of above and will remain flashing through the adjustment period c) of above and return to a steady or OFF state on expiry of period d) of above.

[075] In preference the dimmer in which a factory pre-programmed or default minimum brightness setting can be restored by the following user sequence. a) Push, and hold the knob pushed, for a continuous period of 10 seconds b) Rotate the knob anti-clockwise.

c) Perform no other actions on its knob for 10 seconds.

[076] In preference the dimmer fitted with an indicator lamp that will flash at a predefined rate on expiry of the 10 second period described in a) of above and will remain flashing through the period c) of above before returning to a steady or OFF state.

[077] In order now to describe the invention in greater detail a series of preferred embodiments will be described with the assistance of the following illustrations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[078] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic representations of a preferred embodiment of the invention showing rotatable and axial operable movement of a knob connected to the shaft of the rotary encoder as part of the off/on operating state, brightness adjustment and pre-settable brightness level programmable mode control

arrangement.

[079] Figure 3 is a flow chart showing the method of switching between the OFF and ON operating states as well as brightness adjustability of the off/on operating state, brightness adjustment and pre-settable brightness level programmable mode control arrangement for the dimmer in a preferred embodiment of the invention. [080] Figures 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and 4e are schematic representations showing the sequence of events for entering the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode and setting a minimum brightness of the off/on operating state, brightness adjustment and pre-settable brightness level programmable mode control

arrangement for the dimmer in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[081] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[082] Figure 1 shows a wall mount (10) with the user operable knob (12) of the off/on operating state, brightness adjustment and pre-settable brightness level programmable mode control arrangement of the dimmer.

[083] The off/on operating state, brightness adjustment and pre-settable brightness level programmable mode control arrangement of the phase cutting control dimmer includes the user operable knob (12) which as best seen in Figure 2 is connected to a shaft (18) which would be connected to the rotary encoder (not shown).

[084] As is to be explained in greater detail when referencing Figures 4a through to 4e, the arrangement as shown in Figure 1 also includes an indicator light (13).

[085] Arrows (14) and (16) indicate that the operable knob (12) can be rotated the full 360° and beyond by a user when required to dim light brightness or increase light brightness of the lamp under the control of the phase cutting control dimmer of this invention.

[086] Direction, degree of rotary angular positioning, acceleration and/or time of rotation made by the user during rotation as represented pictorially by arrows (14) and (16) when the dimmer is in the ON operating state will adjust the brightness level of the lamp accordingly.

[087] As the requirement to switch the dimmer between its ON and OFF operating states or place the dimmer into the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode is not required by the rotation of the operable knob (12) by the user, the user is able to comfortably, seamlessly, without additional force and the like, fully rotate the knob (12) for the complete brightness adjustability of the lamp under the control of the phase cutting control dimmer.

[088] In Figure 2 arrow (20) represents the fact that the operable knob (12) connected to the shaft (18) of the rotary encoder (not shown) is also inherently adapted to have axial movement.

[089] Axial movement of the shaft, once again shown by the arrow (20) will provide a signal that is representative of the user's intention to switch between the operating states of the dimmer including ON and OFF or alternatively provide a signal which is suggestive that the user wishes to enter a pre-settable brightness level programming mode of the phase cutting control dimmer in order to adjust brightness levels of the phase cutting control dimmer such as the minimal brightness setting.

[090] These signals will be dependent upon the direction, the degree of movement in the axial position, the sequence of axial movements and/or the period of time moving or in a moved axial position of the shaft (18) of the rotary encoder (not shown).

[091 ] Rotating the operable knob (12) in either direction as shown by way of arrows (14) and (16) in Figure 1 as well as axial movement (20) of the shaft (18) connected to the rotary encoder (not shown) in Figure 2, will allow the ability to create a series of signals that can be received by a micro-controller to which that micro-controller then has the functionality in order to instigate either a switching between the OFF and ON operating states, brightness adjustment of the lamp or alternatively enter a pre- settable brightness level programming mode wherein further operable action or input upon the shaft of rotary encoder can then see that pre-set levels of brightness including the setting of the minimum brightness for the lamp can be completed conveniently by the user. [092] In Figure 3 a flow chart (22) is illustrated wherein the starting OFF operating state (21 ) of the phase cutting control dimmer is shown with the lamp (24) OFF.

[093] In order to switch the lamp ON the user (28) (represented by the human finger shown in Figure 3 referenced as (28)) engages the operable knob (30) which is attached to shaft (32) which is connected to the rotary encoder (not shown) wherein the inward axial movement of the shaft (32) shown by way of (34) will switch the phase cutting control dimmer from the OFF operating state to the ON operating state wherein the lamp (36) is turned ON as shown by way of the state represented at (26).

[094] At the state shown as (27) the lamp (42) is turned ON the user is able to adjust (38) the level of brightness of the lamp (42) by rotating the operable knob (30) in the case of increasing brightness shown by way of arrow (40) to the required level shown by the illustrated lamp (42).

[095] In this preferred embodiment discussed for Figure 3 rotation of the operable knob (30) in the clockwise direction, shown by way of arrow (40) provides a signal to increase the brightness level.

[096] The micro-controller (not shown) is adapted to interpret the pulse signal that has been provided from the rotatory encoder (not shown) through the rotation of the operable knob (30).

[097] In order to then turn OFF the illuminated lamp (43) shown at (44) the task of switching between the ON operating state to the OFF operating state of the phase cutting control dimmer is achieved by the user (28), as shown at (46), once again momentarily engaging the interface operable knob (30) which is connected to the shaft (32) of the rotary encoder (not shown) and with an inward axial movement the operating state is switched OFF and the lamp (48) no longer illuminates.

[098] Figures 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and 4e show pictorially how the phase cutting control dimmer can enter into the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode and then be programmed to set a minimum brightness level and the exiting thereof and then ultimately the turning ON again of the lamp with the minimum brightness level now set.

[099] Figure 4a shows the wall mount (60) with the operable knob (61 ) connected to the shaft (62) of the rotary encoder (not shown). The arrangement also includes the indicator light (59). In Figure 4a the lamp (63) is OFF. In Figure 4b it is the user's (64) intention now to program a minimum brightness setting for the lamp (63).

[0100] In order for this to be achieved the user (64) needs to press upon the operable knob (61 ) which results in an axial inward movement of the shaft (62) shown by way of arrow (65) and hold this axial movement of the shaft in place for a period of time until the indicator light (59) begins to illuminate in flashes, wherein the illuminating in flashes of the light (59) indicates that the dimmer is now in the pre-settable

brightness level programmable mode.

[0101] In this preferred embodiment the inward axial movement of the shaft (62) and the holding in position thereof for the prescribed period of time in order to allow the indicator light (59) to begin to flash provides a signal sent from the rotary encoder (not shown) to a micro-controller (not shown) which is adapted to interpret this provided signal from the rotary encoder as the user's intention to operate the phase cutting control dimmer in the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode.

[0102] The micro-controller (not shown) has the functionality to instigate the ability of the phase cutting control dimmer to move into the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode on it receives this kind of signal from the rotary encoder (not shown).

[0103] Once the indicator light (59) has begun to flash and the user is able to recognise that the phase cutting control dimmer is now in the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode, the knob (61 ) can be rotated shown by way of arrow (69), in Figure 4c, in the direction to dim light brightness to a level which is the preferred or selected minimum setting of brightness.

[0104] Once the lamp (63) has had the required minimum brightness level set, shown by way of illumination rays (67) in Figure 4c, in the preferred embodiment there is then a period of inaction upon the shaft (62) of the rotary encoder where there is no rotatable and/or axial movement, such that once the indicator light (59) stops flashing as shown in Figure 4d by this delay in not moving the shaft, this is then suggestive to the user that the phase cutting control dimmer has now exited the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode and the lamp (63) is now in the OFF operating state.

[0105] In order for the user then to return to the ON operating state of the phase cutting control dimmer as shown in Figure 4e, the user (64) will then momentarily press the knob (61 ) which will lead to the axial momentary inward movement of the shaft (62) shown by way of arrow (68) which will then provide a signal from the rotary encoder (not shown) to the micro-controller (not shown) that it is the user's intention to go from the OFF operating state to the ON operating state of the phase cutting control dimmer and wherein the micro-controller has the inherent functionality in order to instigate this request upon receiving such a signal from the rotary encoder (not shown).

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . An OFF/ON operating state, brightness adjustment and pre-settable brightness level programmable mode control arrangement of a phase cutting control dimmer, said arrangement including; a rotary encoder having a shaft operably rotatable by a user in a first rotation direction wherein user rotation of the shaft in said first rotation direction is adapted to provide a first pulse signal from the rotary encoder to dim light brightness of a lamp under the control of the phase cutting control dimmer; said shaft operably rotatable by a user in a second rotation direction, wherein user rotation of the shaft in said second rotation direction is adapted to provide a second pulse signal from the rotary encoder to increase light brightness of the lamp under the control of the phase cutting control dimmer; said shaft operably axial movable by the user in a first axial direction, wherein user axial applied pressure or force on the shaft in the first axial direction is adapted to provide a third pulse signal from the rotary encoder representative of the user's intention to switch between an ON or OFF operating state of said phase cutting control dimmer; said shaft operably axial movable by the user in a second axial direction, wherein user axial pressure or force on the shaft in the second axial direction is adapted to provide a fourth pulse signal from the rotary encoder representative of the user's intention to operate in a pre-settable brightness level programmable mode of said phase cutting control dimmer; a micro-controller adapted to receive and interpret the first pulse signal, second pulse signal, third pulse signal and fourth pulse signal from the rotary encoder, wherein the microcontroller provides control to place the phase cutting control dimmer in a state to dim light brightness of the lamp under the control of the phase cutting control dimmer, or to increase light brightness of the lamp under the control of the phase cutting control dimmer, or switch between the ON or OFF operating state of the phase cutting control dimmer or place the phase cutting control dimmer in the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode dependent upon the first pulse signal, second pulse signal, third pulse signal or fourth pulse signal received by the microcontroller from the rotary encoder.

2. The arrangement of claim 1 wherein user axial movement of the shaft in the first axial direction to establish the third pulse signal includes the user applying pressure on the shaft for inward axial movement of the shaft of the rotary encoder from a shaft axial resting position.

3. The arrangement of claim 2 wherein the shaft returns to the shaft axial resting position when pressure on the shaft from the user is released.

4. The arrangement of claim 3 wherein the shaft returns to the shaft axial resting position when released through a spring.

5. The arrangement of claim 4 wherein user axial movement of the shaft in the first axial direction includes the user applying pressure on the shaft for less than 3 seconds.

6. The arrangement of claim 5 wherein user axial movement of the shaft in the second axial direction to establish the fourth pulse signal includes the user applying pressure on the shaft for inward axial movement of the shaft from the shaft axial resting position for longer than 3 seconds.

7. The arrangement of claim 1 further including a user observable visual display device adapted to illuminate when the microcontroller receives the fourth pulse signal for placing the phase cutting control dimmer in the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode.

8. The arrangement of claim 7 wherein the user observable visual display device is adapted to illuminate in flashes when the microcontroller receives the fourth pulse signal.

9. The arrangement of any one of claims 6, 7 or 8 wherein when the

microcontroller receives the fourth pulse signal and places the phase cutting control dimmer in the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode, pre-settable lamp brightness is selectable by user operable rotation of the shaft of the rotatory encoder in either the first rotation direction or second rotation direction.

10. The arrangement of claim 9 wherein the first rotation direction is anti-clockwise and wherein the second rotation direction is clockwise.

1 1. The arrangement of claim 10 wherein the pre-settable lamp brightness is selected by user operable rotation of the shaft of the rotatory encoder in the clockwise direction.

12. The arrangement of any one of claims 9, 10 or 1 1 wherein after the selection of the pre-settable lamp brightness is completable, a subsequent period of time of a non movable user operable engagement of the shaft provides for automatic exiting of the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode to the OFF operating state of the phase cutting control dimmer.

13. The arrangement of any one of claims 6 to 12 wherein the user applies pressure on the shaft for inward axial movement of the shaft of the rotary encoder from the shaft axial resting position to place the phase cutting control dimmer in the pre-settable brightness level programmable mode for between 8 to 12 seconds seconds.

14. The arrangement of claim 13 wherein the period of time of the non movable user operable engagement of the shaft providing for automatic exiting of the pre- settable brightness level programmable mode to the OFF operating state of the phase cutting control dimmer is between 8 to 12 seconds.

15. The arrangement of claim 1 further including a user operable knob attached to an end of the shaft.