Intelligent lighting control multi-load system device and method

Abstract

The intelligent lighting control system includes a dimming light control component that is configured to support multiple independently dimmable lighting loads within a single unit to be installed in a wall box. The lighting control system efficiently utilizes hardware to reduce redundant components. The system uses a single power supply (e.g., branch circuit) and decouples the output so that the on / off / dimming state of one load does not affect any of the other multiple loads included in the unit. Certain embodiments provide a 1-group architecture, while other embodiments may use other group architectures, such as 2-groups, 3-groups, or larger groups. Embodiments use a transformer to efficiently manage multiple loads using a single line / branch circuit input, and the transformer is constructed with multiple windings to isolate the control of the dimming load in the lamp module from the control of other loads.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 908,506, filed on September 30, 2019 by Ian Charles Smith for INTELLIGENT LIGHTING CONTROL MULTI-LOAD SYSTEMS APPARATUSES AND METHODS, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates generally to the field of lighting control systems. Background Art

[0004] In some markets, multiple loads (lighting and / or general) may be located in the same electrical wall box. This "multiple loads in a single wall box configuration" is often found in older construction homes in the United States, and is often found in international 220-240V markets, such as those found in Europe and Asia. Basic light switches often tend to simply package multiple independent mechanical or electromechanical components in parallel within a single unit for installation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The drawings are primarily for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter described herein. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; in some cases, various aspects of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein may be shown exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate understanding of different features. In the drawings, like reference numerals generally refer to like features (e.g., functionally similar and / or structurally similar elements):

[0006] Figure 1A is a perspective partially exploded view of a lighting control device;

[0007] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A fully exploded view of the lighting control equipment;

[0008] Figure 2A Shown mounted on a wall Figure 1A lighting control equipment;

[0009] Figure 2B and 2C A multi-switch lighting control device is shown;

[0010] Figures 3A-3F showing a lighting control device transitioning through various lighting settings and a room with lighting fixtures controlled by the lighting control device;

[0011] Figure 4 A flow chart is provided for the operation of a system for controlling a lighting control device;

[0012] Figure 5 A flow chart illustrating a system for remotely operating a lighting control device;

[0013] Figure 6 A flow chart illustrating a system for remotely configuring the operation of a lighting control device;

[0014] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing a lighting control system having a transformer constructed with multiple windings to isolate control of a dimming load in a light switch;

[0015] Figure 8 is a diagram of a lighting control system;

[0016] Fig.9A and 9B A lighting control system including a plurality of lighting control devices is shown;

[0017] Fig.10 schematically illustrates a lighting control device; and

[0018] Fig.11 A block diagram schematically illustrates a process executed by a controller of a lighting control device.

[0019]

[0011] Features and advantages of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Summary of the invention

[0020] The inventors have appreciated that the various embodiments disclosed herein provide apparatus, systems, and methods for utilizing a single transformer constructed from multiple windings in order to isolate control of a switching / dimming load in a single switch.

[0021] Various embodiments described herein provide an intelligent lighting control system including a dimming light control component that is configured to support multiple independently dimmable lighting loads powered from a single branch circuit within a single unit to be installed in a wall box. Embodiments of the disclosed lighting control system efficiently utilize hardware to reduce redundant components. The embodiments described herein use a single power source (e.g., LINE wires in the wall of a single branch circuit) and decouple the output (e.g., LOAD output to an appliance) so that the on / off / dimming state of one load does not affect any of the other multiple loads included in the unit. Certain embodiments are provided in a 1-gang architecture, while other embodiments may use other gang architectures, such as 2-gang, 3-gang, or larger gangs. The disclosed embodiments use a transformer constructed with multiple windings to isolate the control of the dimming loads in the lamp module from each other and from other loads using a single line / power input. Figure 7 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of a system configured in this manner is shown in FIG. Figure 1A-6 embodied in any one of the lighting system embodiments shown and described in and 8-11.

[0022]

[0011] Features and advantages of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Next follows a more detailed description of various concepts related to the inventive systems, methods, and assemblies for lighting control devices and exemplary embodiments thereof.

[0024] Figure 1A is a perspective, partially exploded view of a lighting control device 100. The lighting control device 100 includes a switch module 102 including a light switch actuator 106 and a tactile display 104 housed in the light switch actuator 106. The lighting control device 100 also includes a wall plate cover 108 including a switch module opening 110 extending therethrough. The lighting control device 100 also includes a base module 112 configured to be coupled to the switch module 102 via a multi-pin socket 114. The base module 112 is sized and configured to be housed within a group of wall electrical boxes and has a volume substantially corresponding thereto. The base module 112 is configured to be coupled to the wall electrical box via a connection tab 116 and a fastener hole 118 in the connection tab 116.

[0025] The light switch actuator 106 includes an outer actuation surface 122, which can be made of glass as further discussed herein. The actuation surface 122 is movable, for example, by pushing the curved pressure plate 120 to pivot the light switch actuator 106. The pivoting of the light switch actuator 106 and the actuation surface 122 causes the contact assembly (shown in FIG. 2 ) of the switch actuator 106 to move from a first position to a second position. The movement of the contact assembly connects a current path, for example, by allowing two electrical contacts to connect or by connecting the contact assembly to an electrical contact. As discussed in further detail herein, the connection of the current path allows the electrical energy supplied by the power supply connected to the base module 112 to excite or activate the tactile display 104. The tactile display 104 is structured in the switch module to move simultaneously with at least a portion of the actuation surface 122 and with the actuator 106. When activated or stimulated, the tactile display 104 allows the user to define or select a predefined lighting setting, wherein the lighting setting changes the voltage or power supplied to one or more light fixtures. The variation of the power supplied to the light fixtures may include multiple different voltages supplied to each fixture and may be based on various parameters, including but not limited to location, light intensity, light color, bulb type, light type, ambient light level, time of day, type of activity, room temperature, noise level, energy cost, user proximity, user identity, or various other parameters that may be specified or detected. In addition, the lighting control device 100 can be connected to all lights in a room or even a house, and can be configured to operate in coordination with one or more other lighting control devices 100 located in a unit or room and connected to the same or different lighting fixtures.

[0026] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A fully exploded view of the lighting control device 100. Figure 1BAs shown in FIG. 1 , the tactile display 104 is located between the outer actuation surface 122 and the light switch actuator 106. The actuation surface 122 can be constructed of an impact-resistant glass material that allows light from the tactile display 104 and / or a clear view of the path for the sensor 127 or other light (such as light from the light pipe 126 indicating activation) to pass through the actuation surface 122. The tactile display 104 is constructed of a polymer-based capacitive touch layer 124 and a light emitting diode panel 125, which are controlled via one or more modules or processors located on a printed circuit board 129. The tactile display 104 is housed within a recess 131 of the light switch actuator 106 below the actuation surface 122. The light switch actuator 106 can be formed as a thermoplastic housing including a housing cover 133 and a housing base 135. The light switch actuator housing cover 133 is pivotally connected to the housing base 135 via a pin 136, and the housing cover 133 is biased relative to the housing base 135 via a torsion spring 137. In certain embodiments, the light switch actuator housing cover 133 can be configured to slide or otherwise translate or rotate. The outer actuation surface 122 is biased with the switch actuator housing cover 133 and moves simultaneously with the switch actuator housing cover 133 in unison with the tactile display 104 contained in the cover assembly 133 of the light switch actuator 106. The light switch actuator 106 includes a switch pin 128 that is movable between positions that close an open circuit on a primary printed circuit board substrate 150, which also houses a switch controller or processor. In certain embodiments, the light switch actuator 106 can include a circuit board stack that includes the primary printed circuit board substrate 150 and the secondary printed circuit board 138. The light switch actuator 106 may include a latch 136 for coupling to the base module 112 (e.g., when the light switch actuator 106 passes through the opening 110 in the wall plate cover 108), which allows the light switch actuator 106 to click into place. The housing base 135 includes a multi-pin connector or plug 134 configured to engage the multi-pin socket 114 of the base module 112.

[0027] The lighting control device 100 includes a mounting chassis 142 configured to be mounted to an electrical wall box. The mounting chassis 142 creates a flat surface for mounting other modules (e.g., the base module 112 and the switch module 102). Once the base module is connected to the electrical wall box via the mounting chassis 142, the wall plate cover 108 can be coupled to the mounting chassis 142 and the light switch actuator 106 can be inserted through the switch module opening 110. In certain embodiments, the wall plate cover can be coupled to the mounting chassis 142 and / or the protrusion 116 of the base module via magnets. The magnet can be recessed within an opening of a portion of the wall plate cover 108. As described, the base module 112 is configured to be coupled to the mounting chassis 142 via the connecting protrusion 116. The base module 112 is also configured to be electrically coupled to a power source (e.g., wires from an electrical circuit breaker box to the electrical wall box) and to one or more light fixtures wired to the electrical box. Thus, the base module 112 provides an interface between the power source, the light switch actuator 106, and one or more light fixtures. The base module includes a processor 140 and a circuit board 141 to manage power supplied by the power source and routed to one or more light fixtures according to light setting selections identified via the light switch actuator 106 or the tactile display 104.

[0028] One or more of the processor 130 and the base module processor 140 on the printed circuit board 138 may include a wireless link for communicating with one or more remote electronic devices operating at the location, such as a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, another mobile computing device, one or more other lighting control devices 100, or other electronic devices. In some embodiments, the wireless link allows communication with one or more devices, including but not limited to smart light bulbs, thermostats, garage door openers, door locks, remote controls, televisions, security systems, security cameras, smoke detectors, video game consoles, robotic systems, or other communication-enabled sensing and / or actuating devices or equipment. The wireless link may include Bluetooth class, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth low energy (also known as BLE) (BLE and BT Classic are completely different protocols that only share branding), 802.15.4, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), infrared channels, or satellite bands. The wireless link may also include any cellular network standard for communication between mobile devices, including but not limited to standards qualified as 1G, 2G, 3G, or 4G. Network standards may be qualified as one or more generations of mobile telecommunication standards by meeting specifications or standards such as those maintained by the International Telecommunication Union. For example, the 3G standard may correspond to the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specification, while the 4G standard may correspond to the Advanced International Mobile Telecommunications (Advanced IMT) specification. Examples of cellular network standards include AMPS, GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE, Advanced LTE, Mobile WiMAX, and Advanced WiMAX. Cellular network standards may use various channel access methods, such as FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, or SDMA. In some embodiments, different types of data may be sent via different links and standards. In other embodiments, the same type of data may be sent via different links and standards.

[0029] Figure 2A The device is shown mounted on the wall 200. Figure 1A The lighting control device 100. Figure 2A , the base module 112 is not visible when the lighting control device 100 is installed due to the wall plate cover 108. Because the wall plate cover 108 is attached to the base module 112, the wall plate cover 108 appears to float on the wall 200. The lighting control device 100 can be activated by the user 103 interacting with the exterior actuation surface 122 and the tactile display 104.

[0030] Figure 2B and 2C A multi-switch configuration of multiple lighting control devices is shown. Figure 2B and 2CTwo-switch and three-switch embodiments are shown, respectively, wherein lighting control devices 202 and 203 each include a light switch actuator 106 and auxiliary switches 204 and 208 and two and three base modules 112, respectively.

[0031] Figures 3A-3F Shown is a lighting control device transitioning through various lighting settings and a room with lighting fixtures controlled by the lighting control device.

[0032] exist Figure 3A , the lighting control device 300 is connected to a base module located behind a wall plate 308. The lighting control device 300 includes: a dynamic light switch actuator 306, similar to the combination of Figures 1A-2C The light switch actuator discussed herein is operable; and an auxiliary light switch actuator. Figure 3A As shown in FIG. 1 , the unilluminated outer actuation surface 322 of the light switch actuator 306 is inactive and not energized. In response to the user 103 moving the actuation surface 322 of the light switch actuator 306, the light switch actuator 306 begins to become energized, as shown in FIG. Figure 3B . The activation or actuation of the light switch actuator 306 is signaled by the power light indicator 305 and by the full lighting setting icon 351. Figure 3C (wherein icon 351 is fully illuminated (rather than Figure 3B As shown in FIG. 1 , the light switch actuator 306 is fully energized. In this particular configuration, the primary lamps 309 and 310 are illuminated at full power. Figure 3D shows the transitions between lighting settings. Figure 3D As shown in FIG, this transition is achieved by user 103 completing a sliding gesture 312 across tactile display 304 and along actuation surface 322. When the user completes gesture 312, as the tactile display switches to Figure 3E , icon 351 slides from tactile display 304 . Figure 3E 3 is represented or identified by the dinner icon 352. The new light setting shown in FIG. 3 causes the light fixture 309 to be de-energized and causes the table lamp 316 and the wall lamp (sconce) 318 to become illuminated to change the lighting scene in the room. Based on the selected lighting setting, the change in light setting causes a change in the power distribution to a certain lighting fixture. The light switch actuator 306 can be pre-programmed with multiple lighting settings or can be configured with a specific lighting setting specified by the user 103. Figure 3F Another slide gesture 315 shown in FIG. 3 or a different gesture is used to move from the icon represented by icon 352 to the Figure 3F from one lighting setting to another.

[0033] Figure 4A flow chart of the operation of a system for controlling a lighting control device is provided. Figure 4 Control operations of a control system according to various embodiments of the present invention, such as a processor 130 configured to control a lighting control device 100 or 300, are shown. At 401, a tactile display housed in a light switch actuator is activated by moving the light switch actuator, for example, by moving an actuation surface of the light switch actuator. At 402, a light fixture electrically coupled to the light switch actuator via a base module is powered when the movement of the light switch actuator causes the contact assembly to move into a new position and thereby allows or causes a current path between a power source and (one or more) light fixtures to be closed. The tactile display housed in the light switch actuator moves simultaneously with the actuation surface. At 403, a lighting setting selection request is received via the tactile display (e.g., by one or more specific movements on the tactile display). The lighting setting selection request identifies a lighting setting from a plurality of lighting settings. A user may swipe multiple times to switch through a plurality of lighting settings, or may perform a specific movement corresponding to a particular lighting setting, including but not limited to a half-swipe and a tap to achieve a light intensity of all connected light fixtures at half of their peak output. The lighting setting identifies different power distribution schemes for one or more light fixtures connected to the light switch module. At 404, a power distribution scheme is identified. At 405, the identified power distribution scheme is sent, for example, by a base module in response to a control signal from a light switch actuator, to adjust one, some, or all of the lights based on the power distribution scheme corresponding to the selected lighting setting. The power distribution scheme or profile can be stored in a memory device of the lighting control device. In some embodiments, the power distribution scheme can be adjusted to account for other parameters, such as ambient lighting from natural light or an unconnected source. In some embodiments, the power distribution scheme can be adjusted based on one or more other sensor parameters. In specific embodiments, the lighting setting can be adjusted by automation based on time of day, sensed parameters such as light, temperature, noise, or activation of other devices including but not limited to any electronic device described herein.

[0034] Figure 5A flow chart of a system for remotely operating a lighting control device is shown. In certain embodiments, if an actuator switch is activated or actuated, the lighting control device 100 or 300 may be operable from a remote device. In such an instance, the remote device may include: one or more computer program applications such as system 500, operating on the device to communicate with and control the lighting control device. Thus, at 501, the control system 500 initiates a connection module to generate a communication interface between a mobile electronic device and a light switch module. The connection module may cause the remote device to send one or more wireless transmissions to the lighting control device via a communication protocol. At 502, the control system 500 causes the remote device to generate a display of icons on a display device of the mobile electronic device to facilitate the selection of a lighting setting. At 503, the control system 500 receives a lighting setting selection based on a user selecting a particular icon. At 504, the transmission module causes the selected lighting setting to be sent to the lighting control device, so that the light switch module and / or the base module may cause a power distribution scheme corresponding to the lighting setting to be sent to the lighting fixture. The tactile display of the lighting control device may be updated in accordance with receiving the lighting setting to display an icon selected on the mobile electronic device and corresponding to the lighting setting selected on the tactile device.

[0035] Figure 6 A flow chart of a system for remotely configuring the operation of a lighting control device is shown. The remote device may include a device including, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a mobile computing device, or a computing device remote from the light control device. At 601, a mobile electronic device generates a communication interface with a light switch module. At 602, a light fixture identification module initiates a sensor-based protocol to identify parameters associated with one or more light fixtures connected to the light switch control module. At 603, a display selection module causes a display of icons to appear on a display device of the mobile electronic device. At 604, a lighting setting configuration module allows a user to create a power allocation scheme or profile for the identified light fixture based on the identified parameters and user-specified inputs related to light intensity. At 604, a storage module is used to store the power allocation scheme and associate a specific lighting setting icon with the power allocation scheme. At 605, a transmission module sends the power allocation scheme and the associated icon to the light switch control module.

[0036] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a multi-load circuit 700 of a lighting control system having a transformer constructed with multiple windings to isolate the control of dimming loads in a single light switch is shown. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the multi-load circuit 700 can be Figure 1A-68-11. To this end, the multi-load circuit 700 includes a dimming light control component that is configured to support multiple independently dimmable lighting loads powered from a single branch circuit within a single unit to be installed in a wall box (e.g., a single group). Schematically speaking, the dimming light control component is a processor embodied as a micro control unit (MCU) 702, which is arranged on the secondary side of the transformer and is configured to control multiple (e.g., three) lighting / load circuits on the primary side of the transformer. The lighting / load circuits are configured and arranged to support three independently dimmable loads in a single (1) group architecture that is sized for installation in a single wall box. The lighting / load circuit may be embodied as a field effect transistor (FET) 704 configured as a half-bridge gate device coupled to the dimming load LD1-3 and controlled by a gate driver (power amplifier) ​​706, each gate driver being connected to (i.e., powered by) a different winding of the transformer and controlled across an isolation boundary embodied as an isolation buffer (opto-isolator) 708 driven by the MCU 702. Thus, the MCU 702 is powered by the secondary winding 710 of the transformer.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the multi-load circuit 700 can operate with a controller such as a switch controller 802 and a base module such as a base lighting control module 812 of a lighting control system such as the lighting control system 800 to provide a fully functional multi-load circuit that efficiently utilizes hardware to reduce redundant components. That is, the embodiments use a single power source (e.g., a LINE wire in the wall of a single branch circuit) and decouple the output (e.g., a LOAD output to a lighting circuit connected to a lamp) so that the on / off / dimming state of one load does not affect any of the other multiple loads included in the unit. Certain embodiments are provided in a one (1) group architecture, while other embodiments may use other group architectures, such as 2 groups, 3 groups, or larger groups. The disclosed embodiments use a single transformer to efficiently manage multiple loads using a single line / power input, and the single transformer is constructed with multiple windings to isolate the control of the dimming load in the lamp module from the other loads. The voltage zero crossing circuit 712 connected to the single power source provides an input to the MCU 702, which is configured to control the dimming of the output (i.e., control the dimming of the load).

[0038] Advantageously, the multi-load circuit 700 reduces the wiring required to control multiple (3) lighting / load circuits installed in a relatively small footprint (e.g., single-gang architecture) within a wall box. A lighting control system with a multi-load circuit can be deployed in geographic areas that supply a nominal service voltage greater than 200V, and thus allows the use of thinner wiring (e.g., 0.75mm2 / 18AWG), this wiring consumes less wall space when installed in a single-gang wall unit.

[0039] Figure 8 8 is a schematic diagram of a lighting control system 800 configured to perform certain lighting control operations described herein. The lighting control system 800 illustrates lighting control system components that may be implemented with a lighting control system that includes the air gap system described herein. The lighting control system 800 is depicted as being divided into a base lighting control module 812 (which may be configured in a manner similar to the base module 112) and a switch module or switch controller 802 (which may be configured in a manner similar to the switch module 102). As described herein, the switch module 802 may include a tactile interface operable via a graphical user interface module 852 and a switch actuator, such as the tactile display 104 and the light switch actuator 106 described herein. The switch module 802 houses a processor 850 that may be configured to send commands to a microcontroller 840 and receive inputs from the microcontroller 840 to control the operation of a transformer 818, a power isolator and an AC to DC converter 814 (which may include a flyback converter), and a dimmer (such as a TRIAC (bidirectional thyristor) dimmer 813), a voltage and current sensor 816. In some embodiments, the base lighting control module 812 may include a MOSFET dimmer. The power isolator 814 separates the analog AC current from the low power or DC digital components in the base lighting control module 812 and the switch module 802. The power isolator 814 can provide a power input to the switch control module 802 via a power module 853. The power module 853 includes a power circuit that is configured to regulate the power flow from the base lighting control module 812 to the switch controller module 802, including directing power to one or more of the modules in the switch controller module 802. The switch module 802 also houses a communication module, which may include one or more antennas or other wireless communication modules. The switch module 802 also houses a sensor module, which may include one or more sensors, such as a light sensor, a camera, a microphone, a thermometer, a humidity sensor, and an air quality sensor. The processor 850 is communicatively coupled to one or more of the switch modules 802 to control the operation of these modules and receive input from these modules, such as controlling the modulation of the flow of power to the lighting circuit of the light fixture 824 connected to the base lighting control module 812.

[0040] The base lighting control module 812 includes a ground terminal 830 for grounding various electrical component containers in the base lighting control module 812. The base lighting control module 812 includes a neutral terminal 828, a line terminal 826, and a load terminal 822 for connecting to a neutral line. Figure 8As shown in , (one or more) voltage and current sensors are coupled to the load lines to detect changes in voltage or current along the lines that carry power to one or more light fixtures 824 connected to the lighting circuit (750). The base lighting control module 812 also includes a controller 840 that is communicatively coupled to the processor 850. The base lighting control module 812 also includes LED indicator lights 842 and 841 for indicating information about the status of the base lighting control module 812. For example, in some embodiments, the LED indicator light 841 can indicate whether the neutral wire is connected, while the LED indicator light 842 can indicate whether the 3-way connection is connected.

[0041] Fig.9A and 9B A lighting control system including a plurality of lighting control devices is shown. Fig.9A An embodiment of a lighting control system 900 including a plurality of lighting control subsystems distributed over a building (e.g., a house, an office, etc.) (e.g., in different rooms of the building) is described. Fig.9A In the embodiment of the lighting control system 900 shown in FIG. 1 , rooms 902a-d have different lighting control systems. For example, the lighting control system of room 902a includes a lighting control device 904a, a lighting circuit 910a, a light sensor 906a, and a motion sensor 908a. The lighting control system 900 may include a central lighting control device 904 that serves as a central controller for the lighting control system 900. In some embodiments, the central lighting control device 904 may include a lighting control system, such as system 100 or 800.

[0042] A lighting control system for room 902a is discussed, which includes a lighting control device 904a, a light sensor 906a, a motion sensor 908a, and a lighting circuit 910a. However, the concepts and applications discussed are not limited to the lighting control system in room 902a, and may be generally applied to lighting control systems in other rooms (e.g., 902b-d) or to lighting control subsystems that may be distributed over more than one room.

[0043] The light sensor 906a is configured to detect ambient light (which may include natural light and / or light from a lamp connected to the lighting circuit 910a), for example, by converting electromagnetic energy (e.g., photon energy) into an electrical signal (e.g., a current or voltage signal). The electrical signal may be transmitted to the lighting control device 904a. The light sensor 906a may include one or more photoresistors, photodiodes, charge-coupled devices, etc. The light sensor 906a may include a filter that preferentially allows certain frequencies of light to be transmitted and thus detected by the light sensor 906a. For example, the filter may be configured to transmit a frequency corresponding to light emitted from the lighting circuit 910a. This may allow the light sensor (e.g., 906a) to preferentially detect light from the lighting circuit 910a while filtering out light generated by other sources. For example, if the light sensor is located in a room that receives ambient natural light (e.g., daylight), the light sensor may substantially filter out the ambient natural light and primarily detect light from the lighting circuit 910a. Light sensor 906a may also be configured to efficiently and accurately detect a range of light intensities, such as a range of intensities that may be produced by lighting circuit 910a. This may allow light sensor 906a to efficiently and accurately detect light for various intensity settings of lighting circuit 910a.

[0044] Motion sensor 908a can be configured to detect motion in room 902a. For example, the motion sensor can detect the motion of an occupant in room 902a. Motion sensor 908a can include one or more of a passive sensor (e.g., a passive infrared (PIR) sensor), an active sensor (e.g., a microwave (MW) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc.), and a hybrid sensor (e.g., a dual-technology motion sensor) that includes both passive and active sensors. Passive sensors do not emit any energy and detect energy changes in the surrounding environment. For example, a PIR sensor can detect infrared energy emitted by a human body (due to the temperature associated with the human body). On the other hand, an active sensor emits an electromagnetic or sonic pulse and detects its reflection. For example, a MW sensor emits a microwave pulse and detects its reflection. A hybrid sensor can include active and passive sensors, and can therefore sense motion both actively and passively (hybrid sensing). Hybrid sensing can have several advantages, for example, the probability of false positive detection of motion can be smaller in a hybrid sensor compared to an active / passive sensor.

[0045] The lighting control device 904a is configured to communicate with the light sensor 906a and the motion sensor 908a. The motion sensor 908a can send a notification signal to the lighting control device 904a, conveying that motion has been detected in an area close to the lighting circuit 910a, for example in the room 902a. The light sensor 906a can send a notification signal to the lighting control device 904a, conveying that light emitted from the lighting circuit 910a has been detected. In addition, the notification signal can include information about the properties of the detected light, such as intensity, bandwidth, etc. The lighting control device 904a can store data representing the notification signal received from the motion and light sensors in a device database. The lighting control device 904a may include a clock and / or timer that allows the lighting control device 904a to track the time and / or duration of the signals received from the light sensor 906a and the motion sensor 908a. Tracking time and / or duration information can also be stored in the device database.

[0046] The lighting control device 904a can be configured to receive and send data via the Internet. The lighting control device 904a can, for example, infer information about ambient natural light from data about weather conditions, daylight hours, etc. from online databases (e.g., databases of weather.gov, gaisma.com, noaa.gov, wunderground.com, etc.). For example, the received data can include information about sunrise and sunset times and the time of year in a geographic area associated with the lighting control system 900. Based on this, the lighting control device 904a can infer a period when no ambient natural light is available. In another example, the received data can contain information about weather conditions. The lighting control device 904a can, for example, infer that cloudy conditions can lead to a reduction in natural ambient light. The lighting control device 904a can save the data and / or inferred information in a device database. This can allow the lighting control device 904a to infer a pattern between the use of the lighting circuit 910a and the ambient natural light conditions.

[0047] The lighting control device 904a can be configured to determine one or more attributes of the lighting circuit 910a. For example, the device 904a can determine the type (e.g., incandescent, fluorescent, LED, halogen, high intensity discharge, full spectrum, UV, black light, antique, vintage) and wattage of the light bulb associated with the lighting circuit 910a. The light control device 904a can also search an online database to obtain information about the detected light bulb. For example, the lighting control device 904a can download specifications (e.g., information about voltage, wattage, luminescence, dimmability, average life, etc.) from an online database of the manufacturer of the detected light bulb. The lighting control device 904a can also download information related to light and motion sensors (e.g., drivers associated with the light and motion sensors). The determined attributes and downloaded information about the lighting circuit 910a can be stored in a device database.

[0048] The lighting control device 904a may be configured to receive data and / or instructions from a communication device 920 (e.g., a mobile phone, a laptop computer, an iPad, an input device such as a keypad, a touch screen, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the communication device 920 may be an input device (e.g., a keypad, a touch screen, etc.). For example, the computing device 920 may provide instructions for the operation of the lighting control device 904a. Based on the instructions, the lighting control device 904a may turn on / off one or more light bulbs in the lighting circuit 910a. The computing device 920 may also instruct the lighting control device 904a to change the operating parameters of the lighting circuit 910a. For example, the lighting control device 904a may be instructed to increase / decrease the brightness of the lighting circuit 910a (e.g., by increasing / decrease the power supplied to the lighting circuit). The communication device 920 may instruct the lighting control device 904a to perform one or more of the aforementioned functions at a specific time or after a specific period of time. For example, the communication device 920 may instruct the lighting control device 904a to set a timer and perform the desired function when the timer ends. Information related to the lighting control system 900 may be communicated to the lighting control device 904a via the communication device 920. For example, a user may input a room type (e.g., bedroom, kitchen, living room, etc.) for the room 902a-d. The user may turn off one or more lighting control subsystems in the room 902a-d during a desired period of time (e.g., when the user is leaving for vacation). The communication device 920 may communicate with the lighting control device 904a via a cellular network and / or a physical connection (e.g., an Ethernet cable) using short-range wireless technology (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). Data and / or instructions received by the lighting control device 904a from the communication device 920 may be stored in a device database. The time at which the data and / or instructions were received may also be stored in the device database.

[0049] The lighting control device 904a may be configured to transmit information to the communication device 920 and / or the output screen. For example, the lighting control device 904a may transmit operating parameters associated with the lighting circuit 910a (e.g., the brightness of the lighting circuit 910a, the temporary time that the lighting circuit 910a will be turned on / off, the operation duration of the lighting circuit 910a, etc.). The lighting control device 904a may transmit notification signals from the light sensor 906a and the motion sensor 908a to the communication device 920. For example, the communication device 920 may be notified that motion or light is detected in the room 902a.

[0050] The central lighting control device 904 can communicate with the lighting control subsystems distributed on the building (e.g., rooms 902a-d) and provide central control for the lighting control system 900. The central lighting control device 904 can control the operation of the light sensors 906a-d, the motion sensors 908a-d, the lighting circuits 910a-d, and the lighting control devices 904a-d. For example, the central lighting control device 904 can instruct the lighting control device 904a to change the operating parameters of the lighting circuit 910a. The central lighting control device 904 can also receive notification signals from the light sensors 906a-d and the motion sensors 908a-d and the communication device 920.

[0051] The central lighting control device 904 may include a central device database. Data stored in the device databases associated with the lighting control devices 904a-d may be transferred to the central device database, for example, periodically. In some embodiments, the central lighting control device may request specific information from the device databases of the lighting control devices. For example, the central control device 904 may request information from the lighting control device 904a regarding one or more of the light sensor 906a, the motion sensor 908a, instructions from the communication device 920, etc. Fig. 9B Another embodiment of a lighting control system 900 is shown. In this embodiment, a central light control device 904 also operates as a "lighting control device" for a lighting control subsystem associated with room 902a (which includes light sensor 906a, motion sensor 908a, and lighting circuit 910a).

[0052] Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9B. The central lighting control device 904 includes a lighting circuit system 1010, a controller 1020, and a communication system 1030. The controller 1020 can control the operation of the lighting circuit system 1010 and the communication system 1030 and receive data from the lighting circuit system 1010 and the communication system 1030. The controller 1020 includes a processor 1022 and a storage device 1024. The processor is configured to run an application that controls the operation of the lighting control system 900, and the storage device 1024 can store data related to the lighting control system 900 (e.g., a central device database, a device database, etc.).

[0053] The lighting circuit system 1010 can send electrical power to the lighting circuit 910a and detect the response of the lighting circuit 910a. The lighting circuit system 1010 may include a power circuit 1014 that can supply power to the lighting circuit 910a and a detector circuit 1012 that can detect the response of the lighting circuit 910a. The power circuit 1014 may include an adjustable voltage / current source that can supply an input voltage / current signal to the lighting circuit 910a. The detector circuit 1012 is configured to detect the response of the lighting circuit 910a, which may include one or more of a current, a voltage, and an impedance response. In some embodiments, the detector circuit 1012 may include a voltage sensing circuit that can detect a voltage response (e.g., a voltage across the lighting circuit 910a) or a current sensing circuit that can detect a current response (e.g., a current flowing into the lighting circuit 910a). The power circuit 1014 may also supply power to the light sensor 906a and the voltage sensor 908a.

[0054] The communication system 1030 is configured to communicate with the light sensor 906a, the motion sensor 908a, and the lighting control device (e.g., Fig.9A 910a-d, Fig. 9B 910b-d) in. For example, the communication system 1030 (e.g., an antenna, a router, etc.) can send instructions (e.g., instructions to detect light / motion) from the controller 1020 to the light sensor 906a and / or the motion sensor 908a. The instructions can be sent wirelessly in the 2.4 GHz ISM band using various wireless radio technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, low power radio (LPR), etc.). In addition or alternatively, the instructions can be sent in the form of electrical signals (e.g., current signals, voltage signals) or optical signals through a physical connection (e.g., a transmission line, an Ethernet cable, etc.). The communication system 930 can be configured to receive a notification signal from the light sensor 906a and / or the motion sensor 908a (e.g., through the above-mentioned instruction transmission channel) and convey the notification signal to the controller 1020.

[0055] The communication system 1030 may also be configured to communicate with the communication device 920, for example, via a cellular network, wireless radio technology, etc. The communication system 1030 may include, for example, a router that allows it to communicate with websites and online databases via the Internet. For example, the controller 1020 may instruct the communication system 1030 to access a website of a light bulb manufacturer (e.g., a light bulb in the lighting circuit 910a) and download relevant specifications. The communication system 1030 may also, for example, download software (e.g., a driver) that may allow the controller 1020 to communicate with the light sensor 906a and the motion sensor 908a. The communication system 1030 may also download an updated operating system for the controller 1020.

[0056] The lighting control device 904 can control the operation of the lighting circuits 910a-d based on the notification signals from the light sensors 906a-d and the motion sensors 908a-d. For example, if the lighting circuit 910a has been turned on and the motion sensor 908a has not observed motion within a predetermined period of time, the control device 904 can automatically turn off the lighting circuit 910a. The control device 904 can make a determination that the lighting circuit 910a has been turned on based on the notification signal from the light sensor 906a and / or the response from the detector circuit 1012. The period between the last detected motion and the time when the lighting circuit 910a is turned off can be based on input provided by a user through the communication device 920, for example. This period of time can be different for different rooms. For example, the period of time can be longer for room 902a (e.g., bedroom) compared to room 902b (e.g., bathroom).

[0057] The lighting control system 900 can be configured to control the operation of the lighting circuits 910a-d based on data acquired by the system 900 and analysis of the behavior of one or more users of the system 900. The behavior analysis can, for example, include pattern recognition of notification signals from light sensors 906a-d and motion sensors 908a-d, instructions provided by the user through the communication device 920, and information obtained by the lighting control device 904 from an online database. For example, the central lighting control device 904 can be notified by the light sensor 906a that the lighting circuit 910a is turned off at approximately a certain time during the weekdays and at approximately a different time during the weekend. Based on the pattern, the lighting control device 904 can set different turn-off times for weekends and weekdays to automatically turn off the lights. If the motion sensor 908a detects motion, the automatic turn-off of the lights can be suspended, and a notification can be sent to the communication device 920.

[0058] The control device 904 may also include information obtained from an online database in its analysis of the user's behavior. For example, the control device 904 may be notified that the user turns on the light in the morning of certain days of the year. The device 904 compares the behavior with the weather conditions (known through the online database) and determines to turn on the light in the morning of the day when the sky is cloudy. Based on this pattern, the control device 904 can automatically turn on the light on the day when the sky is cloudy. In addition, the control device 904 may know that the weather conditions affect the operation of the lighting circuit 910a, but do not affect the operation of the lighting circuit 910b. This may be caused by the fact that the room 902a associated with the lighting circuit 910a has windows and receives natural ambient light, while the room 902b associated with the lighting circuit 910b has no windows and does not receive natural ambient light. The control device 904 can infer that the operation of the lighting circuit 910b is independent of the weather conditions. In some embodiments, the control device 904 can change the operating parameters of the lighting circuit 910a based on the weather conditions. For example, the control device 904 can change the brightness setting of the lighting circuit 910b based on the weather conditions.

[0059] Fig.11A controller 1020 is shown, which includes a processor 1022 and a storage device 1024 and is configured to execute a light control module 1102. The light control module 1102 can collect, store and analyze data, and determine the operation of a lighting circuit (e.g., lighting circuit 910a). The light control module 1102 can include a data collection module 1104, a system control module 1106, and a pattern recognition module 1108. The data collection module can collect data from the communication system 1030 (e.g., data from an online database, a detector circuit 1012, a communication device 920, notification signals from light sensors 906a-d and motion sensors 908a-d, etc.), and store the data in a central device database 1112 in the storage device 1024. The system control module 1106 controls the operation of the lighting circuit system 1010. For example, the system control module 1106 can instruct the power circuit 1014 to change the electrical power supplied to the lighting circuit 910a. The system control module 906 can determine the type of light bulb (e.g., incandescent, fluorescent, LED, halogen, high intensity discharge, full spectrum, UV, black light, antique, vintage) in the lighting circuit 910a based on the voltage / current response of the lighting circuit 910a measured by the detector circuit 1012, and store this information in the central device database 1112. The system control module 1106 can also control the operation of the light sensors 906a-d and the motion sensors 908a-d. For example, it can instruct the light and motion sensors to start or pause the detection of light and motion signals. The pattern recognition module 1108 can include machine learning techniques that use the data in the central device database 1112 as "training data" to infer patterns based on which the operating parameters of the lighting circuits 910a-d can be determined.

[0060] Embodiments of the subject matter and operations described in this specification may be implemented by digital electronic circuitry or via computer software, firmware, or hardware (including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents), or in a combination of one or more of them. Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification may be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions, which are encoded on a computer storage medium for execution by a data processing apparatus or to control the operation of a data processing apparatus.

[0061] A computer storage medium may be or may be included in a computer-readable storage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more of them. In addition, although a computer storage medium is not a propagated signal, a computer storage medium may be a source or destination of computer program instructions encoded in an artificially generated propagated signal. A computer storage medium may also be or be included in one or more separate physical components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices).

[0062] The operations described in this specification may be implemented as operations performed by a data processing apparatus on data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices or received from other sources.

[0063] The term "data processing apparatus" encompasses all kinds of apparatus, equipment and machines for processing data, including, by way of example, a programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or a plurality or combination of the foregoing. The apparatus may include dedicated logic circuits, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). In addition to hardware, the apparatus may also include code that generates an execution environment for the computer program in question, for example, code constituting processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, a cross-platform runtime environment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them. The apparatus and execution environment may implement a variety of different computing model infrastructures, such as World Wide Web (web) services, distributed computing, and grid computing infrastructures.

[0064] A computer program (also referred to as a program, software, software application, script, or code) may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and it may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program may be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple collaborative files (e.g., files storing one or more modules, subroutines, or portions of code). A computer program may be deployed to execute on one computer, or on multiple computers located at one location or distributed across multiple locations and interconnected by a communications network.

[0065] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors that execute one or more computer programs to perform actions by operating on input data and generating output. These processes and logic flows can also be performed by special-purpose logic circuits (such as FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) or ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits)), and the device can also be implemented as the special-purpose logic circuits.

[0066] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include general and special microprocessors as examples, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for performing actions according to instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more large-capacity storage devices (such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or operatively coupled to receive data from the one or more large-capacity storage devices or to transfer data to the one or more large-capacity storage devices, or both. However, a computer does not necessarily have such a device. In addition, a computer can be embedded in another device, and the other device only gives a few examples such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device (such as a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive). Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of nonvolatile memory, media, and storage devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuits.

[0067] To provide interaction with a user, embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification may be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) for displaying information to the user, and a keyboard and a pointer device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and the input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, speech, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on the user's user device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0068] Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification may be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component, such as a data server, or includes a middleware component, such as an application server, or includes a front-end component, such as a user computer with a graphical display or a web browser (through which a user can interact with embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification), or includes any combination of one or more such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, such as a communication network. Examples of communication networks include local area networks ("LANs") and wide area networks ("WANs"), internetworks (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

[0069] A computing system may include a user and a server. The user and the server are usually remote from each other and usually interact through a communication network. The relationship between the user and the server is generated by computer programs running on the respective computers and having a user-server relationship with each other. In some embodiments, the server sends data (e.g., an HTML page) to the user device (e.g., for the purpose of displaying data to a user interacting with the user device and receiving user input from the user). Data generated at the user device (e.g., the result of the user interaction) can be received from the user device at the server.

[0070] Although this specification contains many specific embodiment details, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of any invention or the scope that can be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that are peculiar to specific embodiments of specific inventions. Certain features described in the context of separate embodiments in this specification may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although features may be described above as working in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination may be deleted from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may involve sub-combinations or variations of sub-combinations.

[0071] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means that two members are directly or indirectly joined to one another. Such joining may be stationary or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved by the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members, being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, or by the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members, being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0072] It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. It is recognized that features of disclosed embodiments may be incorporated into other disclosed embodiments.

[0073] Although various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily conceive of various other devices and / or structures for performing the functions described herein and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more advantages described herein, and each of such changes and / or modifications is considered to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are intended to be exemplary, and that actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on one or more specific applications for which the inventive teachings are used. Those skilled in the art should recognize many equivalents of the specific inventive embodiments described herein or be able to ascertain the many equivalents using only routine experiments. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented only as examples; and within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the inventive embodiments may be practiced in other ways than those specifically described and claimed. The inventive embodiments of the present disclosure relate to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits and / or methods is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

[0074] In addition, the technology described herein can be embodied as a method, at least one example of which has been provided. The actions performed as part of the method can be ordered in any suitable manner. Therefore, embodiments can be constructed in which the actions are performed in an order different from the order shown, and the embodiments can include performing some actions simultaneously, even if shown as sequential actions in the illustrative embodiments.

[0075] The claims should not be interpreted as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. It should be understood that various changes in form and details may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. All embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents are claimed.

Claims

1. A lighting control system, comprising: A light switch module having a processor; a base module comprising a plurality of switches connected to an alternating current (AC) power source and coupled to a corresponding plurality of loads, wherein a control of each of the switches is coupled to a driver connected to the processor; and A transformer has a plurality of windings, wherein a separate winding is coupled to each driver to control each of the switches, and is configured to isolate control of the plurality of loads housed at the base module from each other.

2. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein: The base module includes a base housing forming a well and including an electrical connector connected to a first switch driver of the base module and positioned in the well to couple with the light switch module, wherein the light switch module is configured to be at least partially nested in the well of the base module.

3. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The light switch module further comprises: module housing; and A graphical user interface (GUI) is coupled to the module housing and connected to the processor, wherein the GUI is configured to display a lighting scene to control each of the loads.

4. The lighting control system according to claim 3, wherein: The module housing is configured to fit into a single-gang wall box.

5. The lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The AC power source is at least 200V.

6. The lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The processor is powered from the secondary winding of the transformer.

7. The lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The base module also includes a plurality of isolation buffers connected between each switch driver and the processor.

8. The lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: A voltage zero-crossing circuit is coupled to the AC power source and the processor.

9. The lighting control system according to claim 8, wherein: The processor is configured to dim the plurality of loads using input from the voltage zero-crossing circuit.

10. A method of operating a lighting control system, comprising: driving a plurality of switches coupled to a plurality of loads powered from an alternating current (AC) power source, wherein each of the plurality of switches is driven from a separate transformer winding of a transformer coupled to the AC power source, wherein each of the switches is controlled by a processor; and An input is received from a voltage zero crossing circuit coupled to the AC power source to dim each of the plurality of loads by the processor, wherein the AC power source voltage is at least 200V.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The lighting control system is located in a housing configured to fit into a single-gang wall box.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: A lighting scene corresponding to the dimming of the plurality of loads is displayed on a graphical user interface coupled to the housing.

13. The method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising: receiving input from a tactile display selecting a lighting scene, wherein the processor and the tactile display are coupled to the same housing; and The processor dims the multiple loads according to the selected lighting scene.

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