Control device with adaptive transmission power

Abstract

The control device may be configured to transmit a message using adaptive transmission power. The control device may determine the transmission power used to transmit the message based on a command in the message. The control device may determine the transmission power based on a change in illumination intensity caused by the command. The transmission power may be greater when the illumination intensity change is above a threshold than when the illumination intensity change is below the threshold. The control device may determine whether the message was successfully received based on receipt of a confirmation message. When the message is not received, the control device may increase the transmission power and retransmit the message including the command at the increased transmission power. The control device may store (e.g., learn) the increased transmission power for later use.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 836,348, filed April 19, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] For example, various types of load control systems can be used to configure a user environment such as a residence or office building. A lighting control system can be used to control lighting loads in the user environment. The lighting control system 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 (e.g., an input device) can be used to communicate with a lighting device (e.g., a light bulb) in a load control system to control the lighting level (e.g., intensity) of the lighting device. The devices can communicate in a network using RF communication, such as communication; communication; or such as CLEAR CONNECT TM dedicated communications.

[0004] The lighting devices in a user environment may be commonly controlled by a shared lighting control device that is capable of dimming or switching a group of lighting devices on or off. The shared lighting control device may be mobile (e.g., may not be located in a fixed position) and may be battery powered. Communicating via RF may drain the limited power supply of the shared lighting control device. RF communication may be performed inefficiently, for example, by using static transmission power, which may not account for the mobility of the shared lighting control device. Therefore, if communication via RF is not performed efficiently, the battery of the shared control device may be frequently depleted. Users of the shared lighting control device may be constantly replacing batteries, which may result in a poor user experience.

[0005] A shared lighting control device can control the lighting devices asynchronously via RF. For example, the shared lighting control device may not periodically transmit commands. Instead, the shared lighting control device may transmit commands (e.g., asynchronously) in response to user input (e.g., user interaction) that may occur unexpectedly. Furthermore, when the lighting control device is movable, the position of the lighting control device relative to the lighting devices may change during a single user input and / or between different user inputs. Consequently, environmental conditions for communication via RF may be inconsistent. However, certain characteristics of RF communication (e.g., transmission power) may remain static, which may lead to unsuccessful or inefficient RF communication.

[0006] A shared lighting control device can control multiple lighting devices, for example, by transmitting a command to each of the lighting devices. However, one or more of the lighting devices may fail to receive the command. The lighting devices that fail to receive the command may become out of sync with other lighting devices controlled by the shared lighting control device (e.g., the lighting devices that receive the command), and this effect can be noticeable. Furthermore, the effect of not receiving a particular command may be more noticeable than the effect of not receiving other commands (e.g., an on / off command may be more noticeable than a raise or lower command). Summary of the Invention

[0007] The remote control device may be configured to transmit a message for controlling a lighting device using variable (e.g., adaptive) transmission power. The remote control device may receive user input, for example, via a user interface. Based on the user input, the remote control device may determine a command from a variety of command types (e.g., a power-on command, a power-off command, a toggle command, a raise command, a lower command, an amount to raise / lower, a level to go to, a move-to-level command, a move-to-level-at-a-rate command, a gradual movement command, a preset command, etc.). The remote control device may determine the transmission power used to transmit the message including the command based on the command type. For example, the remote control device may determine the transmission power based on a change in lighting level caused by the command. The remote control device may transmit a message including a command to adjust the lighting level of a lighting load.

[0008] The remote control device may be configured to adjust a transmission power used to transmit a message including a command. The remote control device may determine a first transmission power for transmitting the message including the command. The remote control device may transmit the message including the command at the first transmission power. The remote control device may determine whether the message including the command has been received (e.g., based on receiving an acknowledgment in response to the message including the command). If the message including the command has not been received, the remote control device may determine a second transmission power. For example, the second transmission power may be an increased transmission power relative to the first transmission power.

[0009] The remote control device may determine an initial transmission power for transmitting a message including a command based on the command type. The remote control device may determine a change in lighting level caused by the command. The remote control device may compare the change in lighting level with a threshold. When the change in lighting level is greater than the threshold, the remote control device may set the transmission power to a maximum transmission power. When the change in lighting level is less than the threshold, the remote control device may set the transmission power to a minimum transmission power.

[0010] The remote control device may be configured to determine a transmission power for transmitting a message including a command based on the type of command. The remote control device may, for example, receive user input via a user interface. The remote control device may determine a command based on the user input. For example, the command may include a control instruction for controlling a lighting load (e.g., which may indicate a change in light intensity). The remote control device may determine a first transmission power based on the amount of change in light intensity caused by the command. For example, when the change in light intensity caused by the command is above a threshold, the first transmission power may be a maximum transmission power. Additionally, or alternatively, when the change in light intensity caused by the command is below a threshold, the first transmission power may be a minimum transmission power. The remote control device may transmit the command in the message at the first transmission power. The remote control device may determine whether the message including the command was successfully received, for example, based on an acknowledgment message. For example, when an acknowledgment message is received, the remote control device may determine that the message including the command was successfully received. Similarly, when an acknowledgment message is not received, the remote control device may determine that the message including the command was not received. If the message including the command is not received, the remote control device may increase the first transmission power to a second transmission power and retransmit the message including the command.

[0011] After the remote control device has stored the transmission power for transmitting messages to other control devices, the remote control device may update the stored transmission power P STORED For example, the remote control device may update the stored transmission power P in response to changes in network conditions. STORED To reduce battery usage at the control device, and / or to increase the likelihood of successful communication (e.g., to account for changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions). The remote control device may update the stored transmission power P used for transmitting communications during the learning process. STORED During the learning process, the remote control device may increase or decrease the learned transmission power to identify an updated transmission power for storage at the remote control device.

[0012] A remote control device may learn a transmission power for effectively transmitting a message including a command. The remote control device may receive user input, for example, via a user interface. Based on the user input, the remote control device may determine a command having a defined command type. The remote control device may determine the transmission power used to transmit the command based on the amount of change in light intensity caused by the command type. For example, when the change in light intensity caused by the command type is above a threshold, the transmission power used for the message may be a first transmission power. When the change in light intensity caused by the command type is below a threshold, the transmission power may be a second transmission power. The remote control device may transmit the command in the message at the determined transmission power.

[0013] The remote control device may learn to adjust the transmission power based on a test transmission power and a determination of whether a message transmitted at the test transmission power has been successfully received. The remote control device may determine whether a message including a command has been successfully received based on receipt of an acknowledgment message. The remote control device may set the test transmission power and continue to decrease the test transmission power as the remote control device continues to receive acknowledgment messages. If the remote control device fails to receive an acknowledgment message in response to a message transmitted at the test transmission power, the remote control device may store the previously acknowledged test transmission power as the transmission power used to transmit future messages.

[0014] The remote control device may fail to receive an acknowledgment message in response to a message transmitted at the test transmission power and increase the test transmission power until an acknowledgment is received. The remote control device may store the test transmission power for which an acknowledgment is received as the transmission power for transmitting future messages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Depicted are examples of load control systems that may implement one or more message types for communicating messages.

[0016] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a sequence diagram depicting an exemplary message flow for transmitting messages between a remote control device and a lighting device in a load control system.

[0017] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3C is a flow chart depicting an exemplary process for transmitting messages using adaptive transmit power.

[0018] Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B and Figure 4Cis a flow chart depicting an exemplary process for learning a transmission power for transmitting a message from a control device in a load control system.

[0019] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary load control device.

[0020] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary controller device.

[0021] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary network device.

[0022] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary system controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An example of a load control system 100 that may implement one or more message types for transmitting messages (eg, digital messages) is depicted. Figure 1A As shown in , the control system 100 may include various control devices, such as a controller device and / or a load control device. The controller device may send a message to the load control device to cause the load control device to control the amount of power provided from the AC power source 102 to the electrical load in the load control system 100.

[0024] Load control devices can control electrical loads within a room and / or building. Each load control device can be capable of directly controlling the amount of power provided to the electrical load in response to communications from a controller device. Exemplary load control devices can include lighting devices 112a, 112b, and / or lighting device 122 (e.g., a load control device in a light bulb, a ballast, a light emitting diode (LED) driver, etc.). A lighting device can be a lighting load itself or a device that includes a lighting load and a lighting load controller.

[0025] A controller device can indirectly control the amount of power provided to an electrical load by transmitting a message to a load control device. The message may include a control instruction (e.g., a load control instruction) or another instruction that causes the load control device to determine a load control instruction for controlling the electrical load. An example controller device may include a remote control device 116. The controller device may include a wired or wireless device.

[0026] Control devices (e.g., controller devices and / or load control devices) can communicate with each other and / or other devices via wired and / or wireless communications. The control devices can communicate using digital messages in wireless signals. For example, the control devices can communicate via radio frequency (RF) signals 106. The control devices can communicate via RF communication protocols (e.g., Near Field Communication (NFC); Low Energy (BLE), Dedicated communication protocols such as CLEAR CONNECT TM 、CLEAR CONNECT TYPE X TM The message may be transmitted via the RF signal 106 as a multicast message and / or a unicast message.

[0027] The lighting device 122 can be mounted in a plug-in device 124, such as a lamp (e.g., a desk lamp). The plug-in device 124 can be coupled in a series electrical connection between the AC power source 102 and the lighting device 122. The plug-in device 124 can be plugged into an electrical outlet 126 powered by the AC power source 102. The plug-in device 124 can be plugged into the electrical outlet 126 or into a separate plug-in load control device that is plugged into the electrical outlet 126 and configured to control the power delivered to the lighting device 122.

[0028] Lighting devices 112a, 112b can be controlled by wall mounted load control device 110. Figure 1A 102. Lighting devices 112a, 112b are shown in FIG. 103, but any number of lighting devices that 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 in a series electrical connection between the AC power source 102 and the lighting devices 112a, 112b. 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 actuation of a switching actuator (not shown) for controlling the power delivered from the AC power source 102 to the lighting devices 112a, 112b (e.g., for turning the lighting devices 112a, 112b on and off). The lighting devices 112a, 112b can be installed in corresponding ceiling-mounted downlight 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.

[0029] Remote control device 116 can be configured to transmit messages for controlling lighting devices 112a, 112b via RF signals 106. For example, remote control device 116 can be configured to transmit messages to load control devices (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b) within wireless communication range of the remote control device via RF signals 106. Remote control device 116 can be battery powered.

[0030] The remote control 116 can be a retrofit remote control mounted on the switching actuator of the mechanical switch 111. The remote control 116 can be configured to maintain 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 power flow from the AC power source 102 to the lighting devices 112a, 112b. Alternatively, the remote control 116 can be mounted to another structure such as a wall (e.g., in addition to the switching actuator of the mechanical switch 111), can be attached to a base located on a horizontal surface, or can be handheld. Furthermore, the wall-mounted load control device 110 can include a wall-mounted remote control that replaces the previously mounted mechanical switch 111 and can be configured to function as the remote control 116 to control the lighting devices 112a, 112b (e.g., by transmitting messages via the RF signal 106). Such a wall-mounted remote control can be powered by the AC power source 102.

[0031] The remote control 116 may include an actuating portion 117 (e.g., a "toggle" button or actuator) that can be actuated (e.g., pushed toward the mechanical switch 111) and a rotating portion 118 (e.g., a knob) that can be rotated (e.g., relative to the mechanical switch 111). The remote control 116 may be configured to transmit messages including commands for turning the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 on and off in response to actuation (e.g., pressing) of the actuating portion 117, and commands for adjusting the intensity (e.g., the lighting level) of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 in response to actuation (e.g., rotation) of the rotating portion 118. Although the rotating portion 118 is disclosed, the remote control 116 may include another type of intensity adjustment actuator, such as a linear slider, an elongated touch-sensitive actuator, a rocker switch, a separate raise / lower actuator, or another form of intensity adjustment actuator. The remote control 116 may also include a status indicator 119 that can be illuminated to provide feedback to the user. When the actuating portion 117 and / or rotating portion 118 are actuated, the remote control 116 may transmit a message via the RF signal 106 and illuminate the status indicator 119 for the duration of a control event. The control event may last from when the actuating portion 117 and / or rotating portion 118 is first actuated to begin the control event until a certain amount of time (e.g., a few seconds) after actuation of the actuating portion 117 and / or rotating portion 118 ceases. A single actuation of the actuating portion 117 may result in a short control event, while continued rotation of the rotating portion 118 may result in a long control event.

[0032] In response to remote control 116 (e.g., in response to actuation of actuator 117 of remote control 116), lighting devices 112a, 112b may be turned on or off, or their intensity levels may be adjusted. For example, lighting devices 112a, 112b may be switched on or off by a switching event recognized at remote control 116. The switching event may be a user input recognized at remote control 116. Actuation portion 117 of remote control 116 may be actuated to switch lighting devices 112a, 112b on or off. Rotation portion 118 of remote control 116 may be rotated to adjust the intensity of lighting devices 112a, 112b. A switching event may be recognized when rotation portion 118 of remote control 116 is rotated a predefined amount or for a predefined time and / or when actuator portion 117 of remote control 116 is actuated. The lighting levels of the lighting devices 112a, 112b may be increased or decreased by rotating the rotating portion 118 of the remote control 116 in one direction or the other, respectively. Figure 1A and Figure 1B 1 as including a knob, remote control 116 may include a toggle switch that can be actuatable by the user, a linear control over which the user can swipe a finger, an up / down slider, a rocker switch, or another type of control capable of receiving user interface events as commands.

[0033] The remote control device 116 can transmit 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 (e.g., an "on" event) to turn on the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. For example, the on command can cause the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to turn on to a maximum intensity (e.g., 100%), a predetermined intensity, and / or a previous intensity (e.g., an "on" event). Additionally, the remote control device 116 can be configured to transmit an off command (e.g., 0%) to turn off the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. Furthermore, the remote control device 116 may be configured to transmit a switching command for switching 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). For example, the remote control device 116 may be configured to transmit a switching command in response to detecting a switching event. The lighting levels for the “on” event and / or the “off” event may also or alternatively be stored at the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, and when the “on” event or “off” event is received at the remote control device 116, the lighting levels for the “on” event and / or the “off” event may also or alternatively be stored at the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. When the remote control 116 is rotated in one direction for a predefined distance or time, the message may result in an "on" event. As an example, the remote control 116 may transmit a message when it is recognized that the remote control 116 has been rotated for 100 milliseconds (ms). When the remote control 116 is rotated in the opposite direction for a predefined distance or time, the message may indicate an "off" event. When the actuation portion 117 of the remote control 116 is actuated, the message may indicate an "on" event or an "off" event.

[0034] The remote control device 116 can be configured to adjust the intensity of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 using absolute control to control the intensity 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 message including a move-to-level command (e.g., a "go to level" or "go to" command) identifying the lighting level to which the lighting devices can be changed. The move-to-level command can include the amount of time over which the lighting level can be changed at the lighting devices. The move-to-level command can result in an "on" event or an "off" event, turning the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 on or off, respectively. For example, an "on" event can be caused by a move-to-level command with a 100% lighting level or another preset lighting level. An "off" event can be caused by a move-to-level command with a 0% intensity level.

[0035] In response to a user interface event (e.g., actuation, rotation, finger swipe, etc.) or a proximity sensing event (e.g., sensing circuitry sensing an occupant near the remote control 116) at the remote control 116, the remote control 116 may determine a starting point (e.g., a dynamic starting point) for controlling the lighting level of one or more of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. Each rotation of the rotating portion 118 may cause the remote control 116 to determine a dynamic starting point for performing control. In response to a user interface event and / or a proximity sensing event (e.g., sensing circuitry sensing an occupant near the remote control 116), the remote control 116 may query the current state of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 (e.g., after waking from sleep mode). The current state of one or more of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 may be used to set a dynamic starting point for performing control by the remote control 116. For example, the remote control device 116 may set the dynamic starting point of the rotating portion 118 to the current intensity level (e.g., on, off, 10%, 20%, etc.) of the first lighting device 112a, 112b, 122 in response to the query, or to the current intensity level of the predefined lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122.

[0036] In another example, the remote control 116 may set the dynamic starting point of the rotating portion 118 based on the intensity levels of the plurality of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. For example, the remote control 116 may set the dynamic starting point of the rotating portion 118 to an average intensity level (e.g., on, off, 10%, 20%, etc.) of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 or a common intensity level (e.g., on, off, 10%, 20%, etc.) of the majority of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. For example, when the rotating portion 118 rotates clockwise to increase the intensity level of a lighting device, the remote control 116 may set the dynamic starting point of the rotating portion 118 to a maximum level of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, or when the rotating portion 118 rotates counterclockwise to decrease the intensity level of a lighting device, the remote control may set the dynamic starting point to a minimum level of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The status indicator 119 may be illuminated as feedback to reflect the dynamic starting point to the user. For example, the remote control 116 may illuminate a portion of the status indicator 119 that reflects the lighting intensity set as the dynamic starting point.

[0037] Remote control 116 may calculate an increase or decrease in intensity level from a dynamic starting point based on a user interface event. For example, remote control 116 may calculate an increase or decrease in intensity level based on the distance or amount of time that rotating portion 118 is rotated. The rotation from the point of the user's initial interaction with rotating portion 118 may be used to identify an increase or decrease in intensity level from a dynamic starting point. When remote control 116 includes a linear control, remote control 116 may calculate an increase or decrease in intensity level based on the distance or amount of time that the user swipes a finger up or down on the linear control. The swipe of the user's finger from the point of the user's initial interaction with the linear control may be used to identify an increase or decrease in intensity level from a dynamic starting point.

[0038] An updated intensity level may be calculated based on the user's initial interaction and stored at the remote control 116. When the remote control 116 uses absolute control, the updated intensity level may be included in a move to level command transmitted from the remote control 116 to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122.

[0039] When rotating portion 118 is rotated in a certain direction (e.g., clockwise), remote control 116 may transmit a message configured to increase the illumination level of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. As previously mentioned, remote control 116 may be configured to use absolute control to adjust the intensity of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to an absolute level. Additionally or alternatively, remote control 116 may be configured to use relative control to adjust the intensity of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to adjust the intensity of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 by a relative amount. For example, when remote control 116 is rotated in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise), remote control 116 may transmit a message configured to decrease the illumination level of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The message may include a movement command at a certain rate, which may cause lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to change their respective intensity levels by a predefined amount. A command to move at a certain rate may include an amount of time over which the lighting level at the lighting device may be changed. A command to move at a certain rate may cause the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to maintain their relative or proportional intensity levels and / or differences in their respective intensity levels. The remote control 116 may send a message to increase or decrease the lighting level by a predefined amount upon rotation for a predefined distance or a predefined time. The amount of increase or decrease may be indicated in the message or may be predefined at the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The message may also include a command to move to a certain level at a certain rate, which may include the lighting level to which the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are to be controlled and the amount of time over which the lighting level at the lighting devices may be changed.

[0040] When the user rotates the remote control 116 in one direction or the other for a predefined distance or time, the remote control 116 may transmit a message including a movement command at a certain rate to increase or decrease the lighting intensity level of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 by predefined increments. As the user continues to rotate the remote control 116, the remote control 116 may continue to transmit messages to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. For example, the remote control 116 may recognize the rotation for a predefined distance or a predefined time and send one or more messages instructing the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to each increase by ten percent (10%). The remote control 116 may recognize continued rotation for a predefined distance or time and send a message instructing the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to increase by another ten percent (10%).

[0041] The remote control 116 may also or alternatively send a message in response to a command to move to a certain level (e.g., an "on" command, an "off" command, a toggle command, etc.) to turn the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 on or off. Upon detecting an on event or an off event, the remote control 116 may transmit one or more messages to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. For example, the remote control 116 may recognize rotation or actuation and send a message instructing the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to turn on or off. The remote control 116 may operate by sending a movement command at a certain rate after turning on. For example, the remote control 116 may recognize rotation for a predefined distance or time after turning on and send a message instructing the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to increase or decrease a predefined intensity (e.g., ten percent (10%)).

[0042] The remote control device 116 may transmit messages via the RF signal 106 as multicast messages and / or unicast messages. For example, a message including a command to move at a certain speed or to a certain level may be transmitted as a unicast message. The unicast message may be sent from the remote control device 116 to each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 directly or via a hop. The remote control device 116 may send a unicast message individually to each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 associated with the remote control device 116 to perform load control. The remote control device 116 may store a unique identifier for each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 associated with it in a memory. The remote control device 116 may generate a separate unicast message for each lighting device 112a, 112b, 122 and address the unicast message individually to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The unicast message may also include the unique identifier of the remote control device 116. The lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can identify the unicast messages transmitted to them by identifying their own unique identifiers and / or corresponding remote identifiers stored in the associated data set. For example, the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can each transmit an acknowledgment message to the remote control device 116 in response to receiving the unicast message from the remote control device. The lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can operate according to the instructions (e.g., load control instructions) in the message including their own unique identifiers and / or the unique identifiers of the associated devices (such as the remote control device 116).

[0043] A message including a move-to-a-level command may be transmitted as a multicast message via RF signal 106. For example, a message including an on command, an off command, a switch command, and / or a move-to-a-level command that results in an "on" event or an "off" event may be transmitted as a multicast message. Additionally, a message including a move-to-a-level command that causes lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to adjust their intensity by a larger amount may be transmitted as a multicast message. The multicast message may include a group identifier for controlling lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 that are part of the multicast group. Lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 may be part of a multicast group if they are associated with the group identifier (e.g., by storing the group identifier therein) to identify multicast messages transmitted to the group. Lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 associated with the group identifier may recognize the multicast message and control the corresponding lighting loads according to the commands in the multicast message. The lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 may forward the multicast message with the group identifier for identification and load control by other lighting devices associated with the group identifier.

[0044] The group can be formed when commissioning or configuring the load control system 100. When the remote control device 116 is in association mode (e.g., entered after selecting one or more buttons), the remote control device 116 can generate a group identifier and send the group identifier to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 and / or the system controller (e.g., the hub device). The lighting device that stores the group identifier can be part of the lighting device group associated with the remote control device 116 and can respond to group messages.

[0045] Because a single message can be transmitted to multiple lighting devices, such as lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, at once, multicast messages can be delivered more efficiently from remote control device 116. The load control instructions in the multicast message can be received and implemented simultaneously or nearly simultaneously by multiple lighting devices, such as lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, with minimal delays due to latency differences when receiving a single message at a group of lighting devices within the same wireless range. For example, lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 may not transmit an acknowledgment message to remote control device 116 in response to receiving a multicast message from the remote control.

[0046] The size of the wireless communication range of remote control device 116 may depend on the transmission power of remote control device 116 and environmental factors in the building in which load control system 100 is installed, such as walls, objects, equipment, people, etc. The transmission power can be set so that remote control device 116 can communicate with an appropriate number of control devices in the space within the building even under worst-case conditions where environmental factors may cause a reduction or ineffectiveness of the wireless communication range. However, since remote control device 116 may be a power-conservative control device, the power consumed by remote control device 116 may decrease as the transmission power increases.

[0047] While remote control 116 may be provided as an example of a power conservative control device, other control devices may be power conservative controls and use similar processes as described herein. An example of a power conservative control device may be a control device that is powered by a limited power source (e.g., a battery). A power conservative control device may be connected to an external direct current (DC) supply and may draw less power from the DC supply than a control device that may utilize a larger power source such as an AC power source. A power conservative control device may utilize a supercapacitor as a power source (e.g., which may have approximately 5% of the capacity of a battery). The supercapacitor may be used to power the control device until the control device recharges the supercapacitor. Power may be supplied to the power conservative control device from an alternative energy source (e.g., a solar cell). The power conservative control device may minimize the power drawn from the alternative energy source.

[0048] The remote control device 116 may be characterized by a variable (eg, adaptive) transmission power. For example, the remote control device 116 may be configured to transmit at a lower transmission power (eg, a minimum transmission power P MIN ) transmits (e.g., initially transmits) a message (e.g., a unicast message). If an acknowledgment message in response to the message is not received, the remote control device 116 may increase the transmission power and retransmit the message at the increased transmission power. The remote control device 116 may increase the transmission power to a plurality of intermediate transmission powers and determine whether an acknowledgment message is received at each intermediate transmission power. The remote control device 116 may increase the transmission power to a maximum transmission power P MAX , and may stop retransmitting the message if no confirmation message is received at the maximum transmission power.

[0049] When receiving the confirmation message, the remote control device 116 may store (eg, learn) the current transmission power used to transmit the last message. The remote control device 116 may then use the stored transmission power P STORED For example, the remote control device 116 may transmit the subsequent message at the stored transmission power P during the current control event. STORED The remote control device 116 may transmit the message (e.g., all subsequent messages) at the stored transmission power P during subsequent control events (e.g., all subsequent control events). STORED Furthermore, the remote control device 116 may transmit the message at the stored transmission power P during a predetermined number (eg, four) of subsequent control events. STORED transmit message, and then revert to minimum transmit power during subsequent control events.

[0050] The remote control device 116 may dynamically adjust the transmission power based on the type of message being transmitted (e.g., unicast message or multicast message) and / or the type of command (e.g., turn on, turn off, move to a certain level, fade in, etc.). For example, the remote control device 116 may be configured to transmit at a minimum transmission power P. MIN Transmit unicast messages and transmit at the maximum transmission power P MAX In addition, the remote control device 116 can be configured to transmit the multicast message at a minimum transmission power P MIN The remote control 116 may transmit a message including a move-to-a-level command (e.g., a move-to-a-level command that causes the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to adjust their intensities by a relatively small amount) and / or a move-at-a-rate command. MAXThe transmission includes a message that turns on, turns off, switches, and / or moves to a level command that causes the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to adjust their intensity by a larger amount (e.g., a move to a level command that results in an "on" event or an "off" event).

[0051] After the remote control device has stored the transmission power for transmitting messages to other control devices, the remote control device may update the stored transmission power P STORED For example, the remote control device 116 may update the stored transmission power P in response to changes in network conditions. STORED To reduce battery usage at remote control 116 and / or increase the likelihood of successful communication (e.g., to account for changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions between remote control 116 and other control devices). Remote control 116 may update the stored transmit power P used for transmitting communications during the learning process. STORED During the learning process, the remote control device can increase or decrease the learned transmission power P LEARN to identify an updated transmit power for storage at the remote control.

[0052] The embodiments described herein are not limited to remote control devices. Other control devices may also be used in the same or similar manner. For example, embodiments may include wired control devices and / or plug-in control devices that transmit messages as described herein.

[0053] Figure 1B An 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 power provided to a corresponding electrical load based on a message received from the controller device, which may be an input device. The 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.

[0054] Examples of load control devices may include motorized window shades 130 and / or lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, although other load control devices may be implemented. A controller device may include a remote control device 150, an occupancy sensor 160, a daylight sensor 170, and / or a network device 190, although other controller devices may be implemented. The controller device may communicate in a configuration similar to that of the remote control device 116 as described herein. The load control device may communicate in a configuration similar to that of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 as described herein.

[0055] The load control device may receive the message via a wireless signal, such as a radio frequency (RF) signal 106 (e.g., NFC; BLE, Dedicated communication protocols such as CLEAR CONNECT TM 、CLEAR CONNECT TYPE X TM The wireless signal may be transmitted by the controller device. In response to the received message, the corresponding lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 may be turned on or off, and / or the intensity of the corresponding lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 may be increased or decreased. In response to the received message, the motorized window covering 130 may increase or decrease the level of the covering material 134.

[0056] The battery-powered remote control 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 150 may transmit an RF signal 106 in response to actuation of one or more of the actuators 152. The battery-powered remote control 150 may be handheld. The battery-powered remote control 150 may be mounted vertically to a wall or supported on a base for desktop mounting. Examples of battery-powered remote control devices are described in more detail in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 8,330,638, entitled WIRELESS BATTERY POWERED REMOTECONTROL HAVING MULTIPLE MOUNTING MEANS, published on December 11, 2012, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0286940, entitled CONTROL DEVICE HAVING A NIGHTLIGHT, published on November 15, 2012, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0057] Remote control device 150 may be a wireless device capable of controlling a load control device via wireless communication. Remote control device 150 may be attachable to or detachable from a wall. Examples of remote control devices are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,248,919, issued on September 28, 1993, entitled "LIGHTING CONTROL DEVICE"; U.S. Patent No. 8,471,779, issued on June 25, 2013, entitled "WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED REMOTE CONTROL WITH LABEL SERVING AS ANTENNA ELEMENT"; and U.S. Patent No. 9,679,696, issued on June 13, 2017, entitled "WIRELESS LOAD CONTROL DEVICE," the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0058] The occupancy sensor 160 can 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 can transmit a message to the load control device via the RF communication signal 106 in response to detecting an occupancy or vacancy condition. The occupancy sensor 160 can function as a vacancy sensor, such that a message is transmitted in response to detecting a vacancy condition (e.g., a message may not be transmitted in response to detecting an occupancy condition). The occupancy sensor 160 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 occupancy sensor 160. Examples of RF load control systems with occupancy and vacancy sensors are described in more detail in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Nos. 8,009,042, entitled RADIO FREQUENCY LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM WITH OCCUPANCY SENSING, issued on August 30, 2011; 8,199,010, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING A WIRELESS SENSOR, issued on June 12, 2012; and 8,228,184, entitled BATTERY-POWERED OCCUPANCY SENSOR, issued on July 24, 2012, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0059] The daylight sensor 170 can be configured to measure the total light intensity in the space in which the load control system 100 is installed. The daylight sensor 170 can transmit a message including the measured light intensity via the RF communication signal 106 to control the load control device in response to the measured light intensity. 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. Examples of RF load control systems with daylight sensors are described in more detail in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Nos. 8,410,706, entitled METHOD OF CALIBRATING A DAYLIGHT SENSOR, issued on April 2, 2013; and 8,451,116, entitled WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED DAYLIGHT SENSOR, issued on May 28, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0060] A motorized window covering 130 can be mounted in front of a window to control the amount of daylight entering the space in which the load control system 100 is installed. The motorized window covering 130 can include, for example, a cellular shade, a roller shade, a drapery, a Roman shade, a venetian blind, a shutter, a pleated shade, a tensioned roller blind system, or other suitable motorized window covering. The motorized window covering 130 can include a motor drive unit 132 for adjusting the position of a covering material 134 of the motorized window covering 130 to control the amount of daylight entering the space. The motor drive unit 132 of the motorized window covering 130 can include an RF receiver and an antenna mounted on or extending from the motor drive unit 132 of the motorized window covering 130. The motor drive unit 132 can increase or decrease the level of the covering material 134 in response to a message. The motor drive unit 132 of the motorized window covering 130 can be powered by a battery or can receive power from an external direct current (DC) power source. Examples of battery-powered motorized window treatments are described in more detail in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 8,950,461, entitled MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT, issued on February 10, 2015, and U.S. Patent No. 9,115,537, entitled BATTERY-POWERED ROLLER SHADE SYSTEM, issued on August 25, 2015, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0061] The messages transmitted by the controller devices may include commands and / or identifying 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 may be associated with the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 and / or the motorized window coverings 130 so that the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 and / or the motorized window coverings 130 may respond to the 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 commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0111491, entitled RADIO-FREQUENCY LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM, published on May 15, 2008, and U.S. Patent No. 9,368,025, entitled TWO-PART LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM MOUNTABLE TO A SINGLE ELECTRICAL WALLBOX, published on June 14, 2016, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] The load control system 100 may include a system controller 180 (e.g., a hub device) configured to enable communication with a network 182 (e.g., a wireless or wired local area network (LAN)). For example, the system controller 180 may be connected to a network router (not shown) via a wired digital communication link 184 (e.g., an Ethernet communication link). The network router may allow communication with the network 182, for example, to access the Internet. The system controller 180 may, for example, use wireless technologies such as The system controller 180 may be configured to transmit communication signals (e.g., RF signals 106) to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 and / or the motorized window shades 130 in response to messages received from external devices via the network 182 to control the devices. The system controller 180 may transmit communication signals (e.g., RF signals 106) to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 and / or the motorized window shades 130 via one or more types of RF communication signals (e.g., NFC; BLE, honeycomb, Dedicated communication protocols such as CLEAR CONNECT TM 、CLEAR CONNECT TYPE X TM The system controller 180 may be configured to transmit and / or receive RF signals 106 (e.g., using NFC; BLE or dedicated communication channels such as CLEAR CONNECT TM、CLEARCONNECT TYPE X TM System controller 180 may be configured to transmit messages via network 182 to provide data (eg, status information) to external devices.

[0063] RF signal 106 may be transmitted via one or more protocols. For example, remote control device 116 and remote control device 150 may communicate via another protocol than the other devices (e.g., BLE, etc.) to transmit messages to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. For example, the occupancy sensor 160, the daylight sensor 170 and / or the motorized curtain 130 can be connected to the CLEAR CONNECT TM or CLEAR CONNECT TYPE X TM The system controller 180 may communicate using a dedicated communication channel. The system controller 180 may format the digital communication using an appropriate protocol for the device. The system controller 180 may communicate using a variety of protocols.

[0064] The system controller 180 can serve as a central controller for the load control system 100 and / or relay messages between the control devices of the load control system (e.g., lighting devices, motorized window shades, etc.) and the network 182. The system controller 180 can receive messages from the controller devices and configure the 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 located locally on 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 may include multiple hubs and / or its functionality may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0065] The load control system 100 may include a network device 190, such as a smartphone (e.g., Smartphone, Smartphone or smartphones), personal computers, laptops, wireless-capable media devices (e.g., MP3 players, gaming devices, or televisions), tablet devices (e.g., Handheld computing devices), or a television with wireless communication capabilities, or any other suitable network communication or Internet Protocol-enabled device. The network device 190 may be operable to transmit messages to the system controller 180 via the RF signal 108 in one or more Internet Protocol packets, either directly or via the network 182. For example, the network device 190 may be operable to transmit messages to the system controller 180 via the RF signal 108 in one or more Internet Protocol packets. Communication links, Communication links, The RF signal 108 may be transmitted to the system controller 180 using a wireless communication link, a near field communication (NFC) link, a cellular communication link, a television white space (TVWS) communication link, or any combination thereof. The RF signal 108 may be transmitted using a different protocol and / or wireless frequency band than the RF signal 106. For example, the RF signal 108 may be configured for communication or cellular communication, and the RF signal 106 may be configured for BLE, or dedicated communication channels such as CLEAR CONNECT TM or CLEARCONNECT TYPE X TM In another example, RF signal 108 and RF signal 106 may be the same. An example of a load control system operable to communicate with a network device on a network is described in more detail in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 10,271,407, issued on April 23, 2019, and entitled LOAD CONTROL DEVICE HAVING INTERNET CONNECTIVITY, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0066] The network device 190 may include a visual display 192. The visual display 192 may include a touch screen, which may include, for example, a capacitive touch pad that is displaced on the visual display so 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 may also include a plurality of hard buttons, such as physical buttons (not shown). The network device 190 may 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 may transmit a message to the load control device and / or the system controller 180 via wireless communication as described herein.

[0067] The operation of the load control system 100 may be programmed and configured using the system controller 180 and / or the network device 190. An example of a configuration process for a wireless load control system is described in more detail in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 10,027,127, entitled COMMISSIONING LOAD CONTROL SYSTEMS, issued on July 17, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0068] Lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 may each be included in a group of lighting devices associated with a common control device, such as remote control device 116. For example, each of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 may store a unique identifier of remote control device 116 during association mode to enable control of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 via messages from remote control device 116 including control instructions. System controller 180 may store an association between each of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 and remote control device 116 during association mode. The association information may be used by system controller 180 to route messages to lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, or lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 may receive messages directly from remote control device 116.

[0069] The remote control 116 can be configured to transmit messages to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 via the system controller 180. For example, the remote control 116 can be configured to transmit a unicast message to the system controller 180. The system controller 180 can be configured to transmit an acknowledgment message to the remote control 116 in response to receiving the unicast message from the remote control. The system controller 180 can be configured to transmit unicast and / or multicast messages to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 in response to the unicast message received from the remote control 116 to control the lighting devices. For example, the remote control 116 can transmit a message including a switching command or an on / off command (e.g., an "on" command or an "off" command) to control 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. Remote control device 116 may transmit a unicast message including a switch command or an on / off command to system controller 180, which may transmit a multicast message received at each of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. Additionally, remote control device 116 may transmit a unicast message including a move to a certain level command or a move at a certain rate command to system controller 180, which may transmit a unicast message directed independently to each of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122.

[0070] The system controller 180 can function as a parent device (e.g., a master device) that can be configured to monitor the status of child devices (e.g., slave devices), such as the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, and determine appropriate commands to transmit in response to user interface events based on the status of the slave devices. Although the system controller 180 may be described herein as a master device for controlling a group of lighting devices, other control devices (e.g., one of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, the remote control device 150, the occupancy sensor 160, the daylight sensor 170, the network device 190, the motorized window shades 132, a remote computing device, etc.) can be designated as a master device that operates as described herein for the system controller 180. When a lighting device 112a, 112b, and 122 is designated as a master device, the lighting device 112a, 112b, and 122 may already be aware of its own status but may monitor the status of other slave devices. Although other devices may function as a master device, they may still communicate via the system controller 180.

[0071] The system controller 180 can track the on / off status of each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 after implementation in the load control system 100. Upon initial implementation in the load control system, the system controller 180 can query the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 for their current on / off status. The query message can be sent to each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 as a multicast message or as a separate unicast message. The lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can return the current on / off status, which can be stored locally. The system controller 180 can recognize the commands transmitted to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 and maintain the current on / off status of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 in memory. Messages transmitted to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 for controlling the on / off status can be monitored to determine the current on / off status without sending an initial query message. The system controller 180 may be powered and / or awake at all times (e.g., when the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are also powered), so that the system controller can monitor the status of the lighting devices by listening to messages transmitted by the lighting devices. Alternatively, the system controller 180 may enter a sleep mode and periodically wake up to transmit query messages to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to determine the on / off status of the lighting devices.

[0072] When the system controller 180 receives an indication of a switching event from the remote control 116, the system controller 180 may select a command to send to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, or whether to send a command at all. The decision at the system controller 180 may be based on the current on / off state of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The system controller 180 may identify whether the on / off state of a group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 is consistent. If the on / off state of the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 is consistent, the system controller 180 may send a switching command, either 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.

[0073] Lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 that change their on / off state in response to an "on" command or an "off" command may send a status update message to the system controller 180 to indicate the change in on / off state. The system controller 180 may receive status update messages from lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 that change their state in response to a received "on" command or a received "off" command. Lighting devices that fail to change their on / off state in response to a command from the system controller 180 may be unresponsive. For example, the system controller 180 may send an "off" command to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, and the lighting device 122 may update its on / off state to the "off" state. The lighting device 122 may send a response message to the system controller 180 to indicate the change in state. The system controller 180 may store the updated state and / or confirm the state of unresponsive devices. Alternatively, after sending the command, the system controller 180 may store the updated state of the lighting devices 122. Since the system controller 180 can maintain the on / off state of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, the remote control device 116 can go to sleep after transmitting the message in response to the switching event.

[0074] As previously mentioned, the remote control device 116 may be characterized by an adaptive transmission power. The remote control device 116 may be configured to adjust the transmission power based on whether an acknowledgement message is received from the parent device (e.g., the system controller 180). For example, the remote control device 116 may transmit at a lower transmission power (e.g., the minimum transmission power P). MIN) transmits (e.g., initially transmits) a message (e.g., a unicast message) to the system controller 180. If an acknowledgment message in response to the message is not received from the system controller 180, the remote control device 116 may increase the transmission power and transmit the message to the system controller 180 again at the increased transmission power. The remote control device 116 may increase the transmission power to a plurality of intermediate transmission powers and determine whether an acknowledgment message is received from the system controller 180 at each intermediate transmission power. The remote control device 116 may increase the transmission power to a maximum transmission power P MAX , and may stop retransmitting the message to the system controller 180 if no confirmation message is received at the maximum transmission power.

[0075] When the system controller 180 receives a message from the remote control 116 (e.g., at one of the transmission powers), the system controller may transmit one or more messages (e.g., unicast messages and / or multicast messages) for controlling the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 in response to the message transmitted by the remote control 116. For example, because the system controller 180 may be powered by an external power source (e.g., not a battery), the system controller 180 may transmit messages to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 at the hub transmission power (e.g., the static maximum or nominal hub transmission power). When the system controller 180 receives a message from the remote control 116, the system controller may also transmit an acknowledgment message to the remote control 116.

[0076] When receiving the confirmation message from the system controller 180, the remote control device 116 may store (eg, learn) the current transmission power used to transmit the last message. The remote control device 116 may then use the stored transmission power P STORED For example, the remote control device 116 may transmit the subsequent message at the stored transmission power P during the current control event. STORED The remote control device 116 may transmit the message (e.g., all subsequent messages) at the stored transmission power P during subsequent control events (e.g., all subsequent control events). STORED Furthermore, the remote control device 116 may transmit the message at the stored transmission power P during a predetermined number (eg, four) of subsequent control events. STORED transmit message, and then revert to minimum transmit power during subsequent control events.

[0077] The remote control device 116 may dynamically adjust the transmission power based on the type of command transmitted to the system controller 180 (e.g., turn on, turn off, move to a certain level, fade, etc.). For example, the remote control device 116 may be configured to transmit at a minimum transmission power P MIN A message including a move-to-a-level command (e.g., a move-to-a-level command causing the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to adjust their intensities by a relatively small amount) and / or a move-at-a-rate command is transmitted to the system controller 180. The system controller 180 may be configured to individually transmit unicast messages for controlling the lighting devices to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 in response to a message received from the remote control 116 (e.g., when the command is a move-at-a-rate command causing the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to adjust their intensities by a relatively small amount and / or a move-to-a-level command). In addition, the remote control 116 may be configured to transmit the unicast message at a maximum transmission power P. MAX A message including a turn-on command, a turn-off command, a switch command, and / or a move-to-a-level command that causes the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to adjust their intensity by a relatively large amount (e.g., a move-to-a-level command that results in an "on" event or an "off" event) is transmitted to the system controller 180. The system controller 180 may be configured to transmit a multicast message for controlling the lighting devices to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 in response to a message received from the remote control 116 (e.g., when the command is a turn-on command, a turn-off command, a switch command, and / or a move-to-a-level command that causes the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to adjust their intensity by a relatively large amount).

[0078] After the remote control device has stored the transmission power used to transmit the message to the system controller, the remote control device may update the stored transmission power P STORED For example, the remote control device 116 may update the stored transmission power P in response to changes in network conditions. STORED To reduce battery usage at remote control 116 and / or to increase the likelihood of successful communication with system controller 180 (e.g., to account for changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions between the remote control and the system controller). Remote control 116 may update the stored transmit power P used for transmitting communications during the learning process. STORED During the learning process, the remote control device 116 may increase or decrease the learned transmission power P LEARN to identify an updated transmit power for storage at remote control 116 .

[0079] Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe present invention is a sequence diagram illustrating an exemplary message flow for transmitting messages between a remote control device 202 (e.g., remote control device 116), lighting devices 204a, 204b (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122), and a system controller 206 (e.g., system controller 180) in a load control system (e.g., load control system 100). The remote control device 202 may be a child device of the system controller 206, which may operate as a parent device. The remote control device 202 may include a limited power source (e.g., may be battery-powered). Furthermore, the distance, interference, and / or channel quality between the remote control device 202 and the system controller 206 and / or lighting devices 204a, 204b may vary over time. User input (e.g., user interaction, such as rotation of a rotating portion and / or actuation of an actuating portion) may be detected asynchronously (e.g., may not be detected at regular intervals). Thus, remote control device 202 may not be able to predict when user input is detected and / or prepare for an upcoming message transmission (e.g., to account for changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions). To conserve the amount of power available in a limited power source and / or to increase the likelihood of receiving messages transmitted from remote control device 202, adaptive transmission power may be implemented for messages transmitted from remote control device 202. The adaptive transmission power may be a variable transmission power or a transmission power that is otherwise adapted as described herein.

[0080] Figure 2A is a sequence diagram depicting an exemplary message flow for transmitting messages with adaptive transmission power. Figure 2A As shown in , the remote control device 202 can detect a user input at 210, such as a rotation of the rotating portion 203 of the remote control device 202 (e.g., the rotating portion 118 of the remote control device 116). Rotation of the rotating portion 203 (e.g., clockwise rotation) can indicate an increase command, which can result in the transmission of one or more messages to increase the lighting level of the lighting devices 204a, 204b. Rotation of the rotating portion 203 (e.g., counterclockwise rotation) can indicate a decrease command, which can result in the transmission of one or more messages to decrease the lighting level of the lighting devices 204a, 204b. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown in , the remote control device 202 can transmit messages to switch the on / off status of the lighting devices 204a, 204b and / or to increase / lower the lighting levels of the lighting devices.

[0081] like Figure 2AAs shown in FIG, the transmission power of a message can be increased for a period of time. The transmission power of a message can be increased after a predefined period of time has elapsed. The transmission power can be increased a predefined number of times, or until one or more messages are transmitted at a threshold transmission power. The transmission power can be increased when an acknowledgment message in response to a previous message is not received within a predefined period of time. As described herein, increasing the transmission power of a message can increase the likelihood of successful communication from the remote control device 202 to a corresponding device (e.g., the system controller 206 and / or the lighting devices 204a, 204b).

[0082] At 212, the remote control 202 may transmit a raise command to the system controller 206 at a certain transmission power (e.g., a transmission power level). The transmission power may be based on the command. The command may include a command type on which the transmission power may be based. The command type may include an on command, an off command, a toggle command, an raise command, a lower command, an amount to raise / lower, a level to go to, a move to a certain level command, a move to a certain level at a certain rate command, a gradual movement command, a preset command, or another command type. The command types may be distinguished by the relative amount of change they may cause in the intensity of the lighting devices 204a, 204b. For example, a raise / lower command may be defined as a command type that may cause a relatively smaller change in the intensity of the lighting devices 204a, 204b than an on / off command or a toggle command. A raise / lower command or another command indicating a level to go to (e.g., a move to level at a certain rate command, a gradient movement command, a preset command, or another command type) may result in a greater than threshold level of change if the amount of change is greater than a predefined intensity change (e.g., a change of 25%, 50%, or 75% of the intensity at the lighting load). A raise / lower command or another command indicating a level to go to (e.g., a move to level at a certain rate command, a gradient movement command, a preset command, or another command type) may result in a less than threshold level of change if the amount of change is less than a predefined intensity change (e.g., a change of 25%, 50%, or 75% of the intensity at the lighting load).

[0083] Commands that result in relatively small changes in the intensity of the lighting devices 204a, 204b compared to other commands (e.g., increase commands and / or decrease commands) may be initially transmitted at an initial transmission power. The initial transmission power may be a minimum transmission power P MIN . Minimum transmission power P MIN It can be the minimum transmission power of a device or the minimum transmission power of a series of messages transmitted in a period of time. For example, the minimum transmission power P MIN Can be a low value (eg, -5dB).

[0084] The transmission power of a message used to transmit a command may be increased for a period of time. For example, the transmission power of a message may be increased after a predefined period of time (for example, in the event that an acknowledgment message for a command is not received). Figure 2A , system controller 206 may be configured to transmit an acknowledgment message in response to receiving a message including a command from remote control 202. However, at 212, remote control 202 may not receive an acknowledgment message for the initial command transmitted in the message (e.g., because system controller 206 may have failed to receive the message), which may be due to the transmission power of the initial message.

[0085] At 214, remote control device 202 may increase the transmission power and transmit a subsequent raise command at the increased transmission power at 216. The transmission power of the message transmitted at 216 may be the intermediate level transmission power P MID (eg, the middle transmission power). Transmission power P MID It can be the ratio of transmission power P MIN A higher transmission power (e.g., greater than -5 dB) may be used and may increase the likelihood that system controller 206 will receive the raise command transmitted in the message at 216. Remote control device 202 may still fail to receive an acknowledgment message for the second raise command transmitted at 216 after a predefined period of time. For example, system controller 206 may fail to receive the raise command transmitted at 212 and / or 216 due to interference within the load control system and / or because the transmission power of the corresponding raise command is insufficient (e.g., the transmission power of the command is not high enough to reach system controller 206 due to the relative position of remote control device 202).

[0086] The remote control device 202 may be configured to transmit subsequent commands at a higher transmission power until, for example, an acknowledgement message is received or the maximum transmission power of the device or a series of communications transmitted from the device is reached. Figure 2A , the remote control device 202 may increase the transmission power at 218 and transmit the raise command in the message at 220 at the increased transmission power. The increased transmission power of the message transmitted at 220 may be the maximum transmission power P MAX Maximum transmission power P MAX It may be the maximum transmission power supported by the remote control device 202 and / or the maximum transmission power of a series of messages transmitted over a period of time. For example, the maximum transmission power P MAXThe power level of the remote control device 202 may be higher than the power level of the other messages (e.g., +14 dB). At 222, the remote control device 202 may receive an acknowledgment message from the system controller 206 indicating receipt of the raise command transmitted at 216. The system controller 206 may transmit a message (e.g., a unicast message) including a move-to-a-level command to the lighting devices 204a and 204b based on the raise command received at 220 at 224 and 226, respectively.

[0087] Although Figure 2A It is shown as including three different transmission powers (eg, P MIN 、P MID and P MAX ), but in Figure 2A The examples illustrated in FIG. 5 may include any number (e.g., more or less than three) of different transmission powers. Similarly, the transmission power used for a particular transmission may include any transmission power value. Thus, while a boost command is used and indicates a particular transmission power (e.g., P MIN 、P MID and P MAX ), but other types of commands and / or transmission powers may be implemented. Figure 2A The examples and other examples herein provide remote control devices and / or lighting devices that can be implemented using the processes described herein, but other control devices can be similarly implemented. For example, motorized window coverings 130, occupancy sensors 160, daylight sensors 170, network devices 190, and / or other devices can be power-conserving control devices that can operate as described with respect to remote control device 202 to conserve power during the transmission of messages. Each of these devices, or other devices in a load control system, can communicate with a parent device or other devices in the load control system using the processes described herein.

[0088] Figure 2B2 is a sequence diagram depicting an exemplary message flow for transmitting messages with adaptive transmission power, for example, based on command type. Remote control device 202 may detect user input at 250, such as actuation of actuation portion 205 of remote control device 202 (e.g., actuation portion 117 of remote control device 116). Actuation of actuation portion 205 may indicate a switch command, which may result in the transmission of one or more messages to switch the state of lighting devices 204a, 204b. Additionally, actuation of actuation portion 205 may indicate a command to turn on (e.g., turn on lighting devices 204a, 204b) and / or turn off (e.g., turn off lighting devices 204a, 204b). As described herein, actuation of actuation portion 205 may be detected asynchronously (e.g., may be detected without notification and / or may be detected at regular intervals), and remote control device 202 may not be able to predict when user input is detected and / or prepare for an upcoming message transmission (e.g., to account for changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions).

[0089] Messages with specific commands can be transmitted at a specific transmission power, which can increase the likelihood of receiving the message. For example, a command that changes the lighting level of a corresponding lighting device (e.g., one or more of lighting devices 204a and 204b) by a large amount (e.g., an amount exceeding a threshold) can be transmitted at a predetermined transmission power, which increases the likelihood of receiving the message. A switching command can be transmitted at a predetermined transmission power to increase the likelihood of receiving the switching command (e.g., because a switching command typically causes the lighting level of a lighting device to change by an amount exceeding the threshold). For example, if a switching command is not received, the lighting devices may become unsynchronized, which can have a significant impact. Similarly, other commands such as a switch-on command, a switch-off command, and / or a command to adjust the lighting intensity level of a lighting device to a certain level by an amount exceeding a threshold (e.g., 5% to 95%) can be transmitted at a predetermined transmission power to increase the likelihood of receiving the command.

[0090] After detecting actuation of the actuation portion 205 at 250, the remote control device 202 may set the transmission power to a predetermined transmission power, such as a maximum transmission power P MAX At 254, remote control 202 may transmit at maximum power P MAX A message indicating a switching command is transmitted to the system controller 206. Maximum transmission power P MAXThis may be the maximum transmission power of the device or the maximum transmission power of a series of messages transmitted over a period of time. At 256, in response to receiving the switching command transmitted at 254, the system controller 206 may transmit an acknowledgment message to the remote control device 202. The acknowledgment message transmitted at 256 may indicate receipt of the message transmitted at 254. At 258, the system controller 206 may transmit a message (e.g., a multicast message) including a switching command to the lighting devices 204a, 204b, which may cause the lighting devices 204a, 204b to switch their states. After receiving the message transmitted at 256, the lighting devices 204a, 204b may switch from their initial on state to an off state.

[0091] A control device (e.g., remote control 116, motorized window shades 130, remote control 150, occupancy sensor 160, daylight sensor 170, network device 190, and / or remote control 202) may transmit a message at a certain transmission power based on the type of command transmitted in the message. Transmission at a transmission power based on the command type may allow for transmission of messages at a higher power level for messages with a greater level of importance or that may result in a more noticeable change to a user, and / or at a lower power level for messages with a lower priority or that may result in a less noticeable change to a user. Figure 3A 1 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary process 300 for transmitting a message from a control device in a load control system using an adaptive transmission power that varies based on the type of command transmitted in the message. Process 300 may be performed by a power-conservative control device, such as a control device (e.g., remote control 116, motorized window shade 130, remote control 150, occupancy sensor 160, daylight sensor 170, network device 190, and / or remote control 202), that is powered by a limited power source. As described herein, the control device may be configured to transmit commands in a manner that conserves the limited power source. For example, as illustrated in process 300, the control device may determine the transmission power for a given command based on the command type. Process 300 may be performed asynchronously, for example, in response to user input (e.g., rotation of a rotating portion and / or actuation of an actuated portion), and may account for unknown message transmission conditions (e.g., changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions). For example, the process 300 may be performed by a remote control device 116, 202 to transmit a message to a parent device (e.g., a system controller 180, 206), which may include commands for controlling one or more load control devices (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, 204a, 204b).

[0092] At 302, the control device may determine a command from a plurality of command types based on user input. The plurality of command types may include an on command, an off command, a toggle command, an increase command, a decrease command, an increase / decrease amount, a go to level command, a move to level command, a move to level at a rate command, a gradual movement command, and / or a preset command. The command types may include different commands that change the illumination level of the lighting device by different amounts. At 304, the control device may determine whether the command causes the illumination level of the lighting device to change by an amount greater than a threshold. For example, commands that change the illumination intensity level by an amount greater than a threshold may include an on command, an off command, a toggle command, an increase command that increases the illumination level by an amount greater than a threshold, a decrease command that decreases the illumination level by an amount greater than a threshold, and / or a move to level command that adjusts the illumination level by an amount greater than a threshold. As described herein, a command that changes the illumination intensity level by an amount greater than a threshold may be initially transmitted at a transmission power P1 that increases the likelihood of receiving the message. The transmission power P1 may be a higher transmission power than another transmission power P2 that may conserve more battery power per transmission. For example, the transmission power P1 may be the maximum transmission power P for transmission from the control device. MAX , or another transmission power greater than the transmission power P2. If it is determined at 304 that the command is to change the lighting intensity level by an amount greater than the threshold, a message including the command may be transmitted at 306 at the maximum transmission power P1, which may increase the likelihood of receiving the command message after the transmission.

[0093] However, if it is determined that the command is to adjust the lighting intensity level by an amount less than (e.g., less than or equal to) the threshold, the control device may transmit a message including the command at a transmission power P2 at 308. For example, the command to change the lighting intensity level by an amount less than the threshold may include an increase command to increase the lighting level by an amount less than the threshold, a decrease command to decrease the lighting level by an amount less than the threshold, and / or a move-to-a-level command to adjust the lighting level by an amount less than the threshold. The transmission power P2 may be a lower transmission power than the transmission power P1 and may conserve more power for transmission at the control device. For example, the transmission power P2 may be the minimum transmission power P2 for transmitting messages from the control device. MIN Transmitting the message with the transmission power P2 can save the limited power of the control device that performs the process 300. Figure 3A The process 300 shown in FIG. 1 shows two transmission powers for transmitting messages based on the amount of change in the threshold value in the command type, but the message may be transmitted using another number of transmission powers based on different command types. For example, three or more different command types with different thresholds based on different lighting intensity levels or scenes may be defined in the transmitted command, and different transmission powers may be used for different lighting intensity levels or scenes.

[0094] Figure 3B is a flow chart depicting an exemplary process 320 for transmitting messages from a control device in a load control system using adaptive transmission power. Process 320 may be performed by a control device that is a power-conservative control device (e.g., powered by a limited power source, such as remote control device 116, motorized window shades 130, remote control device 150, occupancy sensor 160, daylight sensor 170, network device 190, and / or remote control device 202). As described herein, the device may be configured to transmit commands in a manner that conserves the limited power source. Process 320 may be performed asynchronously, for example, in response to user input (e.g., rotation of a rotating portion and / or actuation of an actuating portion), and may account for unknown message transmission conditions (e.g., accounting for variations in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions). For example, process 320 may be performed by remote control device 116, 202 to transmit a message to a parent device or devices, wherein the message may include a command for controlling one or more load control devices (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, 204a, 204b). The parent device of the control device may be the system controller 180 , 206 , one of the lighting devices 112 a , 112 b , 122 , 204 a , 204 b , or another control device in the load control system.

[0095] like Figure 3B As shown in FIG, the control device may initially transmit the signal at an initial transmission power P in response to a trigger event. INIT (For example, the minimum transmission power P MIN ) transmits a message including a command. The triggering event may be an asynchronous event, such as a user input (e.g., rotation of a rotating part and / or actuation of an actuating part). For a sensor, the triggering event may be triggered by sensor information (e.g., a threshold daylight level for a daylight sensor, an occupied or vacant condition for an occupancy sensor, or another type of sensor information that may result in triggering a message). At 322, the initial transmission power P is used. INIT (For example, the minimum transmission power P MIN ) After transmitting the message, the control device may determine at 324 whether a confirmation message has been received at 324. If a confirmation message is received at 324, process 320 may end. The confirmation message may indicate that the receiving device has received the command transmitted in the message and that the message may be transmitted at a lower transmission power to conserve power at the control device.

[0096] If the confirmation message is not received at 324, the control device may determine whether a timeout has occurred at 326. The timeout may include a period of time that the control device may wait to receive the confirmation message. If the timeout does not occur at 326, the control device may continue to wait for the confirmation message at 324. After the timeout (e.g., after a period of time has elapsed since the message was transmitted at 360), the control device may determine whether the maximum transmission power P is reached at 328. MAX Transmit the previously transmitted command. If the transmission power of the previously transmitted message is not the maximum transmission power P MAX , the transmission power may be increased at 330, and the message including the command may be transmitted at the increased transmission power at 332. As described herein, increasing the transmission power may increase the likelihood of receiving the message. By initially transmitting the message at a lower transmission power, the control device may attempt to conserve power available for transmitting the message. The control device may adapt the transmission power by increasing the transmission power in an attempt to receive an acknowledgment message indicating that the message has been received.

[0097] If the transmission power of the previously transmitted message is at the maximum transmission power P MAX , an error condition may be logged at 334. The error condition logged at 334 may indicate that another device (e.g., a parent device) did not successfully receive the command. The control device may transmit an error message to another device in the system (e.g., a parent device, a user's network device, or another device). Figure 3B Process 320 is depicted with specific steps in a specific order, but the control device may perform the steps, or a subset thereof, in other combinations or orders.

[0098] The control device may perform process 320 for each message transmission in an attempt to minimize the transport power used to transmit the message from the control device. This process 320 may save memory storage at the control device and / or allow the control device to transmit each message at the minimum transmission power that allows the message to be received. However, since the minimum transmission power P is used for each message transmission, the control device may transmit the message at the minimum transmission power P. MIN Initially, the controlling device may incur a delay, which may result in a delay in the receiving device being able to execute the command. As described herein, the delay may be balanced with conservation of battery power.

[0099] Figure 3Cis another flow chart depicting an exemplary process 350 for transmitting messages from a control device in a load control system using adaptive transmission power. Process 350 may be performed by a control device that is a power-conservative control device (e.g., powered by a limited power source, such as remote control device 116 and / or remote control device 202). As described herein, the device may be configured to transmit commands in a manner that conserves the limited power source. Process 350 may be performed asynchronously, for example, in response to user input (e.g., rotation of a rotating portion and / or actuation of an actuating portion), and may account for unknown message transmission conditions (e.g., accounting for changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions). For example, process 350 may be performed by remote control device 116, 202 to transmit a message to a parent device or devices, wherein the message may include a command for controlling one or more load control devices (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, 204a, 204b). The parent device of the control device may be the system controller 180 , 206 , one of the lighting devices 112 a , 112 b , 122 , 204 a , 204 b , or another control device in the load control system.

[0100] At 352, the control device may determine whether the command causes the lighting level of the lighting device to change by an amount greater than a threshold. The determination may be based on the type of command. For example, the types of commands that change the lighting intensity level by an amount greater than a threshold may include a turn-on command, a turn-off command, a toggle command, an increase command that increases the lighting level by an amount greater than a threshold, a decrease command that decreases the lighting level by an amount greater than a threshold, and / or a move-to-a-level command that adjusts the lighting level by an amount greater than a threshold. As described herein, the control device may initially transmit the message at a transmission power that increases the likelihood of receiving the message (e.g., a maximum transmission power P of the control device). MAX ) transmits a command to change the lighting intensity level by an amount greater than a threshold. If it is determined that the command is to change the lighting intensity level by an amount greater than the threshold, the maximum transmission power P may be used at 354. MAX The message including the command is transmitted, which increases the probability of receiving the command message after a single transmission. MAX This could be the maximum transmission power of the device or the maximum transmission power of a series of messages transmitted over a period of time.

[0101] However, if it is determined that the command is to adjust the lighting intensity level by an amount less than (e.g., less than or equal to) the threshold, the control device may determine whether the control device previously stored a transmission power (e.g., the stored transmission power P) at which the control device successfully transmitted a message to another device (e.g., a parent device). STORED ). If the control device has the stored transmission power P at 356 STORED , the control device may transmit the power P stored at 358.STORED If the control device does not have the stored transmission power P STORED , the control device may transmit the data at 360 with an initial transmission power (eg, the minimum transmission power P of the control device). MIN ) transmits a message including a command. Transmitting a message with minimum transmission power can conserve the limited power of the control device executing process 350. Minimum transmission power P MIN It can be the minimum transmission power of a device or the minimum transmission power of a series of messages transmitted over a period of time.

[0102] At 362, the control device may determine whether a confirmation message has been received, which may indicate whether the message including the command transmitted at 360 was received by another device (e.g., a parent device). If a confirmation message is received at 362, the current transmission power may be stored at 364. The transmission power stored at 364 (e.g., the stored transmission power P) may be used at a subsequent call to process 350 (e.g., at 358). STORED ). The stored transmission power P STORED The transmission power may be such that the likelihood of receiving the message is increased. At 362, if the confirmation message is not received, the control device may determine at 366 whether a timeout has occurred. The timeout may include a period during which the control device may wait to receive the confirmation message. Furthermore, after the timeout (e.g., after a period of time has elapsed since the message was transmitted at 360), the control device may determine that the other device (e.g., the parent device) has not received the message.

[0103] At 368, the control device may determine whether the current transmission power is the maximum transmission power P MAX If the transmission power is not the maximum transmission power P MAX , the transmission power may be increased at 370, and a message including the command may be transmitted at the increased transmission power at 372. As described herein, increasing the transmission power may increase the likelihood of receiving the message. However, if the transmission power of the command message is at the maximum transmission power P MAX , an error condition may be logged at 374. The error condition logged at 374 may indicate that: the other device (e.g., the parent device) did not successfully receive the command; and / or the other device (e.g., the parent device) was unable to receive a communication from the control device performing process 350. The control device may transmit an error message to another device in the system (e.g., the parent device, the user's network device, or another device). At 374, the control device may return the transmission power to the originally stored transmission power P STORED , and / or wait for an updated learning process or other configuration from another device in the system (e.g., a parent device, a user's network device, or another device). Figure 3CProcess 350 is depicted with specific steps in a specific order, but the control device may perform the steps, or a subset thereof, in other combinations or orders.

[0104] After the remote device has stored the transmission power used to transmit a message to another control device (eg, a parent device), the control device may update the stored transmission power P STORED For example, the control device may update the stored transmission power P in response to changes in network conditions. STORED To reduce battery usage at the control device and / or to increase the likelihood of successful communication (e.g., taking into account changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions between the control device and other control devices). The control device may update the stored transmission power P during a learning process for learning an updated transmission power for transmitting messages. STORED .

[0105] Figure 4A 4 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary process 400 for learning a transmission power for transmitting messages from a control device in a load control system. Process 400 may be performed by a control device (e.g., remote control device 116 and / or remote control device 202) powered by a limited power source. As described herein, the device may be configured to transmit messages in a manner that conserves the limited power source. Process 400 may be performed to implement a learning process to update a stored transmission power P at the control device. STORED For example, process 400 may be performed to allow a control device to learn a lower transmission power to reduce power usage at the control device, or to allow a control device to learn an increased transmission power to improve communication with other devices. Process 400 may be performed by a remote control device 116, 202 to learn an updated transmission power for transmitting messages including commands for controlling one or more load control devices (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, 204a, 204b).

[0106] At 401, the control device may trigger a learning process. The control device may trigger a learning process based on the stored transmission power P from the previous learning process. STORED The learning process is triggered at 401 after a predefined period starting from the previous storage of the transmission power P or another triggering event of that period. The learning process may be triggered at 401 to allow the control device to update the previously stored transmission power P STOREDfor transmitting messages. The learning process may be triggered asynchronously at 401, for example, in response to user input (e.g., user interaction, such as rotation of the rotating part and / or actuation of the actuating part), and may take into account unknown message transmission conditions (e.g., taking into account changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions). For sensors, the triggering event may be triggered by sensor information (e.g., a threshold daylight level for a daylight sensor, an occupied or vacant condition for an occupancy sensor, or another type of sensor information that may result in the triggering of a message). The learning process may be triggered at 401 in response to changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions on the network. For example, the control device may trigger the learning process at 401 by detecting that the message has been transmitted at a stored transmission power P. STORED The failure of an acknowledgment message for one or more messages transmitted to another device can be used to detect changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions. Message communication conditions may be unknown and / or change over time. This may be the result of changes in the network and / or environment and / or the result of the control device being moved (e.g., not fixed to a specific location). For example, the control device may be moved closer to a given load control device, which may improve message communication conditions and / or allow the control device to reduce the power of message transmissions to another device (e.g., a parent device).

[0107] The control device may determine the test transmission power P at 402. TEST The test transmission power P TEST Set to a limited transmission power in order to learn whether to adjust the message transmission power at the control device. TEST Set to the previously stored transmission power P STORED , in order to determine whether the previously stored transmission power P should be adjusted STORED To achieve a greater likelihood of receiving the message at other devices (e.g., a parent device or other devices) or to improve battery consumption when transmitting messages. TEST The test transmission power is set to another defined transmission power, and then the test transmission power is increased or decreased to identify the transmission power used to receive the message at another device. TEST Set to the maximum transmission power P for transmitting messages from the control device MAX In another example, the test transmission power P TEST Set to the minimum transmission power P for transmitting messages from the control device MIN And can be increased.

[0108] The test transmission power P can be set based on the type of command transmitted TESTDifferent transmission powers are set because different command types can be transmitted at different power levels. For example, a command to change the lighting intensity level by an amount greater than a threshold can be transmitted at a transmission power of P1. A command to change the lighting intensity level by an amount less than (e.g., less than or equal to) the threshold can be transmitted at a transmission power of P2. While two transmission powers are provided as examples, additional transmission powers for different command types can be learned.

[0109] At 403, the control device may use the test transmission power P TEST At 405, the control device may determine whether to adjust the test transmission power P TEST For example, if the control device receives a signal in response to a test transmission power P TEST (For example, the maximum transmission power P used for testing MAX , a relatively high transmission power P1 or a previously stored transmission power P STORED ) transmission message, the control device can determine to test the transmission power P TEST If the control device fails to receive a response to the test transmission power P TEST (For example, the minimum transmission power P used for testing MIN , a relatively low transmission power P2 or a previously stored transmission power P STORED ) transmission message, the control device can determine to test the transmission power P TEST Adjust to higher transmission power.

[0110] The control device may adjust the test transmission power P at 404. TEST For example, the control device can set the test transmission power P TEST The control device may then store the transmission power of the device at 406 as the transmission power at which the last confirmation message was received. The control device may increase the test transmission power P TEST , until an acknowledgment message is received before a timeout occurs. The control device may then store the transmission power of the device at 406 as the transmission power at which the first acknowledgment message was received. TEST This may allow a control device to learn to transmit messages and allow a receiving device to receive the messages using lower transmission power, which may reduce battery usage at the control device and / or increase the likelihood of successful communication in response to changes in network conditions (e.g., taking into account changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions between the control device and other control devices).

[0111] The process 400 or a portion thereof may be performed one or more times to learn the transmission power used to transmit the message. For example, the control device may (e.g., at 403) transmit the message at a test transmission power P before adjusting the test transmission power. TEST Transmitting a series of messages. The control means may set the transmission power used to transmit the messages based on a predefined number or percentage of time that an acknowledgment message is received in response to a series of messages sent at the transmission power. The control means may also or alternatively compare the number of acknowledgment messages or the percentage of acknowledgment messages received at one transmission level with the number of acknowledgment messages or the percentage of acknowledgment messages received at another transmission level to select the transmission level at which future messages will be transmitted.

[0112] Figure 4B 4 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary process 410 for learning a transmission power for transmitting messages from a control device in a load control system. Process 410 may be performed by a power-conservative control device (e.g., powered by a limited power source, such as remote control device 116 and / or remote control device 202). As described herein, the device may be configured to transmit messages in a manner that conserves the limited power source. Process 410 may be performed to implement a learning process to update a stored transmission power P at the control device. STORED For example, process 410 may be performed to allow a control device to learn a lower transmission power to reduce power usage at the control device, or to allow a control device to learn an increased transmission power to improve communication with other devices. Process 410 may be performed by a remote control device 116, 202 to learn an updated transmission power for transmitting messages including commands for controlling one or more load control devices (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, 204a, 204b).

[0113] At 412, the control device may trigger a learning process. The learning process may be triggered at 412 after a predefined period from the last execution of process 400, the last storage of a transmission power, or another defined event to allow the control device to update a previously stored transmission power P for transmitting a message. STORED The learning process may be triggered asynchronously at 412, for example, in response to user input (e.g., user interaction such as rotation of the rotating portion and / or actuation of the actuating portion), and may account for unknown message transmission conditions (e.g., accounting for changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions).

[0114] The learning process may be triggered at 412 in response to changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions on the network. For example, the control device may trigger the learning process at 412 by detecting that the network has been transmitted at the stored transmission power P STOREDThe control device may detect changes in distance, interference and / or channel conditions by detecting a failure to transmit a confirmation message for one or more messages to other devices. The control device may also or alternatively periodically sample the interference and / or channel conditions to determine whether to trigger a learning process. Message communication conditions may be unknown and / or change over time. This may be a result of changes in the network and / or environment and / or a result of movement of the control device (e.g., not fixed to a specific location). For example, the control device may be moved closer to a given load control device, which may improve message communication conditions and / or allow the control device to reduce message transmission power to another device (e.g., a parent device). The control device may identify changes in network information in the received messages that indicate changes in link communication quality, or detect lost messages from other devices in the load control system (e.g., a parent device or other devices), and periodically or serially transmit the lost messages to trigger the learning process at 412.

[0115] At 412, a learning process may be triggered to learn the transmission power of messages conveying specific types of commands. For example, the control device may trigger the learning process to learn the transmission power of a command that causes the illumination level of the lighting device to change by an amount greater than a threshold, so that the control device can store the learned transmission power for use with future commands that cause the illumination level of the lighting device to similarly change by an amount greater than the threshold. Commands that change the illumination intensity level by an amount greater than the threshold may include a power-on command, a power-off command, a toggle command, an increase command that increases the illumination level by an amount greater than a threshold, a decrease command that decreases the illumination level by an amount greater than a threshold, and / or a move command that adjusts the illumination level by an amount greater than a threshold. The control device may trigger the learning process to learn the transmission power of a command that causes the illumination level of the lighting device to change by an amount less than a threshold, so that the control device can store the learned transmission power for use with future commands that cause the illumination level of the lighting device to similarly change by an amount greater than the threshold.

[0116] At 414, the control device may determine the stored transmission power P for transmitting the message. STORED (For example, it can be retrieved from the memory.) For example, the stored transmission power P STORED This may be the transmission power previously stored during process 350 depicted in FIG3. At 416, the control device may determine a test transmission power P TEST . Test transmission power P TEST It may be lower than the currently stored transmission power P for transmitting messages from the control device. STORED For example, the test transmission power P TEST Comparable stored transmission power P STOREDThe test transmission power P is a small predetermined amount in an attempt to learn a reduced transmission power at which the control device may transmit messages (e.g., in response to changing network conditions that may be caused by changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions) and to conserve the limited power supply of the control device. TEST It can be the next higher transmission power than the currently stored one P STORED Low transmission power. Test transmission power P TEST Can be equal to the minimum transmission power P MIN , so that the control device can try to minimize its transmission power during the learning process.

[0117] Test transmission power P TEST The currently stored transmission power P that is set for transmitting messages from the control device may be STORED Or set to a transmission power higher than the currently stored transmission power. For example, the test transmission power P TEST Can be equal to the stored transmission power P STORED or than the stored transmission power P STORED The control device may increase the transmission power P by a predetermined amount in an attempt to learn an increased transmission power at which the control device may transmit messages (e.g., in response to changing network conditions that may be caused by changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions) in order to increase the likelihood that other devices will receive the message while attempting to mitigate power usage at the control device. TEST Higher than the stored transmission power P STORED , then the test transmission power P TEST It can be the next higher transmission power than the currently stored power PS TORED High transmission power.

[0118] At 418, the control device may use the test transmission power P TEST At 420, the control device may determine whether a confirmation message has been received, which may indicate whether the message transmitted at 418 is received by another device (e.g., a parent device). If a confirmation message is received at 420, the test transmission power P may be stored at 424. TEST The test transmission power P stored at 424 may be used at a subsequent call to process 350 (eg, at 358) or a subsequent call to process 410 (eg, at 414). TEST (For example, the stored transmission power P STORED ). Test transmission power P TESTThe transmission power may be increased to increase the likelihood of receiving the message and / or allow for reduced consumption of the limited power supply of the control device. At 420, if the confirmation message is not received, the control device may determine at 426 whether a timeout has occurred. The timeout may include a period during which the control device may wait to receive the confirmation message. Furthermore, after the timeout (e.g., after a period of time has elapsed since the message was transmitted at 418), the control device may determine that the other device (e.g., the parent device) did not receive the message.

[0119] At 430, the control device may determine the test transmission power P TEST Is it the maximum transmission power P? MAX If the test transmission power P TEST Not the maximum transmission power P MAX , then the test transmission power P can be increased at 428 TEST And the message may be transmitted at the increased transmission power at 422. As described herein, increasing the test transmission power P TEST The control device may be allowed to increase the probability of receiving the message. However, if the test transmission power P of the message TEST At maximum transmission power P MAX If the confirmation message is not received at 420, an error condition may be logged at 432. The error condition logged at 432 may indicate that the receiving device (e.g., parent device) did not successfully receive the message, or that the receiving device (e.g., parent device) was unable to communicate receipt of the message to the control device performing process 400.

[0120] Although process 410 may use the test transmission power P TEST Increase to the maximum transmission power P at 430 MAX , but the process 410 may be similarly implemented by increasing the learned transmission power to another maximum transmission power. For example, the control device may determine the stored transmission power P at 414. STORED And with a lower test transmission power P TEST Transmission command. Test transmission power P can be increased at 428 TEST , until the test transmission power P TEST Reach the previously stored transmission power P STORED If the control device fails to receive an acknowledgment message in response to the message to transmit at a lower transmission power, process 410 may be performed to attempt to reduce the previously stored transmission power P STORED And maintain the same transmission power.

[0121] Figure 4C4 is a flow chart depicting another exemplary process 450 for learning a transmission power for transmitting messages from a control device in a load control system. Process 450 may be performed by a power-conservative control device, such as a control device powered by a limited power source (e.g., remote control device 116 and / or remote control device 202). As described herein, the control device may be configured to transmit messages in a manner that conserves the limited power source. Process 450 may be performed to implement a learning process to update a stored transmission power P at the control device. STORED For example, process 450 may be performed to allow a control device to learn a lower transmission power to reduce power usage at the control device while maintaining communication with other devices. Process 450 may be performed by a remote control device 116, 202 to learn an updated transmission power for transmitting messages including commands for controlling one or more load control devices (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, 204a, 204b).

[0122] At 452, the control device may trigger a learning process. The learning process at 452 may be triggered after a predefined period from the last execution of process 450, the last storage of a transmission power, or another defined event to allow the control device to update a previously stored transmission power P for transmitting a message. STORED . The learning process may be triggered asynchronously at 452, for example, in response to user input (e.g., user interaction, such as rotation of the rotating portion and / or actuation of the actuating portion), and may take into account unknown message transmission conditions (e.g., taking into account changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions). For example, message communication conditions may be unknown and / or change over time. This may be a result of changes in the network and / or environment and / or a result of the control device moving (e.g., not being fixed to a specific location). For example, the control device may be moved closer to another device (e.g., a parent device), which may improve message communication conditions and / or allow the control device to reduce message transmission power to the other device (e.g., the parent device).

[0123] At 452, a learning process may be triggered to learn the transmission power of messages conveying specific types of commands. For example, the control device may trigger the learning process to learn the transmission power of a command that causes the illumination level of the lighting device to change by an amount greater than a threshold, so that the control device can store the learned transmission power for use with future commands that cause the illumination level of the lighting device to similarly change by an amount greater than the threshold. Commands that change the illumination intensity level by an amount greater than the threshold may include a power-on command, a power-off command, a toggle command, an increase command that increases the illumination level by an amount greater than a threshold, a decrease command that decreases the illumination level by an amount greater than a threshold, and / or a move command that adjusts the illumination level by an amount greater than a threshold. The control device may trigger the learning process to learn the transmission power of a command that causes the illumination level of the lighting device to change by an amount less than a threshold, so that the control device can store the learned transmission power for use with future commands that cause the illumination level of the lighting device to similarly change by an amount greater than the threshold.

[0124] At 454, the control device may determine the stored transmission power P for transmitting the message. STORED (For example, it can be retrieved from the memory.) For example, the stored transmission power P STORED The stored transmission power may be used previously during process 350 depicted in FIG3. At 456, the control device may determine the stored transmission power P at 454. STORED Is it at the minimum transmission power P? MIN If the stored transmission power P STORED Equal to P MIN , the control device may maintain the stored transmission power P at 458 STORED .

[0125] If the stored transmission power P STORED Greater than the minimum transmission power P MIN , the control device may determine the test transmission power P at 459. TEST . Test transmission power P TEST It can be the next higher than the stored transmission power P STORED Low transmission power. For example, test transmission power P TEST Comparable stored transmission power P STORED A small predetermined amount in an attempt to learn a reduced transmit power at which the control device may transmit messages (e.g., in response to changing network conditions which may result from changes in distance, interference, and / or channel conditions) and conserve battery power at the control device.

[0126] At 460, the control device may use the test transmission power P TESTAt 462, the control device may determine whether a confirmation message has been received, which may indicate whether the message transmitted at 460 is received by another device (e.g., a parent device). If a confirmation message is received at 462, the control device may determine the test transmission power P TEST Is it equal to the minimum transmission power P? MIN If the test transmission power P TEST Not equal to the minimum transmission power P MIN , the control device may reduce the test transmission power P at 470 TEST In an attempt to determine whether to further reduce the stored transmission power P STORED The control device may transmit the message at the reduced transmission power at 472. The control device may again determine whether an acknowledgment message is received in response to the message transmitted at the reduced transmission power at 462. If it is determined that the learned transmission power P LEARN Equal to the minimum transmission power P MIN , the control device can set the minimum transmission power P MIN The stored transmission power P for transmitting the message from the control device is stored STORED .

[0127] At 462, if the confirmation message is not received, the control device may determine whether a timeout has occurred at 464. The timeout may include a period of time that the control device may wait to receive the confirmation message. Additionally, after the timeout (e.g., after a period of time has elapsed since the message was transmitted at 460), the control device may determine that the other device (e.g., the parent device) has not received the message.

[0128] If the test transmission power P TEST Upon receiving the confirmation message, the control device may store the previous transmission power at 466. The previous transmission power may be the previous transmission power used when the message was transmitted (e.g., at 472) and the confirmation message was received (e.g., at 462). The previous transmission power may be the test transmission power P TEST If the control device does not receive a response to the test transmission power P TEST (eg, the initial value of the test transmission power used at 460) transmits a confirmation message, the previous transmission power may be the stored transmission power P STORED (eg, determined at 454). As described herein, the test transmission power P is reduced. TEST To learn the new stored transmission power P STORED This may allow the control device to reduce power usage for transmitting messages from the control device while maintaining communications with other devices (eg, parent devices) on the network.

[0129] Although Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 4C The steps in FIG. 1 are shown in a particular order, but the control device may perform the steps or a subset thereof in any combination or order.

[0130] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary load control device as described herein, such as load control device 500. The load control device may include load control circuitry 508 for controlling an electrical load 516. The load control device 500 may 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 a plug-in electrical load, a controllable electrical outlet, a temperature control device (e.g., a thermostat), a motor drive unit for motorized window coverings, 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.

[0131] The load control device 500 may include a power supply 510 for powering the circuitry of the load control device and / or an electrical load 516. For example, the power supply 510 may include a power converter and / or a power supply configured to receive a source voltage from an external power source (e.g., an AC mains voltage power source and / or an external DC power source) and generate a supply voltage (e.g., a DC supply voltage). Additionally, the power supply 510 may include a battery for powering the circuitry of the load control device 500 and / or the electrical load 516. The load control circuit 508 may receive the supply voltage from the power supply 510 and may control the amount of power delivered to the electrical load 516.

[0132] The load control device 500 may include communication circuitry 502. The communication circuitry 502 may include a receiver, an RF transceiver, or other communication module capable of performing wired and / or wireless communication via a communication link 510. The communication circuitry 502 may communicate with a control circuitry 504. The control circuitry 504 may include one or more general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, conventional processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessors, integrated circuits, programmable logic devices (PLDs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. The control circuitry 504 may perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other functionality that enables the load control device 500 to perform as described herein.

[0133] The control circuit 504 can be coupled to the communication circuit 502 for transmitting and receiving messages (e.g., digital messages) via the communication circuit. The control circuit 504 can be configured to control the transmission power of the communication circuit 502 to allow the load control device 500 to be characterized by adaptive transmission power (e.g., as described herein). The control circuit 504 can cause the communication circuit 502 to initially transmit a message at a low transmission power and then increase the transmission power until the message is received by the intended recipient. The control circuit 504 can also dynamically adjust the transmission power based on the type of message and / or the type of command being transmitted.

[0134] The control circuit 504 may store information in and / or retrieve information from the memory 506. For example, the memory 506 may maintain a registry of associated control devices and / or control configuration instructions. The memory 506 may include non-removable memory and / or removable memory. The load control circuit 508 may receive instructions from the control circuit 504 and may control the electrical load 516 based on the received instructions. The load control circuit 508 may send status feedback regarding the status of the electrical load 516 to the control circuit 504. The load control circuit 508 may receive power via the hot connection 512 and the neutral connection 514 and may provide a certain amount of power to the electrical load 516. The electrical load 516 may include any type of electrical load.

[0135] The control circuit 504 can communicate with an actuator 518 (e.g., one or more buttons) that can be actuated by a user to communicate a user selection to the control circuit 504. For example, the actuator 518 can be actuated to place the control circuit 504 in an association mode and / or transmit an association message from the load control device 500.

[0136] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary controller device 600 as described herein. Controller device 600 may be a remote control device, an occupancy sensor, a daylight sensor, a window sensor, a temperature sensor, and the like. Controller device 600 may include control circuitry 602 for controlling the functionality of controller device 600. Control circuitry 602 may include one or more general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, conventional processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessors, integrated circuits, programmable logic devices (PLDs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and the like. Control circuitry 602 may perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, and / or any other functionality that enables controller device 600 to perform as described herein.

[0137] Control circuitry 602 may store information in and / or retrieve information from memory 604. Memory 604 may include non-removable memory and / or removable memory, as described herein.

[0138] The controller device 600 may include one or more light sources, such as one or more LEDs 612, for providing feedback to the user. The one or more LEDs 612 may be included in a status indicator and may be controlled by the control circuit 602. The control circuit 602 may control the LEDs 612 as described herein to provide feedback to the user.

[0139] The control circuit 602 may also communicate with the input circuit 606. The input circuit 606 may include an actuator (e.g., one or more buttons), a rotating or sliding portion, or a sensor circuit (e.g., an occupancy sensor circuit, a daylight sensor circuit, or a temperature sensor circuit) to receive input that can be sent to the device for controlling an electrical load. The input circuit 606 may also include a proximity sensing circuit for sensing an occupant near the controller device 600. For example, the control source device 602 may receive input from the input circuit 606 to place the control circuit 602 in an association mode and / or transmit an association message from the controller device 600. The control circuit 602 may receive information (e.g., an indication that a button has been actuated, a rotating portion has been rotated, or information has been sensed) and / or an indication of a proximity sensing event from the input circuit 606. The input circuit 606 may be activated as an on / off event. Each of the modules within the controller device 600 may be powered by a power supply 610.

[0140] Controller device 600 may include wireless communication circuitry 608 for transmitting and / or receiving information. Wireless communication circuitry 608 may transmit and / or receive information via wireless communication. Wireless communication circuitry 608 may include a transmitter, an RF transceiver, or other circuitry capable of performing wired and / or wireless communication. Wireless communication circuitry 608 may communicate with control circuitry 602 for transmitting and / or receiving information.

[0141] The control circuitry 602 may be coupled to the wireless communication circuitry 608 for transmitting and receiving messages (e.g., digital messages) via the wireless communication circuitry 608. The control circuitry 602 may be configured to control the transmit power of the wireless communication circuitry 608 to allow the controller device 600 to be characterized by adaptive transmit power (e.g., as described herein). The control circuitry 602 may cause the wireless communication circuitry 608 to initially transmit a message at a low transmit power and then increase the transmit power until the message is received by the intended recipient. The control circuitry 602 may also dynamically adjust the transmit power based on the type of message being transmitted (e.g., unicast message or multicast message) and / or the type of command (e.g., turn on, turn off, move to a certain level, fade move, etc.).

[0142] Figure 7is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary network device 700 as described herein. For example, network device 700 may include network device 190. Network device 700 may include control circuitry 702 for controlling the functionality of network device 700. Control circuitry 702 may include one or more general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, conventional processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessors, integrated circuits, programmable logic devices (PLDs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and the like. Control circuitry 702 may perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other functionality that enables network device 700 to function as described herein. Control circuitry 702 may store information in and / or retrieve information from memory 704. Memory 704 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 storage device. The removable memory may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a memory card, or any other type of removable memory.

[0143] Network device 700 may include communication circuitry 708 for transmitting and / or receiving information. Communication circuitry 708 may perform wireless and / or wired communication. Communication circuitry 708 may include an RF transceiver or other circuitry capable of wireless communication via an antenna. Communication circuitry 708 may communicate with control circuitry 702 to transmit and / or receive information.

[0144] The control circuit 702 may also communicate with a display 706 for providing information to a user. The control circuit 702 and / or the display 706 may generate a GUI for display on the network device 700. The display 706 and the control circuit 702 may be in bidirectional communication, as the display 706 may include a touch screen module capable of receiving information from a user and providing such information to the control circuit 702. The network device may also include an actuator 712 (e.g., one or more buttons) that can be actuated by a user to communicate user selections to the control circuit 702.

[0145] Each of the modules within the network device 700 may be powered by a power supply 710. For example, the power supply 710 may include an AC power supply or a DC power supply. The power supply 710 may generate a supply voltage V CC Used to supply power to modules within the network device 700 .

[0146] Figure 8is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system controller 800 (e.g., system controller 180) as described herein. System controller 800 may include control circuitry 802 for controlling the functionality of system controller 800. Control circuitry 802 may include one or more general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, conventional processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessors, integrated circuits, programmable logic devices (PLDs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and the like. Control circuitry 802 may perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other functionality that enables system controller 800 to function as described herein. Control circuitry 802 may store information in and / or retrieve information from memory 804. Memory 804 may include non-removable and / or removable memory. The non-removable memory may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard drive, or any other type of non-removable memory storage device. The removable memory may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a memory card, or any other type of removable memory.

[0147] The system controller 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 system controller 800 may also or alternatively include a communication circuit 812 for transmitting and / or receiving information. The communication circuit 812 may perform wireless and / or wired communication. The communication circuits 808 and 812 may communicate with the control circuit 802. The communication circuits 808 and 812 may include RF transceivers or other communication modules capable of performing wireless communication via antennas. The communication circuit 808 and the communication circuit 812 may be capable of communicating via the same communication channel or different communication channels. For example, the communication circuit 808 may be capable of communicating via a wireless communication channel (e.g., NFC, BLE、ZIGBEE、 cellular, etc.) to communicate (e.g., with a network device, on a network, etc.), and the communication circuit 812 may be capable of communicating via another wireless communication channel (e.g., Bluetooth, ZIGBEE, NFC, BLE, or dedicated communication channels such as CLEAR CONNECT TM or CLEAR CONNECTTYPE X TM ) to communicate (e.g., with a control device and / or other devices in a load control system).

[0148] The control circuit 802 can communicate with an LED indicator 814 for providing an indication to the user. The control circuit 802 can communicate with an actuator 806 (e.g., one or more buttons) that can be actuated by the user to communicate the user's selection to the control circuit 802. For example, the actuator 806 can be actuated to place the control circuit 802 in an association mode and / or transmit an association message from the system controller 800.

[0149] Each of the modules within the system controller 800 may be powered by a power supply 810. For example, the power supply 810 may include an AC power supply or a DC power supply. The power supply 810 may generate a supply voltage V CC Used to supply power to modules within the system controller 800.

[0150] Although features and elements are described herein in particular combinations, each feature or element may be used alone or in any combination with the other features and elements. For example, the 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 processes and methods described herein may be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmware that is incorporated into a computer-readable medium for execution by a computer or processor. Examples of computer-readable media include electronic signals (transmitted over a wired or wireless connection) 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 control device, comprising: user interface; as well as A processor configured to perform the following operations: receiving user input via the user interface; determining, based on the user input, a plurality of command types configured to control a lighting load for transmission in the message, wherein the plurality of command types include a command configured to turn on the lighting load, a command configured to turn off the lighting load, or a command configured to adjust a lighting level of the lighting load; determining a transmission power for transmitting the message based on the determined command, wherein the transmission power is higher in response to the command being determined to be a command configured to turn on a lighting load or a command configured to turn off a lighting load, and wherein the transmission power is lower in response to the command being determined to be a command configured to adjust the lighting level of the lighting load; and The message is transmitted at the determined transmission power.

2. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the determined transmission power is a determined first transmission power, and wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: determining a second transmission power in a condition where the message is not successfully received, wherein the determined second transmission power is greater than the determined first transmission power; and The message is retransmitted at the determined second transmission power. 3 . The control device of claim 2 , wherein the processor is further configured to determine that the message has not been successfully received based on a failure to receive an acknowledgment message within a period of time from when the message was transmitted.

4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: receiving an acknowledgment message in response to the retransmission of the message at the determined second transmission power; and After receiving the confirmation message, the transmission power used for transmitting further messages is stored.

5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: receiving another user input via the user interface; determining another command based on the another user input; and A message including the further command is transmitted at the stored transmission power after receiving the further user input.

6. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: determining a change in a lighting level of the lighting load based on the command; and When the illumination level changes by more than a threshold amount, the transmission power is set to a maximum transmission power.

7. A control device, comprising: user interface; as well as A processor configured to perform the following operations: receiving user input via the user interface; determining, based on the user input, commands of a plurality of command types configured to control the lighting load, wherein the plurality of command types include a command configured to turn on the lighting load, a command configured to turn off the lighting load, and a command configured to adjust a lighting level of the lighting load; determining a first transmission power based on an amount of change in a lighting intensity level at the lighting load based on the command; as well as A first message including the command is transmitted at a determined first transmission power, wherein the first transmission power is higher in response to the command being determined to be a command configured to turn off the lighting load or a command configured to turn on the lighting load, and wherein the first transmission power is lower in response to the command being determined to be a command configured to adjust the lighting level of the lighting load.

8. The control device according to claim 7, wherein the processor is configured to perform the following operations: transmitting the message at the determined first transmission power when the change in the illumination intensity level is less than a threshold, and The message is transmitted at a determined second transmission power when the amount of change in the illumination intensity level is greater than the threshold, wherein the determined second transmission power is greater than the determined first transmission power.

9. A control device as described in claim 7, wherein when the change in the lighting intensity level is greater than a threshold value, the determined first transmission power is a larger transmission power, and wherein when the change in the lighting intensity level is less than the threshold value, the determined first transmission power is a lower transmission power.

10. The control device of claim 9, wherein the determined first transmission power is the lower transmission power, and wherein the processor is further configured to: determining a second transmission power in a condition where the first message is not successfully received; and The first message is retransmitted using the determined second transmission power.

11. The control device of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to determine that the first message has not been successfully received based on a failure to receive an acknowledgment message within a period of time from when the first message was transmitted.

12. A remote control device, comprising: user interface; as well as A processor configured to perform the following operations: receiving user input via the user interface; transmitting a message at a first transmission power after receiving the user input, wherein the first transmission power is based on the user input, wherein the user input comprises a command configured to turn off a lighting load, a command configured to turn on a lighting load, or a command configured to adjust a lighting level of the lighting load, wherein the first transmission power is higher in response to the command being determined to be the command configured to turn off the lighting load or the command configured to turn on the lighting load, and wherein the first transmission power is lower in response to the command being determined to be the command configured to adjust the lighting level of the lighting load; determining a second transmission power in a condition where the message is not successfully received, wherein the second transmission power is greater than the first transmission power; and The message is retransmitted at the determined second transmission power.

13. The remote control device of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to determine that the message has not been successfully received based on a failure to receive an acknowledgment message within a period of time from when the message was transmitted.

14. The remote control device of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to: receiving an acknowledgment message in response to the retransmission of the message at the determined second transmission power; determining that the message was successfully received after the retransmission of the message based on receiving an acknowledgment message in response to the retransmission of the message; as well as After said determining that said message is successfully received after said retransmission of said message at said determined second transmission power, said determined second transmission power is stored for use in transmitting further messages.

15. The remote control device of claim 14, wherein the processor is further configured to: receiving another user input via the user interface; determining another command based on the another user input; and A message including the further command is transmitted at the stored second transmission power after receiving the further user input.

16. The remote control device of claim 13 , wherein the processor is configured to determine a command configured to control a lighting load based on the user input, and wherein the processor is configured to transmit the message at the first transmission power when an amount of change in the lighting intensity level based on the determined command is less than a threshold value, and transmit the message at a third transmission power when the amount of change in the lighting intensity level based on the determined command is greater than the threshold value, wherein the third transmission power is greater than the first transmission power.

17. A control device, comprising: A processor configured to perform the following operations: receiving a triggering event for transmitting a message; determining, based on user input, a plurality of command types configured to control a lighting load for transmission in the message, wherein the plurality of command types include a command configured to turn on the lighting load, a command configured to turn off the lighting load, or a command configured to adjust a lighting level of the lighting load; determining a transmission power for transmitting the message based on the determined command, wherein the transmission power is higher in response to the command being determined to be a command configured to turn off a lighting load or a command configured to turn on a lighting load, and wherein the transmission power is lower in response to the command being determined to be a command configured to adjust the lighting level of the lighting load; and The message is transmitted at the determined transmission power.

18. The control device of claim 17, wherein the determined transmission power is a determined first transmission power, and wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: determining a second transmission power in a condition where the message is not successfully received, wherein the determined second transmission power is greater than the determined first transmission power; and The message is retransmitted at the determined second transmission power.

19. The control device of claim 18, wherein the processor is further configured to determine that the message has not been successfully received based on a failure to receive an acknowledgment message within a period of time from when the message was transmitted.

20. The control device of claim 19, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: receiving an acknowledgment message in response to the retransmission of the message at the determined second transmission power; and After receiving the confirmation message, the transmission power used for transmitting further messages is stored.

21. The control device of claim 20, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: receiving another triggering event for transmitting a second message; determining another command based on the another triggering event; and The second message including the further command is transmitted at the stored transmission power after receiving the further triggering event.

22. The control device of claim 17, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: determining a change in a lighting level of the lighting load based on the command; and When the illumination level changes by more than a threshold amount, the transmission power is set to a maximum transmission power.

23. A control device, comprising: A processor configured to perform the following operations: receiving a triggering event for transmitting a first message including a command for controlling a lighting load, wherein the command of a plurality of command types includes a command configured to turn on the lighting load, a command configured to turn off the lighting load, or a command configured to adjust a lighting level of the lighting load; determining a first transmission power for transmitting the first message based on the command, wherein the first transmission power is higher in response to the command being determined to be a command configured to turn off a lighting load or a command configured to turn on a lighting load, and wherein the first transmission power is lower in response to the command being determined to be a command configured to adjust the lighting level of the lighting load; transmitting the first message at the determined first transmission power; receiving a first acknowledgement message in response to the first message transmitted at the determined first transmission power; determining a test transmission power, the test transmission power being configured to test the first transmission power for transmitting a message from the control device; transmitting a second message at the determined test transmission power; receiving a confirmation message in response to the second message; as well as The determined test transmission power is stored as a stored transmission power for transmitting messages from the control device.

24. The control device of claim 23, wherein after receiving the first confirmation message, the determined test transmission power is set to the determined first transmission power to test transmission of a message at the determined first transmission power.

25. The control device of claim 24, wherein the processor is configured to: When the determined test transmission power is equal to the determined first transmission power, transmitting a third message at the determined test transmission power; failing to receive a confirmation message in response to the third message; as well as The test transmission power is increased before transmitting the second message.

26. The control device of claim 23, wherein the determined test transmission power is set to be lower than the determined first transmission power before transmitting the second message, and wherein the determined test transmission power is stored as a transmission power lower than the determined first transmission power.

27. The control device according to claim 23, wherein the test transmission power is set to be higher than the first transmission power before the second message is transmitted, and wherein the test transmission power is stored as a transmission power higher than the first transmission power.

28. A method comprising: triggering a learning process for learning a transmission power of a message of a predefined command type among a plurality of command types; determining a test transmission power for the predefined command types, wherein at least two of the plurality of command types have different test transmission powers, wherein the predefined command types include a command configured to turn on a lighting load, a command configured to turn off a lighting load, or a command configured to adjust a lighting level of the lighting load; transmitting a message at a determined test transmission power for the predefined command type, wherein the test transmission power is higher in response to the command being determined to be a command configured to turn off a lighting load or a command configured to turn on a lighting load, and wherein the test transmission power is lower in response to the command being determined to be a command configured to adjust the lighting level of the lighting load; receiving an acknowledgment message in response to the message transmitted at the test transmit power for the predefined command type; as well as The test transmit power is stored for use in subsequent messages transmitted for the predefined command type.

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