Controlling multiple sets of electrical loads

Abstract

A remote control device can be configured to transmit command messages based on user interactions. The remote control device can receive an indication of a user interaction and transmit a command message based on the indication of the user interaction. The command message can include a command and a fade period for adjusting the intensity level of a lighting device. The fade period can include a time period during which the lighting device will transition to the intensity level. After a transmission interval time period from when the command message is transmitted and based on a subsequent user interaction, the remote control device can transmit another command message, and the another command message can include a command for causing the lighting device to adjust to another intensity level within the fade period. The fade period can be longer than the transmission interval.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 849,521, filed on May 17, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Various types of load control systems can be used to configure a user environment, such as a residential or office building. Lighting control systems can be used to control lighting loads in a user environment. Lighting control systems can include various devices capable of communicating via radio frequency (RF) communication, such as input devices and load control devices. For example, a remote control device can be used to communicate with lighting devices (e.g., light bulbs) in a load control system to control the intensity level (e.g., brightness or illumination level) of the lighting devices.

[0004] Lighting devices in a user environment can be commonly controlled by a common lighting control device that is capable of dimming the group of lighting devices and / or switching the group of lighting devices on and off. Multiple lighting devices in the system can be independently controlled by another lighting control device. The control of lighting devices can be based on user interaction at a lighting control device. User interaction can span a period of time during which the lighting control device can transmit multiple wireless signals. The wireless signals can include commands for controlling lighting devices. Since the signals are wirelessly transmitted, one or more of the wireless signals may not be successfully received. In addition, lighting devices can become out of sync with each other and / or may not be controllable in a uniform manner. For example, one lighting device can receive a wireless signal that causes the lighting device to change its intensity level, while another lighting device fails to receive the wireless signal. The lighting device that fails to receive the wireless signal may not change its intensity level. Two lighting devices can be configured to change their intensity levels consistently; however, since one lighting device fails to receive all wireless signals, the lighting devices can become out of sync (e.g., the lighting devices do not change their intensity levels consistently). Similarly, to the user, the lighting control device does not work properly (e.g., the lighting device cannot control the lighting device) and can result in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A remote control device can be configured to transmit command messages based on user interaction. The remote control device can receive an indication of user interaction via a user interface. The remote control device can transmit a first command message based on the indication of the user interaction. The first command message can include a command for adjusting an intensity level at a lighting device and a fade period. The fade period can include a time period during which the lighting device will transition to the intensity level included in the corresponding command message. After a transmission interval time period from when the first command message is transmitted, and based on subsequent user interaction, the remote control device can transmit a second command message. The second command message can include a command for causing the lighting device to adjust to another intensity level within the fade period. The fade period can be longer than the transmission interval (e.g., twice as long as the transmission interval).

[0006] The remote control device can be configured to periodically transmit command messages and / or repeat command messages when a rotating part is rotated. The user interface of the remote control device can include a rotating part, and the user interaction can include rotation of the rotating part. The intensity level included in the corresponding command message can be based on the amount of rotation of the rotating part. For example, the intensity level included in the second command message can be based on the intensity level included in the first command message and the amount of rotation of the rotating part during the transmission interval.

[0007] The remote control device can be configured to transmit repeat command messages between corresponding command messages. For example, repeat command messages can be transmitted between the first command message and the second command message. The repeat command message can be a repeat of the first command message. The repeat command message can be transmitted at a repeat interval (e.g., a repeat interval time period from when the first command message is transmitted) starting from the current transmission interval.

[0008] The remote control device can be configured to periodically transmit command messages and / or repeat command messages during consecutive user interactions. The remote control device can receive an indication of a first user interaction (e.g., rotation of the rotating portion). In response to the first user interaction, the remote control device can transmit a first command message. The remote control device can transmit command messages at periodic intervals in response to consecutive user interactions (e.g., continuous rotation of the rotating portion). Each of the periodically transmitted command messages can include a command to adjust to a corresponding intensity level within the fade period (e.g., based on the amount of rotation since the start of the corresponding transmission interval). The remote control device can transmit at least one repeat command message between the periodic transmissions of the command messages. The repeat command message can be transmitted at a repeat interval starting from the current transmission interval. The repeat command message can include the corresponding command of the command message transmitted at the start of the current transmission interval. After the consecutive user interactions have stopped, the remote control device can transmit multiple repeat command messages at the repeat interval. Description of Drawings

[0009] Figure 1A and Figure 1B depicts an example of a load control system that can implement one or more message types for transmitting digital messages.

[0010] Figures 2A to 2C is a sequence diagram depicting an exemplary message flow for querying the current state of a lighting device and generating a lighting control command in response to the identified state.

[0011] Figure 3A is a timing diagram depicting an example of controlling a lighting device in a load control system using a move-to-horizontal command.

[0012] Figure 3B is a timing diagram depicting an example of controlling a lighting device in a load control system using a direct command.

[0013] Figure 4 includes a graph of intensity level versus time depicting an example of controlling multiple lighting devices in a load control system.

[0014] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a flowchart depicting an exemplary process for controlling a lighting device in a load control system.

[0015] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary load control device.

[0016] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary controller device.

[0017] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary network device.

[0018] Figure 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary system controller (e.g., a hub device). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Figure 1A and Figure 1B depicts an example of a load control system 100 that can implement one or more message types for transmitting messages (e.g., digital messages). As Figure 1A shown, the load control system 100 can include various control devices, such as controller devices and / or load control devices. The controller device can send digital messages to the load control device to cause the load control device to control the amount of power supplied from the AC power supply 102 to the electrical load in the load control system 100.

[0020] The load control device can control the electrical load in a room and / or a building. Each load control device may be capable of directly controlling the amount of power supplied to the electrical load in response to communication from the controller device. Exemplary load control devices can include lighting devices 112a, 112b, and / or lighting device 122 (e.g., load control devices in light bulbs, ballasts, LED drivers, etc.). The lighting device can be the lighting load itself, or a device including the lighting load and a lighting load controller.

[0021] The controller device can indirectly control the amount of electrical power supplied to the electrical load by transmitting a digital message to the load control device. The digital message can include a control instruction (e.g., a load control instruction) or another indication that causes the load control device to determine a load control instruction for controlling the electrical load. Exemplary controller devices can include a remote control device 116. The controller device can include a wired device or a wireless device.

[0022] The control devices (e.g., the controller device and / or the load control device) can communicate with each other and / or other devices via wired and / or wireless communication. The control devices can communicate using digital messages in wireless signals. For example, the control devices can communicate via a radio frequency (RF) signal 106. The RF signal 106 can be transmitted via an RF communication protocol (e.g., ZIGBEE; THREAD; near field communication (NFC); BLUETOOTH; BLUETOOTH LOW ENERGY (BLE); WI-FI; a proprietary communication protocol, such as CLEARCONNECT or CLEAR CONNECT TYPE X, etc.). The digital message can be transmitted as a multicast message and / or a unicast message via the RF signal 106.

[0023] The lighting device 122 can be installed in a plug-in device 124, such as a lamp (e.g., a table lamp). The plug-in device 124 can be coupled between the AC power source 102 and the lighting device 122 in a series electrical connection manner. The plug-in device 124 can be inserted into an electrical outlet 126 powered by the AC power source 102. The plug-in device 124 can be inserted into the electrical outlet 126 or a separate plug-in load control device that is inserted into the electrical outlet 126 and is configured to control the power delivered to the lighting device 122.

[0024] The lighting devices 112a, 112b can be controlled by the wall-mounted load control device 110. Although the lighting devices 112a, 112b are shown in Figure 1A , any number of lighting devices that can be supported by the wall-mounted load control device 110 and / or the AC power source 102 can be implemented. The wall-mounted load control device 110 can be coupled between the AC power source 102 and the lighting devices 112a, 112b in a series electrical connection manner. The wall-mounted load control device 110 can include a mechanical switch 111 (e.g., a previously installed light switch) that can be opened and closed in response to the actuation of a toggle actuator (not shown) to control the power delivered from the AC power source 102 to the lighting devices 112a, 112b (e.g., to turn on and off the lighting devices 112a, 112b). The lighting devices 112a, 112b can be installed in respective ceiling-mounted recessed lighting fixtures 114a, 114b or other lighting fixtures mounted to another surface. The wall-mounted load control device 110 can be adapted to be wall-mounted in a standard electrical wall box.

[0025] The remote control device 116 can be configured to transmit messages via the RF signal 106 to control the lighting devices 112a, 112b. For example, the remote control device 116 can be configured to transmit messages via the RF signal 106 to a load control device (e.g., the lighting devices 112a, 112b) within the wireless communication range of the remote control device. The remote control device 116 can be battery-powered.

[0026] The remote control device 116 can be a modified remote control device mounted above the switching actuator of the mechanical switch 111. The remote control device 116 can be configured to hold the switching actuator of the mechanical switch 111 in the "on" position (e.g., by covering the switch when in the "on" position) to maintain the flow of power from the AC power supply 102 to the lighting devices 112a, 112b. Additionally, the remote control device 116 can be mounted to another structure (e.g., other than the switching actuator of the mechanical switch 111) such as a wall, can be attached to a base located on a horizontal surface, or can be hand-held. Further, the wall-mounted load control device 110 can include a wall-mounted remote control device that replaces a previously installed mechanical switch 111 and can be configured to operate as the remote control device 116 to control the lighting devices 112a, 112b (e.g., by transmitting a message via the RF signal 106). Such a wall-mounted remote control device can obtain power from the AC power supply 102.

[0027] The remote control device 116 can include a user interface having an actuation portion 117 (e.g., a "toggle" button), an intensity adjustment actuator such as a rotary portion 118 (e.g., a knob), and a visual indicator such as a status indicator 119. The actuation portion 117 can be actuated (e.g., pushed toward the mechanical switch 111) and the rotary portion 118 can be rotated (e.g., relative to the mechanical switch 111). The remote control device 116 can be configured to transmit a message that includes commands for turning on and off the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 in response to actuation (e.g., pressing) of the actuation portion 117, and commands for adjusting the intensity level (e.g., brightness or illumination level) of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 in response to actuation (e.g., rotation) of the rotary portion 118. Although the rotary portion 118 is disclosed, the user interface of the remote control device 116 can include another type of intensity adjustment actuator such as a linear slider, an elongated touch-sensitive actuator, a rocker switch, separate raise / lower actuators, or another form of intensity adjustment actuator.

[0028] In response to the remote control device 116 (e.g., in response to actuation of the actuation portion 117 of the remote control device 116), the lighting devices 112a, 112b can be turned on or off, or the intensity level can be adjusted. For example, the lighting devices 112a, 112b can be switched on or off by a switching event identified at the remote control device 116. The switching event can be a user event identified at the remote control device 116. The actuation portion 117 of the remote control device 116 can be actuated to switch the lighting devices 112a, 112b on or off. The rotation portion 118 of the remote control device 116 can be rotated to adjust the intensity level of the lighting devices 112a, 112b. A switching event can be identified when the rotation portion 118 of the remote control device 116 is rotated a predefined amount or for a predefined time, and / or when the actuation portion 117 of the remote control device 116 is actuated. The intensity level of the lighting devices 112a, 112b can be increased or decreased by rotating the rotation portion 118 of the remote control device 116 in one direction or the other, respectively. Although shown as including a knob in Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the remote control device 116 can include a paddle switch that can be actuated by a user, a linear control on which the user can swipe a finger, a raise / lower slider, a toggle switch, or another type of control that can receive a user interface event as a command.

[0029] The remote control device 116 can provide feedback (e.g., visual feedback) to the user of the remote control device 116 on the status indicator 119. The status indicator 119 can provide different types of feedback. The feedback can include feedback indicating actuation by the user or other user interface events, the status of the electrical load controlled by the remote control device 116, and / or the status of the load control device controlled by the remote control device 116. The feedback can be displayed in response to a user interface event and / or in response to a received message indicating the status of the load control device and / or the electrical load.

[0030] The status indicator 119 can be illuminated by one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide feedback. The status indicator 119 can be a light bar that includes around the entire perimeter or a portion of the remote control device 116. For example, the status indicator 119 can also be or alternatively a line of light bars on the remote control device 116, such as when the remote control device is a paddle switch or a linear control.

[0031] Exemplary types of feedback can include illuminating the entire status indicator 119 (e.g., illuminating to different intensity levels), causing one or more LEDs in the status indicator 119 to blink or pulse, changing the color of one or more LEDs on the status indicator 119, and / or illuminating different segments of one or more LEDs in the status indicator 119 to provide an animation (e.g., clockwise and counterclockwise animations for raising and lowering intensity levels). Feedback on the status indicator 119 can indicate the status of an electrical load or a load control device, such as the intensity level of a light (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122), the volume level of an audio device, the shading level of motorized window treatments, and / or the speed of a fan or other similar type of device operating at different speeds. The feedback on the status indicator 119 can be changed based on the selection of different presets. For example, different ones or more LEDs can be illuminated on the status indicator 119 to identify different presets (e.g., preset intensity levels of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 and / or other preset configurations of the load control device).

[0032] The remote control device 116 can transmit digital messages via the RF signal 106 to control the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The remote control device 116 can be configured to transmit an on command for turning on the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 (e.g., an "on" event). For example, the on command can cause the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to turn on to a maximum intensity level (e.g., a maximum lighting level such as 100%), a predetermined intensity level, and / or a previous intensity level (e.g., an "on" event). Additionally, the remote control device 116 can be configured to transmit an off command for turning off the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 (e.g., 0%). Furthermore, the remote control device 116 can be configured to transmit a toggle command for toggling the state of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 (e.g., causing the lighting devices to switch from off to on (e.g., an "on" event) or from on to off (e.g., an "off" event)). The intensity levels of the "on" event and / or the "off" event can also or alternatively be stored at the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, and the lighting devices can change to that intensity level when an indication that the "on" event or the "off" event has occurred is received at the remote control device 116. When the remote control device 116 rotates a predefined distance or time in one direction, the digital message can cause an "on" event. As an example, when the remote control device 116 is recognized as rotating for 100 milliseconds (ms), the remote control device 116 can transmit a digital message. When the remote control device 116 rotates a predefined distance or time in the opposite direction, the digital message can indicate an "off" event. When the actuating portion 117 of the remote control device 116 is actuated, the digital message can indicate an "on" event or an "off" event.

[0033] The remote control device 116 can be configured to use absolute control to adjust the intensity levels of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 so as to control the intensity levels of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to an absolute level (e.g., a specific level). For example, the remote control device 116 can transmit a digital message that includes a move-to-level command (e.g., a go-to-level or go-to command) identifying the intensity level to which the lighting device can change. The move-to-level command can include the amount of time at which the intensity level can be changed at the lighting device. The move-to-level command can cause an "on" event or an "off" event to turn on or off the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, respectively. For example, an "on" event can be caused by a move-to-level command with an intensity level of 100% or other preset intensity level. An "off" event can be caused by a move-to-level command with an intensity level of 0%.

[0034] In response to a user interface event (e.g., actuation, rotation, finger swipe, etc.) or a proximity sensing event (e.g., the sensing circuit senses an occupant near the remote control device 116) at the remote control device 116, the remote control device 116 can determine a starting point (e.g., a dynamic starting point) from which the intensity level of one or more of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can be controlled. Each rotation of the rotating part 118 can cause the remote control device 116 to determine a dynamic starting point from which control can be performed. In response to a user interface event and / or a proximity sensing event (e.g., the sensing circuit senses an occupant near the remote control device 116), the remote control device 116 can transmit a status query message to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to query the current status (e.g., after waking up from the sleep mode). The current status of one or more of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can be used to set the dynamic starting point from which the remote control device 116 can perform control. For example, the remote control device 116 can set the dynamic starting point of the rotating part 118 to the lighting device that first responds to the status query message among the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 or to the current intensity level (e.g., on, off, 10%, 20%, etc.) of a predefined lighting device 112a, 112b, 122. Examples of remote control devices configured to transmit status query messages before transmitting commands are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 10,420,194, commonly assigned, titled "CONTROLLING GROUPS OF ELECTRICAL LOADS," issued on September 17, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0035] In another example, the remote control device 116 can set a dynamic starting point of the rotating part 118 based on the intensity levels of the plurality of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. For example, the remote control device 116 can set the dynamic starting point of the rotating part 118 to the average intensity level of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 (e.g., on, off, 10%, 20%, etc.), or the common intensity level of the majority of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 (e.g., on, off, 10%, 20%, etc.). For example, when the rotating part 118 is rotated clockwise to increase the intensity level of the lighting devices, the remote control device 116 can set the dynamic starting point of the rotating part 118 to the maximum intensity level of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, or when the rotating part 118 is rotated counterclockwise to decrease the intensity level of the lighting devices, the remote control device can set the dynamic starting point of the rotating part to the minimum level of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The status indicator 119 can be illuminated as feedback to reflect the dynamic starting point to the user. For example, the remote control device 116 can illuminate a part of the status indicator 119 that reflects the intensity level set as the dynamic starting point.

[0036] The remote control device 116 can calculate an increase or decrease in the intensity level from the dynamic starting point based on a user interface event. For example, the remote control device 116 can calculate an increase or decrease in the intensity level based on the distance or amount of time the rotating part 118 is rotated. The rotation starting from the point of the user's initial interaction with the rotating part 118 can be used to identify an increase or decrease in the intensity level from the dynamic starting point. When the remote control device 116 includes a linear control, the remote control device 116 can calculate an increase or decrease in the intensity level based on the distance or amount of time the user swipes a finger up or down on the linear control. The swipe of the user's finger starting from the point of the user's initial interaction with the linear control can be used to identify an increase or decrease in the intensity level from the dynamic starting point.

[0037] The updated intensity level can be calculated from the user's initial interaction and stored at the remote control device 116. When the remote control device 116 uses absolute control, the updated intensity level can be included in the move-to-level command transmitted from the remote control device 116 to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122.

[0038] When the remote control device 116 uses absolute control, the visual feedback displayed by the status indicator 119 can be provided in or derived from the information in the move-to-level command. For example, the remote control device 116 can reflect the intensity level transmitted in the move-to-level command in the status indicator 119.

[0039] The remote control device 116 can transmit a digital message that is configured to increase the intensity levels of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 when the rotating part 118 rotates in a certain direction (e.g., clockwise). As previously described, the remote control device 116 can be configured to adjust the intensity levels of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to an absolute level using absolute control. Additionally or alternatively, the remote control device 116 can be configured to adjust the intensity levels of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 using relative control to adjust a relative amount of the intensity levels of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. For example, the remote control device 116 can transmit a digital message that is configured to decrease the intensity levels of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 when the remote control device 116 rotates in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise). The digital message can include a move-with-rate command that can cause the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to change their respective intensity levels by a predefined amount. The move-with-rate command can include the amount of time during which the intensity levels can be changed at the lighting devices. The move-with-rate command can cause the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to maintain their relative or proportional intensity levels and / or the differences in the respective intensity levels. The remote control device 116 can send a digital message to increase or decrease the intensity levels by a predefined amount when rotating a predefined distance or for a predefined time. The amount of increase or decrease can be indicated in the digital message or can be predefined at the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The digital message can also include a move-to-level-in-time command that can include the intensity level to which the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are to be controlled and the amount of time during which the intensity levels can be changed at the lighting devices.

[0040] The remote control device 116 can transmit a digital message including a move-with-rate command to increase or decrease the intensity levels of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 by a predefined increment as the user turns the remote control device 116 in one direction or the other for a predefined distance or time. As the user continues to turn the remote control device 116, the remote control device 116 can continue to transmit digital messages to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. For example, the remote control device 116 can recognize a rotation of a predefined distance or predefined time and send one or more digital messages to indicate that each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 increases by ten percent (10%). The remote control device 116 can recognize a continuous rotation of a predefined distance or time and send a digital message to indicate that the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 increase by ten percent (10%) again.

[0041] The remote control device 116 may also or alternatively send digital messages for direct commands (e.g., "on" command, "off" command, switching command, etc.) to turn on / off the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. When an on event or an off event is detected, the remote control device 116 may transmit one or more digital messages to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. For example, the remote control device 116 may recognize a rotation or actuation and send a digital message to indicate that the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are turned on and / or off. The remote control device 116 may operate by sending a rate-of-change command after turning on. For example, the remote control device 116 may recognize a rotation for a predefined distance or time after turning on and send a digital message to indicate that the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 increase and / or decrease their intensity levels by a predefined intensity level (e.g., approximately 10%).

[0042] The remote control device 116 can transmit digital messages as multicast messages and / or unicast messages via the RF signal 106. For example, digital messages including a rate-of-movement command or a move-to-level command can be transmitted as unicast messages. The unicast messages can be sent directly or via a hop from the remote control device 116 to each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. Additionally, or alternatively, the unicast messages can be sent from the remote control device 116 to each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 via one or more hops (e.g., intermediate devices in the load control system, which can retransmit the message to another control device for retransmission and / or retransmission to one of the corresponding lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122). The remote control device 116 can individually send unicast messages to each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 associated with the remote control device 116 for performing load control. The remote control device 116 can store the unique identifiers of each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 associated with it in a memory. The remote control device 116 can generate a separate unicast message for each lighting device 112a, 112b, 122 and address the unicast message independently to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The unicast message can also include the unique identifier of the remote control device 116. The lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can identify the unicast messages sent to them by recognizing their own unique identifiers and / or the corresponding remote identifiers stored in the associated dataset. The lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can operate according to the instructions (e.g., load control instructions) in the digital message, which includes their own unique identifiers and / or the unique identifiers of associated devices (such as the remote control device 116). For example, when using some RF communication protocols (e.g., such as ZIGBEE and THREAD), in response to receiving a unicast message from the remote control device, the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can each transmit an acknowledgment message to the remote control device 116. However, for other RF communication protocols (e.g., such as BLUETOOTH), in response to receiving a unicast message from the remote control device, the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 may not transmit an acknowledgment message to the remote control device 116.

[0043] Digital messages can be transmitted via the RF signal 106 as multicast messages. For example, digital messages including direct commands (e.g., on commands, off commands, and / or toggle commands) and / or move-to-level commands that cause an “on” event or an “off” event can be transmitted as multicast messages. Additionally, digital messages including move-to-level commands that cause the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to substantially (e.g., greater than a threshold) adjust their intensities can be transmitted as multicast messages. Multicast messages can be efficiently transmitted from the remote control device 116 because a single message can be transmitted to multiple lighting devices, such as the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, at one time. The load control instructions in the multicast message can be received and implemented simultaneously or almost simultaneously (with a small delay due to latency differences) by multiple lighting devices (e.g., the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122) because a group of devices within the same wireless range are receiving a single message. For example, in response to receiving a multicast message from the remote control device, the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 may not transmit an acknowledgment message to the remote control device 116.

[0044] The multicast message can include a group identifier for controlling the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 that are part of a multicast group. The lighting devices can be part of the multicast group when they are associated with the group identifier (e.g., by storing the group identifier thereon) to identify multicast messages transmitted to the group. The lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 associated with the group identifier can identify the multicast message and control the corresponding lighting load according to the commands in the multicast message. The lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can forward the multicast message with the group identifier for identification and load control by other lighting devices associated with the group identifier. The group can be formed during the commissioning or configuration of the load control system 100. When the remote control device 116 is in an association mode (e.g., entered when one or more buttons are selected), the remote control device 116 can generate a group identifier and transmit the group identifier to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 and / or the system controller (e.g., a hub device). The device storing the group identifier can be part of the group of devices associated with the remote control device 116 and can respond to group messages.

[0045] The embodiments described herein are not limited to remote control devices, but other controller devices can also be used in the same or similar manner. For example, the embodiments can include wired control devices and / or plug-in control devices that transmit digital messages as described herein.

[0046] Figure 1BAn example of a load control system 100 with other devices is shown. For example, the load control system 100 may include other control devices, such as a controller device and / or a load control device. The load control device may be capable of controlling the amount of electrical power supplied to a corresponding electrical load based on a digital message received from the controller device (which may be an input device). The digital message may include a load control instruction or another indication that causes the load control device to determine a load control instruction for controlling the electrical load.

[0047] Examples of load control devices may include electric window treatments 130 and / or lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, but other load control devices may be implemented. The controller device may include h, but other controller devices may be implemented. The controller device may perform communication in a configuration similar to the remote control device 116 described herein. The load control device may perform communication in a configuration similar to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 described herein.

[0048] The load control device may receive the digital message via a wireless signal (e.g., a radio frequency (RF) signal 106). The wireless signal may be transmitted by the controller device. In response to the received digital message, the corresponding lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 may be turned on and off, and / or the intensity of the corresponding lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 may be increased or decreased. In response to the received digital message, the electric window treatments 130 may increase or decrease the level of the covering material 134.

[0049] The battery-powered remote control device 150 may include one or more actuators 152 (e.g., one or more of an on button, an off button, a raise button, a lower button, or a preset button). The battery-powered remote control device 150 may transmit an RF signal 106 in response to actuation of one or more of the actuators 152. The battery-powered remote control device 150 may be handheld. The battery-powered remote control device 150 may be mounted vertically on a wall or supported on a base for mounting on a tabletop. The battery-powered remote control device 150 may be a wireless device capable of controlling a load control device via wireless communication. Examples of remote control devices are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 8,330,638, issued December 11, 2012, entitled "WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED REMOTE CONTROL HAVING MULTIPLE MOUNTING MEANS" and U.S. Patent No. 8,471,779, issued June 25, 2013, entitled "WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED REMOTE CONTROL WITH LABEL SERVING AS ANTENNA ELEMENT", the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0050] The occupancy sensor 160 may be configured to detect occupancy and / or vacancy conditions in the space in which the load control system 100 is installed. The occupancy sensor 160 may transmit a digital message to the load control device via an RF communication signal 106 in response to detecting an occupancy or vacancy condition. The occupancy sensor 160 may operate as a vacancy sensor such that a digital message is transmitted in response to detecting a vacancy condition (e.g., no digital message is transmitted in response to detecting an occupancy condition). The occupancy sensor 160 may enter an association mode and may transmit an association message via an RF communication signal 106 in response to actuation of a button on the occupancy sensor 160. Examples of RF load control systems having occupancy and vacancy sensors are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 8,009,042, issued August 30, 2011, entitled "RADIO-FREQUENCY LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM WITH OCCUPANCY SENSING", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] The daylight sensor 170 can be configured to measure the total light level in the space in which the load control system 100 is installed. The daylight sensor 170 can transmit a digital message including the measured light level via the RF communication signal 106 to control the load control device in response to the measured light level. The daylight sensor 170 can enter an association mode and can transmit an association message via the RF communication signal 106 in response to actuation of a button on the daylight sensor 170. An example of an RF load control system with a daylight sensor is described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 8,451,116, commonly assigned, titled WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED DAYLIGHT SENSOR, issued on May 28, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] The motorized window treatment 130 can be installed in front of a window for controlling the amount of daylight entering the space in which the load control system 100 is installed. The motorized window treatment 130 can include, for example, a cellular shade, a roller shade, a drapery, a roman shade, a venetian blind, a persian blind, a pleated curtain, a tensioned roller shade system, or other suitable motorized window covering. The motorized window treatment 130 can include a motor drive unit 132 for adjusting the position of the covering material 134 of the motorized window treatment 130 to control the amount of daylight entering the space. The motor drive unit 132 of the motorized window treatment 130 can have an RF receiver and an antenna mounted on or extending from the motor drive unit 132 of the motorized window treatment 130. The motor drive unit 132 can respond to a digital message to increase or decrease the level of the covering material 134. The motor drive unit 132 of the motorized window treatment 130 can be battery-powered or can receive power from an external direct current (DC) power supply. Examples of battery-powered motorized window treatments are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 8,950,461, commonly assigned, titled "MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT", issued on February 10, 2015; and U.S. Patent No. 9,115,537, titled "BATTERY-POWERED ROLLER SHADE SYSTEM", issued on August 25, 2015, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0053] The digital messages transmitted by the controller devices can include commands and / or identification information, such as a serial number (e.g., a unique identifier) associated with the transmitting controller device. During the configuration process of the load control system 100, each of the controller devices can be associated with the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, and / or the electric window covering 130 such that the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, and / or the electric window covering 130 can respond to digital messages transmitted by the controller devices via the RF signals 106. Examples of associating wireless control devices during the configuration process are described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0111491, titled "RADIO-FREQUENCY LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM," filed on May 15, 2008, and commonly assigned; and U.S. Patent No. 9,368,025, titled "TWO-PART LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM MOUNTABLE TO A SINGLE ELECTRICAL WALLBOX," issued on June 14, 2016. The entire disclosures of the patent application publication and the patent are incorporated herein by reference.

[0054] The load control system 100 can include a system controller 180 (e.g., a hub device or a system bridge) that is configured to be capable of communicating with a network 182 (e.g., a wireless or wired local area network (LAN)). For example, the system controller 180 can be connected to a network router (not shown) via a wired digital communication link 184 (e.g., an Ethernet communication link). The network router can permit communication with the network 182, e.g., to access the Internet. The system controller 180 can be wirelessly connected to the network 182, e.g., using wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi technology, cellular technology, etc. The system controller 180 can be configured to transmit communication signals (e.g., RF signals 106) to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, and / or the electric window covering 130 to control the devices in response to digital messages received from an external device via the network 182. The system controller 180 can be configured to transmit and / or receive RF signals 106. The system controller 180 can be configured to transmit digital messages via the network 182 to provide data (e.g., status information) to an external device.

[0055] The system controller 180 can operate as a central controller of the load control system 100 and / or relay digital messages between the control devices (e.g., lighting devices, motorized window treatments, etc.) of the load control system and the network 182. The system controller 180 can receive digital messages from the controller devices and configure the digital messages for transmission to the load control devices. For example, the system controller 180 can configure multicast messages and / or unicast messages for transmission, as described herein. The system controller 180 can be on-site at the load control system 100 or at a remote location. Although the system controller 180 is shown as a single device, the load control system 100 can include multiple hubs and / or its functions can be distributed across multiple devices.

[0056] The load control system 100 can include a network device 190, such as a smart phone, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a wireless-enabled media device (e.g., a media player, a gaming device, or a television), a tablet device (e.g., a handheld computing device), a wireless communication-enabled television, or any other suitable network communication or Internet Protocol-enabled device. The network device 190 is operable to transmit digital messages in one or more Internet Protocol packets to the system controller 180 via the RF signal 108 (either directly or via the network 182). A different protocol and / or wireless frequency band can be used to transmit the RF signal 108 than the RF signal 106. In another example, the RF signal 108 and the RF signal 106 can be the same. Examples of load control systems operable to communicate with network devices on a network are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 10,271,407, commonly assigned, titled "LOAD CONTROL DEVICE HAVING INTERNET CONNECTIVITY," issued on April 23, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0057] The network device 190 can include a visual display 192. The visual display 192 can include a touch screen, which can include, for example, a capacitive touchpad displaced above the visual display such that the visual display can display soft buttons that can be actuated by a user. In addition to the visual display 192, the network device 190 can also include a plurality of hard buttons, e.g., physical buttons (not shown). The network device 190 can download a product control application to allow a user of the network device 190 to control the load control system 100. In response to actuation of the displayed soft buttons and / or hard buttons, the network device 190 can transmit digital messages to the load control devices and / or the system controller 180 via the wireless communications described herein.

[0058] The system controller 180 and / or the network device 190 can be used to program and configure the operation of the load control system 100. An example of the configuration process of a wireless load control system is described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 10,027,127, commonly assigned, titled "COMMISSIONING LOAD CONTROL SYSTEMS", issued on July 17, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0059] The lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can each be included in a group of lighting devices associated with a common control device, such as the remote control device 116. For example, each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can store a unique identifier of the remote control device 116 during an association mode, such that the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can be controlled by a digital message including a control instruction from the remote control device 116. The system controller 180 can store the association between each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 and the remote control device 116 during the association mode. The system controller 180 can use the association information to route digital messages to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, or the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can directly receive digital messages from the remote control device 116.

[0060] The remote control device 116 can be configured to transmit messages to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 via the system controller 180. For example, the remote control device 116 can be configured to transmit unicast messages to the system controller 180. The system controller 180 can be configured to transmit an acknowledgment message to the remote control device 116 in response to receiving a unicast message from the remote control device. The system controller 180 can be configured to transmit unicast and / or multicast messages to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to control the lighting devices in response to the unicast message received from the remote control device 116. For example, the remote control device 116 can send a message including a switching command or an on / off command (e.g., an "on" command or an "off" command) for controlling the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to switch the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 from an "on" state to an "off" state, or vice versa. The remote control device 116 can transmit a unicast message including a switching command or an on / off command to the system controller 180, and the system controller can transmit a multicast message received at each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. Additionally, the remote control device 116 can transmit a unicast message including a move-to-horizontal command or a move-at-rate command to the system controller 180, and the system controller can transmit unicast messages independently directed to each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122.

[0061] The remote control device 116 can use the intensity level of the lighting device as a starting point (e.g., a dynamic starting point) at which dimming is performed on the set of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. For example, in response to a status query message from the remote control device 116, the lighting device 112a can respond by transmitting a status response message indicating that the lighting device 112 is at an intensity level of 10%. The remote control device 116 can set the intensity level identified by the lighting device 122 as the dynamic starting point at which control of the intensity levels of the set of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can be performed. The remote control device 116 can identify a continuous rotation for increasing the intensity level by an additional 20%. The remote control device 116 can add this 20% to the 10% dynamic starting point, which is indicated as the current intensity level of the lighting device 112a in response to the previous status query message from the remote control device 116. The remote control device 116 can send a digital message to the set of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to control the set of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to an absolute intensity level of 30%. The digital message can include a go-to level command configured to control each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to an intensity level of 30%. Each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can receive the digital message (e.g., as a unicast message or a multicast message) and be controlled to an absolute intensity level of 30%, unless the lighting device is already at the indicated intensity level. When the set of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 is in the same state, the set of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can be controlled as a group. For example, the set of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can be controlled together from 10% to 30%. When the states of the set of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are out of sync, the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can be controlled differently to reach the indicated intensity level. For example, the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 that are above the indicated intensity level can reduce their intensity levels to meet the indicated intensity level. The lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 that are below the indicated intensity level can increase their intensity levels to meet the indicated intensity level. In response to the digital message from the remote control device 116, the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 that are already in the state indicated in the digital message can remain unchanged.

[0062] In response to receiving a command, lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can fade from one intensity level to another (e.g., dim between intensity levels over a fade time and / or at a fade rate). For example, lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can dim at a certain rate or over a certain time period such that each of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 that is not already at the indicated intensity level reaches the intensity level simultaneously. For example, remote control device 116 can send a go-to level command having the amount of time or fade rate for which lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are to be dimmed until lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 reach the indicated intensity level (e.g., different fade rates or fade times can be transmitted to each of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122). Lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can be dimmed to the intensity level indicated in the go-to level command over the indicated time period. When one or more of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are at different intensity levels, a unicast message having a different fade rate can be sent to lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 such that lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 at different intensity levels reach the intensity level indicated in the go-to level command simultaneously. The fade time can vary by a predefined amount for each level at which the intensity level can be increased or decreased.

[0063] System controller 180 can operate as a parent device (e.g., a master device) that can be configured to monitor the states of child devices (e.g., slave devices) such as lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 and to determine appropriate commands to transmit in response to user interface events based on the states of the slave devices. Although system controller 180 can be described herein as the master device for controlling a group of lighting devices, other control devices (e.g., one of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, remote control device 150, occupancy sensor 160, daylight sensor 170, network device 190, motorized window covering 132, remote computing device, etc.) can be assigned to operate as the master device as described herein for system controller 180. When lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are assigned as the master device, lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 may already know their own states but can monitor the states of other slave devices. Although other devices can operate as the master device, they can still communicate via system controller 180.

[0064] After being implemented in the load control system 100, the system controller 180 can track the on / off state of each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. Upon initial implementation into the load control system, the system controller 180 can transmit a status query 21 message to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to query their current on / off state. The status query message can be sent as a multicast message or a single unicast message to each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can return the current on / off state, which can be locally stored thereon. The system controller 180 can identify the commands transmitted to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 and maintain the current on / off state of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 in memory. Digital messages transmitted to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 for controlling the on / off state can be monitored to determine the current on / off state without sending an initial status query message. The system controller 180 can be powered on and / or awakened at all times (e.g., at all times when the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are also powered on) such that the system controller 180 can monitor the status of the lighting devices by listening for messages transmitted by the lighting devices. Additionally, the system controller 180 can enter a sleep mode and periodically awaken to transmit a status query message to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to determine the on / off state of the lighting devices.

[0065] When the system controller 180 receives an indication of a switching event from the remote control device 116, the system controller 180 can choose whether to send a command to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 or not. The decision at the system controller 180 can be based on the current on / off state of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The system controller 180 can identify whether the on / off states on the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are consistent. If the on / off states on the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are consistent, the system controller 180 can send a switching command, an "on" command, or an "off" command to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to switch the on / off state of the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122.

[0066] The lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 that change the on / off state in response to an "on" command or an "off" command can send a status update message to the system controller 180 to indicate the change in the on / off state. The system controller 180 can receive the status update message from the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 that change the state in response to the received "on" command or the received "off" command. A lighting device that fails to change the on / off state in response to a command from the system controller 180 may not respond. For example, the system controller 180 can send an "off" command to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, and the lighting device 122 can update the on / off state to the "off" state. The lighting device 122 can send a response message to the system controller 180 to indicate the state change. The system controller 180 can store the updated state and / or confirm the state of the non-responsive device. Alternatively, the system controller 180 can store the updated state of the lighting device 122 after sending the command. Since the system controller 180 can maintain the on / off state of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, the remote control device 116 can enter the sleep state after transmitting a message in response to a switching event.

[0067] Figures 2A to 2C is a sequence diagram depicting an exemplary message flow for generating a lighting control command in response to the actuation of an actuator (e.g., the actuation part 117 and / or the rotation part 118 of the remote control device 116). Figure 2A and Figure 2B depicts an exemplary message flow for querying the current state of a lighting device in response to the actuation of a switching actuator (e.g., the actuation part 117) and generating a lighting control command in response to the identified state. As Figure 2A shown, the remote control device 202 can transmit a status query message 206 for identifying the state of lighting devices such as lighting devices 204a, 204b (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122). The status query message 206 can be transmitted as an initial message (e.g., after waking up from the sleep state) after identifying a user interface event (e.g., actuation, rotation, finger swipe, etc.) and / or a proximity sensing event (e.g., the sensing circuit senses an occupant near the remote control device 116). The status query message 206 can be sent as a multicast message received by the lighting devices 204a, 204b (e.g., as Figure 2A shown) or a single unicast message.

[0068] The remote control device 202 can receive a response to the status query message 206 from the received status query message 206 and / or each of the lighting devices 204a, 204b associated with the remote control device 202. For example, the lighting device 204a can transmit a status response message 208 indicating that the lighting device 204a is in the off state in response to the status query message 206. The lighting device 204b can transmit a status response message 210 indicating that the lighting device 204b is in the on state in response to the status query message 206. The status response message can also or alternatively indicate the intensity level (e.g., brightness or intensity level), color (e.g., color temperature), or other status of the lighting device from which the status message is transmitted.

[0069] If the remote control device 202 determines that any one of the lighting devices 204a, 204b is in the on state, the remote control device 202 can be configured to transmit a default switching command, such as a turn-off command 212. The turn-off command 212 can be sent as a multicast message (e.g., as shown) received by the lighting devices 204a, 204b or as a single unicast message. Although the turn-off command 212 can be transmitted as a default switching command, as shown, the remote control device 202 can transmit an on command or another default command in response to identifying the status of one or more of the lighting devices 204a, 204b. The lighting device 204b can become the off state in response to receiving the turn-off command 212. Figure 2A shown Figure 2A shown,

[0070] The remote control device 202 can determine control instructions to be sent to the lighting devices 204a, 204b based on the status of one of the lighting devices 204a, 204b. For example, the remote control device 202 can determine control instructions for sending to the lighting devices 204a, 204b based on the status of the main lighting device or the lighting device that first responds to the status query message 206. The remote control device 202 can control the status of both the lighting devices 204a, 204b by sending a command to switch the lighting device in response to the status query message, or can switch other lighting devices to synchronize the status of other devices with the status of the main lighting device or the first lighting device in response.

[0071] As Figure 2B shown, the remote control device 202 can respond to the status of the first lighting devices 204a, 204b in response to the status query message. For example, the status query message 220 can be a multicast message (e.g., as shown) Figure 2Bshown) or unicast messages to each lighting device 204a, 204b. The lighting device 204a can be the first device to receive the status query message 220 and / or receive the status response message 222 as a response therefrom. The status response message 222 can indicate the status of the lighting device 204a, which can cause the remote control device 202 to send an opposite command (e.g., the turn-on command 224). The turn-on command 224 can be sent as a multicast message (e.g., as Figure 2B shown) or a unicast message. Although not shown in Figure 2B , the lighting device 204b can be the first device to receive the status query message 220 and / or receive the status response message as a response therefrom. The status response message can indicate the status of the lighting device 204b, which can cause the remote control device 202 to send an opposite command (e.g., the turn-off command 234). The turn-off command 234 can be sent as a multicast message or a unicast message.

[0072] Although Figure 2B not shown, the remote control device 202 can scan the lighting devices 204a, 204b in a preferred state (e.g., on / off state, intensity level, color, etc.). The remote control device 202 can send the status query message as a unicast message to each of the lighting devices 204a, 204b, or as a multicast message to both of the lighting devices 204a, 204b. The remote control device 202 can continue to send the status query message to each of the lighting devices 204a, 204b until one of the lighting devices returns a non-preferred state. For example, the remote control device 202 can send the status query message 206 to the lighting device 204a and receive the status response message 208 before sending the status query message to the lighting device 204. When the remote control device 202 receives a status message from a lighting device identifying the lighting device as being in a non-preferred state (e.g., a state other than the preferred on / off state, intensity level, color, etc.), or when the remote control device 202 has scanned each lighting device, the remote control device 202 can stop scanning the lighting devices.

[0073] The remote control device 202 can transmit a status query message requesting a response from a lighting device in a specific state. For example, as Figure 2BAs shown, the remote control device 202 can transmit a status query message 220 that requests a response from a lighting device in the off state. The status query message 220 can be transmitted as an initial message (e.g., after waking up from a sleep state) after identifying a user interface event (e.g., actuation, rotation, finger swipe, etc.) and / or a proximity sensing event (e.g., the sensing circuit senses an occupant near the remote control device 116). The status query message 220 can be a multicast message (e.g., as shown in Figure 2B shown) or a single unicast message for the lighting devices 204a, 204b with which the remote control device 202 can be associated.

[0074] When the lighting device 204a is in the off state, the lighting device 204a can respond with a status response message 222 indicating that the lighting device 204a is in the off state. The status response message 222 can indicate that the lighting device 204a is in the off state, or the transmission of the status response message 222 itself can indicate that the lighting device 204a is in the off state. When the lighting device 204b is in the on state, the lighting device 204b can not respond to the status query message 220.

[0075] The remote control device 202 can receive a response to the status query message 220 from the lighting device 204a and determine that at least one lighting device is in the off state. If the remote control device 202 determines that any one of the lighting devices 204a, 204b is in the off state, the remote control device 202 can be configured to transmit a default switching message, such as an on command 224. The on command 224 can be sent as a multicast message or a single unicast message received by the lighting devices 204a, 204b.

[0076] Figure 2C Depicts an exemplary message flow for querying the current state (e.g., intensity level) of a lighting device in response to actuation of an intensity adjustment actuator (e.g., the rotating part 118) and generating a lighting control command in response to the identified state. As shown in Figure 2C shown, the remote control device 202 can transmit a status query message 230 for identifying the intensity levels of lighting devices (such as lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c), which can each be at different intensity levels (as shown). The status query message 230 can be transmitted as an initial message (e.g., after waking up from a sleep state) after identifying a user interface event (e.g., actuation, rotation, finger swipe, etc.) and / or a proximity sensing event (e.g., the sensing circuit senses an occupant near the remote control device 116). The status query message 230 can be sent as a multicast message (e.g., as shown in Figure 2C shown) or a single unicast message received by the lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c.

[0077] The remote control device 202 can determine a control instruction to be sent to the lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c based on the state of one of the lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c. For example, the remote control device 202 can determine a control instruction to be sent to the lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c based on the state (e.g., intensity level) of the first lighting device (e.g., the lighting device 204a as shown) that responds to the status query message 230. Figure 2C The remote control device 202 can control the intensity levels of all the lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c by sending a command to go to the updated intensity level, which can be determined based on the intensity level of the first lighting device in response to the status query message 206. For example, the lighting device 204a can transmit a status response message 232, which can indicate that the lighting device 204a is at an intensity level of 50%.

[0078] The remote control device 202 can use the intensity levels of the first lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c in response to the status query message 230 to control the lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c. In response to receiving the status response message 232 indicating that the lighting device 204a is at an intensity level of 50%, the remote control device 202 can transmit a command message 240 to the lighting device 204a, and the command message includes a move-to level command (e.g., a go-to command) for going to the updated intensity level L of 60%. 新 The remote control device 202 can then transmit a command message 242 to the lighting device 204b and a command message 244 to the lighting device 204c, where each of the command messages 242, 244 includes the same move-to level command (e.g., going to the updated intensity level L of 60%) as that included in the command message 240. The command messages 240, 242, 244 can be transmitted as unicast messages (e.g., as shown) or multicast messages. The remote control device 202 can be configured to determine the desired change amount of the intensity levels of the lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c in response to the amount of rotation of the rotating part (e.g., the change in the angular position of the rotating part) from the start of the rotation of the rotating part until the command message 240 is transmitted, and determine the updated intensity level L to which the lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c are to be controlled in response to the desired change amount of the intensity levels. 新 ) The command messages 240, 242, 244 can be transmitted as unicast messages (e.g., as shown) or multicast messages. The remote control device 202 can be configured to determine the desired change amount of the intensity levels of the lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c in response to the amount of rotation of the rotating part (e.g., the change in the angular position of the rotating part) from the start of the rotation of the rotating part until the command message 240 is transmitted, and determine the updated intensity level L to which the lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c are to be controlled in response to the desired change amount of the intensity levels. Figure 2C shown) or multicast messages. The remote control device 202 can be configured to determine the desired change amount of the intensity levels of the lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c in response to the amount of rotation of the rotating part (e.g., the change in the angular position of the rotating part) from the start of the rotation of the rotating part until the command message 240 is transmitted, and determine the updated intensity level L to which the lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c are to be controlled in response to the desired change amount of the intensity levels. 新 .

[0079] As the rotating part is rotated, the remote control device 202 can continue to transmit command messages to the lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c. For example, the remote control device 202 can transmit command messages 250, 252, 254 to the corresponding lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c, where each command message includes a move-to-level command for going to an updated intensity level L of 70%. 新 The command messages 250, 252, 254 can be transmitted as unicast messages (e.g., as shown in Figure 2C ) or multicast messages. The remote control device 202 can be configured to determine the updated intensity level L to which the lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c are to be controlled in response to the amount of rotation of the rotating part from when the command message 240 is transmitted until the command message 250 is transmitted. 新 .

[0080] The remote control device can then transmit command messages 260, 262, 264 to the corresponding lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c, where each command message includes a move-to-level command for going to an updated intensity level L of 80%. 新 The command messages 260, 262, 264 can be transmitted as unicast messages (e.g., as shown in Figure 2C ) or multicast messages. The remote control device 202 can be configured to determine the updated intensity level L to which the lighting devices 204a, 204b, 204c are to be controlled in response to the amount of rotation of the rotating part from when the command message 250 is transmitted until the command message 260 is transmitted. 新 .

[0081] Figure 3A and Figure 3B are timing diagrams depicting examples of controlling lighting devices (e.g., adjusting their intensity) in a control load control system. Figure 3A is a timing diagram depicting an example of a command message event 300 for controlling a lighting device using a move-to-level command (e.g., go-to-level or go-to command). As shown in Figure 3A , a move-to-level command message can be transmitted in response to the rotation of a rotating part (e.g., the rotating part 118 of the remote control device 116 shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B ). The move-to-level command message 302 can be transmitted periodically (e.g., as indicated by the filled transmission blocks in Figure 3A ). For example, the move-to-level command message 302 can be transmitted periodically at a transmission interval T TX (e.g., transmission period) when the rotating part of the remote control device is rotated. For example, the transmission interval T TX can be a time of approximately 100 milliseconds.

[0082] A repeated command message 304 for the move-to-horizontal command message transmitted at 302 can be transmitted (e.g., indicated by an unfilled transport block in Figure 3A ). The repeated command message 304 can be transmitted periodically. For example, the repeated command message 304 can be transmitted at a repetition interval T with respect to the previous move-to-horizontal command message 302 RP periodically (e.g., at the end of a repetition interval T starting from the transmission interval T of the immediately preceding move-to-horizontal command message TX ). Since the repeated command message 304 can be transmitted at a repetition interval T starting from the transmission interval T RP , the repeated command message 304 can also be transmitted at the transmission interval T when the rotating part is rotated TX . As shown in RP , the repeated command message 304 can include a repetition of the previous move-to-horizontal command message 302. The repetition interval T TX can be a time period less than (e.g., less than 50%) the transmission interval T Figure 3A (e.g., the repetition interval T RP can be half of the transmission interval T TX ). For example, the transmission interval T RP can be a first time period (e.g., 100 milliseconds), and the repetition interval T TX can be a second time period (e.g., 50 milliseconds). The transmission of the repeated command message 304 can provide an increased likelihood that the lighting devices receive command messages and / or the intensity levels of the lighting devices do not vary significantly from each other when adjusting the intensity level in response to the rotating part. TX As described herein, the move-to-horizontal command message 302 and the repeated command message 304 can include an updated intensity level L RP (e.g., an updated lighting level) and a fade period T

[0083] . The fade period T 新 can be the amount of time for the lighting device to change the intensity level to the updated intensity level L FD . As described herein, the fade period T FD can include a time period longer than the transmission interval T 新 . For example, the fade period T FD can be approximately 200 milliseconds. When the fade period T TX includes a time period longer than the transmission interval T FD , the fade period T FD can be approximately 200 milliseconds. When the fade period T TXDuring the period of time, the lighting device will not stop responding to the previous command message and changing its corresponding intensity level until it receives a subsequent command message. Additionally, if the lighting device fails to receive the Move to Level command message 302, the lighting device may receive a repeated command message 304 during the fade period (e.g., when the lighting device is still transitioning to the updated intensity level L 新 ), which may have an imperceptible effect on the change in the intensity level at the lighting device (e.g., minimizing the difference between the intensity levels of the lighting device). For example, since the repeat interval T RP is shorter than the transmission interval T TX and the fade period T FD , the repeated command message 304 can be received within a shorter period of time relative to the transmission and fade period T FD of the subsequent Move to Level command message 302). Additionally, the repeated command message 304 can allow the lighting device to "catch up" and change its intensity level accordingly within the fade period T FD .

[0084] As Figure 3A shown, the Move to Level command message 302 (e.g., indicated by the filled transmission block) and the repeated command message 304 (e.g., indicated by the unfilled transmission block) can be transmitted while the rotating part is being rotated. After the rotation of the rotating part stops, the remote control device can transmit multiple repeated command messages 304. For example, as Figure 3A shown, the remote control device can transmit 5 repeated command messages 304 after detecting that the rotating part has stopped rotating (e.g., stopped rotating in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction). The remote control device can detect that the rotating part has stopped rotating when the period of time since the last detection of the rotation of the rotating part exceeds a threshold period of time. As described herein, the repeated command messages 304 transmitted after the rotation has stopped can each include the last transmitted Move to Level command message 302 (e.g., Figure 3A the last filled transmission block in). Multiple repetitions can provide an increased likelihood that the lighting device receives the last Move to Level command message. For example, if the lighting device fails to receive the Move to Level command message 302, the lighting device can receive one of the repeated command messages 304, which can ensure that all lighting devices end at the same intensity level (e.g., as indicated in the last Move to Level command message).

[0085] Figure 3B is a timing diagram depicting an example of a command message event 350 for controlling a lighting device using a direct command (e.g., a "Toggle" command, an "On" command, or an "Off" command). As Figure 3B shown, it can respond to an actuating part (e.g.,Figure 1A and Figure 1B Upon actuation of the actuation portion 117 of the remote control device 116 shown in Figure 1B , a direct command message 310 is transmitted. The direct command message 310 may include a direct command (e.g., a "switch" command, an "on" command, or an "off" command). After transmitting the direct command message 310, a plurality of repeated command messages 312 of the direct command message 310 may be transmitted. As shown in Figure 3B shown, the repeated command messages 312 (e.g., indicated by unfilled transport blocks in Figure 3B ) may be transmitted periodically at a repetition interval T RP (e.g., at any rate of T RP ). As described herein, the repeated command messages 312 may include the direct command of the direct command message 310. The repeated command messages 312 may provide an increased likelihood that the lighting device receives the direct command message. For example, if the lighting device fails to receive the direct command message 310, the lighting device may receive one of the repeated command messages 312.

[0086] Figure 4 Include graphs 400, 402 depicting examples of controlling lighting devices in a load control system (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 of load control system 100 and / or lighting devices 204a, 204b) (e.g., adjusting their intensity levels). The lighting devices may be configured to adjust their respective intensity levels in response to received command messages. As shown in Figure 4 the sequence diagram 404 at the bottom of, a plurality of move-to-level command messages 411, 412, 413, 414 may be transmitted periodically (e.g., at a transmission interval). The move-to-level command messages 411 - 414 (e.g., indicated by filled transport blocks) may be transmitted in response to a user input (e.g., rotation of a rotating portion). As described herein, the move-to-level command messages 411 - 414 may include an updated intensity level L 新 and a fade period T FD (e.g., the amount of time to change the intensity level to the updated intensity level L 新 at the lighting device). In addition, one or more repeated command messages of the previous move-to-level command message (e.g., the immediately preceding move-to-level command) may be transmitted periodically. As shown in Figure 4 shown, the repeated command messages 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427 may be transmitted periodically. The repeated command messages 421 - 427 may include the same move-to-level command as the previous move-to-level command message.

[0087] As described herein, the move-to-level command messages 411 - 414 and the repeat command messages 421 - 427 can each include an intensity level L 新 and a fade period T FD . The updated intensity level L 新 of each move-to-level command message 411 - 414 can depend on the amount of rotation of the rotating portion between successive move-to-level command messages (e.g., from the start to the end of one of the transmission intervals T TX , such as between t0 and t2 as shown in Figure 4 ). The fade period T FD can be a time period longer than the transmission interval T TX and the repeat interval T RP , which can provide a smooth transition of the intensity level. Referring to Figure 4 , the fade period T FD can include a time period that is twice the transmission interval T TX (e.g., the time period for transmitting the command message). When the fade period T FD includes a time period longer than the transmission interval T TX , the transition of the lighting device to the updated intensity level can still be in progress when receiving a subsequent move-to-level command message.

[0088] During the rotation of the rotating portion, one or more move-to-level command messages 411 - 414 can be transmitted at the transmission interval T TX . Similarly, one or more repeat command messages 421 - 427 of a previous move-to-level command message 411 - 414 can be transmitted at the repeat interval T RP . Since the fade period T FD is longer than the transmission interval T TX , the lighting device may not stop adjusting the intensity level of the lighting device until at least one subsequent move-to-level command message is received. For example, when a subsequent move-to-level command message is received, the lighting device can continue to adjust its intensity level without stopping or interrupting the adjustment. Additionally, when adjusting the intensity level in response to the rotation of the rotating portion (which can be considered a smooth adjustment, for example), the stopping or interruption of the adjustment of the intensity level can create an obvious step-like, irregular, or non-smooth adjustment in the intensity level of the lighting device. One or more of the transmitted move-to-level command messages 411 - 414 and / or the repeat command messages 421 - 427 of the move-to-level command may not be received. However, since the fade time included in the move-to-level command message is longer than the transmission interval T TX plus the repeat interval T RP, so the lighting device can receive a repeated command message after a subsequent move to a level command before the adjustment of the intensity level stops. Thus, the lighting device does not stop changing the intensity level until the rotation of the rotating part has stopped, which can reduce the visible flicker of the lighting device.

[0089] At time t0, for example, in response to the rotation of the rotating part, a first move-to-level command message 411 can be transmitted. The first move-to-level command message 411 can include a command for causing the lighting device to transition to an intensity level of 18% within a fade period T FD (e.g., 200 milliseconds). As Figure 4 shown, two lighting devices can initially be at an intensity level of 10%. In response to receiving the first move-to-level command message 411, the lighting device can start transitioning to an intensity level of 18% within the fade period T FD . At time t1 (e.g., a repetition interval T RP of the time after time t0), a repeated command message 421 can be transmitted. The repeated command message 421 can include a repetition of the command of the first move-to-level command message 411.

[0090] At time t2 (e.g., a transmission interval T TX of the time after time t0), in response to continued rotation, a second move-to-level command message 412 can be transmitted. The second move-to-level command message 412 can include a command for causing the lighting device to transition to an intensity level of 30%. The second move-to-level command message 412 can be received by the first lighting device, and the first lighting device can start transitioning to an intensity level of 30% within the fade period T FD (e.g., instead of continuing to transition to an intensity level of 18% in response to the first move-to-level command message 411, as indicated by the dashed line in Figure 4 ). However, the second move-to-level command 412 may not be received (e.g., missed) by the second lighting device, and the second lighting device can continue to transition to an intensity level of 18% (e.g., based on the first move-to-level command message 411). At time t3, a repeated command message 422 can be transmitted. The repeated command message 422 can include a repetition of the command of the second move-to-level command message 412. The repeated command message 422 can be received by the second lighting device, and the second lighting device can then transition to an intensity level of 30% within the fade time T FD (e.g., instead of continuing to transition to an intensity level of 18% in response to the first move-to-level command message 411, as indicated by the dashed line).

[0091] At time t4, for example, a third move-to-level command message 413 can be transmitted in response to continued rotation of the rotating portion. The third move-to-level command message 413 can include a command to cause the lighting device to transition to an intensity level of 35% within a fade time T FD The lighting device can receive the third move-to-level command message 413 and begin to transition to an intensity level of 35% within the fade time T FD (e.g., rather than continuing to transition to an intensity level of 30% in response to the first move-to-level command message 411 and / or the repeat command message 422, as indicated by the dashed line in Figure 4 ). At time t5, a repeat command message 423 can be transmitted, which can include a repeat of the command of the third move-to-level command message 413. At t6, in response to a final amount of rotation, a fourth move-to-level command message 414 can be transmitted. The fourth move-to-level command message 414 can include a command to cause the lighting device to transition to an intensity level of 45% within a fade time T FD The lighting device can receive the fourth move-to-level command message 414 and begin to transition to an intensity level of 45% within the fade time T FD As described herein, after the rotation has stopped, multiple repeat command messages can be transmitted that include the last command (e.g., the command of the fourth move-to-level command message 414). For example, as Figure 4 shown, repeat command messages 424, 425, 426, 427 can be transmitted at times t7, t8, t9, and t 10 respectively.

[0092] As Figure 4 shown, in response to a user input (e.g., rotation of the rotating portion), multiple move-to-level command messages and repeat command messages that include the commands of the previous move-to-level command messages can be transmitted to multiple lighting devices. Additionally, one or more of the transmitted move-to-level command messages and / or repeat command messages may not be received by one or more of the controllable lighting devices. However, if the fade period T FD is longer than the transmission interval T TX , then the missed command messages may not provide a significant difference in the intensity levels of the corresponding lighting devices. Additionally, when subsequent move-to-level command messages and repeat command messages are received, the intensity levels of the corresponding lighting devices can begin to converge. Further, in response to receiving the last move-to-level command message (e.g., the fourth move-to-level 414) and / or subsequent repeat command messages (e.g., repeat command messages 424 - 427), the intensity levels of the corresponding lighting devices can ultimately end at the same intensity level. For example, as Figure 4As shown, even if the second move-to-horizontal command message 412 is missed by the second lighting device at time t2, the two lighting devices can eventually reach a 45% intensity level at time t 10 and the difference in the intensity levels of the corresponding lighting devices can be minimized.

[0093] Figure 5A is a flowchart depicting an exemplary process 500 for controlling at least one lighting device (e.g., adjusting its intensity level) in a load control system. Process 500 can be executed at one or more devices in the load control system. For example, process 500 or portions thereof can be executed by a control device such as a remote control device (e.g., remote control devices 116, 202), another controller device (e.g., remote control device 150, occupancy sensor 160, daylight sensor 170, and / or network device 190), a system controller (e.g., system controller 180), a master device, and / or another computing device. The process 500 can be executed after waking up from a sleep state; after identifying a user event (e.g., actuation, rotation, finger swipe, etc.); and / or after a proximity sensing event (e.g., the sensing circuit senses an occupant near the remote control device). For example, process 500 can be executed at 502 by a remote control device in response to rotation of a rotating portion (e.g., when the rotating portion 118 of remote control device 116 is first rotated), which may cause the remote control device to wake up. Process 500 can be used by the remote control device to determine the initial state (e.g., initial intensity level) of a lighting device (e.g., lighting devices 204a, 204b). When the remote control device wakes up in response to rotation of the rotating portion, process 500 can be executed once.

[0094] At 504, the control device can store the initial position (e.g., initial angular position) of the rotating portion. At 506, the control device can transmit a status query message requesting the current intensity level of the lighting device. At 508, the control device can determine whether a response to the status query message (e.g., a status response message) has been received. If no response to the status query message has been received at 508, then at 510 the control device can determine whether the variable N TX-查询 is equal to the maximum query value N Q-最大 . The variable N TX-查询 can indicate the number of query messages that have been transmitted, and the maximum query value N Q-最大 can indicate the maximum number of query messages that can be transmitted. If the variable N TX-查询 is not equal to the maximum query value N Q-最大 at 510, then at 512 the control device can increment the variable N TX-查询 and transmit another status query message at 506 to query the current intensity level.

[0095] When a response to the query message has been received at 508, the control device may store, at 514, the received intensity level (e.g., the intensity level included in the response to the query message) as the initial level L 初始 . At 516, the control device may set the variable N TX-查询 to zero, and at 518 may start a rotation event. During the rotation event, the control device may periodically transmit command messages (e.g., move-to-level command messages and repeat command messages) to the lighting device (e.g., during process 550 described below with reference to Figure 5B ). At 520, the control device may clear the repeat flag (e.g., to prepare for the execution of process 550), and process 500 may exit. The repeat flag may include an indication of whether the device is to transmit a move-to-level command message or a repeat command message during process 550 (e.g., as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 5B ). When no response to the query message is received at 508, but at 510 the variable N TX-查询 is equal to the maximum query value N Q-最大 (e.g., the number of status queries transmitted is equal to the maximum number of queries that can be transmitted), at 522 the previous intensity level L 当前 may be stored as the initial level L 初始 . For example, the previous intensity level L 当前 may be the intensity level to which the control device controlled the lighting device at the end of the previous rotation event. Before the process exits, the control device may then, at 516, set the variable N TX-查询 to zero, start a rotation event at 518, and clear the repeat flag at 520.

[0096] Figure 5Bis a flow chart depicting an exemplary process 550 for controlling (e.g., adjusting the intensity level of) at least one lighting device in a load control system. The process 550 may be performed at one or more devices in the load control system. For example, the process 550 or portions thereof may be performed by a control device, such as a remote control device (e.g., remote control device 116, 202), another controller device (e.g., remote control device 150, occupancy sensor 160, daylight sensor 170, and / or network device 190), a system controller (e.g., system controller 180), a master device, and / or another computing device. The process 500 may be performed after waking from a sleep state; after identifying a user event (e.g., actuation, rotation, finger swipe, etc.); and / or after a proximity sensing event (e.g., sensing circuitry senses an occupant near the remote control device). For example, the process 550 may be periodically performed by the remote control device at 552 during a rotation event (e.g., which may begin at 524 of the process 500). Process 550 may be used by a remote control device to transmit command messages (eg, a move to level command message and a repeat command message) to control the intensity level of the lighting device during a rotation event. Process 550 may be repeated at intervals T RP (For example, the transmission interval T TX half of the time) is executed periodically until the device returns to sleep.

[0097] At 554, the control device may determine whether rotation of the rotating portion (e.g., rotation of the rotating portion 118 of the remote control device 116) has occurred. For example, when the process 550 is first executed after the rotation event has begun, due to the rotation of the rotating portion 118 of the remote control device 116, the rotation of the rotating portion 118 of the remote control device 116 is performed. Figure 5A The initial position of the knob is stored at 504 of the process 500 shown, so the control device can determine whether rotation of the rotating part has occurred at 554. When the process 550 is subsequently executed during a rotation event, the control device can determine whether the rotation of the rotating part has occurred during the last transmission interval T at 554. TX If there is rotation of the rotating part at 554, the control device can determine whether a repeat flag is set at 556. The repeat flag can include an indication of whether the device is to transmit a move to horizontal command message or a repeat command message. If the repeat flag is not set at 556, the control device can initialize the variable N at 558. TX-重复 (For example, set to 0). For example, the variable N TX-重复 An indication of the number of times a particular move to horizontal command has been repeated at the end of the rotation event may be included (eg, as will be described in more detail below).

[0098] At 560, the control device can determine the amount of rotation of the rotating part (e.g., the change in the angular position of the rotating part). For example, when the process 550 is first executed after the start of a rotation event, at 560, since the initial position of the knob is stored (e.g., at 504 of the process 500), the control device can determine the amount of rotation of the rotating part. When the process 550 is subsequently executed during the rotation event, at 560, the control device can determine the amount of rotation of the rotating part within the last transmission interval T TX (e.g., starting from the start of the last transmission interval T TX ). At 560, the control device can determine the change ΔL in the intensity level caused by the amount of rotation based on the amount of rotation within the last transmission interval T TX .

[0099] Next, the control device can determine the updated intensity level L 新 (e.g., the intensity level to which the lighting device is to be controlled) for the next move-to-level command message based on the determined change ΔL in the intensity level due to the amount of rotation. For example, if this is the first move-to-level command message to be transmitted as part of a rotation event at 564, at 566, the control device can set the updated intensity level L 新 to be equal to the initial intensity level L 初始 (e.g., as determined at 520 of the process 500) plus the determined change ΔL in the intensity level. If this is not the first move-to-level command message to be transmitted as part of a rotation event at 564, at 568, the control device can set the updated intensity level L 新 to be equal to the previously updated intensity level L 新 (e.g., the updated intensity level L 新 transmitted as part of a previous move-to-level command) plus the determined change ΔL in the intensity level.

[0100] At 570, the control device can transmit a move-to-level command message. For example, the move-to-level command message can include the updated intensity level L 新 and the fade period T FD . As described herein, the fade period T FD can be the amount of time to transition to the updated intensity level L 新 . The fade period T FD can be a time period longer than the transmission interval T TX . Each time a move-to-level command is transmitted, the fade period T FD can be the same. At 572, the control device can set a repeat flag, which can indicate that the first instance of the move-to-level command has been transmitted.

[0101] As described herein, the repeat flag can include an indication of whether the device transmits a repeat command message instead of moving to a level command message. If the transmit flag is set at 556, the control device can transmit a repeat command message at 574. The repeat command message can include a previously transmitted move-to-level command (e.g., at 570). At 576, the control device can clear the repeat flag (e.g., which can indicate that another move-to-level command message can be transmitted next).

[0102] If there has been a rotation of the rotating part at 554 (e.g., since the last transmission interval T TX began), the control device can determine the variable N at 576 TX-重复 whether it is equal to the maximum repeat value N R-最大 . The maximum repeat value N R-最大 can include an indication of the maximum number of repeat command messages that can be transmitted at the end of the rotation event (e.g., the repeat command messages indicated by the unfilled transmission blocks in Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4 ). If the variable N at 578 TX-重复 is not equal to the maximum repeat value N R-最大 , the control device can transmit a repeat command message at 580. The repeat command message can include a previously transmitted move-to-level command (e.g., at 570). At 582, the control device can increment the variable N TX-重复 before exiting the process 550. If the variable N at 578 TX-重复 is equal to the maximum repeat value N R-最大 , the control device can reset the variable N TX-重复 to zero and end the rotation event at 586. At 558, the control device can store the current intensity level L 当前 of the lighting device as the previous intensity level L 当前 (e.g., which can be set to be used at 522 of the process 500). At 590, the control device can enter the sleep state before exiting the process 550.

[0103] Figure 6is a block diagram showing an exemplary load control device as described herein, such as load control device 600. The load control device 600 can be a dimmer switch, an electronic switch, a lighting device (e.g., a light bulb, an electronic ballast for a lamp, an LED driver for an LED light source, etc.), an AC plug-in load control device for controlling an inserted electrical load, a controllable electrical outlet, a temperature control device (e.g., a thermostat), a motor drive unit for an electric window covering, a motor drive unit for a fan (e.g., a ceiling fan), an audio device (e.g., a controllable speaker or playback device), an appliance, a security camera device, or other load control device. The load control device 600 can include a communication circuit 602. The communication circuit 602 can include a receiver, an RF transceiver, or other communication modules capable of performing wired and / or wireless communication via a communication link 610. The communication circuit 602 can communicate with a control circuit 604. The control circuit 604 can include one or more general-purpose processors, dedicated processors, conventional processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessors, integrated circuits, programmable logic devices (PLDs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. The control circuit 604 can perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other function that enables the load control device 600 to perform as described herein.

[0104] The control circuit 604 can store information in and / or retrieve information from a memory 606. For example, the memory 606 can maintain a registry of associated control devices and / or control configuration instructions. The memory 606 can include non-removable memory and / or removable memory. A load control circuit 608 can receive instructions from the control circuit 604 and can control an electrical load 616 based on the received instructions. The load control circuit 608 can send status feedback to the control circuit 604 regarding the status of the electrical load 616. The load control circuit 608 can receive power via a hot connection 612 and a neutral connection 614 and can provide a certain amount of power to the electrical load 616. The electrical load 616 can include any type of electrical load.

[0105] The control circuit 604 can communicate with an actuator 618 (e.g., one or more buttons) that can be actuated by a user to convey a user selection to the control circuit 604. For example, the actuator 618 can be actuated to place the control circuit 604 in an association mode and / or to transmit an association message from the load control device 600.

[0106] Figure 7is a block diagram showing an exemplary controller device 700 as described herein. The controller device 700 can be a remote control device, an occupancy sensor, a daylight sensor, a window sensor, a temperature sensor, etc. The controller device 700 can include control circuitry 702 for controlling the functions of the controller device 700. The control circuitry 702 can include one or more general-purpose processors, dedicated processors, conventional processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessors, integrated circuits, programmable logic devices (PLDs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. The control circuitry 702 can perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, and / or any other functions that enable the controller device 700 to perform as described herein.

[0107] The control circuitry 702 can store information in and / or retrieve information from the memory 704. As described herein, the memory 704 can include non-removable memory and / or removable memory.

[0108] The controller device 700 can include one or more light sources (such as one or more LEDs 712) for providing feedback to a user. The one or more LEDs 712 can be included in a status indicator and can be controlled by the control circuitry 702. The control circuitry 702 can control the LEDs 712 as described herein to provide feedback to the user.

[0109] The controller device 700 can include communication circuitry 708 for transmitting and / or receiving information. The communication circuitry 708 can transmit and / or receive information via wired and / or wireless communication. The communication circuitry 708 can include a transmitter, an RF transceiver, or other circuitry capable of performing wired and / or wireless communication. The communication circuitry 708 can communicate with the control circuitry 702 to transmit and / or receive information.

[0110] The control circuit 702 can communicate with the input circuit 706. The input circuit 706 can include actuators (e.g., one or more buttons), rotating or sliding parts, or sensor circuits (e.g., occupancy sensor circuit, daylight sensor circuit, or temperature sensor circuit) for receiving inputs that can be sent to a device for controlling an electrical load. The input circuit 706 can also include a proximity sensing circuit for sensing an occupant near the controller device 700. For example, the controller device 702 can receive an input from the input circuit 706 to place the control circuit 702 in an associated mode and / or transmit an associated message from the controller device 700. The control circuit 702 can receive information from the input circuit 706 (e.g., an indication that a button has been actuated, a rotating part has been rotated, or information has been sensed) and / or an indication of a proximity sensing event. The input circuit 706 can include an actuator (e.g., a mechanical tactile switch) configured to be actuated as an on / off event (e.g., in response to the actuation of the actuating part 117). The input circuit 706 can also include a rotational position sensing circuit (e.g., a magnetic sensing circuit such as a Hall effect sensing circuit) for sensing the rotation (e.g., angular position and / or direction of rotation) of a rotating part (e.g., the rotating part 118). Each of the modules within the controller device 700 can be powered by a power supply 710.

[0111] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an exemplary network device 800 as described herein. For example, the network device 800 can include the network device 190. The network device 800 can include a control circuit 802 for controlling the functions of the network device 800. The control circuit 802 can include one or more general-purpose processors, dedicated processors, conventional processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessors, integrated circuits, programmable logic devices (PLDs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. The control circuit 802 can perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other function that enables the network device 800 to perform as described herein. The control circuit 802 can store information in and / or retrieve information from a memory 804. The memory 804 can include non-removable memory and / or removable memory. The non-removable memory can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, or any other type of non-removable memory. The removable memory can include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a memory card, or any other type of removable memory.

[0112] The network device 800 may include a communication circuit 808 for transmitting and / or receiving information. The communication circuit 808 may perform wireless and / or wired communication. The communication circuit 808 may include an RF transceiver or other circuitry capable of performing wired and / or wireless communication via an antenna. The communication circuit 808 may communicate with the control circuit 802 to transmit and / or receive information.

[0113] The control circuit 802 may also communicate with the display 806 for providing information to a user. The control circuit 802 and / or the display 806 may generate a GUI for display on the network device 800. The display 806 and the control circuit 802 may communicate bidirectionally because the display 806 may include a touchscreen module capable of receiving information from a user and providing such information to the control circuit 802. The network device may also include an actuator 812 (e.g., one or more buttons) that may be actuated by a user to convey a user selection to the control circuit 802.

[0114] Each of the modules within the network device 800 may be powered by a power supply 810. For example, the power supply 810 may include an AC power supply and / or a DC power supply. The power supply 810 may generate a supply voltage V for powering the modules within the network device 800 CC .

[0115] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an exemplary system controller 900 (e.g., a hub device) as described herein. The system controller 900 may include a control circuit 902 for controlling the functions of the system controller 900. The control circuit 902 may include one or more general-purpose processors, dedicated processors, conventional processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessors, integrated circuits, programmable logic devices (PLDs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. The control circuit 902 may perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other function enabling the system controller 900 to perform as described herein. The control circuit 902 may store information in and / or retrieve information from a memory 904. The memory 904 may include non-removable memory and / or removable memory. The non-removable memory may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, or any other type of non-removable memory. The removable memory may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a memory card, or any other type of removable memory.

[0116] The system controller 900 may include a communication circuit 908 for transmitting and / or receiving information. The communication circuit 908 may perform wireless and / or wired communication. The system controller 900 may also or alternatively include a communication circuit 912 for transmitting and / or receiving information. The communication circuit 912 may perform wireless and / or wired communication. The communication circuits 908 and 912 may communicate with the control circuit 902. The communication circuits 908 and 912 may include an RF transceiver or other communication modules capable of performing wireless communication via an antenna. The communication circuit 908 and the communication circuit 912 may be capable of performing communication via the same communication channel or different communication channels. For example, the communication circuit 908 may be capable of communicating (e.g., with a network device, via a network, etc.) via a wireless communication channel (e.g., Near Field Communication (NFC), cellular, etc.), and the communication circuit 912 may be capable of communicating (e.g., with a control device and / or other devices in a load control system) via another wireless communication channel (e.g., or a proprietary communication channel such as CLEAR CONNECT TM ).

[0117] The control circuit 902 may communicate with an LED indicator 914 for providing an indication to a user. The control circuit 902 may communicate with an actuator 906 (e.g., one or more buttons), which may be actuated by a user to transmit a user selection to the control circuit 902. For example, the actuator 906 may be actuated to place the control circuit 902 in an associated mode and / or transmit an association message from the system controller 900.

[0118] Each of the modules within the system controller 900 may be powered by a power supply 910. For example, the power supply 910 may include an AC power supply and / or a DC power supply. The power supply 910 may generate a supply voltage V CC .

[0119] Although features and elements are described herein in particular combinations, each feature or element may be used separately or in any combination with other features and elements. For example, functions described herein may be described as being performed by a control device such as a remote control device or a lighting device, but may similarly be performed by a system controller or a network device. The methods described herein may be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmware incorporated in a computer-readable medium for execution by a computer or a processor. Examples of computer-readable media include electronic signals (transmitted via wired or wireless connections) and computer-readable storage media. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), removable disks, and optical media such as CD-ROM disks, and digital versatile disks (DVDs).

Claims

1. A remote control device, the remote control device comprising: a memory; a user interface; and a processor configured to: receive at least one indication of user interaction via the user interface; generate a first command message in response to receiving the at least one indication of user interaction via the user interface, wherein the first command message includes a first command, the first command including a first intensity level and a fade period, wherein the first command is configured to adjust to the first intensity level within the fade period included in the first command; send the first command message to at least one lighting device; generate a subsequent second command message in response to receiving the at least one indication of user interaction via the user interface, wherein the second command message includes a second command, the second command including a second intensity level and a fade period, wherein the second command is configured to adjust to the second intensity level within the fade period included in the second command, and wherein the fade period is longer than the transmission interval; and transmit the subsequent second command message to the at least one lighting device after the transmission interval from the time of transmitting the first command message and within the fade period in which the at least one lighting device is instructed in the first command to adjust to the first intensity level.

2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the user interface includes a rotating part, and the processor is configured to periodically transmit command messages at the transmission interval when the rotating part is rotated.

3. The remote control device according to claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to determine the second intensity level based on the first intensity level and the amount of rotation of the rotating part during the transmission interval.

4. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to transmit a repeating command message between the first command message and the second command message at the end of a repeating interval starting from the current transmission interval, the repeating command message including the first command for adjusting to the first intensity level within the fade period.

5. The remote control device according to claim 4, wherein the repeating interval is half of the transmission interval.

6. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the fade period is twice as long as the transmission interval.

7. A remote control device, the remote control device comprising: a memory; a user interface; and a processor configured to: receive at least one indication of a first user interaction via the user interface; generate a command message in response to receiving the at least one indication of the first user interaction, wherein each command message includes a corresponding command for adjusting to a corresponding intensity level within a fade period; periodically transmit the command message to at least one lighting device at a transmission interval in response to receiving the indication of the first user interaction; and Transmit at least one repeated command message between the periodic transmissions of the command message at the end of a repetition interval starting from the beginning of the current transmission interval, each repeated command message including the corresponding command included in the command message transmitted at the start of the current transmission interval, wherein the fade period is longer than the transmission interval, and the transmission interval is longer than the repetition interval.

8. The remote control device according to claim 7, wherein the user interface includes a rotatable portion, and the processor is configured to periodically transmit command messages at the transmission interval when the rotatable portion is rotated.

9. The remote control device according to claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to: Detect the end of the rotation of the rotatable portion; and Transmit a plurality of repeated command messages on condition that the end of the rotation of the rotatable portion is detected, each of the repeated command messages including the command of the last one of the command messages to be transmitted.

10. The remote control device according to claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured to: Receive an indication of a second user interaction via the user interface; Transmit a command message including a direct command based on the second user interaction; and Transmit a plurality of repeated command messages after the command message, each of the repeated command messages including the direct command of the command message.

11. The remote control device according to claim 10, wherein the user interface includes an actuating portion, and wherein the second user interaction is an actuation of the actuating portion.

12. The remote control device according to claim 7, wherein the repetition interval is half of the transmission interval.

13. The remote control device according to claim 7, wherein the fade period is twice as long as the transmission interval.

14. A load control system, the load control system comprising: A remote control device configured to: Detect a user interaction; In response to detecting the user interaction, generate a command message, wherein each command message includes a command configured to be adjusted to a corresponding intensity level within a fade period; In response to detecting the user interaction, periodically transmit the command message at a transmission interval, wherein the fade period is longer than the periodic transmission interval; And Transmit a repeated command message after a repetition interval from each previously transmitted command message, wherein the repeated command message includes the same command as in the previously transmitted command message; A first lighting device configured to control the intensity level of a first lighting load, the first lighting device being configured to: Receive a first command message from the remote control device, wherein the first command message includes a first intensity level; In response to receiving the first command message, start adjusting the intensity level of the first lighting load towards the first intensity level within the fade period; During the fade period in which the intensity level of the first lighting load is controlled, receive a second command message from the remote control device; And In response to receiving the second command message, start adjusting the intensity level of the first lighting load toward a second intensity level within the fade period; and a second lighting device configured to control an intensity level of a second lighting load, the second lighting device configured to: receive, from the remote control device, a repeat command message corresponding to the first command message, wherein the repeat command message includes the first intensity level, and wherein the repeat command message is transmitted by the remote control device after the first command message; in response to receiving the repeat command message, start adjusting the intensity level of the second lighting load toward the first intensity level within the fade period; receive the second command message from the remote control device during the fade period in which the intensity level of the second lighting load is controlled; and in response to receiving the second command message, start adjusting the intensity level of the second lighting load toward the second intensity level within the fade period.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the remote control device includes a rotating portion, and wherein the user interaction is a rotation of the rotating portion.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the second command message is based on the first command message and an amount of rotation of the rotating portion during the transmission interval.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the remote control device is further configured to: detect an end of a rotation of the rotating portion; and transmit a plurality of repeat command messages under the condition that the end of the rotation of the rotating portion is detected, each of the repeat command messages including a command of a last periodically transmitted command message.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein the repeat interval is half of the transmission interval.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein the fade period is twice as long as the transmission interval.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein the remote control device includes an actuating portion, and wherein the remote control device is further configured to: detect an actuation of the actuating portion; transmit a command message including a direct command based on the detected actuation of the actuating portion; and periodically transmit a plurality of repeat command messages after the command message, each of the repeat command messages including the direct command of the command message, and wherein the plurality of repeat command messages are transmitted periodically at the repeat interval.

21. A method, comprising: receiving an indication of a first user interaction via a user interface; generating a command message in response to receiving the indication of the first user interaction, wherein each command message includes a corresponding command for adjusting to a corresponding intensity level within a fade period transmitting the command message to at least one lighting device periodically at a transmission interval in response to receiving the indication of the first user interaction; and Transmit at least one repeated command message between the periodic transmissions of the command message at the end of a repetition interval starting from the beginning of the current transmission interval, each repeated command message including a corresponding command included in the command message transmitted at the start of the current transmission interval, wherein the repetition interval is at most half of the transmission interval, and the fade period is longer than the transmission interval.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the user interface includes a rotatable portion, and the method further comprises: Periodically transmitting a command message at the transmission interval when the rotatable portion is rotated; Detecting the end of the rotation of the rotatable portion; And Transmitting a plurality of repeated command messages on condition that the end of the rotation of the rotatable portion is detected, each of the repeated command messages including the command of the last one of the command messages to be transmitted.

23. The method according to claim 21, further comprising: Receiving an indication of a second user interaction via the user interface; Transmitting a command message including a direct command based on the second user interaction; And Transmitting a plurality of repeated command messages after the command message, each of the repeated command messages including the direct command of the command message.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the user interface includes an actuating portion, and wherein the second user interaction is an actuation of the actuating portion.

25. The method according to claim 21, wherein the fade period is twice as long as the transmission interval.

26. At least one computer-readable storage medium, comprising executable instructions for configuring at least one processor to perform the following operations: Receiving an indication of a user interaction via a user interface; In response to receiving the indication of the user interaction, generating a first command message and a second command message, wherein the first command message includes a first command, the first command including a first intensity level and a fade period, and wherein the second command message includes a second command, the second command including a second intensity level and a fade period; Transmitting the first command message to at least one lighting device after receiving the indication of the user interaction, wherein the first command is configured to adjust to the first intensity level within the fade period; Transmitting the second command message to the lighting device after a transmission interval starting from when the first command message is transmitted, wherein the second command is configured to adjust to the second intensity level within the fade period, and wherein the fade period is longer than the transmission interval.

27. The at least one computer-readable storage medium according to claim 26, wherein the user interface includes a rotatable portion, and the executable instructions are further for configuring at least one processor to periodically transmit a command message at the transmission interval when the rotatable portion is rotated.

28. The at least one computer-readable storage medium according to claim 27, wherein the executable instructions are further for configuring the at least one processor to determine the second intensity level based on the first intensity level and the amount of rotation of the rotatable portion during the transmission interval.

29. The at least one computer-readable storage medium according to claim 26, wherein the executable instructions are further configured to configure the at least one processor to transmit a repeating command message between the first command message and the second command message at the end of a repeating interval starting from the current transmission interval, the repeating command message including the first command for adjusting to the first intensity level within the ramp period.

30. The at least one computer-readable storage medium according to claim 29, wherein the repeating interval is at most half of the transmission interval.

31. The at least one computer-readable storage medium according to claim 26, wherein the ramp period is twice as long as the transmission interval.

32. The at least one computer-readable storage medium, comprising executable instructions for configuring at least one processor to perform the following operations: Receiving an indication of a first user interaction via a user interface; Generating a command message in response to receiving the indication of the first user interaction, wherein each command message includes a corresponding command for adjusting to a corresponding intensity level within a ramp period; Periodically transmitting the command message to at least one lighting device at a transmission interval in response to receiving the indication of the first user interaction; And Transmitting at least one repeating command message to the at least one lighting device between the periodic transmissions of the command message at the end of a repeating interval starting from the current transmission interval, each repeating command message including the corresponding command included in the command message transmitted at the start of the current transmission interval, wherein the repeating interval is at most half of the transmission interval, and the ramp period is longer than the transmission interval.

33. The at least one computer-readable storage medium according to claim 32, wherein the user interface includes a rotating part, and the executable instructions are further configured to configure the at least one processor to perform the following operations: Periodically transmitting command messages at the transmission interval when the rotating part is rotated; Detecting the end of the rotation of the rotating part; and Transmitting a plurality of repeating command messages on the condition that the end of the rotation of the rotating part is detected, each of the repeating command messages including the command of the last command message to be transmitted.

34. The at least one computer-readable storage medium according to claim 32, wherein the executable instructions are further configured to configure the at least one processor to: Receive an indication of a second user interaction via the user interface; Transmit a command message including a direct command based on the second user interaction; and Transmitting a plurality of repeating command messages after the command message, each of the repeating command messages including the direct command of the command message.

35. The at least one computer-readable storage medium according to claim 34, wherein the user interface includes an actuating part, and wherein the second user interaction is the actuation of the actuating part.

36. The at least one computer-readable storage medium according to claim 32, wherein the ramp period is twice as long as the transmission interval.

37. A load control system, the load control system comprising: A load control device configured to control a lighting load; A control device configured to transmit command messages to the lighting control device at a transmission interval for controlling the lighting load, the control device further configured to: Generate a first command message including an intensity level and a fade period for controlling the lighting load; Transmit the first command message; During a fade period of controlling the intensity of the lighting load in response to the first command message for controlling the intensity of the lighting load, transmit a second command message including the intensity level and the fade period, wherein the fade period of the first command message is longer than the transmission interval between the first command message and the second command message such that the intensity of the lighting load can continue to be adjusted based on the second command message; And Wherein the load control device is configured to control the intensity of the lighting load to the intensity level of the first command message within the fade period of the first command message, and wherein the load control device is configured to continue to adjust the intensity of the lighting load to the intensity level of the second command message within the fade period of the second command message.

38. The load control system according to claim 37, wherein the fade period of the first command message and the fade period of the second command message are the same.

39. The load control system according to claim 38, wherein the intensity level of the first command message and the intensity level of the second command message are different.

40. The load control system according to claim 39, wherein the first command message and the second command message include respective go-to level commands.

41. The load control system according to claim 40, wherein the first command message and the second command message are transmitted via wired communication.

42. The load control system according to claim 37, wherein the control device further comprises: A user interface; Wherein the control device is configured to determine the intensity level of the second command message in response to the user interface.

43. The load control system according to claim 42, wherein the control device further comprises: A rotatable part configured to be rotated by a user; Wherein the control device is configured to determine the intensity level of the second command message in response to the amount of rotation of the knob.

44. A control device, the control device comprising: A communication circuit; And A control circuit configured to transmit command messages at a transmission interval via the communication circuit, the control circuit further configured to: Generate a first command message including an intensity level and a fade period for controlling the intensity of a lighting load; Transmit the first command message; And During a fade period of controlling the lighting load in response to the first command message, transmit a second command message including the intensity level and the fade period, wherein the fade period of the first command message is longer than the transmission interval between the first command message and the second command message such that the intensity of the lighting load can continue to be adjusted based on the second command message.

45. The control device according to claim 44, wherein the control circuit is configured to: Receive an input; and In response to the input, determine the intensity level and the fade period of each of the first command message and the second command message.

46. The control device according to claim 45, wherein the control device further comprises: a user interface; wherein the input is received via the user interface.

47. The control device according to claim 46, wherein the control device further comprises: a rotating part configured to be rotated by a user; wherein the control circuit is configured to determine an intensity level of each of the first command message and the second command message in response to a rotation amount of the knob.

48. The control device according to claim 44, wherein a fade-in period of the first command message is the same as a fade-in period of the second command message.

49. The control device according to claim 48, wherein an intensity level of the first command message is different from an intensity level of the second command message.

50. The control device according to claim 49, wherein the first command message and the second command message include respective go-to level commands.

51. The control device according to claim 48, wherein the first command message and the second command message are transmitted via wired communication.

52. A method, the method comprising: generating a first command message including an intensity level and a fade-in period for controlling an intensity of a lighting load; transmitting the first command message; and during a fade-in period of controlling the lighting load in response to the first command, transmitting a second command including an intensity level and the fade-in period, wherein the second command message is transmitted at a transmission interval after the first command message, wherein a fade-in period of the first command is longer than the transmission interval between the first command message and the second command message such that the intensity of the lighting load can continue to be adjusted based on the second command message.

53. The method according to claim 52, further comprising: receiving an input; and in response to the input, determining an intensity level and a fade-in period of each of the first command message and the second command message.

54. The method according to claim 53, wherein the input is received from a user interface of the control device.

55. The method according to claim 54, wherein the control device includes a rotating part of a knob, and wherein the input is received in response to a rotation amount of the knob.

56. The method according to claim 55, wherein a fade-in period of the first command message is the same as a fade-in period of the second command message.

57. The method according to claim 56, wherein an intensity level of the first command message is different from an intensity level of the second command message.

58. The method according to claim 57, wherein the first command message and the second command message include respective go-to level commands.

59. The method according to claim 58, wherein the first command message and the second command message are transmitted via wired communication.

60. At least one computer-readable storage medium, comprising executable instructions for configuring at least one processor to perform the following operations: generating a first command message including an intensity level and a fade-in period for controlling an intensity of a lighting load; transmitting the first command message including the intensity level and the fade-in period for controlling an intensity of a lighting load; and During a fade period for controlling a lighting load in response to a first command, a second command including an intensity level and the fade period is transmitted, wherein the second command message is transmitted at a transmission interval after the first command message, and wherein the fade period of the first command is longer than the transmission interval between the first command message and the second command message such that the intensity of the lighting load can continue to be adjusted based on the second command message.

61. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 60, the executable instructions further configured to configure at least one processor to perform the following operations: Receive an input; and In response to the input, determine the intensity level and fade period of each of the first command message and the second command message.

62. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 61, wherein the input is received from a user interface of the control device.

63. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 62, wherein the control device includes a rotating portion of a knob, and wherein the input is received in response to the amount of rotation of the knob.

64. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 63, wherein the fade period of the first command message and the fade period of the second command message are the same.

65. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 64, wherein the intensity level of the first command message and the intensity level of the second command message are different.

66. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 65, wherein the first command message and the second command message include respective go-to level commands.

67. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 66, wherein the first command message and the second command message are transmitted via wired communication.

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