Controlling a group of electrical loads

Abstract

This disclosure relates to controlling a group of electrical loads. A load control system may include control devices for controlling electrical loads. The control devices may include: load control devices, such as lighting devices for controlling the amount of power supplied to the lighting load; and controller devices, such as remote control devices configured to send digital messages for controlling the lighting load via the load control devices. The remote control devices may communicate with the lighting devices via a hub device. The remote control devices may detect user interface events, such as button presses or rotations on the remote control devices. The remote control devices or the hub devices may determine whether to send the digital messages as unicast or multicast messages based on the type of the detected user interface events. The remote control devices or other master devices may synchronize and / or switch the on / off state of the lighting devices in the load control system.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201780071866.3, filed on October 20, 2017, entitled "Controlling an Electrical Load Group".

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 411,286, filed October 21, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 438,003, filed December 22, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0004] User environments, such as residential or office buildings, can be configured using various types of load control systems. Lighting control systems can be used to control lighting loads in a user environment. Lighting control systems can include various devices capable of communicating via radio frequency (RF) communication, such as input devices and load control devices. For example, remote control devices can be used to communicate with lighting equipment (e.g., light bulbs) in the load control system to control the lighting levels of the lighting equipment. Devices can use RF communication such as... communication; Communication; or proprietary communication such as CLEAR CONNECT TM To communicate on the network.

[0005] Lighting devices in a user environment can be collectively controlled by a common lighting control device capable of dimming or toggling the lighting device group on or off. One or more lighting devices in the system can be independently controlled by another lighting control device. This independent control of a subset of lighting devices can cause some of the lighting devices to become out of sync with the rest of the group, resulting in some lighting control devices being "on" while others are "off". When the common lighting control device is actuated by the user to toggle the entire lighting device group (e.g., from on to off, or vice versa), the lighting devices that are out of sync will remain out of sync. Each lighting device will receive a multicast message that switches the lighting device from on to off or vice versa, causing the "on" lighting devices to be "off" and the "off" lighting devices to be "on". To restore synchronization of the lighting devices in the entire group, it may be necessary for the user to independently control the out-of-sync lighting devices.

[0006] Control devices used to control lighting equipment can also control other types of electrical loads and / or load control devices in the user environment. Different types of electrical loads and load control devices can be controlled very differently. For example, lighting equipment can be dimmed, HVAC systems can control temperature, and electric window regulators can be raised and lowered, etc. Because many different types of electrical loads and / or load control devices can be controlled in a user environment, the status of these electrical loads and / or load control devices can help in performing user controls within the user environment. It may not be easy to determine the status of electrical loads and / or load control devices based on a single status indicator that is generalizable to various types of electrical loads. Therefore, default indicators can cause end users to be confused about the actual status of the electrical load or the load control device being controlled. Summary of the Invention

[0007] As described herein, a remote control device can communicate with a load control device to use technology to control an electrical load (e.g., lighting equipment, such as a controllable light bulb) to ensure that the electrical load is controlled in a fast and organized manner. The remote control device can be configured to send wireless signals to synchronize the status (e.g., on / off state) and / or intensity of multiple lighting devices. For example, lighting equipment can be controlled in an attempt to synchronize all lighting devices to an on or off state in response to the actuation of a toggle button on the remote control device. Furthermore, lighting equipment can be controlled to the same lighting intensity level in response to the actuation of an intensity adjustment actuator on the remote control device (e.g., rotation of a knob). Additionally, the remote control device can be configured to use information about the lighting equipment associated with the remote control device to determine the visual feedback to be displayed on a status indicator (e.g., visual feedback on the intensity level of the lighting equipment).

[0008] The remote control device can be a modified remote control device that can be mounted on a toggle actuator of a wall-mounted mechanical switch (e.g., a light switch) that is controlling the power delivered to one or more lighting fixtures. The remote control device can send commands to the lighting fixture (e.g., directly to the lighting fixture) in response to the actuation of a button on the remote control device (e.g., a toggle actuator or an intensity adjustment actuator). The remote control device can communicate with the lighting fixture via an intermediate device, such as a master device like a hub device, or a designated one of the lighting fixtures. The master device can communicate with both the lighting fixture and the remote control device via the same or different protocols. The master device can send commands to the lighting fixture in response to the actuation of one of the buttons on the remote control device.

[0009] The remote control device may be part of a load control system, which may include multiple load control devices for directly controlling the electrical power supplied to the electrical load, and a controller configured to send commands or signals to the load control devices to cause the load control devices to control the electrical load. The load control devices may include lighting equipment for controlling the amount of power supplied to lighting loads, audio equipment for controlling loudspeakers, thermostats for controlling the setpoint temperature of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, motorized window treatments, or other similar load control devices controlling electrical loads in the system. The controller may include remote control devices or sensor devices, such as occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, etc.

[0010] The remote control device may be battery powered. It can be configured to enter a sleep state after a period of inactivity (e.g., after a timeout period since the last actuation of a button on the remote control device). While in sleep mode, the remote control device may not be able to monitor the status of lighting equipment that can be controlled by other devices. The remote control device may exit sleep mode in response to a user interface event (e.g., actuation of one of the buttons). User interface events may include button presses, button holds, rotation of the remote control device or a portion thereof by a defined amount, soft button presses, finger swipes, etc., or any combination thereof. The remote control may send digital messages to the lighting equipment via wireless signals and / or may illuminate a status indicator to display visual feedback on the intensity level of the lighting equipment after exiting sleep mode. The remote control device or hub device may determine the digital message to send based on the type of user interface event detected.

[0011] After waking from sleep in response to actuation of a switching actuator, the remote control device can send (e.g., immediately) a command (e.g., a synchronization command), such as an "on" command or an "off" command, to the lighting device. The remote control device can determine which of the two commands—"on" or "off"—is based on pre-stored commands and / or the stored state of the lighting device. For example, if the remote control device stores an "off" state for the lighting device in its memory, it can send an "on" command to the lighting device upon waking from sleep. If the remote control device determines that no lighting device has changed state in response to the sent command (e.g., the lighting device is already in the state identified by the sent command), it can then send the opposite command to the lighting device. For example, if the remote control device sends an "on" command to the lighting device but determines that no lighting device has changed state, it can send an "off" command. Whenever the remote control device determines that the lighting device has changed state in response to a sent command, it can update the pre-stored commands and / or the stored state of the lighting device.

[0012] In another example, after waking from a sleep state in response to actuation of a switching actuator, the remote control device may send (e.g., immediately) a query message to request the current state (e.g., preset on / off state) of each of the lighting devices. When at least one response to the query message is received from a lighting device (e.g., from at least one lighting device), the remote control may send an "on" command or an "off" command to the lighting device. For example, the remote control device may determine which of the "on" or "off" commands to send to the lighting device based on the on / off state included in the first response to the received query message.

[0013] When the remote control device is communicating with the master device (e.g., a hub device), the master device can determine which of the "on" or "off" commands to send to the lighting device in response to the actuation of the remote control device's switching actuator (e.g., to synchronize and / or switch the lighting device).

[0014] After waking from a sleep state in response to rotation of an intensity adjustment actuator (e.g., a knob), the remote control device can send (e.g., immediately) a query message to request the current state (e.g., a preset intensity level) of each of the lighting devices. When at least one response to the query message is received from a lighting device (e.g., from at least one lighting device), the remote control can send a "move-to-level" command to the lighting device. For example, the remote control device can determine the intensity level of the "move-to-level" command (e.g., the intensity level to which the lighting device is to be controlled) based on the intensity level included in the first response to the received query message. In response to rotation of the knob that increases the intensity level of the lighting device (e.g., clockwise rotation), the remote control device can set the intensity level of the "move-to-level" command to the intensity level from the received response to the query plus an offset that may depend on the amount of rotation of the knob since the start of rotation. In response to a knob rotation that lowers the intensity level of a lighting device (e.g., counter-clockwise), the remote control device can set the intensity level of the "Move to Level" command to the intensity level from the received response to a query, minus an offset that may depend on the amount of rotation of the knob since the start of rotation. Therefore, the remote control device can determine, for example, the dynamic starting point for each new rotation of the knob based on the intensity level included in the first response to the received query message. The remote control device can also determine the intensity level to be displayed as feedback on a visible indicator in response to the intensity level included in the first response to the received query message.

[0015] Remote control devices or master devices can synchronize and / or switch lighting devices in a load control system. A group of lighting devices can be controlled by a common controller device, such as a remote control device. A subset of the lighting device group can be independently controlled by other controller devices. A subset of the lighting device group can be controlled such that its on / off state is out of sync with the lighting device group having the common controller device. For example, a subset of lighting devices can be independently switched to the opposite on / off state. The remote control device or hub device can recognize switching events for switching the lighting device group and can synchronize and / or switch lighting devices in the load control system. For example, a switching event can be recognized at the remote control device, and the remote control device or hub device can send synchronization messages to a subset of devices that are out of sync with the rest of the group. After the on / off state of the lighting device group has been synchronized, the lighting device group can be switched in response to a switching event.

[0016] As described herein, a remote control device can send messages to a load control device for controlling an electrical load (e.g., lighting equipment, such as a controllable light bulb), and display feedback (e.g., visual feedback) dependent on information about the load control device associated with the remote control device. The remote control device can be part of a load control system that may include load control devices for directly controlling the electrical power supplied to the electrical load and controllers configured to send commands or signals to the load control devices to cause the load control devices to control the electrical load. Load control devices may include lighting equipment for controlling the amount of power supplied to a lighting load, audio equipment for controlling loudspeakers, thermostat devices for controlling the setpoint temperature of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, power window fixtures, or other similar load control devices controlling electrical loads in the system. Controllers may include remote control devices or sensor devices, such as occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, etc. A remote control device may be a modified remote control device capable of overriding switches mounted on a wall-mounted load control device. The remote control device may communicate with the load control device via an intermediary device such as a hub device. Hub devices can communicate with load control devices and remote control devices via the same or different protocols.

[0017] Remote control devices may include status indicators (e.g., visual indicators) that can be illuminated to provide visual feedback. Status indicators may be circular or linear light strips. The entire status indicator may be illuminated to provide visual feedback (e.g., to full intensity or intensity between full intensity and a break). Different segments of the visual indicator may be illuminated to different intensities and / or colors to provide visual feedback.

[0018] Remote control devices can provide both simple and advanced feedback. Simple feedback can be provided in response to button actuation or other user interface events at the remote control device, indicating that input has been received and the remote control device is responding to the received input (e.g., wirelessly sending a message to a load control device). Advanced feedback can indicate the status of one or more load control devices (e.g., on / off status and / or intensity level). For example, a portion of a status indicator can be illuminated to provide an indication of the current intensity of one or more lighting devices. Remote control devices can be configured to provide different types of visual feedback (e.g., different types of simple and advanced feedback) by, for example, adjusting the intensity and / or color of the illumination, changing the illuminated portion of the status indicator, and providing different animations.

[0019] A remote control device can determine the type of visual feedback to provide based on information about a load control device associated with it. The remote control device can be configured to determine whether to provide simple or advanced feedback based on information about the load control device. The remote control device can be configured to determine the type of simple or advanced feedback based on information about the load control device (e.g., different intensities, colors, illuminated segments, animations, etc.). The remote control device can be configured to dynamically (e.g., in response to button actuation on the remote control device) acquire information about the load control device during configuration when the remote control device is associated with the load control device and / or during normal operation when the remote control device is communicating with the load control device.

[0020] Remote control devices can be configured to determine the type of visual feedback to provide based on the type of load control devices associated with them (e.g., lighting devices for adjusting light intensity levels, audio devices for adjusting playback volume, temperature control devices, power window appliances, etc.). Remote control devices can be configured to determine the type of visual feedback to provide based on whether a master device (e.g., a hub device) is associated with them. Remote control devices can be configured to determine the type of visual feedback to provide based on the number of load control devices associated with them. Remote control devices can be configured to determine the type of visual feedback to provide based on the state of the load control devices (e.g., whether the load control devices are synchronized or asynchronous). Remote control devices can be configured to determine the type of visual feedback to provide based on the type of control (e.g., absolute control or relative control) that the remote control device is using to control the load control devices. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Describe an example of a load control system that can implement one or more message types for transmitting digital messages.

[0022] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a system flowchart depicting an example message flow used to transmit digital messages between remote control devices and lighting equipment in a load control system.

[0023] Figures 3A-3D This is a system flowchart depicting an example message flow used to query the current state of lighting equipment and generate lighting control commands in response to the identified state.

[0024] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a system flowchart depicting an example message flow used to transmit digital messages in a load control system implementing a hub device.

[0025] Figure 5A This is a flowchart depicting an example method for synchronizing and / or switching lighting devices in a load control system.

[0026] Figure 5B This is a flowchart depicting an example method for synchronizing and / or switching lighting devices in a load control system.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a flowchart depicting an example method for synchronizing and / or switching lighting devices in a load control system.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a flowchart depicting an example method for synchronizing and / or switching lighting devices in a load control system.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a flowchart depicting an example method for synchronizing and / or switching lighting devices in a load control system.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a flowchart depicting an example method for switching lighting devices and / or sending status update messages in a load control system.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a flowchart depicting an example method for synchronizing and / or switching lighting devices in a load control system.

[0032] Figure 11A-11D It is a front view of a remote control device having a status indicator (e.g., a visual indicator) that can be illuminated to provide feedback (e.g., visual feedback).

[0033] Figure 12 This is an example graph showing the intensity of the status indicator to generate an animation.

[0034] Figure 13-20 It is a front view of a remote control device with status indicators that can be illuminated to provide feedback.

[0035] Figure 21 This is a flowchart depicting an example method for determining the type of feedback to be provided on a status indicator of a remotely controlled device.

[0036] Figure 22 This is another flowchart depicting an example method for determining the type of feedback to be provided on the status indicator of a remotely controlled device.

[0037] Figure 23 This is a block diagram of an example load control device.

[0038] Figure 24 This is a block diagram of an example controller device.

[0039] Figure 25 This is a block diagram of an example network device.

[0040] Figure 26 This is a block diagram of an example hub device. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An example is depicted of a load control system 100 capable of implementing one or more message types for transmitting messages (e.g., digital messages). Figure 1A As shown, the load control system 100 may include various control devices, such as controller devices and / or load control devices. The controller devices may send digital messages to the load control devices to cause the load control devices to control the amount of power supplied from the AC power source 102 to the electrical load in the load control system 100.

[0042] Load control devices can control electrical loads within a room and / or building. Each load control device can be able to directly control the amount of power supplied to the electrical load in response to communication from a controller device. Example load control devices may include lighting fixtures 112a, 112b and / or lighting fixture 122 (e.g., load control devices in light bulbs, ballasts, LED drivers, etc.). The lighting fixtures may be the lighting loads themselves, or devices that include both the lighting loads and the lighting load controller.

[0043] A controller device can indirectly control the amount of power supplied to an electrical load by sending digital messages to a load control device. The digital messages may include control commands (e.g., load control commands) or other indications that cause the load control device to determine load control commands for controlling the electrical load. An example controller device may include a remote control device 116. The controller device may include wired or wireless devices.

[0044] 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 communication. Control devices can communicate using digital messages in wireless signals. For example, control devices can communicate via radio frequency (RF) signals 106. Communication can be made via RF communication protocols (e.g., Near Field Communication (NFC); Proprietary communication protocols, such as CLEAR CONNECT TM (etc.) transmit RF signals 106. Digital messages can be sent as multicast messages and / or unicast messages via RF signals 106.

[0045] Lighting fixture 122 can be installed in plug-in device 124, such as a lamp (e.g., a table lamp). Plug-in device 124 can be coupled in a series electrical connection between AC power supply 102 and lighting fixture 122. Plug-in device 124 can be plugged into electrical outlet 126 powered by AC power supply 102. Plug-in device 124 can be plugged into electrical outlet 126 or into a separate plug-in load control device, which is plugged into electrical outlet 126 and configured to control the power delivered to lighting fixture 122.

[0046] Lighting fixtures 112a and 112b can be controlled by a wall-mounted load control device 110. Although in Figure 1A Lighting fixtures 112a and 112b are shown; however, any number of lighting fixtures can be supported by a wall-mounted load control device 110 and / or an AC power supply 102. The wall-mounted load control device 110 can be coupled in a series electrical connection between the AC power supply 102 and the lighting fixtures 112a and 112b. The wall-mounted load control device 110 may include a mechanical switch 111 (e.g., a previously installed lamp switch) that can be opened and closed in response to actuation of a switching actuator (not shown) to control the power delivered from the AC power supply 102 to the lighting fixtures 112a and 112b (e.g., to turn the lighting fixtures 112a and 112b on and off). The lighting fixtures 112a and 112b can be mounted in corresponding ceiling-mounted downlight fixtures 114a and 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 box.

[0047] The remote control device 116 can be configured to send messages via an RF signal 106 for controlling lighting devices 112a, 112b. The remote control device 116 can be a modified remote control device mounted on a switching actuator of the mechanical switch 111. The remote control device 116 can be configured to maintain the switching actuator of the mechanical switch 111 in an "ON" position (e.g., by covering the switch when in the "ON" position) to maintain the flow of power from the AC power supply 102 to the lighting devices 112a, 112b. The remote control device 116 can include an actuating portion 117 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). Although the rotating portion 118 is disclosed, the remote control device 116 can include another type of intensity-adjusting actuator, such as a linear slider, an elongated touch-sensitive actuator, a rocker switch, a separate lift / lower actuator, or another form of intensity-adjusting actuator. The remote control device 116 may be battery powered. Furthermore, the remote control device 116 may be mounted to another structure (e.g., other than the switching actuator of the mechanical switch 111), such as a wall, may be attached to a bracket to be located on a horizontal surface, or may be handheld. Additionally, the wall-mounted load control device 110 may include a wall-mounted remote control device that replaces the previously installed mechanical switch 111 and can be configured to operate as the remote control device 116 to control lighting devices 112a, 112b (e.g., by sending messages via RF signal 106). This wall-mounted remote control device can be powered from AC power supply 102.

[0048] In response to the remote control device 116 (e.g., in response to the actuation of the actuator 117 of the remote control device 116), the lighting devices 112a and 112b can be turned on or off, or their intensity levels can be adjusted. For example, the lighting devices 112a and 112b can be switched on or off by a switching event identified at the remote control device 116. The switching event can be a user event identified at the remote control device 116. The actuator 117 of the remote control device 116 can be actuated to switch the lighting devices 112a and 112b on or off. The rotating part 118 of the remote control device 116 can be rotated to adjust the intensity of the lighting devices 112a and 112b. A switching event can be identified when the rotating part 118 of the remote control device 116 is rotated by a predetermined amount or for a predetermined time, and / or when the actuator 117 of the remote control device 116 is actuated. The lighting levels of the lighting devices 112a and 112b can be increased or decreased by rotating the rotating part 118 of the remote control device 116 in one direction or another. Although in Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe device shown includes a knob; however, the remote control device 116 may include a toggle switch that can be actuated by a user, a linear control that a user can swipe their finger over, a lift / lower slider, a rocker switch, or another type of control that can receive user interface events as commands.

[0049] The remote control device 116 may provide feedback (e.g., visual feedback) to the user of the remote control device 116 via a visual indicator such as a status indicator 119. The status indicator 119 may provide different types of feedback. Feedback may include indications of actuation or other user interface events performed by the user, the status of the electrical load being controlled by the remote control device 116, and / or the status of the load control device being controlled by the remote control device 116. Feedback may be displayed in response to user interface events and / or in response to received messages indicating the status of the load control device and / or the electrical load.

[0050] The status indicator 119 may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for providing feedback. The status indicator 119 may be a light strip or a portion thereof included around the entire periphery of the remote control device 116. For example, the status indicator 119 may also be, or alternatively, a light strip in the wiring on the remote control device 116, such as when the remote control device is a toggle switch or linear control.

[0051] Examples of feedback types may include illuminating the entire status indicator 119 (e.g., to different levels), causing one or more LEDs in the status indicator 119 to blink or pulse, changing the color of one or more LEDs on the status indicator 119, and / or illuminating different segments of one or more LEDs in the status indicator 119 to provide animation (e.g., clockwise and counterclockwise animations for raising and lowering the lighting level). Feedback regarding the status indicator 119 may indicate the status of an electrical load or load control device, such as the lighting intensity level for lamps (e.g., lighting fixtures 112a, 112b, 122), the volume level of audio equipment, the shading level of motorized window coverings, and / or the speed of a fan or other similar type of equipment operating at different speeds. Feedback regarding the status indicator 119 may vary based on the selection of different presets. For example, one or more different LEDs may be illuminated on the status indicator 119 to identify different presets (e.g., preset intensity levels for lighting fixtures 112a, 112b, 122 and / or other preset configurations for load control devices).

[0052] The status indicator 119 or a portion thereof can be switched on or off to indicate the status of one or more of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. For example, the status indicator 119 can be switched off to indicate that the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 are in the off state. The entire status indicator or a portion thereof can be switched on to indicate that the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 are in the on state. The switched-on portion of the status indicator 119 can indicate the intensity level of one or more of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. For example, when the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 are at a 50% intensity level, 50% of the status indicator 119 can be switched on to reflect the intensity level of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122.

[0053] The remote control device 116 can provide simple or advanced feedback to the user on the status indicator 119. The remote control device 116 can decide between multiple advanced feedback types or multiple simple feedback types. For example, this decision can be based on the type of load control equipment associated with the remote control device 116 (e.g., lights, HVAC, power window appliances, audio equipment, fans, etc.). The remote control device 116 can be configured to provide different types of visual feedback (e.g., different types of simple and advanced feedback) by adjusting the intensity and / or color of illumination, changing the illuminated portion of the status indicator 119, and providing different animations.

[0054] Simple feedback can be provided in response to actuation or other user interface events received at the remote control device 116. For example, simple feedback can indicate to the user that the remote control device 116 is operating correctly (e.g., in response to a toggle button actuation or rotation). Simple feedback can illuminate or blink one or more LEDs in response to a button press. Simple feedback can indicate that a button on or on the remote control device 116 has been actuated. Simple feedback can indicate that a command has been selected in response to a user interface event. For example, simple feedback can provide a blinking sequence in response to a toggle event actuation. Simple feedback can respond to clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the remote control device 116 (e.g., as...). Figure 11C-11D (As shown in the diagram) the status indicator 119 is provided with solid illumination at different lighting levels. When simple feedback can provide information that does not indicate the status of the load control device, the status indicator 119 can operate more as a visual indicator of other types of status or may not indicate the status of the device at all.

[0055] The remote control device 116 can provide advanced feedback based on knowledge of the status of the load control device, enabling the feedback to provide status information to the user. For example, rotation of the remote control device 116 can cause visual feedback to track the light levels of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. The light levels can be stored in the remote control device 116 (e.g., if a remote control device is assigned to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 and the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can be controlled as a group from a dedicated remote control device 116) or can be received by the remote control device 116 in response to a query message sent from the remote control device 116. For advanced feedback in response to user interface events such as toggling events, the lights on the status indicator 119 can increase from off to on level when the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 are turned on, and decrease from on to off level when the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 are turned off.

[0056] A decision regarding the type of feedback provided by the status indicator 119 can be made and stored at the remote control device 116 upon association. The decision regarding the type of feedback provided by the status indicator 119 can be made dynamically. For example, the type of feedback displayed via the status indicator 119 can change depending on information determined in response to a query message sent to lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, or other load control devices. A query message can be sent in response to an actuation on the remote control device 116 and / or in response to sensing circuitry (e.g., occupancy sensing circuitry and / or proximity sensing circuitry) sensing an occupant near the remote control device 116. The remote control device 116 can be awakened in response to an actuation and verify the associated lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, or other load control devices to determine the status of the electrical load controlled by the associated load control device.

[0057] The remote control device 116 can operate to provide different types of feedback (e.g., advanced feedback or simple feedback) based on information about associated devices. For example, the remote control device 116 may provide different feedback on the status indicator 119 when associated with a master device rather than when not associated with a master device. The master device may be one of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 or another load control device. The remote control device 116 may provide advanced feedback on the status indicator 119 when associated with a master device capable of providing the status of the load control device to the remote control device 116. The remote control device 116 may provide simple feedback on the status indicator 119 when not associated with a master device.

[0058] The remote control device 116 can provide different feedback on the status indicator 119 based on the number of load control devices associated with it. For example, the remote control device 116 can provide different feedback on the status indicator 119 when a single lighting device 112a is associated with it, rather than when multiple lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are associated with it. When a single load control device is associated with it, the remote control device 116 can provide advanced feedback on the status indicator 119. When multiple load control devices are associated with it, the remote control device 116 can provide simple feedback on the status indicator 119. Simple feedback can be provided when the remote control device 116 is associated with multiple load control devices because the load control devices can be different types of devices, can be controlled differently, can be at different levels (e.g., different intensity levels), and / or can be at levels unknown to the remote control device 116.

[0059] The remote control device 116 can provide different feedback on the status indicator based on whether the loads of the related load control devices are synchronized. When the loads are synchronized (e.g., the related load control devices receive the same status), the remote control device 116 can provide advanced feedback on the status indicator 119. For example, in response to a switching event or rotation (e.g., a predefined distance or time in one direction) for controlling the intensity level of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, the remote control device 116 can be awakened from a sleep state and query the current status of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The remote control device 116 can receive the current status of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 (e.g., on / off status, lighting level, color, etc.) and determine that the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are in the same state. The status indicator 119 on the remote control device 116 can indicate the status of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 received in response to the query message. While the remote control device 116 remains awake, the status indicator 119 can reflect the updated status of one or more of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 as the status changes. After a predefined period of time, the remote control device 116 can return to sleep mode. The status indicator 119 can be turned off in sleep mode to conserve battery power.

[0060] When loads are out of sync (e.g., different states are received for related load control devices), remote control device 116 can provide simple or advanced feedback on status indicator 119. For example, in response to a switching event or rotation (e.g., a predefined distance or time in one direction) of the intensity level of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, remote control device 116 can wake from sleep mode and query the current status of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. Status indicator 119 on remote control device 116 can indicate the status received by one or more of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 in response to the query message. When the states of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are synchronized, remote control device 116 can provide advanced feedback such that status indicator 119 on remote control device 116 indicates the intensity level at which all lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are operating.

[0061] When the states of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 are out of sync, the remote control device 116 can provide simple feedback on the status indicator 119. For example, the status indicator 119 on the remote control device 116 can reflect the current state of the first lighting device 112a, 112b, or 122 to respond to a query message, or the state of a specific lighting device 112a, 112b, or 122 within a group. For example, in response to a query message regarding the current state of lighting devices 112a, 112b, or 122, lighting device 112a can first respond that it is at a 10% intensity level. The status indicator 119 on the remote control device 116 can reflect the current state of lighting device 112a. The group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can be lighting devices already associated with the remote control device 116 in memory or otherwise stored in memory by group identifiers for joint control.

[0062] When the states of lighting fixtures 112a, 112b, and 122 are out of sync, the status indicator 119 can provide advanced feedback indicating the state of the group of lighting fixtures 112a, 112b, and 122. For example, the status indicator 119 can indicate the average intensity of the group of lighting fixtures 112a, 112b, and 122 or the state of most of the lighting fixtures 112a, 112b, and 122. Status indicator 119 can provide advanced feedback to indicate the status of the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 by illuminating the entire status indicator 119 when most lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are in the ON state, turning off status indicator 119 when most lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are in the OFF state, illuminating status indicator 119 to identify a portion of the average lighting level of the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, increasing the intensity of status indicator 119 to a percentage reflecting the intensity of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, etc.

[0063] When the lighting fixtures 112a, 112b, and 122 are out of sync, the status indicator 119 can provide simple or advanced feedback indicating that the lighting fixtures 112a, 112b, and 122 are out of sync. For example, the remote control device 116 can provide simple feedback to indicate that the lighting fixtures 112a, 112b, and 122 are out of sync by turning the entire status indicator 119 on, off, or flashing. The remote control device 116 can provide advanced feedback by flashing or pulsating the status indicator 119 while displaying the average intensity level of the lighting fixtures 112a, 112b, and 122, by periodically changing the status indicator 119 between the intensity levels of the lighting fixtures 112a, 112b, and 122, or by periodically changing the status indicator 119 between the maximum and minimum intensity levels of the lighting fixtures 112a, 112b, and 122. When the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 are out of sync, no feedback may be provided, a constant feedback indication may be provided, or feedback indicating that the lighting devices are out of sync may be provided (e.g., causing the LEDs to flash).

[0064] The remote control device 116 can be configured to display feedback (e.g., simple feedback) in response to determining that one or more of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are "missing". For example, the remote control device can be configured to cause the entire status indicator 119 to flash (e.g., in a specific color, such as red) and / or provide animation to indicate that one or more of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are missing. The remote control device 116 can be configured to determine that one of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 is missing, for example, in response to not receiving a response to a query message sent to that particular lighting device. For example, one of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 may be "missing" if the lighting device has been removed from its clamp or lamp (e.g., unscrewed), pulled out, malfunctioned, its corresponding light switch is turned off (e.g., a light switch in series is turned off while other light switches are turned on), and / or has reached the end of its service life.

[0065] The feedback provided by the status indicator 119 can be automatically or dynamically updated based on different feedback modes during the operation of the remote control device 116. For example, the status indicator 119 can provide different types of feedback based on the status of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 and / or the number of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 associated with the remote control device 116. The remote control device 116 can provide advanced feedback on the status indicator 119 that indicates the intensity level of one or more lighting devices as part of the overall status indicator 119. The remote control device 116 can provide simple feedback by illuminating the entire status indicator 119. Simple feedback can be provided to illuminate the entire status indicator 119 to indicate that one or more lighting devices in a group are off, to turn off the status indicator 119 to indicate that one or more lighting devices in a group are off, and / or to illuminate the status indicator 119 to different levels when increasing or decreasing the intensity of one or more lighting devices in a group. The different feedback modes of operation allow for more granular feedback from individual load control devices associated with the remote control device 116, while preventing confusion that could arise from providing feedback from a single device when the remote control device 116 is associated with multiple load control devices that are not synchronized.

[0066] If the load control devices (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122) associated with remote control device 116 are not associated with other remote control devices, then remote control device 116 can provide advanced feedback. If one or more of the load control devices (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122) associated with remote control device 116 are also associated with other remote control devices, then remote control device 116 can provide simple feedback. This allows for more granular feedback to a separate set of load control devices associated with remote control device 116, while preventing continuous updates or confusion when other remote control devices are controlling multiple load control devices (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122).

[0067] Remote control device 116 can transmit digital messages via RF signal 106 to control lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. Remote control device 116 can be configured to use absolute control to adjust the intensity of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to control the intensity of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to an absolute level (e.g., a specific level). For example, remote control device 116 can transmit digital messages including a move-to-level command (e.g., go to level or go to command) that identifies the lighting level to which the lighting devices can be changed. The move-to-level command can include the amount of time during which the lighting level can be changed at the lighting device. The move-to-level command can indicate an "on" event or an "off" event for turning lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 on or off, respectively. For example, an "on" event can be indicated by a 100% lighting level or another preset lighting level. An "off" event can be indicated by a 0% intensity level. The lighting levels for "on" and / or "off" events can also, or alternatively, be stored at lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, and the lighting devices can change to the lighting level when an indication of an "on" or "off" event is received at remote control device 116. A digital message can indicate an "on" event when remote control device 116 is rotated a predefined distance or time in one direction. As an example, remote control device 116 can send a digital message when it is identified as being rotated for 100 milliseconds (ms). A digital message can indicate an "off" event when remote control device 116 is rotated a predefined distance or time in the opposite direction. A digital message can indicate an "on" or "off" event when remote control device 116 is pressed (e.g., when a button on the front of the remote control device is pressed or when remote control device 116 is pressed in). A “on” or “off” event can be indicated in a digital message with a switching command, which instructs lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to switch from “on” to “off”, or vice versa.

[0068] In response to a user interface event (e.g., actuation, rotation, finger swipe, etc.) or a proximity sensing event (e.g., sensing circuitry detecting an occupant near remote control device 116), remote control device 116 can determine a starting point (e.g., a dynamic starting point) at which lighting levels of one or more of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can be controlled. Each rotation of the rotating part 118 allows remote control device 116 to determine the dynamic starting point at which control can be performed. In response to a user interface event and / or a proximity sensing event (e.g., sensing circuitry detecting an occupant near remote control device 116), remote control device 116 can query the current status of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 (e.g., after waking from sleep mode). The current status of one or more of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can be used to set the dynamic starting point at which remote control device 116 can perform control. For example, the remote control device 116 can set the dynamic starting point of the rotating part 118 to the first lighting device 112a, 112b, 122 that responds to the query or the current intensity level (e.g., on, off, 10%, 20%, etc.) of the predefined lighting device 112a, 112b, 122.

[0069] In another example, the remote control device 116 can set the dynamic starting point of the rotating part 118 based on the intensity levels of multiple lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. For example, the remote control device 116 can set the dynamic starting point of the rotating part 118 to the average intensity level of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 (e.g., on, off, 10%, 20%, etc.) or the common lighting intensity of most of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 (e.g., on, off, 10%, 20%, etc.). For example, the remote control device 116 can set the dynamic starting point of the rotating part 118 to the maximum level of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 when the rotating part 118 is being rotated clockwise to increase the intensity level of the lighting devices, or set the dynamic starting point of the rotating part 118 to the minimum level of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 when the rotating part 118 is being rotated counterclockwise to decrease the intensity level of the lighting devices. The status indicator 119 can be illuminated as feedback to the user reflecting the dynamic starting point. For example, the remote control device 116 can illuminate the status indicator 119 in a manner that is set as part of the illumination intensity of the dynamic starting point.

[0070] The remote control device 116 can calculate an increase or decrease in intensity level from a dynamic starting point based on user interface events. For example, the remote control device 116 can calculate an increase or decrease in intensity level based on the distance or amount of time the rotating part 118 is rotated. Rotation from the initial interaction point between the user and the rotating part 118 can be used to identify an increase or decrease in intensity level from the dynamic starting point. When the remote control device 116 includes a linear control, the remote control device 116 can calculate an increase or decrease in intensity level based on the distance or amount of time the user sweeps their finger up or down on the linear control. The user's finger sweep from the initial interaction point between the user and the linear control can be used to identify an increase or decrease in intensity level from the dynamic starting point.

[0071] The updated intensity level can be calculated from the user's initial interaction and stored at the remote control device 116. The updated intensity level can be included in a move-to-level command, which is sent from the remote control device 116 to lighting identifiers 112a, 112b, 122 when the remote control device 116 is using absolute control.

[0072] When the remote control device 116 is using absolute control, visual feedback displayed by the status indicator 119 can be provided in or derived from the information in the move-level command. For example, the remote control device 116 can reflect the intensity level sent in the move-level command in the status indicator 119.

[0073] The remote control device 116 can send digital messages configured to increase the lighting level of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 when the rotating part 118 rotates in one direction (e.g., clockwise). As previously mentioned, the remote control device 116 can be configured to use absolute control to adjust the intensity of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to an absolute level. Alternatively, the remote control device 116 can be configured to use relative control to adjust the intensity of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 by a relative amount. For example, the remote control device 116 can send digital messages configured to decrease the lighting level of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 when the remote control device 116 rotates in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise). The digital message may include a move-with-rate command that causes lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to change their respective intensity levels by a predefined amount. The move-with-rate command may include the amount of time during which the intensity level can be changed at the lighting device. The move-with-rate command may cause lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to maintain their relative or proportional intensity levels and / or differences in their respective intensity levels. The remote control device 116 may send a digital message to increase or decrease the intensity level by a predefined amount when rotated a predefined distance or for a predefined time. The amount of increase or decrease may be indicated in the digital message, or the amount of increase or decrease may be predefined at the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122.

[0074] The status indicator 119 can be controlled differently when the remote control device 116 is operating using relative control and when it is operating using absolute control. The remote control device 116 can provide advanced feedback on the status indicator 119 when performing absolute control because each of the load control devices (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122) can be synchronized. The remote control device 116 can provide simple feedback when performing relative control because each of the load control devices (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122) can be desynchronized. When using relative control, the status indicator 119 can be left unilluminated to provide feedback on the intensity of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The status indicator 119 can be illuminated to different intensities when the remote control device 116 is raising and lowering the intensity level of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. For example, status indicator 119 can be illuminated to a first intensity (e.g., 66%) when the intensity level of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 is increased, and illuminated to a second intensity (e.g., 33%) when the intensity level of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 is decreased. Alternatively or additionally, status indicator 119 can be illuminated to match the maximum or minimum intensity of the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122.

[0075] The control mode (e.g., relative or absolute control) can be dynamically updated at the remote control device 116. For example, the remote control device 116 can change the control mode based on the number of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 associated with the remote control device 116. The remote control device 116 can use relative control when associated with a single lighting device. The remote control device 116 can use absolute control when associated with multiple lighting devices. Alternatively, the control mode can be updated based on whether the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are synchronized or asynchronous. The remote control device 116 can use absolute control when the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are synchronized. The remote control device 116 uses relative control when the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are asynchronous.

[0076] The visual feedback provided by the status indicator 119 is dynamically updated based on the control mode used at the remote control device 116. The remote control device 116 may provide feedback according to a simple feedback mode when using relative control, and according to an advanced feedback mode when using absolute control. For example, the advanced feedback mode may provide feedback indicating the intensity level of one or more lighting devices as part of the overall status indicator 119. The simple feedback mode may provide simple feedback by illuminating the entire status indicator 119 to different levels when the intensity is increased or decreased.

[0077] Digital messages transmitted via RF signal 106 can be multicast messages. For example, a digital message including a move-level command can be transmitted as a multicast message. Multicast messages can include group identifiers for controlling lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 that are part of a multicast group. Lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can be part of a multicast group when they are associated with a group identifier (e.g., by having the group identifier stored thereon) to identify multicast messages sent to that group. Lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 associated with a group identifier can identify the multicast message and control the corresponding lighting load according to the commands in the multicast message. Lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can forward multicast messages along with the group identifier for identification and load control by other lighting devices associated with the group identifier.

[0078] Groups can be formed when the load control system 100 is put into operation or configured. The remote control device 116 can generate a group identifier and send it to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, and / or the hub device when the remote control device 116 is in associated mode (e.g., entered when one or more buttons are selected). The device storing the group identifier can be part of the device group associated with the remote control device 116 and can respond to group messages.

[0079] The remote control device 116 can transmit digital messages as multicast and / or unicast messages via RF signal 106. For example, digital messages including a ratio move command or a move-to-level command can be transmitted as unicast messages. Unicast messages can be transmitted directly from the remote control device 116 to each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, either directly or via a jump. The remote control device 116 can individually transmit unicast messages 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 can store a unique identifier for each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 associated with it in memory. The remote control device 116 can generate separate unicast messages for each lighting device 112a, 112b, 122 and independently address the unicast messages to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The unicast messages may also include a unique identifier for the remote control device 116. Lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can identify unicast messages delivered to them by recognizing their own unique identifier and / or the corresponding identifier of a remote control device stored in an associated dataset. Lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can operate according to instructions (e.g., load control instructions) in digital messages that include their own unique identifier and / or the unique identifier of an associated device (such as remote control device 116).

[0080] Multicast messages can be transmitted more efficiently from remote control device 116 because a single message can be sent to multiple lighting devices, such as lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, at once. Multicast messages can be more reliable because they can be repeated by the receiving device, allowing devices that failed to receive the message due to interference or signal strength to receive it again when the message is repeated. When a single message is being received at a group of devices within the same wireless range, the load control instructions in the multicast message can also be received and implemented by multiple lighting devices, such as lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, at the same time or at nearly the same time with a small delay due to differences in latency. Differences in latency can be overcome by determining the latency of each lighting device and compensating for these differences by delaying the implementation of the load control instructions. When different messages are being sent to each device within the wireless range, the load control instructions in the unicast message can be received and implemented by multiple lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 at different times, which can be caused by differences in latency between devices and / or the time spent processing and sending each message.

[0081] The remote control device 116 can send digital messages including proportional movement commands (e.g., as unicast and / or multicast messages) for increasing or decreasing the lighting intensity level of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 by predefined increments as the user rotates the remote control device 116 a predefined distance or time in one or another direction. The remote control device 116 can continue to send digital messages to lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 as the user continues to rotate the remote control device 116. For example, the remote control device 116 can recognize rotations of a predefined distance or for a predefined duration and send one or more digital messages instructing lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to each increase by ten percent (10%). The remote control device 116 can recognize continued rotations of a predefined distance or time and send digital messages instructing lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to increase by another ten percent (10%).

[0082] The remote control device 116 may also, or alternatively, send digital messages for turning lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 on / off with movement-level commands (e.g., "on" command, "off" command, toggle command, etc.). When an on or off event is detected, the remote control device 116 may send one or more digital messages to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. For example, the remote control device 116 may recognize rotation or actuation and send digital messages instructing the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to turn on / off. The remote control device 116 can be operated by sending a proportional movement command after being turned on. For example, the remote control device 116 may recognize rotation over a predefined distance or time after being turned on and send digital messages instructing the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to increase / decrease a predefined intensity (e.g., ten percent (10%)).

[0083] The embodiments described herein are not limited to remote control devices, but other controller devices can also be used in the same or similar manner. For example, embodiments may include wired control devices and / or plug-in control devices that transmit digital messages as described herein.

[0084] Figure 1B An example load control system 100 with other devices is shown. For example, the load control system 100 may include other control devices, such as controller devices and / or load control devices. The load control devices may be able to control the amount of power supplied to a corresponding electrical load based on digital messages received from the controller devices, which may be input devices. The digital messages may include load control commands or other indications that cause the load control devices to determine load control commands for controlling the electrical load.

[0085] Examples of load control devices may include electric window fixtures 130 and / or lighting fixtures 112a, 112b, 122, but other load control devices may be implemented. Controller devices may include remote control device 150, occupancy sensor 160, daylight sensor 170, and / or network device 190, but other controller devices may be implemented. Controller devices may communicate in a configuration similar to the remote control device 116 described herein. Load control devices may communicate in a configuration similar to the lighting fixtures 112a, 112b, 122 described herein.

[0086] The load control device can receive digital messages via wireless signals, such as radio frequency (RF) signals 106 (e.g., NFC; Or a proprietary communication channel, such as CLEARCONNECT TM (etc.). The wireless signal can be transmitted by the controller device. In response to the received digital message, the corresponding lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can be turned on and off, and / or the intensity of the corresponding lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 can be increased or decreased. In response to the received digital message, the electric window appliance 130 can increase or decrease the grade of the covering material 134.

[0087] The battery-powered remote control device 150 may include one or more actuators 152 (e.g., one or more of an on button, off button, raise button, lower button, or preset button). The battery-powered remote control device 150 may transmit an RF signal 106 in response to actuation of one or more of the actuators 152. The battery-powered remote control device 150 may be handheld. The battery-powered remote control device 150 may be vertically mounted to a wall or supported on a stand for desktop mounting. Examples of battery-powered remote control devices are described in more detail in co-assigned U.S. Patent No. 8,330,638, entitled WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED REMOTE CONTROL HAVING MULTIPLE MOUNTING MEANS, published December 11, 2012, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0286940, entitled CONTROL DEVICE HAVING ANIGHTLIGHT, published November 15, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0088] The remote control device 150 may be a wireless device capable of controlling a load control device via wireless communication. The remote control device 150 may be attached to or detached from a wall. Examples of remote control devices are described in more detail in the following: U.S. Patent No. 5,248,919, issued September 28, 1993, entitled "LIGHTING CONTROL DEVICE"; U.S. Patent No. 8,471,779, issued June 25, 2013, entitled "WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED REMOTE CONTROL WITHLABEL SERVING AS ANTENNA ELEMENT"; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0132475, published May 15, 2014, entitled "WIRELESS LOAD CONTROL DEVICE," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0089] Occupancy sensor 160 can be configured to detect occupancy and / or vacancy status in the space where load control system 100 is installed. Occupancy sensor 160 can send a digital message to load control device via RF communication signal 106 in response to detecting an occupancy or vacancy status. Occupancy sensor 160 can operate as a vacancy sensor, such that it sends a digital message in response to detecting a vacancy status (e.g., it can not send a digital message in response to detecting an occupancy status). Occupancy sensor 160 can enter an association mode and can send an association message via RF communication signal 106 in response to actuation of a button on occupancy sensor 160. Examples of RF load control systems with occupancy and vacancy sensors are described in more detail in the following: commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 8,009,042, issued August 30, 2011, entitled "RADIO-FREQUENCY LIGHTING CONTROLSYSTEM WITH OCCUPANCY SENSING"; U.S. Patent No. 8,199,010, issued June 12, 2012, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING A WIRELESS SENSOR"; and U.S. Patent No. 8,228,184, issued July 24, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0090] The daylight sensor 170 can be configured to measure the total light intensity in a space where the load control system 100 is installed. The daylight sensor 170 can transmit a digital message including the measured light intensity via RF communication signal 106 in response to the measured light intensity for controlling the load control device. The daylight sensor 170 can enter an association mode and can transmit an association message via 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 U.S. Patent No. 8,410,706, entitled "METHOD OF CALIBRATING A DAYLIGHT SENSOR," issued April 2, 2013; and U.S. Patent No. 8,451,116, entitled "WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED DAYLIGHT SENSOR," issued May 28, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0091] The motorized window fixture 130 can be installed in front of a window to control the amount of daylight entering a space equipped with the load control system 100. The motorized window fixture 130 may include, for example, honeycomb blinds, roller blinds, valances, Roman blinds, Venetian blinds, Persian blinds, pleated Venetian blinds, tension roller blind systems, or other suitable motorized window coverings. The motorized window fixture 130 may include a motor drive unit 132 for adjusting the position of the covering material 134 of the motorized window fixture 130 to control the amount of daylight entering the space. The motor drive unit 132 of the motorized window fixture 130 may have an RF receiver and an antenna mounted on or extending from the motor drive unit 132 of the motorized window fixture 130. The motor drive unit 132 can respond to digital messages to increase or decrease the level of the covering material 134. The motor drive unit 132 of the motorized window fixture 130 may be battery powered or may receive power from an external direct current (DC) power source. Examples of battery-powered motorized window appliances are described in more detail in the following: U.S. Patent No. 8,950,461, entitled MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT, issued February 10, 2015, which is jointly assigned; and U.S. Patent No. 9,115,537, entitled BATTERY-POWEREDROLLER SHADE SYSTEM, issued August 25, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0092] Digital messages sent by the controller devices may include commands and / or identification information, such as a serial number (e.g., a unique identifier) ​​associated with the sending controller device. Each of the controller devices may be associated with lighting fixtures 112a, 112b, 122 and / or power window inserts 130 during the configuration process of the load control system 100, such that the lighting fixtures 112a, 112b, 122 and / or power window inserts 130 may respond to digital messages sent by the controller devices via RF signal 106. Examples of associating a wireless control device during the configuration process are described in more detail in the following: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0111491, entitled RADIO-FREQUENCY LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM, published May 15, 2008; and U.S. Patent No. 9,368,025, entitled TWO-PART LOAD CONTROLSYSTEM MOUNT ABLE TO A SINGLE ELECTRICAL WALLBOX, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0093] The load control system 100 may include a hub device 180 (e.g., a system bridge) configured to communicate with a network 182, such as a wireless or wired local area network (LAN). The hub device 180 may be connected to a router via a wired digital communication link 184 (e.g., an Ethernet communication link). The router may allow communication with the network 182, for example, for accessing the Internet. The hub device 180 may also connect wirelessly to the network 182, for example, using wireless technologies such as… Technologies such as cellular technology. Hub device 180 can be configured to send communication signals (e.g., RF signal 106) to lighting fixtures 112a, 112b, 122 and / or power window fixtures 130 for controlling the devices in response to digital messages received from external devices via network 182. Hub device 180 can transmit one or more types of RF communication signals (e.g., RF signal 106). NFC; Cellular; proprietary communication channels, such as CLEAR CONNECT TM The hub device 180 can be configured to send and / or receive RF signals 106 (e.g., using...). NFC; Or a proprietary communication channel, such as CLEAR CONNECT TM (etc.). Hub device 180 can be configured to send digital messages via network 182 to provide data (e.g., status information) to external devices.

[0094] RF signals 106 can be transmitted via one or more protocols. For example, remote control device 116 and remote control device 150 can transmit via another protocol (e.g., (etc.) transmit digital messages to lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, among others. For example, occupancy sensor 160, daylight sensor 170, and / or motorized window fixtures 130 can transmit digital messages via proprietary communication channels (e.g., CLEAR CONNECT). TM The hub device 180 can use an appropriate protocol to format digital communications for the device. The hub device 180 can use a variety of protocols to communicate.

[0095] Hub device 180 can operate as a central controller for load control system 100, and / or relay digital messages between control devices of the load control system (e.g., lighting fixtures, power window fixtures, etc.) and network 182. Hub device 180 can receive digital messages from controller devices and configure them for transmission to load control devices. For example, hub device 180 can be configured for transmission of multicast and / or unicast messages as described herein. Hub device 180 can be located locally at load control system 100 or at a remote location. Although hub device 180 is shown as a single device, load control system 100 may include multiple hubs and / or its functionality may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0096] 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 media devices (e.g., MP3 players, gaming devices, or televisions), tablet devices (e.g., Handheld computing devices), support This could be a wireless television or a device supporting any other suitable network communication or Internet protocol. Network device 190 can operate to transmit digital messages in one or more Internet Protocol packets via RF signal 108, directly or via network 182. For example, network device 190 can transmit via... Communication links Communication links A communication link, near field communication (NFC) link, cellular communication link, TV white space (TVWS) communication link, or any combination thereof, transmits RF signal 108 to hub device 180. RF signal 108 can be transmitted using a different protocol and / or wireless frequency band than RF signal 106. For example, RF signal 108 can be configured for... Communication or cellular communication, however, the RF signal 106 can be configured for... Or a proprietary communication channel, such as CLEAR CONNECT TM In another example, RF signal 108 and RF signal 106 may be the same. Examples of load control systems operable to communicate with network devices on a network are described in more detail in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0030589, entitled LOAD CONTROL DEVICE HAVING INTERNET CONNECTIVITY, published January 31, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0097] Network device 190 may include a visual display 192. The visual display 192 may include a touchscreen, which may include, for example, a capacitive touchpad displaced above the visual display, allowing the visual display to display soft buttons that can be actuated by a user. In addition to the visual display 192, network device 190 may also include multiple hard buttons, such as physical buttons (not shown). Network device 190 may download a product control application that allows users of network device 190 to control the load control system 100. In response to actuation of the displayed soft and / or hard buttons, network device 190 may transmit digital messages to the load control device and / or hub device 180 via the wireless communications described herein.

[0098] The operation of the load control system 100 can be programmed and configured using hub device 180 and / or network device 190. An example of the configuration process for the wireless load control system is described in more detail in co-assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0265568, entitled "COMMISSIONING LOAD CONTROL SYSTEMS," published September 18, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0099] Lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 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, and 122 may store a unique identifier of remote control device 116 during association mode to enable lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to be controlled by digital messages including control commands from remote control device 116. Hub device 180 may store the association between each of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 and remote control device 116 during association mode. Association information may be used by hub device 180 to route digital messages to lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, or lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 may directly receive digital messages from remote control device 116.

[0100] A subset of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 may be associated with other controller devices (e.g., remote control device 150, occupancy sensor 160, daylight sensor 170, network device 190, etc.) that can turn the subset of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 on and / or off. The subset of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 may be controlled to a different intensity level than the other lighting devices. In the example, lighting device 122 may be associated independently with remote control device 150 and / or network device 190. Lighting device 122 may be controlled independently by remote control device 150 and / or network device 190, such that lighting device 122 can be turned on while lighting devices 112a and 112b are off, or vice versa. In another example, lighting device 122 may be controlled independently by remote control device 150 and / or network device 190, such that lighting device 122 can be dimmed to a different intensity level than lighting devices 112a, 112b.

[0101] When a subset of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can be controlled independently, the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can be in inconsistent states (e.g., on / off states or intensity levels). For example, lighting device 122 can be controlled to an "on" state by a remote control device 150 or a network device 190, while lighting devices 112a and 112b are in an "off" state. Although lighting device 122 is set to the opposite state in the example described herein, the on / off state of any one of the lighting devices in the load control system 100 may be out of sync with the other lighting devices. The remote control device 116 can send switching commands or on / off commands to the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 (e.g., an "on" command or an "off" command to switch the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 from an "on" state to an "off" state, or vice versa). The switching commands or on / off commands can be sent in multicast messages received at each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 or in unicast messages independently directed to each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The switching commands or on / off commands can be transmitted directly to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 or via the hub device 180.

[0102] Lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can recognize a switching command received in a digital message and switch to the opposite state. In the example where lighting devices 112a and 112b are in the "off" state, they can recognize the switching command and switch to the "on" state. In the example where lighting device 122 is in the "on" state, it can recognize a switching command received in a digital message and switch to the "off" state.

[0103] To synchronize the on / off states of the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, remote control device 116, remote control device 150, or network device 190 can send digital messages including direct commands (e.g., "on" or "off" commands) to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to control all lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to the same state. Furthermore, to synchronize the on / off states of the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, remote control device 116, remote control device 150, or network device 190 can send digital messages to a subset of lighting devices that are not synchronized with the other lighting devices to change the state of that subset of lighting devices (e.g., via a switching command, an "on" command, or an "off" command). For example, in an example where lighting devices 112a and 112b are in an "off" state and lighting device 122 is in an "on" state, remote control device 116, remote control device 150, or network device 190 can send digital messages to lighting device 122 to change the state of lighting device 122 (e.g., via a toggle command, an "on" command, or an "off" command), or send digital messages to lighting devices 112a and 112b to change the state of lighting devices 112a and 112b (e.g., via a toggle command, an "on" command, or an "off" command).

[0104] The load control system 100 can be configured to automatically synchronize and / or switch the on / off state of the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. The remote control device 116 can recognize switching events and query the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 for their current on / off state. The query message can be sent as a multicast message or a separate unicast message to each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. The lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can return their current on / off state, which can be stored locally.

[0105] The remote control device 116 can select the command to be sent in response to a switching event based on the current on / off state of one or more of the groups of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The remote control device 116 can identify whether the on / off states across the groups of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are consistent. If the on / off states across the groups of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are consistent, the remote control device 116 can send a switching command, an "on" command (if the lighting device is off), or an "off" command (if the lighting device is on) to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to switch the on / off state of the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. If the on / off states of lighting devices 112a, 112b are inconsistent, the remote control device 116 can send direct commands to all lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 or send synchronization messages to a subset of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to change the on / off state of the subset.

[0106] Direct commands can be either "on" or "off" commands. For example, if lighting device 122 indicates that it is in the "on" state while lighting devices 112a and 112b indicate that they are in the "off" state, remote control device 116 can send an "on" or "off" command to all lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to synchronize the on / off states across lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. Remote control device 116 can send direct commands to each of these lighting devices in a unicast message. Remote control device 116 can also send direct commands to each of these lighting devices in a multicast message.

[0107] Synchronization messages can include "on" or "off" commands. For example, if lighting device 122 indicates it is in an "on" state while lighting devices 112a and 112b indicate they are in an "off" state, remote control device 116 can send an "off" command to lighting device 122 or an "on" command to lighting devices 112a and 112b to synchronize the on / off states across lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. Remote control device 116 can send synchronization messages as unicast messages to the lighting devices to be changed. Remote control device 116 can also send synchronization messages as multicast messages, which identify the state of devices intended to respond to commands in the synchronization message and keep the on / off states of other devices unchanged.

[0108] Synchronization messages may include switching commands directed to a subset of lighting devices to be switched. For example, if lighting device 122 indicates it is in an "on" state and lighting devices 112a and 112b indicate they are each in an "off" state, remote control device 116 may send a switching command to lighting device 122 or to lighting devices 112a and 112b to synchronize the on / off states across lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. Remote control device 116 may send the synchronization message as a unicast message to the lighting device to be changed. Remote control device 116 may also send the synchronization message as a multicast message, indicating that the device in the on / off state (e.g., "on" or "off") will respond to the on / off command in the message.

[0109] Remote control device 116 can send synchronization messages to change the on / off state of a preferred subset of lighting devices. Remote control device 116 can also send synchronization messages to change the on / off state of a subset of devices with a smaller number of devices whose on / off state will be changed. Remote control device 116 can default to "off" the subset of lighting devices. For example, remote control device 116 can query lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, and when one of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 returns an "on" state indicating that the device is on (e.g., such as lighting device 122), remote control device 116 can stop querying the device and send a synchronization message (e.g., via unicast or multicast) to the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 including a "off" command to tell the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to be off. Remote control device 116 can default to "on" the subset of lighting devices. For example, remote control device 116 can query lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, and when one of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 returns an indication that the device is off (e.g., such as lighting devices 112a and 112b) is in an "off" state, remote control device 116 can stop querying the device and send a synchronization message (e.g., via unicast or multicast) to the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 including an "on" command to tell the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to be on.

[0110] The remote control device 116 can send a digital message after a synchronization message to switch the synchronized group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The remote control device 116 can receive a response to the synchronization message, the response indicating the state of each device or each device whose state has changed in response to the synchronization message. The response can be a state update message. The remote control device 116 can send a digital message after a synchronization message to switch the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. For example, after the remote control device 116 switches the on / off state of lighting device 122 to the "off" state, the remote control device 116 can send an "on" command or a switching command to the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. Such a command can be sent after sending a synchronization message or after receiving a response to a synchronization message to switch the entire group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122.

[0111] The remote control device 116 can send a synchronization message and wait for subsequent switching events. After receiving a switching event, the remote control device 116 can query the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. When the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 is in a consistent state (e.g., "on" or "off"), the remote control device 116 can send a switching command or an "on" or "off" command to switch the on / off state of the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122.

[0112] The remote control device 116 can maintain the next status command (e.g., "on" or "off" command) to be sent from the remote control device 116 in response to the recognition of the next switching event. For example, the remote control device 116 can pre-store an "on" command after sending an "off" command, and pre-store an "off" command after sending an "on" command. When a switching event is recognized, the remote control device 116 can send the pre-stored status command (e.g., "on" or "off" command).

[0113] The remote control device 116 may be a battery-powered remote control device that can enter a sleep mode after a predetermined period of time has elapsed to conserve battery power without receiving digital messages and / or user events. The remote control device can wake from sleep mode in response to a switching event and can send pre-stored "on" or "off" commands to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. The pre-stored commands can be sent under the assumption that the on / off state of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 has not been changed by other controller devices since the pre-stored commands were stored. If the on / off state of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 has not been changed by other controller devices since the last command from remote control device 116, or if the on / off state of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 has been returned to the on / off state indicated in the last command from remote control device 116, a pre-stored command can switch the on / off state of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 when remote control device 116 recognizes the switching event and wakes up to send a command. If the on / off state of some of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 has been changed by other controller devices since the last command from remote control device 116, the pre-stored command can serve as a synchronization message for any of the asynchronous lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. Lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 that are already in the state indicated in the pre-stored command may not respond to the pre-stored command.

[0114] Lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 that change their on / off state in response to an "on" or "off" command can send a status update message to the remote control device 116 to indicate the on / off state change. The remote control device 116 can receive status update messages from lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 that have changed their state in response to a received "on" or "off" command. Lighting devices that fail to change their on / off state in response to a command from the remote control device 116 may not respond. For example, the remote control device 116 may send an "off" command to lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, and lighting device 122 may update its on / off state to "off." Lighting device 122 may send a response message to the remote control device 116 to indicate the status change. Lighting devices 112a and 112b may not respond because they are already in the "off" state.

[0115] The remote control device 116 can remain awake to await on / off status updates from lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. The remote control device 116 can poll the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 while awake. The lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can indicate a change in status to "on" or "off" and send the updated status to the remote control device 116. For example, when lighting device 122 is on... Figure 1B When a device is indicated to be in an "on" state, remote control device 116 can send an "off" command to lighting device 122, and lighting device 122 can change to an "off" state. Lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can store identifiers (e.g., group numbers) of controller devices that have subscribed to request state change updates for on / off states. Lighting device 122 can send a state update message to remote control device 116, which can be subscribed to receive indications of updated states. When remote control device 116 receives a state update message, it can assume the operation was successful and can go to sleep. State update messages can be sent from lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 as unicast messages. Remote control device 116 can remain asleep until a subsequent user event occurs at the device.

[0116] Lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 may already be in the indicated state received in a command from remote control device 116. For example, such as Figure 1B As illustrated, when lighting devices 112a and 112b receive an "off" command, they can be in an "off" state. When they fail to execute a state change in response to a received command, lighting devices 112a and 112b may not provide a status update message. If remote control device 116 fails to receive a status update message from each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, remote control device 116 can send a reverse on / off command (e.g., an "on" command). For example, when remote control device 116 fails to receive a status update message from one of the lighting devices 112a and 112b (e.g., after a predefined time period), remote control device 116 can send a reverse on / off command (e.g., an "on" command) in a digital message (e.g., a unicast or multicast message) to switch the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. When a switching event is recognized and a subset of lighting devices fails to switch in response to the switching event, a reverse on / off command can be sent.

[0117] Pre-stored commands can operate as a way to predict state changes. Pre-stored commands can attempt to predict the appropriate on / off state change to be sent in response to a switching event, thereby reducing latency caused by additional messages that may be sent if lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 do not change state in response to the sent state command. Because remote control device 116 can be a battery-powered device, it can be in sleep mode and may miss on / off state changes of the lighting devices.

[0118] The pre-stored commands can be used to identify the on / off state of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. The on / off state of lighting device 122 can be identified by a state update message instructing lighting device 122 to change from an "on" state to an "off" state in response to an "off" command. The on / off state of lighting devices 112a and 112b can be identified by the absence of a response to an "off" command.

[0119] Remote control device 116 can respond to a failure to receive status update messages from a subset of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. For example, remote control device 116 can send an "off" command to lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 (e.g., in a unicast or multicast message). Because lighting device 122 may be in an "on" state, it can change to an "off" state. Lighting device 122 can send a status update message to remote control device 116. Because lighting devices 112a and 112b may already be in an "off" state, they may not be able to send a status update message. Remote control device 116 can recognize a failure to receive a response from lighting devices 112a and / or 112b and can send a reverse status command (e.g., an "on" command or a toggle command) to the group of lighting devices 112a and 112b. Opposite status commands can be sent to lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 in a multicast message or a separate unicast message to switch the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 together. Remote control device 116 may optionally send opposite status commands (e.g., an "on" command or a toggle command) because lighting devices 112a, 112b failed to change their on / off state in response to a toggle event.

[0120] Remote control device 116 may, by default, send an "off" or "on" command in response to a switching event. If remote control device 116 receives a status update message from each of the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, remote control device 116 may determine that lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 have been switched and has failed to send a subsequent on / off command to switch lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. If remote control device 116 fails to receive a status update message from a subset of the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, remote control device 116 may determine that one or more of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 have failed to switch and remote control device 116 may send the opposite status command to switch the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. When lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are out of sync, the first message sent by remote control device 116 may serve as a synchronization message. The next message can be used to switch lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122.

[0121] The load control system 100 can be configured to control the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 based on the current state of one or more of the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 or a subset thereof. The remote control device 116 can recognize switching or rotation events (e.g., a predefined distance or time in one direction) for controlling the intensity level of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 and query the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 for their current state. The current state of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 may include their on / off state and / or intensity level. Switching or rotation events can wake the remote control device 116 from a sleep state. Furthermore, the remote control device 116 can be woken from a sleep state in response to sensing circuitry (e.g., occupancy sensing circuitry and / or proximity sensing circuitry) detecting an occupant near the remote control device 116 (e.g., a proximity sensing event). In response to a switching event, rotation event, or proximity sensing event, remote control device 116 may attempt to query the current status of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 associated with remote control device 116. The query message may request the on / off status (e.g., in response to a switching event) and / or intensity level (e.g., in response to rotation) of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. The query message may be sent as a multicast message or a separate unicast message to each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. Lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 may return their current on / off status and / or intensity level, which can be stored locally thereon.

[0122] After sending a query message to lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to obtain their current status, remote control device 116 may wait for a predefined period of time to receive a response. Once remote control device 116 receives a response to the query from any of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, it can execute control of the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 based on the received response. For example, remote control device 116 may receive a response to the query message from lighting device 112a (e.g., the first lighting device from which the remote control device receives a response) and send a digital message to control the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 based on the response received from lighting device 112a. Furthermore, remote control device 116 may wait for responses from all lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 before sending a digital message to control the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 based on responses received from all lighting devices.

[0123] The query message can be sent as a multicast message or as a unicast message to lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. After sending the query message, the remote control device 116 can wait for a predefined period of time to receive a response message. The response message from lighting device 112a can be the first message received in response to the query message. After receiving the first response message from lighting device 112a, the remote control device 116 can stop waiting for responses from the remaining lighting devices 112a and 122 and can perform subsequent control based on the first response message received from lighting device 112a. Performing control based on the first response to the query message can reduce the time lag that may be caused by waiting for response messages from other devices.

[0124] Query messages can be sent sequentially to lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. For example, a query message requesting the current status of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can be sent as a unicast message to the first lighting device 112a in the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. Remote control device 116 can wait for a predefined time period to receive a response message from lighting device 112a. If remote control device 116 fails to receive a response message within the predefined time period, it can send query messages for the current status of subsequent lighting devices in the sequence. When a response message is received from a lighting device, remote control device 116 can stop sending query messages to the lighting device and perform subsequent control based on the response message received from the lighting device.

[0125] If the current status is not received from one or more of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 after the expiration of a predefined time period or the completion of a sequence of lighting devices, the remote control device 116 may send another query message or start another sequence (e.g., after a predefined number of times before control is executed). When the remote control device 116 fails to receive a response to a query message for the current status of the lighting devices (e.g., after a predefined number of times before control is executed), the remote control device 116 may execute control of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 or send a default command (e.g., a default on / off command or intensity level) based on the locally stored status (e.g., on / off status or intensity level) of one or more lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122.

[0126] The remote control device 116 can use the on / off states of the lighting devices to implement switching logic for a group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. For example, when lighting device 112a responds to a query message indicating that lighting device 112a is in an "off" state, the remote control device 116 can send a digital message to the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to switch the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to an "on" state. When responding to lighting device 112a being in an "on" state, the remote control device 116 can send a digital message to the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to switch the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to an "off" state. When the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 is in the same state, the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can be controlled as a group. When the on / off states of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 are out of sync, the on / off state of the lighting devices that are already in the state indicated in the digital message can remain unchanged in response to the digital message from the remote control device 116.

[0127] Remote control device 116 can use the intensity level of the lighting equipment as a starting point (e.g., a dynamic starting point) for dimming the group of lighting equipment 112a, 112b, 122. For example, in response to a query from remote control device 116, lighting equipment 112a can respond that it is at an intensity level of 10%. Remote control device 116 can set the intensity level identified by lighting equipment 122 as a dynamic starting point for performing intensity control on the group of lighting equipment 112a, 112b, 122. Remote control device 116 can identify a continuous rotation for increasing the intensity level by an additional 20%. Remote control device 116 can add this 20% to the current intensity level of lighting equipment 112a, indicating a response to a previous query message from remote control device 116, as a dynamic starting point for this adjustment. Remote control device 116 can send digital messages to a group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to control the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to an absolute intensity level of 30%. The digital messages may include a go-to-level command configured to control each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to a 30% intensity level. Each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can receive digital messages (e.g., as unicast or multicast messages) and be controlled to a 30% absolute intensity level unless the lighting device is already at the indicated intensity level. The group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can be controlled as a group when they are in the same state. For example, the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can be controlled together from 10% to 30%. When the states of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 are not synchronized, the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can be controlled differently to achieve the indicated intensity level. For example, lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 with an intensity level higher than the indicated intensity level can have their intensity reduced to meet the indicated intensity level. Lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 with an intensity level lower than the indicated intensity level can have their intensity increased to meet the indicated intensity level. Lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 that are already in the state indicated in the digital message can remain unchanged in response to a digital message from the remote control device 116.

[0128] Lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can fade from one intensity level to another in response to a received command (e.g., dimming during the fade time and / or between intensity levels at a fade rate). For example, lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can be dimmed at a rate or over a period of time such that each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 that is not yet at the indicated intensity level simultaneously reaches that intensity level. For example, remote control device 116 can send a transition command with a time amount or fade rate during which lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 will be dimmed until they reach the indicated intensity level (e.g., a different fade rate or fade time can be sent to each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122). Lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can be dimmed to the intensity level indicated in the go-to-level command during the specified time period. When one or more of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 are at different intensity levels, lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can be sent unicast messages with different decay rates, causing lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 at different intensity levels to simultaneously reach the intensity level indicated in the go-to-level command. The decay time can be varied by a predefined amount for each level where the intensity can be increased or decreased.

[0129] Hub device 180 can operate as a master device, configured to monitor the status of slave devices such as lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, and determine appropriate commands to send in response to user interface events based on the status of the slave devices. While hub device 180 may be described herein as a master device for controlling a group of lighting devices, other control devices (e.g., one of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, remote control device 150, occupancy sensor 160, daylight sensor 170, network device 190, power window fixtures 132, telecomputing device, etc.) may be assigned as master devices operating as described herein with respect to hub device 180. When lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 are assigned as master devices, they may already know their own status but can monitor the status of other slave devices. Although other devices can operate as master devices, they can still communicate via hub device 180.

[0130] When lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 are out of sync, hub device 180 or another master device can generate appropriate commands to synchronize lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. The master device can be configured with default commands for synchronizing lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. For example, in response to a switching command, the master device can determine that one or more of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 are on and send a disconnect command to put lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 into a disconnected state. In response to a switching command, the master device can determine that one or more of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 are disconnected and send a turn-on command to put lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 into a turn-on state.

[0131] Hub device 180 or another master device can automatically synchronize and / or switch the on / off state of the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. Remote control device 116 can recognize a switching event and send a digital message to hub device 180 indicating that the switching event has been recognized. The digital message may include a switching command, an "on" command, or an "off" command. Remote control device 116 can switch between sending an "on" command and an "off" command whenever remote control device 116 recognizes a switching event. The digital message may include another indication that remote control device 116 has recognized a switching event. Hub device 180 can generate commands to be sent for controlling lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 in response to messages received from remote control device 116 and / or other controller devices in the load control environment.

[0132] Hub device 180 can track the on / off state of each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 after implementation in the load control system 100. Upon initial implementation in the load control system, hub device 180 can query the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 for their current on / off state. The query message can be sent to each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 as a multicast message or a separate unicast message. The lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 can return their current on / off state, which can be stored locally thereon. Hub device 180 can recognize commands transmitted to the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 and maintain their current on / off state in memory. The current on / off state can be determined by monitoring digital messages transmitted to lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 for controlling their on / off status, without sending an initial query message. The hub device 180 can be powered on and / or woken up at all times (e.g., whenever lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 are also powered on), enabling the hub device to monitor the status of the lighting devices by listening to messages sent by them. Furthermore, the hub device 180 can enter a sleep mode and periodically wake up to send query messages to lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to determine their on / off status.

[0133] Hub device 180 may also, or alternatively, send synchronization messages to lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to synchronize the group and identify an initial state for each lighting device 112a, 112b, 122. The synchronization messages may include an "on" or "off" command, respectively indicating that each of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 is turned on or off. Lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 in opposite states can be switched, while lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 already in the indicated on / off state can remain in the indicated state. A lighting device performing an on / off state change may send a status update message to hub device 180.

[0134] When hub device 180 receives a switching event indication from remote control device 116, hub device 180 can select whether to send a command to lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. The decision at hub device 180 can be based on the current on / off state of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. Hub device 180 can identify whether the on / off state of the group spanning lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 is consistent. If the on / off state of the group spanning lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 is consistent, hub device 180 can send a switching command, an "on" command, or an "off" command to lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to switch the on / off state of the group.

[0135] Hub device 180 can identify when the on / off states of a group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are inconsistent. For example, hub device 180 can identify digital messages from remote control device 150 or network device 190 that cause lighting device 122 to change its on / off state independently of other lighting devices 112a, 112b. If the on / off states of a group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are inconsistent, hub device 180 can send synchronization messages to a subset of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to change the on / off state of the subset in response to the recognition of a switching event. For example, when hub device 180 identifies that lighting device 122 is in an "on" state and lighting devices 112a and 112b are both in an "off" state, hub device 180 can send an "off" command to lighting device 122 or an "on" command to lighting devices 112a and 112b to synchronize the on / off states across lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. Hub device 180 can send the synchronization message as a unicast message to the lighting device to be changed. Hub device 180 can also send the synchronization message as a multicast message, which includes the identified state of the device to be changed (e.g., the lighting device in an "on" or "off" state). The synchronization message can change the on / off state of the device currently in the identified state while leaving the on / off states of other devices unchanged. Hub device 180 can also send a switching command in the synchronization message (e.g., as a unicast message) to the lighting device to be changed.

[0136] Hub device 180 can send synchronization messages to change the on / off state of a preferred subset of lighting devices. Hub device 180 can also send synchronization messages to change the on / off state of a smaller subset of devices whose on / off state will be changed, as this change may be less noticeable and may result in fewer messages being sent in some cases. Hub device 180 can default to "off" a subset of lighting devices. For example, when lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 are out of sync, hub device 180 can send a synchronization message (e.g., via unicast or multicast) to the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 including a "off" command to tell the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to turn off. Hub device 180 can also default to "on" a subset of lighting devices. For example, hub device 180 can send a synchronization message (e.g., via unicast or multicast) to the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to tell the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 to turn on a “on” command.

[0137] Hub device 180 can send a digital message after a synchronization message to control the synchronized lighting device group 112a, 112b, 122. Hub device 180 can receive responses to the synchronization message, the responses indicating the state of each device or each device whose state has changed in response to the synchronization message. Hub device 180 can send a digital message after a synchronization message to switch the lighting device group 112a, 112b, 122. For example, after hub device 180 switches the on / off state of lighting device 122 to the "off" state, hub device 180 can send an "on" command or a switching command to the lighting device group 112a, 112b, 122. Such commands can be sent after sending a synchronization message or after receiving a state update message in response to a synchronization message.

[0138] Hub device 180 can send a synchronization message and wait for indication of a subsequent switching event from remote control device 116. Upon receiving the indication of a switching event, hub device 180 can determine whether the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 is in a consistent state. When the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 is in a consistent state (e.g., "on" or "off"), hub device 180 can send a switching command or an "on" or "off" command to switch the state of the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122.

[0139] Lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 that change their on / off state in response to an "On" or "Off" command can send a status update message to hub device 180 to indicate the on / off state change. Hub device 180 can receive status update messages from lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 that change their state in response to a received "On" or "Off" command. Lighting devices that fail to change their on / off state in response to a command from hub device 180 may not respond. For example, hub device 180 may send an "Off" command to lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, and lighting device 122 may update its on / off state to "Off". Lighting device 122 may send a response message to hub device 180 to indicate the status change. Hub device 180 may store the updated status and / or acknowledge the status of unresponsive devices. Hub device 180 may optionally store the updated state of lighting device 122 after sending a command. Because hub device 180 may be maintaining the on / off state of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, remote control device 116 may go to sleep after sending a message in response to a switching event.

[0140] When hub device 180 and / or other control devices are implemented in load control system 100, remote control device 116 can receive instructions. Remote control device 116 may be associated with other controller devices (e.g., remote control device 150, occupancy sensor 160, daylight sensor 170, network device 190, etc.), or may be otherwise notified when the controller device is associated with another device in load control system 100 (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, or hub device 180). Remote control device 116 may be associated with hub device 180, or may be otherwise notified when hub device 180 is implemented in system 100 (e.g., via messages from hub device 180, notifications from associated lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, etc. associated with hub device 180).

[0141] The remote control device 116 can provide feedback via the status indicator 117 in different feedback modes based on information about the control devices associated with it. A decision regarding the type of feedback provided by the status indicator 119 can be made and stored at the remote control device 116 upon association. The decision regarding the type of feedback provided by the status indicator 119 can be made dynamically. For example, the type of feedback displayed via the status indicator 119 can change depending on information determined in response to a query message sent to lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, other load control devices, and / or hub device 180. A query message can be sent in response to an actuation on the remote control device 116. The remote control device 116 can be awakened in response to an actuation and check the associated lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, other load control devices, or hub device 180 to determine the status of the electrical loads controlled by the relevant load control devices.

[0142] The type of feedback provided by the status indicator 119 can be determined at the remote control device 116 or at another device. For example, the determination can be made at a master device such as hub device 180 or lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The master device can query the load control device for a given status or maintain the status of the electrical load locally based on feedback messages or messages transmitted for controlling the electrical load. When the remote control device 116 is being associated or waking from sleep, it can send a request to the master device to obtain the type of feedback to be provided by the status indicator 119. The type of feedback can be selected by the user or by the master device based on predefined rules and sent to the remote control device 116. The remote control device 116 can then provide the type of feedback received in the response on the status indicator 119.

[0143] As indicated above, the type of visual feedback can be user-configurable. Network device 190 can configure the operation of remote control device 116 (e.g., configure the feedback type used by the remote control device) without directly communicating with remote control device 116. For example, network device 190 can display different feedback types to the user. Network device 190 can receive a selection of feedback type from the user and transmit the selected feedback type to a master device, such as hub device 180 or another master device (e.g., one of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122), via RF signal 108. As described herein, the user can select between simple or advanced feedback for a given scenario (e.g., many associated devices, when electrical loads are synchronized or asynchronous, when remote control device 116 is associated with or not associated with a master device, etc.). The user can also select between different types of simple feedback or different types of advanced feedback for a given scenario (e.g., as described in more detail below).

[0144] Users can select between different intensity levels or colors to be provided via status indicator 119 for different feedback types. The intensity level or color can correspond to different load control devices for which the feedback is being provided. For example, different intensity levels can be provided for the light source of status indicator 119 when the feedback corresponds to light level, volume level, and / or fan speed. Different colors can be provided for the light source of status indicator 119 when the feedback corresponds to light level, volume level, and / or fan speed.

[0145] The master device can store the user-selected feedback type to provide for scenarios where that feedback type is selected (e.g., many associated devices, when electrical loads are synchronized or asynchronous, when the remote control device 116 is associated with or not associated with the master device, etc.). When the remote control device 116 subsequently queries the master device, it can retrieve the feedback type from the master device. When the corresponding scenario exists, the remote control device 116 can store the feedback type in memory for future use. The remote control device 116 can query the feedback type whenever feedback is to be provided on the status indicator 119.

[0146] Because network device 190 is configured to store the selected feedback type on the master device for later retrieval by remote control device 116 (e.g., in response to actuation of actuator 117 and / or rotation 118), remote control device 116 does not need to provide a means for direct communication with network device 190. For example, remote control device 116 does not need to periodically wake up to determine whether network device 190 is attempting to communicate with it, which could lead to increased battery consumption and reduced battery life. This method of configuring the operation of remote control device 116 can also be used to configure other operating parameters of remote control device 116.

[0147] The remote control device 116 can operate to provide different types of feedback (e.g., advanced feedback or simple feedback) based on information about associated devices. For example, the remote control device 116 may provide different feedback on the status indicator 119 when associated with a master device (such as hub device 180 or other master devices) rather than when not associated with a master device. The remote control device 116 may provide advanced feedback on the status indicator 119 when associated with hub device 180, which is capable of providing the status of load control devices to the remote control device 116. The remote control device 116 may provide simple feedback on the status indicator 119 when not associated with hub device 180.

[0148] For example, remote control device 116 can provide feedback via status indicator 119 in different feedback modes based on whether remote control device 116 is associated with hub device 180 or another master device such as lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. Remote control device 116 can provide advanced feedback when associated with a master device and simple feedback when not associated with a master device. When remote control device 116 is associated with a master lighting device, remote control device 116 can provide advanced feedback on status indicator 119 and display the status of the master lighting device as feedback on status indicator 119. Because the master device can synchronize the status of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, remote control device 116 can provide advanced feedback indicating the intensity level of the synchronized group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. In addition, the master device can collect and store the intensity levels of the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 and can determine the level to be displayed for advanced feedback when the lighting devices are not synchronized. When the remote control device 116 is not associated with the master device, the remote control device 116 can provide simple feedback on lighting the entire status indicator 119 to different levels when raising or lowering the intensity of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 or when the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 are on or off.

[0149] When remote control device 116 is operating in a load control system 100 without other controller devices or hub devices 180, remote control device 116 can trust that the on / off states stored internally match the on / off states of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122. Remote control device 116 can send a switching command or on / off command in the next message sent in response to a switching event to switch the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122.

[0150] Although the remote control device 116 may be operating within a load control system 100 that has other controller devices, these other controller devices may not be associated with the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 associated with the remote control device 116. Because these other controller devices may not be associated with the group of lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, they may not be able to switch the on / off state of the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. The remote control device 116 can determine whether other controller devices are associated with the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 by querying the associated devices for each lighting device. Each lighting device 112a, 112b, 122 can respond with a unique identifier of the device associated with it. The unique identifier may indicate the device or device type (e.g., remote control device, occupancy sensor, daylight sensor, network device, hub device, etc.) associated with the lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122.

[0151] Each controller device can associate with lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 by sending a unique group identifier to them while they are in associated mode. The group of associated devices may already store the unique group identifiers of the controller devices on it. Other controller devices can query lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 to determine if they are in the group of devices that can be controlled by messages sent to that group (e.g., unicast or multicast messages). For example, remote control device 116 can query lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 for the group identifiers of other controller devices. Lighting device 122 can respond with the group identifier of remote control device 150 and / or network device 190, which may have previously been associated with lighting device 122. Because lighting devices 112a and 112b may not be associated with other controller devices or other controller devices of a specific device type (e.g., devices capable of switching on / off states), remote control device 116 can track the on / off states of lighting devices 112a and 112b and switch lighting devices 112a and 112b by sending a switching command or the opposite on / off command in the next message sent in response to a switching event. Remote control device 116 can operate as described herein with respect to lighting device 122, because the on / off state of lighting device 122 may be out of sync with lighting devices 112a and 112b due to independent control by other controller devices.

[0152] The remote control device 116 can poll the associated lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 after a predetermined time interval to obtain other related controller devices. For example, after being associated with the lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122, the remote control device 116 can periodically poll the associated lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 in response to a predefined number of polling requests. The polling requests can be overwritten by an actuator on the remote control device. The remote control device 116 can recognize the overwriting of the polling requests and assume that the internal on / off states of the associated lighting devices 112a, 112b, and 122 are correct.

[0153] While remote control device 116 and / or hub device 180 can be described for synchronizing and / or switching lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122, other controller devices in the load control system 100 can be similarly implemented for synchronizing and / or switching lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122. For example, a switching event can be identified by occupancy sensor 160 detecting occupancy or idle status in the load control environment 100. As described herein, occupancy sensor 160 can send commands to synchronize and / or switch lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 in response to a switching event. A switching event can be identified by daylight sensor 170 detecting daylight levels above a predefined threshold in the load control environment 100. As described herein, daylight sensor 170 can send commands to synchronize and / or switch lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122 in response to a switching event.

[0154] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a system flowchart depicting an example message flow for transmitting digital messages between remote control device 202 and lighting devices 204a, 204b in a load control system. (Example...) Figure 2A As shown, the remote control device 202 can send digital messages to switch the on / off states of lighting devices 204a and 204b. These digital messages can be used to synchronize lighting devices 204a and 204b, or to control lighting devices 204a and 204b when they are synchronized.

[0155] The remote control device 202 can store the states of lighting devices 204a and 204b. When the remote control device 202 is awakened, it can maintain the states of lighting devices 204a and 204b. When the states of lighting devices 204a and 204b are out of sync, the remote control device 202 can send digital messages (e.g., including switching commands, intensity levels, colors, etc.) to synchronize the states of lighting devices 204a and 204b. After determining that lighting devices 204a and 204b are synchronized, the remote control device 202 can change the internally stored states of lighting devices 204a and 204b to reflect any changes in state. For example, the remote control device can flip the internal states of lighting devices 204a and 204b in response to the sending of a switching command and / or the receiving of a state message. The remote control device 202 can send a default command after waking from sleep mode, and after determining and storing the current state of the lighting devices 204a and 204b thereon, while keeping the remote control device 202 awake, flip the current state of each of the lighting devices 204a and 204b stored thereon after sending each subsequent switching command.

[0156] Before the remote control device 202 sends an initial message (e.g., after waking from sleep), the initial states of lighting devices 204a and 204b may be asynchronous. For example, lighting device 204a may be in an off state and lighting device 204b may be in an on state. The remote control device 202 may recognize user interface events (e.g., actuation, rotation, finger swipe, etc.) as switching events and send a default switching command, such as the on command 206, as the initial message (e.g., after waking from sleep). The on command 206 may be a default command sent from the remote control device 202 or may be determined based on the internally stored states of lighting devices 204a and 204b. The on command 206 may be sent as a multicast message or a separate unicast message received by lighting devices 204a and 204b. Although switching events and switching commands are provided as examples, other user interface events and / or commands can be implemented. For example, user interface events can be recognized for increasing / decreasing intensity levels and a to-level command can be sent for increasing / decreasing intensity levels. Additionally, although Figure 2A The diagram shows a communication command 206 sent as an initial message for the synchronization of lighting devices 204a and 204b, but the remote control device 202 may initially send a disconnect command or another command.

[0157] A lighting device that changes its state after receiving the on command 206 can send a status update message to the remote control device 202. For example, when lighting device 204a is in the off state, it can switch to the on state in response to receiving the on command 206 and send a status update message 208 to the remote control device 202. The status update message can indicate the updated state of lighting device 204a, or the updated state can be inferred from the receipt of the status update message 208. If the remote control device 202 does not receive a status update message from lighting device 204b, it can assume that lighting device 204b is already in the on state.

[0158] The remote control device 202 can operate as a synchronization message, such as the communication command 206, to synchronize lighting devices 204a and 204b. After sending the communication command 206 and receiving the status update message 208, the remote control device 202 can recognize user interface events (e.g., actuation, rotation, finger swipe, etc.) and, in response to those events, send digital messages for controlling the lighting devices 204a and 204b. The remote control device 202 can continue to update the internally stored status of the lighting devices 204a and 204b as the device status changes.

[0159] like Figure 2BAs shown, remote control device 202 can send one or more digital messages including default commands to lighting devices 204a and 204b. For example, remote control device 202 can send a default switching command, such as the ON command 210, to lighting devices 204a and 204b as an initial command after a user interface event (e.g., after waking from sleep in response to actuation, rotation, finger swipe, etc.). Because lighting devices 204a and 204b may already be in the ON state, they may not respond to the ON command 210. When remote control device 202 fails to receive a status update message in response to the ON command 210 after a predetermined time period, or fails to receive a status update message from each associated lighting device 204a and 204b after a predetermined time period, remote control device 202 can send the opposite command or another command. For example, remote control device 202 can send an OFF command 212 after remote control device 202 fails to receive a status update message in response to the ON command 210. The pass command 210 and / or stop command 212 can be sent as a multicast message or a separate unicast message received by the lighting devices 204a and 204b.

[0160] Lighting devices that change their state after receiving an on command 210 or an off command 212 can send a status update message to the remote control device 202. When lighting devices 204a and 204b are in the on state, they can change to the off state and respond to the off command 212 by sending corresponding status update messages 214 and 216. The status update messages can indicate the updated state of lighting devices 204a and 204b, or the updated state can be inferred from the receipt of status update messages 214 and 216.

[0161] After receiving status update messages 214 and 216, the remote control device 202 can recognize user interface events (e.g., actuation, rotation, finger swipe, etc.) and send digital messages to control the lighting devices 204a and 204b in response to those user interface events. Although Figure 2B The diagram shows a communication command 210 sent from the remote control device 202 as the initial message, but the remote control device 202 may initially send a disconnect command or another command.

[0162] Figures 3A-3D This is a system flowchart depicting an example message flow for generating a lighting control command in response to the actuation and / or sensing circuitry of the actuator (e.g., the actuation part 117 and / or the rotation part 118 of the remote control device 116) sensing an occupant (e.g., a proximity sensing event) near the remote control device 116. Figures 3A-3CAn example message flow is depicted for querying the current state of the lighting equipment in response to actuation of a switching actuator (e.g., actuator 117) and generating a lighting control command in response to the identified state. For example... Figure 3A As shown, the remote control device 302 can send a status query message 306 to identify the status of lighting devices such as lighting devices 304a, 304b. The status query message 306 can be sent as an initial message (e.g., after waking from a sleep state) after identifying user interface events (e.g., actuation, rotation, finger swipe, etc.) and / or proximity sensing events (e.g., sensing circuitry detecting an occupant near the remote control device 116). The status query message 306 can be sent as a multicast message received by lighting devices 304a, 304b or as a separate unicast message.

[0163] The remote control device 302 can receive a response to the status query message 306 from the received status query message 306 and / or from each of the lighting devices 304a, 304b associated with the remote control device 302. For example, lighting device 304a can send a status message 308 in response to the status query message 306, indicating that lighting device 304a is in an off state. Lighting device 304b can send a status message 310 in response to the status query message 306, indicating that lighting device 304b is in an on state. The status message can also, or alternatively, indicate the intensity, color, or other status of the lighting device from which the status message was sent.

[0164] If the remote control device 302 determines that either of the lighting devices 304a or 304b is in the ON state, the remote control device 302 can be configured to send a default switching command, such as the OFF command 312. The OFF command 312 can be sent as a multicast message received by the lighting devices 304a or 304b, or as a separate unicast message. Although it can be like... Figure 3A As shown, the disconnect command 312 is sent as the default switching command, but the remote control device 302 may send a pass command or another default command in response to recognizing the status of one or more of the lighting devices 304a, 304b.

[0165] The remote control device 302 can determine that the states of lighting devices 304a and 304b are out of sync and can send a synchronization message to synchronize the states of lighting devices 304a and 304b. For example, the remote control device 302 can send a disconnect command 312 to synchronize the states of lighting devices 304a and 304b. The synchronization message may include a command to control lighting device 304b to the state of lighting device 304a, or vice versa. Although the disconnect command 312 can be sent as a synchronization message, the remote control device 302 can send a pass command or another command to perform synchronization.

[0166] Lighting device 304b can transition to an offline state in response to receiving disconnect command 312 and send a status update message 314 to remote control device 302. Status update message 316 can indicate the updated status of lighting device 304b, or the updated status can be inferred from the receipt of status update message 314 itself. Because lighting device 304a may already be in an offline state, it may not respond to disconnect command 312. This can limit unnecessary network communication in the system. Remote control device 302 can continue to identify user interface events and / or proximity sensing events, and control lighting devices 304a and 304b in response to these events.

[0167] The remote control device 302 can determine the control commands to be sent to the lighting devices 304a and 304b based on the status of one of them. For example, the remote control device 302 can determine the control commands to be sent to the lighting devices 304a and 304b based on the status of the main lighting device or the lighting device that first responds to the status query message 306. The remote control device 302 can control the status of the two lighting devices 304a and 304b to respond to the status query message by sending commands to switch the lighting devices, or it can switch other lighting devices to synchronize the other devices with the status of the main lighting device or the first lighting device to respond to.

[0168] The remote control device 302 can respond to the status of the first lighting devices 304a and 304b in response to status query messages. For example... Figure 3BAs shown, the status query message 320 can be sent as a unicast message or as a multicast message to each lighting device 304a, 304b. Lighting device 304a can be the first device to receive the status query message 320 and / or receive the status message 322 from it in response. The status message 322 can indicate the status of the lighting device 304a, which can cause the remote control device 302 to send the opposite command (e.g., a communication command 324). The communication command 324 can be sent as a unicast or multicast message. As the lighting device 304a is updated, a status update message 326 can be received at the remote control device 302.

[0169] like Figure 3C As shown, the status query message 330 can be sent as a unicast message or as a multicast message to each lighting device 304a, 304b. Lighting device 304b can be the first device to receive the status query message 330 and / or receive a status message 332 from it in response. The status message 332 can indicate the status of the lighting device 304b, which can cause the remote control device 302 to send a reverse command (e.g., a disconnect command 334). The disconnect command 334 can be sent as a unicast or multicast message. As the lighting device 304b is updated, a status update message 336 can be received at the remote control device 302. This can be implemented... Figure 3B and Figure 3C The example shown is to synchronize lighting devices 304a and 304b more quickly because the remote control device 302 can respond to the status of the first device from which it receives a response.

[0170] Although Figure 3B Although not shown, remote control device 302 can scan lighting devices 304a and 304b that are in a preferred state (e.g., on / off state, lighting intensity, color, etc.). Remote control device 302 can send a status query message as a unicast message to each of lighting devices 304a and 304b, or send a status query message as a multicast message to both lighting devices 304a and 304b. Remote control device 302 can continue sending status query messages to each of lighting devices 304a and 304b until one of the lighting devices returns to a non-preferred state. For example, remote control device 302 can send a status query message 306 to lighting device 304a and receive a status message 308 before sending a status query message to lighting device 304. When remote control device 302 receives a status message from a lighting device identifying it as being in a non-preferred state (e.g., a state other than preferred on / off state, lighting intensity, color, etc.), or when remote control device 302 has scanned each lighting device, remote control device 302 can stop scanning the lighting devices.

[0171] The remote control device 302 can send a status query message requesting a response from a lighting device in a specific state. For example, such as... Figure 3B As shown, the remote control device 302 can send a status query message 320 requesting a response from a lighting device that is in an offline state. The status query message 320 can be sent as an initial message (e.g., after waking from a sleep state) after recognizing a user interface event (e.g., actuation, rotation, finger swipe, etc.) and / or a proximity sensing event (e.g., the sensing circuit detects an occupant near the remote control device 116). The status query message 320 can be a multicast message or a separate unicast message from lighting devices 304a, 304b that can be associated with the remote control device 302.

[0172] When lighting device 304a is in the off state, it can respond with status message 322 indicating that it is in the off state. Status message 322 can identify that lighting device 304a is in the off state, or the sending of status message 322 itself can indicate that lighting device 304a is in the off state. When lighting device 304b is in the on state, it may not respond to status query message 320.

[0173] The remote control device 302 can receive a response to the status query message 320 from the lighting device 304a and determine that at least one lighting device is in an off state. If the remote control device 302 determines that either lighting device 304a or 304b is in an off state, the remote control device 302 can be configured to send a default switching message such as a pass command 324. The pass command 324 can be sent as a multicast message received by the lighting devices 304a or 304b or as a separate unicast message.

[0174] The remote control device 302 can receive a response to the status query message 320 from the lighting device 304a and identify that a response has not yet been received from the lighting device 304b. The remote control device 302 can assume that the lighting devices 304a and 304b are out of sync based on the absence of responses from both lighting devices 304a and 304b. The remote control device 302 can determine the control commands to be sent to the lighting devices 304a and 304b based on the responses and / or the absence of responses from lighting devices 304a and 304b. For example, the remote control device 302 can send a pass command 324 to change the state of the lighting device 304a. The lighting device 304a can then turn on and send a status update message 326 to the remote control device 302.

[0175] For example, remote control device 302 may send status query messages 320, 330 requesting a response from a lighting device in another state, such as an on state. Status query messages 320, 330 may be sent as initial messages (e.g., after waking from a sleep state) after recognizing user interface events (e.g., actuation, rotation, finger swipe, etc.) and / or proximity sensing events (e.g., sensing circuitry detecting an occupant near remote control device 116). Status query messages 320, 330 may be multicast messages or individual unicast messages that can be received by lighting devices 304a, 304b associated with remote control device 302.

[0176] like Figure 3C As shown, when lighting device 304b is in the ON state, lighting device 304b can respond with a status message 332 indicating that lighting device 304b is in the ON state. Status message 332 can identify that lighting device 304b is in the ON state, or the sending of status message 332 itself can indicate that lighting device 304b is in the ON state. When lighting device 304a is in the OFF state, lighting device 304a may not respond to status query message 330.

[0177] The remote control device 302 can receive a response to the status query message 330 from the lighting device 304b and determine that at least one lighting device is in the on state. If the remote control device 302 determines that either of the lighting devices 304a or 304b is in the on state, the remote control device 302 can be configured to send a default switching message, such as a disconnect command 334. The disconnect command 334 can be sent as a multicast message received by the lighting devices 304a or 304b or as a separate unicast message.

[0178] The remote control device 302 can receive a response to the status query message 330 from the lighting device 304b and identify that a response has not yet been received from the lighting device 304a. The remote control device 302 can assume that the lighting devices 304a and 304b are out of sync based on the absence of a response from the lighting device 304b and the absence of a response from the lighting device 304a. The remote control device 302 can determine the control commands to be sent to the lighting devices 304a and 304b based on the responses from the lighting devices 304a and 304b and / or the absence of a response from the lighting devices 304a and 304b. For example, the remote control device 302 can send a disconnect command 336 to change the state of the lighting device 304b. The lighting device 304b can then turn on and send a status update message 336 to the remote control device 302.

[0179] The control commands in the disconnect command 322 and the on command 332 can be default commands sent when the lighting devices are out of sync, or the control commands can be dynamically determined based on the response to or absence of status query messages 320, 330. Although the disconnect command 322 and the on command 332 are provided as examples, other control commands, such as intensity level, color, etc., can be provided for synchronization.

[0180] Figure 3D An example message flow is described for querying the current state (e.g., intensity level) of a lighting device in response to actuation of an intensity adjustment actuator (e.g., rotary section 118) and generating a lighting control command in response to the identified state. Figure 3D As shown, the remote control device 302 can send a status query message 340 to identify the intensity level of lighting devices such as lighting devices 304a, 304b. The status query message 340 can be sent as an initial message (e.g., after waking from a sleep state) after identifying a user interface event (e.g., actuation, rotation, finger swipe, etc.) and / or a proximity sensing event (e.g., the sensing circuit detects an occupant near the remote control device 116). The status query message 340 can be sent as a multicast message received by lighting devices 304a, 304b or as a separate unicast message.

[0181] The remote control device 302 can determine the control commands to be sent to the lighting devices 304a and 304b based on the status of one of the lighting devices 304a and 304b. For example, the remote control device 302 can determine the control commands to be sent to the lighting devices 304a and 304b based on the status of the first lighting device that responded to the status query message 306 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 3D The status determination of the lighting device 304a) shown is used for control commands sent to the lighting devices 304a and 304b. The remote control device 302 can control the intensity level of the two lighting devices 304a and 304b by sending commands to switch to the status of the main lighting device or the first lighting device to be responded to, or it can switch other lighting devices to synchronize the status of the other devices with the status of the main lighting device or the first lighting device to be responded to.

[0182] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a system flowchart depicting an example message flow for transmitting digital messages in a load control system in which hub device 406 is implemented as a master device. For example, while hub device 406 can be implemented as a master device, another master device, such as one of lighting devices 404a or 404b, can be similarly implemented. Remote control device 402 can communicate with hub device 406 to send commands in response to user interface events and / or received feedback. Figure 4AAs shown, the remote control device 402 can recognize user interface events that trigger the switching command 408 (e.g., actuation, rotation, finger swipe, etc.), but can also transmit other commands. The hub device 406 can receive the switching command 408 and determine the control instructions to be sent to the lighting devices 404a, 404b associated with the remote control device 402 to perform load control.

[0183] Hub device 406 can operate as a master device, maintaining the current state of lighting devices 404a and 404b and sending commands for performing control based on the current state of lighting devices 404a and 404b. For example, in response to switching command 408, hub device 406 can recognize that lighting devices 404a and 404b are both in the ON state and send a OFF command 410 to change the state of lighting devices 404a and 404b. The OFF command 410 can be sent to lighting devices 404a and 404b as a multicast message or a separate unicast message.

[0184] Lighting devices 404a and 404b can send corresponding status update messages 414 and 416 to hub device 406 to indicate a change in status in response to disconnect command 410 and / or disconnect command 412. Hub device 406 can store the updated status of lighting devices 404a and 404b for future reference in generating control commands and / or providing feedback to remote control device 402. Hub device 406 can send feedback message 418 to remote control device 402 to identify the updated status of lighting devices 404a and 404b. Remote control device 402 can provide feedback to the user on status indicator 403 to indicate the updated status of lighting devices 404a and 404b indicated in feedback message 418.

[0185] like Figure 4B As shown, remote control device 402 can recognize the user interface event that triggers the switching command 420 sent to hub device 406, but can also transmit other commands. In response to switching command 408, hub device 406 can determine that lighting devices 404a and 404b are out of sync and synchronize them. Hub device 406 can recognize that lighting device 404a is in an off state and lighting device 404b is in an on state and can send a synchronization message to lighting devices 404a and 404b. When lighting devices 404a and 404b are determined to be out of sync, the synchronization message may include a default switching command, such as an off command 422 or an on command. When lighting devices 404a and 404b are determined to be out of sync, the hub device can also, or alternatively, dynamically generate other lighting control commands. The off command 422 can be sent to lighting devices 404a and 404b as a multicast message or a separate unicast message.

[0186] Lighting device 404b can send a status update message 426 to hub device 406 to indicate a change in status in response to disconnect command 422 and / or disconnect command 424. Because lighting device 404a may already be in a disconnected state, sending a status update message can be omitted to prevent additional traffic from being transmitted in the load control system. Hub device 406 can store the updated status of lighting device 404b for future reference in generating control commands and / or providing feedback to remote control device 402. Hub device 406 can send a feedback message 428 to remote control device 402 to identify the updated status of lighting devices 404a and 404b. Remote control device 402 can provide feedback to the user on status indicator 403 to indicate the updated status of lighting devices 404a and 404b as indicated in feedback message 428.

[0187] Figure 5A This is a flowchart depicting an example method 500 for controlling (e.g., synchronizing and / or switching) lighting equipment in a load control system. Method 500 can be performed at one or more devices in the load control system. For example, method 500 or portions thereof can be performed at a remote control device, another controller device, a hub device, a master device, and / or another computing device. Method 500 can be performed by a remote control device (e.g., remote control device 116) to query the current state of the lighting equipment in response to actuation of a switching actuator (e.g., actuation unit 117 of remote control device 116) and in response to an identified state (e.g., such as...). Figure 3A The lighting control command is generated based on the identified status of all lighting devices shown in the diagram.

[0188] like Figure 5A As shown, method 500 can be performed periodically and / or in response to actuation of an actuator (e.g., actuation unit 117) at 502. At 504, a determination can be made regarding whether a switching event has been identified. A switching event can be identified at the remote control device upon actuation of a button on or on a part of the remote control device (e.g., actuation unit 117 of the remote control device 116) or upon execution of another switching event at the remote controller. The switching event can be detected at the remote control device or another device as described herein. If no switching event is identified at 504, method 500 can terminate at 514.

[0189] If a switching event is identified at 504, a digital message can be sent at 506 to one or all lighting devices requesting the current on / off state. The request can be sent to each lighting device as a multicast message or a separate unicast message. The lighting device can return its current on / off state, which can be stored locally thereon.

[0190] At point 508, a determination can be made regarding whether the on / off states of the lighting equipment are consistent. If the on / off states of the lighting equipment group are consistent, a digital message for switching the on / off states of the lighting equipment group can be sent at point 510. The digital message may include a switching command, an "on" command, or an "off" command to instruct the lighting equipment to switch its local on / off state. An "on" command may be sent in response to an "off" state at a lighting equipment. A "off" command may be sent in response to an "on" state at a lighting equipment. The digital message for switching the on / off states of the lighting equipment can be sent as a multicast command to the lighting equipment group or as a separate unicast message to each of the lighting equipment.

[0191] If the on / off states across a group of lighting devices are determined to be inconsistent at point 508, a synchronization message can be sent at point 510 to a subset of lighting devices that are out of sync with the others. The synchronization message can be sent as a multicast message indicating the on / off state of the lighting devices identified for responding to a command. For example, the synchronization message can instruct lighting devices in the "on" state to turn "off". The synchronization message can instruct lighting devices in the "off" state to turn "on". The synchronization message can be sent as a unicast message to each of the lighting devices to be synchronized. The command to change the on / off state of the out-of-sync lighting devices can be an "on" command, an "off" command, or a toggle command (e.g., in a unicast message or in a multicast message identifying the type of device to respond to). A determination can be made regarding the subset of lighting devices to be switched for synchronization (e.g., lighting devices in the "on" state or lighting devices in the "off" state). Synchronization messages can be sent to a smaller subset of lighting devices whose on / off states will be changed. This can be used to configure default settings at devices that are configured to send synchronization messages to "turn off" or "turn on" a subset of lighting devices using synchronization information. After synchronizing the on / off states of the lighting device group at 510, method 500 can exit at 514.

[0192] If the on / off state across the lighting device group is determined to be consistent at 508, a digital message can be sent at 512 to switch the synchronized lighting devices in that group before exiting method 500 at 514. After exiting method 500 at 514, the remote control device or other battery-powered device can enter sleep mode. Recognizing the switching event at 504 can wake the remote control device or other battery-powered device from sleep mode or keep it awake for a period of time.

[0193] Figure 5BThis is a flowchart depicting an example method 550 for controlling lighting equipment (e.g., synchronizing, switching, and / or adjusting the intensity of lighting equipment) in a load control system. Method 550 can be performed at one or more devices in the load control system. For example, method 550 or portions thereof can be performed at a remote control device, another controller device, a hub device, a master device, and / or another computing device. Method 550 can be performed by a remote control device (e.g., remote control device 116) to query the current state of the lighting equipment in response to actuation of an actuator (e.g., actuation section 117 and / or rotation section 118 of remote control device 116) and to generate a lighting control command in response to the identified state. For example, remote control device 116 can be configured to respond to an identified on / off state (e.g., as indicated by a response received from the remote control device) of a first lighting equipment. Figure 3B and 3C (as shown) or in response to a response received by a remote control device from a first lighting device, the intensity of which is identified (e.g., as shown) Figure 3D (as shown in the diagram) to generate lighting control commands.

[0194] like Figure 5B As shown, at 552, method 550 can be performed periodically and / or in response to actuation of an actuator (e.g., actuator 117 or rotating part 118). At 554, a digital message (e.g., a query message) can be sent to a group or all lighting devices requesting the current state of the lighting devices. The query message can be sent to each of the lighting devices as a multicast message or a separate unicast message. The lighting devices can return their current on / off state, which can be stored locally thereon. If a timeout occurs at 558 before a response to the query message is received at 556, one or more of the lighting devices can be marked as "missing" at 559. For example, at 559, status indicator 119 can be illuminated (e.g., flashed or controlled to provide animation). Method 550 can end at 580.

[0195] When a response to a query message is received at 556 (e.g., a first response to a query message is received), a determination can be made at 560 regarding whether a switching actuation (e.g., a switching event) has occurred. Switching actuation can be identified at the remote control device upon actuation of a button on or on a part of the remote control device (e.g., actuation unit 117 of remote control device 116) or upon execution of another switching event at the remote controller. Switching actuation can be detected at the remote control device or another device as described herein. If switching actuation is identified at 560 and the on / off state included in the response to the query at 562 is on, a digital message including a "off" command can be sent at 564, and the method can end at 580. If the on / off state included in the response to the query at 562 is off, a digital message including a "on" command can be sent at 566, and the method can end at 580. Digital messages containing “on” and “off” commands can be sent as multicast commands to a group of lighting devices, or as individual unicast messages to each lighting device.

[0196] If no switching event is identified at 560, a determination regarding whether an increase actuation has occurred can be made at 568. An increase actuation can be identified at the remote control device when an actuation of an intensity adjustment actuator (e.g., the rotary unit 118 of the remote control device 116) is performed on a part of the remote control device and / or on it, or when another actuation of the intensity adjustment actuator is performed at the remote control device. An increase actuation (e.g., clockwise rotation of the rotary unit 118) can be detected at the remote control device or another device as described herein. If an increase actuation is identified at 568, a digital message including a "move-to-off" command can be sent at 570. The digital message including the "move-to-off" command can be sent as a multicast command to the lighting device group or as a separate unicast message to each of the lighting devices. The "move-to-off" command can cause all lighting devices to switch to an intensity level included in the response to a query plus an offset that may depend on the amount of rotation of the rotary unit 118. The intensity level of the lighting equipment can be stored at 570 in the "Move to Level" command (e.g., including the intensity level in the response to the query plus an offset). Additionally, the status indicator 119 can be illuminated at 570 to indicate the current intensity level of the lighting equipment.

[0197] If the actuation at 572 is a continuous actuation, another digital message including a "Move to Level" command can be sent at 570. The "Move to Level" command causes all lighting fixtures to switch to the current intensity level plus an offset that may depend on the amount of continuous rotation of the rotating unit 118. At 570, the current intensity level of the lighting fixtures can be updated again, and the status indicator 119 can be illuminated to indicate the current intensity level (e.g., to track the current intensity level). If the actuation at 572 is not a continuous actuation (e.g., when the rotation of the rotating unit 118 has ended), then method 550 can end at 580.

[0198] If no increase event is identified at 568, a determination can be made at 574 regarding whether a decrease actuation has occurred. A decrease actuation can be identified at the remote control device when the actuation of an intensity adjustment actuator (e.g., the rotation section 118 of the remote control device 116) is performed on a part of the remote control device and / or on it, or when another actuation of the intensity adjustment actuator is performed at the remote control device. A decrease actuation (e.g., counter-clockwise rotation of the rotation section 118) can be detected at the remote control device or another device as described herein. If a decrease actuation is identified at 574, a digital message including a "Move to Level" command can be sent at 576. The digital message including the "Move to Off" command can be sent as a multicast command to the lighting device group or as a separate unicast message to each of the lighting devices. The "Move to Level" command causes all lighting devices to turn to the intensity level included in the response to the query, minus an offset that may depend on the amount of rotation of the rotation section 118. The intensity level of the lighting equipment can be stored at 576 in the "Move to Level" command (e.g., the intensity level minus the offset included in the response to the query). Additionally, a status indicator 119 can be illuminated at 576 to indicate the current intensity level of the lighting equipment.

[0199] If the reduction actuation at 578 is a continuous reduction actuation, another digital message including a "Move to Level" command can be sent at 570. The "Move to Level" command causes all lighting fixtures to switch to the current intensity level minus an offset that may depend on the continuous rotation amount of the rotating unit 118. At 576, the current intensity level of the lighting fixtures can be updated again, and the status indicator 119 can be illuminated to indicate the current intensity level (e.g., to track the current intensity level). If the reduction actuation at 578 is not a continuous reduction actuation (e.g., when the rotation of the rotating unit 118 has ended), then method 550 can end at 580.

[0200] Figure 6This is a flowchart depicting an example method 600 for controlling (e.g., synchronizing and / or switching) lighting equipment in a load control system. Method 600 can be performed at one or more devices in the load control system. For example, method 600 or portions thereof can be performed at one or more lighting devices, hub devices, master devices, and / or other load control devices. Method 600 can be performed by lighting devices (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122) to respond to queries regarding their current state and to control on / off states (e.g., as per commands) in response to commands. Figures 3A-3C (as shown in the image).

[0201] like Figure 6 As shown, method 600 can be performed periodically and / or in response to receiving a digital message at 602. At 604, a determination can be made regarding whether a digital message requesting the local on / off status of the lighting device has been received. Requests for local on / off status can be received from a controller device such as a remote control device or a hub device. If no digital message is received at 604, the method can proceed to 614. If a digital message is received at 604, the local on / off status of the lighting device can be identified at 606. At 608, the local on / off status can be sent in response to the request.

[0202] At 610, a determination can be made regarding whether a synchronization message has been received. A synchronization message can be received from a controller device, such as a remote control device or a hub device, in response to the local on / off state of the lighting equipment. If a synchronization message is received at 610, the on / off state of the lighting equipment can be switched at 612, and method 600 can end at 618. The synchronization message may include a switching command, an "on" command, or an "off" command instructing the lighting equipment to switch its local on / off state.

[0203] If no synchronization message is received at 610, a determination can be made at 614 regarding whether a digital message for switching the local on / off state of the lighting equipment has been received. If a digital message for switching the local on / off state of the lighting equipment has been received at 614, the on / off state of the lighting load can be switched at 616, and the method can end at 618. If a digital message for switching the local on / off state of the lighting equipment has not been received at 614, method 600 can end at 618.

[0204] Figure 7This is a flowchart depicting an example method 700 for controlling (e.g., synchronizing and / or switching) lighting equipment in a load control system. Method 700 can be performed at one or more devices in the load control system. For example, method 700 or portions thereof can be performed at a remote control device, another controller device, a hub device, a master device, and / or another computing device. Method 700 can be performed by a remote control device (e.g., remote control device 116) to generate lighting control commands (e.g., such as...) using pre-stored on / off states in response to actuation of a switching actuator (e.g., actuation unit 117 of remote control device 116). Figure 2A and Figure 2B (as shown in the image).

[0205] like Figure 7 As shown, method 700 can be performed periodically and / or in response to actuation of an actuator (e.g., actuator 117) at 702. At 704, a determination can be made regarding whether a switching event has been identified. The switching event can be detected at a remote control device or another device as described herein. If no switching event is identified at 704, method 700 can terminate at 714. A switching event can wake a device, such as a battery-powered remote control device or other battery-powered device, from sleep mode. The device can enter sleep mode after a predefined period of time has expired without receiving switching events or other user events on the device.

[0206] If a switching event is identified at 704, a digital message can be sent to the group of lighting devices at 706. The digital message can be sent to each of the lighting devices as a multicast message or a separate unicast message. The digital message may include an "on" command or an "off" command. The "on" or "off" command may be a pre-stored command stored at the sending device. For example, the next state command (e.g., an "on" command or an "off" command) can be maintained in the storage device of the controller device so that it can be sent in response to the identification of the next switching event.

[0207] At 708, a determination can be made regarding whether a status update message has been received from the lighting device. A status update message can be received from a lighting device that updates its on / off status in response to an "On" command or a "On" command. A status update message can be received in response to a command sent at 706 or a subsequent polling request. Polling requests for the current on / off status can be sent intermittently within a predefined time period after a command is sent at 706. If a status update message is not received at 708 (e.g., after a predefined time period), an on / off command opposite to the pre-stored command can be sent at 710. For example, if the pre-stored command sent at 706 is an "On" command, an "Off" command can be sent at 710, or vice versa. An opposite on / off command can be sent at 710 to toggle the on / off status of the lighting device, since the on / off status of the lighting device can remain unchanged in response to a previous digital message sent at 706. Because a status update message was not received at 708, the lighting device may already be in the state indicated in the command. Method 700 can end at 714.

[0208] If a status update message is received at 708 (e.g., within a predefined time period), it can be determined that the lighting equipment has been switched. A pre-stored on / off command sent at 706 can act as a synchronization message to change the on / off state of a subset of lighting equipment, while other lighting equipment may already be in the state indicated in the command. In another example, a digital message sent at 706 can switch the entire group of lighting equipment. When lighting equipment in the group has changed its on / off state in response to a pre-stored command, another on / off command can be generated and pre-stored at 712, and the method can end at 714. A pre-stored command can be reversed from a prior on / off command sent to at least a subset of lighting equipment. A pre-stored command can be the opposite on / off command of a pre-stored command sent at 706. A pre-stored command can be the same command sent at 706 (e.g., when the opposite on / off command has already been sent at 710). A pre-stored command can be stored as expected while the lighting equipment remains in the same on / off state until the next command is sent from the device. In the example, devices such as battery-powered remote control devices or other battery-powered devices can pre-store on / off commands before entering sleep mode and send the pre-stored commands when a toggle event is recognized at 704.

[0209] Figure 8This is a flowchart depicting an example method 800 for controlling (e.g., synchronizing and / or switching) lighting equipment in a load control system. Method 800 can be performed at one or more devices in the load control system. For example, method 800 or portions thereof can be performed at a remote control device, another controller device, a hub device, and / or another computing device. Method 800 can be performed by a remote control device (e.g., remote control device 116) to generate lighting control commands (e.g., such as...) using a default on / off state in response to the actuation of a switching actuator (e.g., the actuation unit 117 of remote control device 116). Figure 2A and Figure 2B (as shown in the image).

[0210] like Figure 8 As shown, method 800 can be performed periodically and / or in response to actuation of an actuator (e.g., actuator 117) at 802. At 804, a determination can be made regarding whether a switching event has been identified. The switching event can be detected at a remote control device or another device as described herein. If no switching event is identified at 804 (e.g., after a predefined time period), method 800 can terminate at 812. A switching event can wake a device, such as a battery-powered remote control device or other battery-powered device, from sleep mode. The device can enter sleep mode after a predefined time period has expired without receiving a switching event or other user event on the device.

[0211] If a switching event is identified at 804, a digital message can be sent to the group of lighting devices at 806. The digital message can be sent as a multicast message or a separate unicast message to each of the lighting devices. The digital message may include an "on" command or an "off" command. The command can be a default "on" command or a default "off" command that can be sent in response to the identification of each switching event. For example, default state commands (e.g., "on" command or "off" command) can be maintained in storage for transmission in response to the identification of each switching event (e.g., upon waking from sleep mode).

[0212] At 808, a determination can be made regarding whether a status update message has been received from the lighting device. A status update message can be received from a lighting device that updates its on / off status in response to an "On" or "Off" command. A status update message can be received in response to a command sent at 806 or a subsequent polling request. Polling requests for the current on / off status can be sent intermittently within a predefined time period after a command is sent at 806. If a status update message is not received at 808 (e.g., after a predefined time period), an on / off command opposite to the default command can be sent at 810, and method 800 can end at 812. For example, if the default command sent at 806 is an "On" command, an "Off" command can be sent at 810, or vice versa. An opposite on / off command can be sent at 810 to cause a change in the on / off status of the lighting device, since the on / off status of the lighting device can remain unchanged in response to a previous digital message sent at 806. Because a status update message was not received at 808, the lighting device may already be in the state indicated in the command. If a status update message is received at 808 (e.g., within a predefined time period), method 800 can end at 812. If no switching event is recognized at 804, the device can enter sleep mode and method 800 can end at 812.

[0213] Figure 9 This is a flowchart depicting an example method 900 for controlling (e.g., synchronizing and switching) lighting devices and / or sending status update messages in a load control system. Method 900 can be performed at one or more devices in the load control system. For example, method 900 or portions thereof can be performed at one or more lighting devices, hub devices, and / or other load control devices. Method 900 can be performed by lighting devices (e.g., lighting devices 112a, 112b, 122) to control on / off states in response to commands and to send status update messages (e.g., such as...). Figure 2A-2B (as shown in the image).

[0214] like Figure 9As shown, method 900 can be performed periodically and / or in response to receiving a digital message at 902. At 904, a determination can be made regarding whether a digital message including an on / off command (e.g., an "on" command or an "off" command) for the lighting device has been received. The on / off command can be received from a control device such as a remote control device or a hub device. If no message is received at 904, the method can end at 916. If a digital message is received at 904, the local on / off state of the lighting device can be identified at 906. At 908, the local on / off state can be compared with the on / off command to determine whether the local on / off state matches the state indicated in the on / off command. If the local on / off state matches the state indicated in the on / off command, method 900 can end at 916. If the local on / off state fails to match the state indicated in the on / off command, the on / off state at the lighting device can be switched at 910.

[0215] At 912, it can be determined whether the transmitting device that received the digital message from it at 904 is subscribed to receive status update messages. The lighting device may have stored a list of identifiers of devices that are subscribed to receive status update messages. If the transmitting device is subscribed to status update messages, a status update message can be sent at 914 to the device that received the digital message from it at 904 (e.g., via unicast message). The status update message can be sent at 914 in response to a polling request or without receiving a polling request. Method 900 can end at 916.

[0216] Figure 10 This is a flowchart depicting an example method 1000 for synchronizing and / or switching lighting equipment in a load control system. Method 1000 can be performed at one or more devices in the load control system. For example, method 1000 or a portion thereof can be performed at a hub device and / or another master device. The other master device can be a remote control device, lighting equipment, another control device, and / or another computing device.

[0217] like Figure 10As shown, method 1000 can be performed periodically and / or in response to receiving a digital message at 1002. At 1006, a determination can be made regarding whether there has been a change in the on / off state of the lighting equipment. At 1006, a state change can be identified when a digital message is transmitted between control devices (e.g., such as a remote control device and the lighting equipment). The digital message can be relayed via a hub device or other master device. The hub device or other master device can listen for digital messages that are otherwise transmitted in the load control system (e.g., directly between control devices or otherwise). The hub device or other master device can subscribe to and / or receive state update messages from lighting equipment that has changed its on / off state, which makes it possible to identify the updated on / off state from associated devices identified by the hub device or other device or from unassociated devices that may not be identified by the hub device or other master device. Hub devices or other master devices can also query the lighting equipment for its current on / off status or determine the current on / off status by listening to messages transmitted between control devices in the load control system. The query message can be sent as a multicast message or a separate unicast message to each of the lighting equipment.

[0218] If a change in the on / off state of a lighting device is detected at 1006, the updated on / off state can be maintained at 1008. A subset of lighting devices (e.g., one or more) can be switched. Switching on a subset of lighting devices can be performed by a control device not shared by a group of lighting devices that can be controlled by a common control device. A hub device or other master device may have stored on it the associated control devices for the group of lighting devices and / or the associated control devices for a subset of lighting devices. For example, a group of lighting devices may be associated with a common remote control device, while a subset of that group may be associated with another remote control device or network device. A subset of lighting devices can be switched out of sync with other lighting devices in the group. The hub device or other master device can maintain the on / off state of each lighting device in the group and can be aware of any out-of-sync devices.

[0219] At point 1010, a determination can be made regarding whether an indication of a switching event has been received. Control devices, such as remote control devices, can recognize the switching event and can send digital messages to hub devices or other master devices. Digital messages may include a switching command, an "on" command, an "off" command, or another indication of a switching event. If no indication of a switching event is received at point 1010, method 1000 can terminate at point 1020.

[0220] If a switching event indication is received at 1010, the on / off state of the lighting equipment can be identified (e.g., retrieved from memory) at 1012. A hub device or other master device can perform a lookup in memory for the on / off state of each of the lighting equipment associated with the control device from which the switching event indication was received. At 1014, a determination can be made regarding whether the on / off states of the lighting equipment are consistent. If the on / off states of the lighting equipment group are consistent, a digital message for switching the on / off state of the lighting equipment group can be sent at 1018, and method 1000 can end at 1020. The message may include a switching command or an "on" command or an "off" command to instruct the lighting equipment associated with the control device from which the switching event indication was received to switch its local on / off state. An "on" command can be sent in response to an "off" state at a lighting equipment. An "off" command can be sent in response to an "on" state at a lighting equipment. The digital message for switching the on / off state of the lighting equipment can be sent as a multicast command to the lighting equipment group or as a separate unicast message to each of the lighting equipment.

[0221] If the on / off states across the entire lighting device group are determined to be inconsistent at point 1014, a synchronization message can be sent at point 1016 to a subset of lighting devices that are out of sync with the others, and method 1000 can terminate at point 1020. The synchronization message can be sent as a multicast message indicating the on / off state of the lighting device identified for responding to a command. For example, the synchronization message can indicate that a lighting device in the "on" state is "off". The synchronization message can also indicate that a lighting device in the "off" state is "on". The synchronization message can be sent as a unicast message to each of the lighting devices to be synchronized. A hub device or other master device can send unicast messages to each of the lighting devices associated with a control device that receives an indication of a switching event from it and has an on / off state determined to be out of sync. The command for changing the on / off state of the out-of-sync lighting devices can be an "on" command, an "off" command, or a switching command (e.g., in a unicast message or in a multicast message identifying the type of device to respond to).

[0222] The determination of the subset of lighting devices (e.g., those in an "on" state or an "off" state) to be switched for synchronization can be made by the hub device or other master device. Synchronization messages can be sent to the subset of lighting devices whose on / off state will be changed, which has a smaller number of devices. Default settings can be configured on devices configured to send synchronization messages to "turn off" or "turn on" the subset of lighting devices using synchronization messages.

[0223] A response to a synchronization message can be a status update message. A lighting device that changes its on / off state in response to an "On" or "Off" command can send a status update message to a hub device or other master device to indicate the change. A hub device or other master device can subscribe to receive status update messages at associated lighting devices. A hub device or other master device can receive status update messages from lighting devices that change their state in response to a received "On" or "Off" command. A lighting device that fails to change its on / off state in response to a command from a hub device or other master device may not respond. A hub device or other master device can store the updated state and / or acknowledge the state of unresponsive devices. Alternatively, a hub device or other master device may store the updated state of the lighting device after sending a command.

[0224] Figure 11A-11D A front view of a remote control device 1102 with a status indicator 1103 is shown, which can be illuminated to provide feedback as described herein. Figure 11A As shown, the remote control device 1102 can be configured to provide feedback after the remote control device 1102 has been activated. For example, the remote control device 1102 can be configured to provide feedback when a user is detected near the control device and / or when a user interface event is detected on the user interface of the remote control device 1102. The user interface event can be the actuation of the actuator 1104 or the rotation of the rotating part 1106. The feedback can indicate that the remote control device 1102 is transmitting a wireless communication signal (e.g., an RF signal) in response to activation. The remote control device 1102 can keep the status indicator 1103 illuminated for the duration of the event that triggers the feedback (e.g., while the rotating part 1106 is being rotated). The remote control device 1102 can be configured to continue illuminating the status indicator 1103 for a few seconds (e.g., 1-2 seconds) after the event, and then turn off the status indicator 1103 to conserve battery life.

[0225] The status indicator 1103 may not be illuminated (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 11A (As shown in the diagram) to provide feedback on the interruption of the associated load control device. The LED in the status indicator 1103 can be switched on to full intensity (e.g., as shown in the diagram) when the associated load control device is switched on or when a user interface event is detected. Figure 11B(As shown). For example, the load control device can be switched on in response to a switching event identified by actuating the actuator 1104 or rotating the rotating part 1106. The LED in the status indicator 1103 can be switched on to full intensity to reflect the intensity level of the load controlled by the load control device. For example, the status indicator 1103 can reflect the high dimming level of a lamp, the fully open or fully closed position of a curtain, the full volume level of an audio device, the full speed of a fan, etc. When the actuator 1104 is pressed, the status indicator 1103 can... Figure 11A and 11B The two states shown flash between them to provide feedback that the actuator 1104 is pressed and the remote control device 1102 is working.

[0226] When the rotating part 1106 is being rotated, the status indicator 1103 can be illuminated to provide feedback in different ways (e.g., different intensities and / or colors). For example, as Figure 11A As shown, the status indicator 1103 can be fully illuminated and maintained at the maximum light bar intensity L when the rotating part 1106 is being rotated clockwise or counterclockwise (e.g., to increase or decrease the intensity of the lighting load, shielding level, fan speed, volume, etc.). LB-MAX (For example, 100%) to provide simple feedback. Figure 11C Another example shown is that, for instance, the status indicator 1103 can be illuminated to a level less than the maximum light bar intensity L while the rotating part 1106 is being rotated clockwise (e.g., to increase the intensity of the lighting load, shielding level, fan speed, volume, etc.). LB-MAX First intermediate grade light strip strength L LB-MIDI (For example, 80%), to provide simple feedback that the rotating part 1106 is being rotated. Figure 11D As shown, for example, the status indicator 1103 can be illuminated to a level less than the first intermediate level light bar intensity L when the rotating part 1106 is being rotated counterclockwise (e.g., to reduce the intensity of the lighting load, the shielding level, the volume, etc.). LB-MIDI (and therefore less than the maximum light bar intensity L) LB-MAX The second intermediate grade light strip intensity L) LB-MID2 (For example, 40%), to provide simple feedback that the rotating part 1106 is being rotated.

[0227] Similarly, different colors can be used to illuminate the status indicator 1103 to indicate the status of different user inputs and / or electrical loads or load control devices. For example, different colors can be used to illuminate the status indicator 1103 to indicate that the intensity of the lighting load is being increased or decreased, the shielding level is being increased or decreased, and / or the volume level is being increased or decreased. The status indicator 1103 can be illuminated in red when the lighting intensity is being increased, and in blue when the lighting intensity is being decreased.

[0228] The status indicator 1103 can be illuminated in response to the actuation of the actuator 1104 to indicate that the electrical load is being switched on or off. For example, the status indicator 1103 can be illuminated to display an animation (e.g., a heartbeat animation) when the lighting load is being switched on or off to provide simple feedback that the actuator 1104 has been actuated. Figure 12 An example graph showing the intensity of state indicator 1103 relative to time is provided for animation generation. For example, the intensity of state indicator 1103 can be rapidly increased to a first intensity 1202 (e.g., as...). Figure 11C The first intermediate grade light bar intensity L shown LB-MIDI ), rapidly decreasing to the second intensity 1204 (e.g., as Figure 11D The second intermediate grade light bar intensity L shown LB-MID2 ), rapidly increasing to the third intensity 1206 (e.g., as Figure 11B The maximum light bar intensity L shown LB-MAX Then quickly turn it off. When the remote control device 1102 is operating in spin-to-off mode, the status indicator 1103 can be illuminated to display an animation (e.g., a heartbeat animation described herein) when the intensity of the lighting load reaches its minimum and is being turned off.

[0229] The status indicator 1103 can be illuminated to further indicate the amount of power supplied to the electrical load. For example, instead of illuminating the entire light bar of the status indicator 1103, the remote control device 1102 can illuminate a portion of the status indicator 1103 and adjust the length of the illuminated portion according to control applied by the user. For example, when the light bar of the status indicator 1103 is configured to have a circular shape, the illuminated portion can expand or contract around the circumference of the light bar in response to user interface events and / or adjustments to the status of the electrical load. The remote control device 1102 can adjust the intensity of the LEDs at the endpoints of the illuminated portion of the status indicator 1103 to provide adjustment of the endpoints of the illuminated portion as described in more detail herein.

[0230] The remote control device 1102 can be configured to illuminate multiple portions of the status indicator 1103 to provide feedback. Multiple portions can be illuminated to provide different forms of animation on the status indicator 1103. For example, as... Figure 13 As shown, segments of the status indicator 1103 (e.g., having one or more LEDs to illuminate each segment) can be illuminated for a predefined time period under each illumination configuration, and animation can change from one illumination configuration to the next at a constant rate while the rotating part 1106 is being rotated (e.g., to obtain simple feedback). Segments can be illuminated to indicate the direction of rotation of the rotating part 1106 or a change in the state of the electrical load. This can be achieved through... Figure 13 The illumination configuration shown illuminates segments from left to right (e.g., such that the segments move upwards from the bottom to the top of the status indicator 1103) to indicate an increase in the intensity of the lighting load, masking level, volume, etc. The animation can be repeated as long as the rotating part 1106 is rotating. This can be achieved through... Figure 13 The illumination configuration shown illuminates segments from right to left (e.g., such that the segments move downwards from the top to the bottom of the status indicator 1103) to indicate a decrease in the intensity of the lighting load, the level of shielding, the fan speed, the volume, etc. The segments can be iterated in a predefined sequence to display an animation, and the sequence can be repeated to indicate the rotation of the rotating part 1106 and / or the continuous state change of the electrical load. While a certain number of segments are shown, another number of segments and / or colors can be illuminated.

[0231] Figure 14 Another example animation is shown that can be displayed via the status indicator 1103 of the remote control device 1102. (See example animation.) Figure 14 As shown, a single segment of the status indicator 1103 (e.g., having one or more LEDs to illuminate the segment) can be illuminated for a predefined time period under each illumination configuration, and the animation can change from one illumination configuration to the next at a constant rate while the rotating part 1106 is being rotated (e.g., to obtain simple feedback). A single segment can be illuminated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to indicate the rotation direction of the rotating part 1106 or a change in the state of the electrical load. A single segment can be illuminated during clockwise movement to indicate an increase in the intensity, shielding level, fan speed, volume, etc., of the lighting load (e.g., while the rotating part 1106 is rotated clockwise to increase the intensity). A single segment can be illuminated during counterclockwise movement to indicate a decrease in the intensity, shielding level, fan speed, volume, etc., of the lighting load (e.g., while the rotating part 1106 is rotated counterclockwise to decrease the intensity). The single segment can be iterated according to a predefined sequence to display the animation, and the sequence can be repeated to indicate the rotation of the rotating part 1106 and / or the continuous change in the state of the electrical load. Although a single segment is shown, another number of segments and / or colors can be illuminated.

[0232] Like Figure 14 As shown, a single segment of the status indicator 1103 is illuminated to provide simple feedback in response to actuation of the actuator 1104. For example, it can be... Figure 14 The lighting configuration shown is a single segment of the lighting status indicator 1103 within a predefined time period, and the animation can change from one lighting configuration to the next at a rate that increases with time in response to the actuation of the actuator 1104 to turn on an electrical load (e.g., such as a ceiling fan) and at a rate that decreases with time in response to the actuation of the actuator 1104 to turn off an electrical load.

[0233] Figure 15 Another example animation is shown that can be displayed via the status indicator 1103 of the remote control device 1102. (See example animation.) Figure 15 As shown, a segment of the status indicator 1103, including one or more LEDs, can be illuminated from left to right, or vice versa. The segment of the status indicator 1103 can be illuminated from side to side in response to rotation of the rotating part 1106, actuation of the actuating part 1104, and / or the state of the electrical load. For example, a segment of the status indicator 1103 can be illuminated from left to right to provide simple feedback indicating actuation of the actuating part 1104 to play a song on an audio device, or that a song is currently playing on the audio device. Alternatively, the segment can be illuminated from left to right to indicate fan speed (e.g., edge-to-edge illumination increases with increasing fan speed and decreases with decreasing fan speed).

[0234] Figure 15 The animation shown can begin as a single segment on the left or right side of the status indicator 1103. The single segment can be illuminated for a predefined time period and divided into two segments that move to opposite sides of the status indicator 1103. Each pair of segments can be illuminated together for a predefined time period before the next segment is illuminated. The two segments can then appear together as a single segment on opposite sides of the status indicator 1103. Figure 15 The animation shown can repeat several times until the remote control device 1102 times out and the status indicator 1103 is turned off. The animation can also repeat as long as the state of the electrical load remains unchanged, or until the actuator 1104 is actuated or the rotating part 1106 stops rotating. Although a certain number of segments are shown, another number of segments and / or colors can be illuminated.

[0235] Figure 16 Another example animation is shown that can be displayed via the status indicator 1103 of the remote control device 1102. (See example animation.) Figure 15As shown, segments of the status indicator 1103, including one or more LEDs, can be illuminated on the left and right sides. The segments on the left and right sides of the status indicator 1103 can be illuminated together for a period of time, and then turned off for a period of time. Figure 16 The animation shown can repeat several times until the remote control device 1102 times out and turns off the status indicator 1103. The animation can also repeat until a user interface event is received on the remote control device 1102 or a state change is recognized at an electrical load controlled by the remote control device 1102. For example, the remote control device 1102 can provide [something] on the status indicator 1103. Figure 16 The animation shown provides simple feedback in response to actuation of actuator 1104 to pause music played by the audio device. Although a certain number of segments are shown, another number of segments and / or colors can be illuminated.

[0236] The remote control device 1102 can be configured to illuminate different portions of the status indicator 1103 to provide advanced feedback, such as the strength of the electrical load controlled by the remote control device 1102.

[0237] Figure 17 A front view of the remote control device 1102 is shown when the status indicator 1103 is illuminated to expand and contract in one direction to provide feedback (e.g., advanced feedback) indicating the strength of the electrical load. For example, Figure 17 The sequence shown can be used to illustrate how the intensity level increases (e.g., by...). Figure 17 The illumination configuration shown is moved from left to right) or reduced (e.g., by...). Figure 17 The intensity level of the lighting load or the volume of the audio device when the lighting configuration shown is moved from right to left.

[0238] The remote control device 1102 may include multiple light sources (e.g., LEDs) configured to illuminate the status indicator 1103. In response to an actuation by the remote control device 1102 adjusting the intensity level of a lighting load or the volume of an audio device, the remote control device 1102 may illuminate a subset of the light sources such that a portion 1105 of the status indicator 1103 is illuminated to indicate the intensity level corresponding to the actuation. The illuminated portion 1105 may be located at a starting point 1105A (e.g., at a point such as...). Figure 17The status indicator 1103 shown starts at the bottom and ends at an endpoint 1105B (e.g., along the circumference of the status indicator 1103). The length and / or intensity of the illuminated portion 1105 can indicate the intensity level of a lighting load or the volume of an audio device. A subset of the light source can be illuminated uniformly to a common intensity. Alternatively, a subset of the light source can be illuminated to different intensities. For example, the remote control device 1102 can illuminate the endpoint 1105B of the illuminated portion 1105 of the status indicator 1103 to a higher intensity than the rest of the illuminated portion and can decrease the intensity of the illuminated portion toward the starting point 1105A. For example, the illuminated portion 1105 of the status indicator 1103 can display a gradient from the brightest intensity at endpoint 1105B to the darkest intensity at the starting point 1105A. In this way, the user can still receive feedback based on the length of the illuminated portion, but less battery power can be consumed to provide feedback. Alternatively, the darkest intensity can be between endpoint 1105B and starting point 1105A.

[0239] For illustration purposes, the remote control device 1102 can be configured to increase the length of the illuminated portion 1105 when the intensity level of the lighting load or the volume of the audio device is being increased (e.g., making the endpoint 1105B of the illuminated portion resemble...). Figure 17 As shown, it moves in a clockwise direction. The remote control device 1102 can be configured to reduce the length of the illuminated portion 1105 when the intensity level of the lighting load or the volume of the audio device is being reduced (e.g., making the end point 1105B of the illuminated portion resemble...). Figure 17 (As shown, it moves counterclockwise). In this way, the illuminated portion 1105 can expand and contract as the intensity level of the lighting load or the volume of the audio device is adjusted.

[0240] The illuminated portion 1105 can gradually increase and decrease in size or step between predefined segments indicating a given intensity level. For example, the status indicator 1103 can step between illuminated segments to indicate that the current intensity of the lighting load is about 30%, about 60%, and about 90%, but the status indicator can be illuminated in any number of steps with equivalent or unequal differences. When the lighting load or volume is at full intensity level (e.g., near full intensity level), the entire status indicator 1103 can be illuminated. When the remote control device 1102 is configured to control multiple lighting loads or audio devices and set the corresponding intensity levels of the multiple loads to different values, the remote control device 1102 can be configured to illuminate the status indicator 1103 to indicate the average of the corresponding intensity levels of the loads, to indicate the intensity level of the lighting load or audio device closest to the remote control device 1102 and / or the like.

[0241] In some examples, the remote control device 1102 can be configured to adjust the intensity of the light source illuminating the endpoint 1105B of the illuminated portion 1105 to provide fine-tuning of the position of the endpoint 1105B. For example, the remote control device 1102 can adjust the intensity of the light source illuminating the endpoint 1105B between 1% and 100% to provide fine-tuning of the position of the endpoint 1105B. For illustration, the remote control device 1102 can illuminate the status indicator 1103 to indicate that the intensity level of the lighting load controlled by the remote control device 1102 or the volume of the audio device is at approximately 30%. At this time, the intensity of the light source illuminating the endpoint 1105B can be set to 1%. As the intensity level of the lighting load or the volume of the audio device is further adjusted toward 40%, the remote control device 1102 can adjust the intensity of the endpoint 1105B in a finer granularity between 1% and 100% to correspond to a corresponding intermediate intensity level between 30% and 40%. After the intensity level of the lighting load or the volume of the audio device reaches 40%, the remote control device 1102 can illuminate an additional light source (e.g., to 1% intensity) to extend the length of the illuminated portion 1105. As the intensity of the lighting load is tuned toward the next level (e.g., 50%), the remote control device 1102 can then adjust the intensity of the additional light source now illuminating the endpoint 1105B between 1% and 100%.

[0242] The remote control device 1102 can be configured to indicate the last known intensity of the lighting load or the last known volume of the audio device upon receiving a user interface event that respectively turns on a lighting load or an audio device. For example, before the lighting load or audio device is turned off, the remote control device 1102 can store the intensity level in its memory while rapidly decreasing the length of the illuminated portion 1105 from endpoint 1105B to starting point 1105A. Subsequently, when the remote control device 1102 is actuated to re-turn on the lighting load or audio device, the remote control device 1102 can illuminate the status indicator 1103 to rapidly increase the length of the illuminated portion 1105 to correspond to the previously stored intensity level.

[0243] In the example described herein, the display of the illuminated portion 1105 can be obstructed by the finger of a user operating the remote control device 1102. For example, as the user rotates the swivel portion 1106 of the remote control device 1102 to adjust the intensity level of a lighting load or the volume of an audio device, the user's hand may block the leading edge (e.g., endpoint 1105B) of the illuminated portion 1105. As a result, the user may be unable to determine whether the illuminated portion is expanding and contracting in response to the rotational movement of the swivel portion 1106, and whether the intensity level of the electrical load is being properly adjusted.

[0244] The remote control device 1102 can control the way the status indicator 1103 is illuminated to reduce the possibility that user actions may interfere with the feedback indication. For example, the remote control device 1102 can be configured to illuminate the endpoint 1105B of the illuminated portion 1105 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 17 As shown, the rotating part 1106 moves at an angular velocity that is either faster or slower than the angular velocity of the rotating part 1106 when it is rotated. For illustration purposes, a user can rotate the rotating part 1106 by x degrees per unit time to adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) the intensity of the lighting load or the volume of the audio device. In response, the remote control device 1102 can move the endpoint 1105B of the illuminated part 1105 by x+y or xy degrees (e.g., in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction) within the same unit time, such that the leading edge of the illuminated part 1105 represented by the endpoint 1105B can move faster (e.g., ahead) or slower (e.g., behind) than the user's hand. In this way, regardless of the user's hand obstruction, the user can still notice the change in the illuminated part 1105 to know that control is being applied appropriately.

[0245] When the endpoint 1105B of the illuminated portion 1105 is configured to move faster than (e.g., ahead of) the rotation of the rotator 1106, the remote control device 1102 can scale the full intensity range of the lighting load or the full intensity range of the audio device's volume over less than 360 degrees of rotation of the rotator 1106, such that the illuminated portion 1105 can expand or contract over the entire circumference of the status indicator 1103 as the intensity level of the lighting load or the volume of the audio device is adjusted between the low and high ends of the intensity range. For example, the remote control device 1102 can be configured to scale the full intensity range of the lighting load or the full intensity range of the audio device's volume over 210 degrees of rotation of the rotator 1106, such that when the rotation of the rotator 1106 reaches 210 degrees, the illuminated portion 1105 can cover the entire circumference (e.g., 360 degrees) of the status indicator 1103 to indicate that the intensity level of the lighting load or the volume of the audio device has reached maximum intensity. This technology can also reduce the amount of rotation required to adjust the intensity level of lighting load or the volume of audio equipment between low and high settings. For example, users can adjust the intensity level over a wider range with less wrist movement.

[0246] The remote control device 1102 can be configured to illuminate a portion of the status indicator 1103 and to expand and contract the length of the illuminated portion 1105 (e.g., simultaneously from both ends 1105A, 1105B of the illuminated portion 1105) to indicate the intensity level of a lighting load or the volume of an audio device. The illuminated portion can be uniformly illuminated to a common intensity. Alternatively, different portions of the illuminated portion can be illuminated to different intensities. For example, the end 1105B of the illuminated portion of the status indicator 1105 can be illuminated to a higher intensity than the rest of the illuminated portion, and the intensity of the illuminated portion 1105 can be reduced towards the starting point 1105A. In this way, the user can still receive feedback based on the length of the illuminated portion, but with less battery power consumed to provide feedback.

[0247] Figure 18 An example front view of a remote control device 1102 is shown when the illuminated portion 1105 of the status indicator 1103 is controlled to expand and contract from its two endpoints 1105A, 1105B to provide feedback (e.g., advanced feedback) indicating the intensity of the electrical load. For example, Figure 18 The sequence shown can be used as the intensity level increases (e.g., by...). Figure 18 The illumination configuration shown is moved from left to right) or reduced (e.g., by...). Figure 18 The illumination configuration shown is moved from right to left, while the illustration shows the intensity level of the lighting load or the volume of the audio device.

[0248] like Figure 18 As shown, when the intensity adjustment actuator (e.g., the rotary unit 1106) of the remote control device 1102 is actuated to adjust the intensity level of the lighting equipment, the status indicator 1103 can be illuminated to provide advanced feedback indicating the intensity level to which the remote control device is controlling the lighting equipment. When the remote control device 1102 is manipulated to increase the intensity level of the lighting load or volume (e.g., via rotation of the rotary unit 1106), the remote control device 1102 can move the endpoints 1105A, 1105B of the illuminated portion 1105 in the corresponding clockwise and counterclockwise directions (e.g., simultaneously), such that the length of the illuminated portion 1105 is extended to indicate that the intensity level is being increased. Similarly, when the remote control device 1102 is manipulated to reduce the intensity level of the lighting load or the volume of the audio device (e.g., via the rotation of the rotator 1106), the remote control device 1102 can move the endpoints 1105A, 1105B of the illuminated portion 1105 in the corresponding counterclockwise and clockwise directions (e.g., simultaneously), so that the length of the illuminated portion 1105 is shortened to indicate that the intensity level is being reduced.

[0249] The illuminated portion 1105 can gradually increase and decrease in size or step between predefined segments indicating a given intensity level. For example, the status indicator 1103 can step between illuminated segments to indicate that the current intensity of the lighting load is about 30%, about 60%, and about 90%, but the status indicator can be illuminated in any number of steps with equivalent or unequal differences. When the electrical load is at its full intensity level (e.g., approximately full lighting intensity or full volume level), the endpoints 1105A and 1105B can meet at the top of the status indicator 1103, such that the status indicator 1103 is fully illuminated. The amount and / or speed of movement at the endpoints 1105A and 1105B can be the same or different. When the control device is installed, the illuminated portion 1105 can be centered on the vertical axis of the remote control device 1102. Therefore, the illuminated portion 1105 can provide multiple intensity indications (e.g., on the left and right halves of the status indicator 1103). Using this mechanism can reduce the likelihood that the user's hand will obstruct the feedback instructions.

[0250] exist Figure 18 In the example shown, when the remote control device 1102 is actuated (e.g., via actuation unit 1104) to turn the electrical load on or off, the status indicator 1103 can be illuminated to provide advanced feedback indicating the intensity level to which the lighting device is being turned on or off. When the actuation unit 1104 of the remote control device 1102 is actuated to turn the electrical load on, the status indicator 1103 can be illuminated (e.g., as an animation) to rapidly increase the length of the illuminated portion 1105 (e.g., from the two endpoints 1105A, 1105B) to correspond to the last known intensity level of the electrical load before it was turned off. The remote control device 1102 can be configured to store the last known intensity level of the lighting load or the volume of the audio device in memory before the lighting load or audio device is turned off. When the actuator 1104 of the remote control device 1102 is actuated to turn off the electrical load, the status indicator 1103 can be controlled (e.g., as an animation) to rapidly reduce the length of the illuminated portion 1105 (e.g., from the two endpoints 1105A, 1105B toward the center of the illuminated portion 1105) to indicate that the electrical load is being turned off. Before reducing the length of the illuminated portion 1105, the control device 1102 can be configured to store the intensity level of the lighting load or the volume of the volume device in a memory.

[0251] Figure 19 A front view of the remote control device 1102 is shown when the status indicator 1103 is illuminated to provide feedback (e.g., advanced feedback) indicating different settings for the electrical load. For example, Figure 19The illumination shown can be used for different fan speeds of the illustrated motor load (such as a ceiling fan), presets of the electrical load (e.g., preset intensity levels for the lighting load), and selected scenarios of the load control system (e.g., presets include multiple electrical loads).

[0252] In response to the actuation of the actuator 1104 or the rotation of the rotating part 1106, the remote control device 1102 can turn on the fan or initiate a first preset. The remote control device 1102 can illuminate a segment of the status indicator 1103 (e.g., at the bottom of the remote control device 1102) to indicate a first fan speed or a first preset. In response to the rotation of another actuation of the actuator 1104 or the rotating part 1106 (e.g., for a continuously predefined distance or time period), the remote control device 1102 can adjust the fan speed or preset. The remote control device 1102 can illuminate another segment of the status indicator 1103 (e.g., the next segment in clockwise motion) to indicate a second fan speed or a second preset. As the fan speed increases or as the preset changes, different segments can continue to be illuminated in a clockwise manner. As the fan speed decreases or as the preset changes (e.g., by actuating the actuator 1104 or rotating the rotating part 1106 counterclockwise), different segments can be illuminated counterclockwise. When the fan speed is set to full, the last segment of the status indicator 1103 can be illuminated, or the entire status indicator 1103 can be illuminated, such as... Figure 19 As shown in the image.

[0253] Figure 20 This is a front view of the remote control device 1102 when the status indicator 1103 is illuminated to provide feedback (e.g., advanced feedback) indicating different shield positions for the power window appliances. In response to the actuation of the actuator 1104 or rotation of the rotating part 1106, the remote control device 1102 can raise or lower the shield position of the power window appliances. The remote control device 1102 can illuminate a portion of the status indicator 1103 (e.g., from the top of the remote control device 1102) to indicate the shield position. Figure 20 As shown, the fully open position can be indicated by not illuminating the status indicator 1103. As the mask position is lowered, the status indicator 1103 can be illuminated to indicate the position of the mask.

[0254] like Figure 20As shown, when the remote control device 1102 is manipulated to lower the shield position of the power window appliance (e.g., via rotation of the rotating part 1106), the remote control device 1102 can move the endpoints 1105A, 1105B of the illuminated portion 1105 in corresponding counterclockwise and clockwise directions (e.g., simultaneously), thereby extending the length of the illuminated portion 1105 to indicate that the shield position is being lowered. Similarly, when the remote control device 1102 is manipulated to raise the shield position of the power window appliance (e.g., via rotation of the rotating part 1106), the remote control device 1102 can move the endpoints 1105A, 1105B of the illuminated portion 1105 in corresponding clockwise and counterclockwise directions (e.g., simultaneously), thereby shortening the length of the illuminated portion 1105 to indicate that the shield position is being raised.

[0255] The illuminated portion 1105 can gradually increase or decrease in size or step between predefined segments indicating a given shadow position. For example, the status indicator 1103 can step between illuminated segments to indicate that the hood position of the power window appliance is approximately 30% closed, approximately 60% closed, and approximately 90% closed, but the status indicator can be illuminated in any number of steps with equivalent or unequal differences. When the hood position is fully closed, the endpoints 1105A and 1105B can meet at the bottom of the status indicator 1103, such that the status indicator 1103 is fully illuminated. The amount and / or speed of movement at the endpoints 1105A and 1105B can be the same or different. When the remote control device 1102 is installed, the illuminated portion 1105 can be centered on the vertical axis of the remote control device 1102. Therefore, the illuminated portion 1105 can provide multiple hood position indications (e.g., on the left and right halves of the status indicator 1103). Using this mechanism can reduce the likelihood that the user's hand will obstruct the feedback instructions.

[0256] exist Figure 20 In the example shown, when the remote control device 1102 is actuated (e.g., via actuation unit 1104), the status indicator 1103 can be illuminated to rapidly increase the length of the illuminated portion 1105 (e.g., from the two endpoints 1105A, 1105B) to correspond to the last known masking position. The remote control device 1102 can be configured to store the last known masking position.

[0257] Figure 21This is a flowchart depicting an example method 2100 for determining the type of feedback to be provided on a status indicator of a remote controller. Method 2100 can be performed at one or more devices in a load control system during an association process for associating a remote control device with another device. For example, method 2100 or portions thereof can be performed at the remote control device, another controller device, a hub device, and / or another computing device.

[0258] like Figure 21 As shown, method 2100 can begin at 2102. At 2102, an association message can be received. The association message may include information about devices in the system, such as association information indicating the address and / or device type of the device or a device being associated with the remote control device. At 2104, the address and device type in the association message can be stored in memory for use in associating the remote control device with one or more devices indicated in the association message. At 2106, a determination can be made regarding whether the hub device is assigned to the remote control device. The determination at 2106 can be based on the association information stored in memory. If the hub device is assigned to the remote control device, advanced feedback can be implemented at 2108 so that the status indicator of the remote control device indicates the status of one or more electrical loads or load control devices. The hub device can grant the remote control device access to the status of the electrical loads or load control devices.

[0259] At 2110, a determination can be made regarding whether a load control device is assigned to a remote control device for control by the remote control device. This determination at 2110 can be based on associated information stored in memory. If a load control device is assigned to a remote control device, advanced feedback can be implemented at 2108 so that the status indicator of the remote control device indicates the status of the load control device or the electrical load it controls. The status of a single load control device can be more easily indicated to the user compared to multiple load control devices. If multiple load control devices are assigned to a remote control device for control and the remote control device is not assigned to a hub device, simple feedback can be implemented at 2112 so that the status indicator of the remote control device indicates a response to user interface events on the remote control device.

[0260] At 2114, the feedback type can be configured based on the type of one or more devices being controlled by the remote control device (e.g., lighting equipment, temperature control equipment, power window appliances, fans, audio equipment, etc.). Different device types can correspond to different types of simple or advanced feedback, as multiple simple feedback types and / or multiple advanced feedback types can exist that can be provided by status indicators on the remote control device. For example, the feedback type for lighting equipment can be different from the feedback type for power window appliances or ceiling fans. Different types of devices can use the same feedback type, while other devices may not use the same feedback type. For example, the same feedback type can be used to indicate the intensity level of lighting equipment and the volume of audio equipment. The feedback type can be configured based on the device type indicated in the associated information stored in memory. At 2116, method 2100 can end.

[0261] Figure 22 This is a flowchart depicting an example method 2200 for determining the type of feedback to be provided on a status indicator of a remotely controlled device. Method 2200 can be performed on demand at one or more devices in a load control system to obtain feedback information at any time during the operation of the remotely controlled device. For example, method 2200 or portions thereof can be performed at the remotely controlled device, another controller device, a hub device, and / or another computing device.

[0262] like Figure 22 As shown, method 2200 may begin at 2202. At 2202, a query response may be received regarding device information about devices in the system, such as status information associated with an electrical load or load control device. The query response may be a status message received in response to a status query message for status information or a command for controlling the electrical load via the load control device. The query may be sent in response to a remote control device waking from sleep mode, after a predefined period of time, or in response to the detection of a user interface event controlling the electrical load. One or more query responses may include device information indicating the number of devices associated with the remote control device, identifiers of the associated devices, device types of the associated devices, and / or the status of the associated devices. The query response may be received from a hub device, a load control device, or another device in the load control system.

[0263] At 2204, a determination can be made regarding whether the hub device has been assigned to a remote control device. The determination at 2106 can be made based on associated information stored in memory and / or other device information in the query response received at 2202. If the hub device is assigned to a remote control device, advanced feedback can be implemented at 2206 so that the status indicator of the remote control device indicates the status of one or more electrical loads or load control devices. The hub device can grant the remote control device access to the status of the electrical loads or load control devices.

[0264] At 2208, a determination can be made regarding whether the state of each load or load control device controlled by the remote control device is the same. For example, a determination can be made regarding whether each lighting load is being controlled at the same intensity level. The determination at 2208 can be based on the query response received at 2202. If the state of each device is the same, the remote control device can implement advanced feedback to indicate the state of the electrical load or load control device. If the state of each load or load control device controlled by the remote control device is determined to be different at 2208, simple feedback can be implemented at 2210 so that the status indicator of the remote control device indicates the response to user interface events on the remote control device.

[0265] At 2212, the feedback type can be configured based on the type of one or more devices being controlled by the remote control device (e.g., lighting equipment, temperature control equipment, power window appliances, fans, audio equipment, etc.). Different device types can correspond to different types of simple or advanced feedback, as multiple simple feedback types and / or multiple advanced feedback types can exist that can be provided by status indicators on the remote control device. For example, the feedback type for lighting equipment can be different from the feedback type for power window appliances or ceiling fans. Different types of devices can use the same feedback type, while other devices may not use the same feedback type. For example, the same feedback type can be used to indicate the intensity level of lighting equipment and the volume of audio equipment. The feedback type can be configured based on the device type indicated in the associated information stored in memory or based on other device information in the query response received at 2202. At 2214, method 2200 can end.

[0266] Figure 23This is a block diagram illustrating an example load control device (e.g., load control device 2300) as described herein. Load control device 2300 may be a dimmer switch, electronic switch, lighting equipment (e.g., light bulbs, electronic ballasts for lamps, LED drivers for LED light sources, etc.), an AC plug-in load control device for controlling plugged-in electrical loads, a controllable electrical outlet, a temperature control device (e.g., a thermostat), a motor drive unit for electric window fixtures, a motor drive unit for fans (e.g., ceiling fans), audio equipment (e.g., controllable speakers or playback devices), appliances, security camera equipment, or other load control devices. Load control device 2300 may include communication circuitry 2302. Communication circuitry 2302 may include a receiver, an RF transceiver, or other communication modules capable of performing wired and / or wireless communication via communication link 2310. Communication circuitry 2302 may communicate with control circuitry 2304. The control circuit 2304 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 circuit 2304 may perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other functionality that enables the load control device 2300 to perform as described herein.

[0267] Control circuit 2304 can store information in memory 2306 and / or retrieve information from memory 2306. For example, memory 2306 can maintain a registry and / or control configuration instructions for related control devices. Memory 2306 may include non-removable memory and / or removable memory. Load control circuit 2308 can receive instructions from control circuit 2304 and can control electrical load 2316 based on the received instructions. Load control circuit 2308 can send status feedback to control circuit 2304 regarding the status of electrical load 2316. Load control circuit 2308 can receive power via hot connection 2312 and neutral connection 2314 and can provide power to electrical load 2316. Electrical load 2316 may include any type of electrical load.

[0268] The control circuit 2304 can communicate with the actuator 2318 (e.g., one or more buttons), which can be actuated by a user to transmit a user selection to the control circuit 2304. For example, the actuator 2318 can be actuated to put the control circuit 2304 into an associated mode and / or transmit an associated message from the load control device 2300.

[0269] Figure 24This is a block diagram illustrating an example controller device 2400 as described herein. The controller device 2400 may be a remote control device, an occupancy sensor, a daylight sensor, a window sensor, a temperature sensor, and / or the like. The controller device 2400 may include control circuitry 2402 for controlling the functionality of the controller device 2400. Control circuitry 2402 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. Control circuitry 2402 may perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, and / or any other functionality that enables the controller device 2400 to perform as described herein.

[0270] Control circuitry 2402 can store information in memory 2404 and / or retrieve information from memory 2404. As described herein, memory 2404 may include non-removable memory and / or removable memory.

[0271] The controller device 2400 may include one or more light sources, such as one or more LEDs 2412, for providing feedback to a user. One or more LEDs 2412 may be included in a status indicator and may be controlled by control circuitry 2402. Control circuitry 2402 may control the LEDs 2412 to provide feedback to the user as described herein.

[0272] The controller device 2400 may include communication circuitry 2408 for transmitting and / or receiving information. Communication circuitry 2408 may transmit and / or receive information via wired and / or wireless communication. Communication circuitry 2408 may include a transmitter, an RF transceiver, or other circuitry capable of performing wired and / or wireless communication. Communication circuitry 2408 may communicate with control circuitry 2402 for transmitting and / or receiving information.

[0273] Control circuitry 2402 can also communicate with input circuitry 2406. Input circuitry 2406 may include actuators (e.g., one or more buttons), rotary or sliding elements, or sensor circuitry (e.g., occupancy sensor circuitry, daylight sensor circuitry, or temperature sensor circuitry) for receiving inputs that can be sent to a device for controlling an electrical load. Input circuitry 2406 may also include proximity sensing circuitry for sensing an occupant near controller device 2400. For example, controller device 2402 may receive input from input circuitry 2406 to place controller device 2402 in an associated mode and / or transmit associated messages from controller device 2400. Control circuitry 2402 may receive information from input circuitry 2406 (e.g., indications that a button has been actuated, a rotary element has been rotated, or information has been sensed) and / or indications of proximity sensing events. Input circuitry 2406 may be actuated as an on / off event. Each module within controller device 2400 may be powered by power supply 2410.

[0274] Figure 25 This is a block diagram illustrating an example network device 2500 as described herein. For example, network device 2500 may include network device 190. Network device 2500 may include control circuitry 2502 for controlling the functionality of network device 2500. Control circuitry 2502 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. Control circuitry 2502 may perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other functionality that enables network device 2500 to perform as described herein. Control circuitry 2502 may store information in memory 2504 and / or retrieve information from memory 2504. Memory 2504 may include non-removable memory and / or removable memory. Non-removable memory may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, or any other type of non-removable memory storage device. Removable storage devices may include subscriber identity module (SIM) cards, memory sticks, memory cards, or any other type of removable storage device.

[0275] Network device 2500 may include communication circuitry 2508 for transmitting and / or receiving information. Communication circuitry 2508 may perform wireless and / or wired communication. Communication circuitry 2508 may include an RF transceiver or other circuitry capable of performing wireless communication via an antenna. Communication circuitry 2508 may communicate with control circuitry 2502 for transmitting and / or receiving information.

[0276] The control circuitry 2502 can also communicate with a display 2506 for providing information to a user. The control circuitry 2502 and / or the display 2506 can generate a GUI for display on the network device 2500. The display 2506 and the control circuitry 2502 can communicate bidirectionally, as the display 2506 may include a touchscreen module capable of receiving information from the user and providing such information to the control circuitry 2502. The network device may also include an actuator 2512 (e.g., one or more buttons) that can be actuated by the user to transmit user-selected actuators 2512 to the control circuitry 2502.

[0277] Each module within network device 2500 can be powered by power supply 2510. For example, power supply 2510 may include an AC power supply or a DC power supply. Power supply 2510 can generate a supply voltage Vcc for powering the modules within network device 2500.

[0278] Figure 26 This is a block diagram illustrating an example hub device 2600 as described herein. Hub device 2600 may include control circuitry 2602 for controlling the functionality of hub device 2600. Control circuitry 2602 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. Control circuitry 2602 may perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other functionality that enables hub device 2600 to perform as described herein. Control circuitry 2602 may store information in memory 2604 and / or retrieve information from memory 2604. Memory 2604 may include non-removable memory and / or removable memory. Non-removable memory may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, or any other type of non-removable memory storage device. Removable memory may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, memory card, or any other type of removable memory.

[0279] Hub device 2600 may include communication circuitry 2608 for transmitting and / or receiving information. Communication circuitry 2608 can perform wireless and / or wired communication. Hub device 2600 may also, or alternatively, include communication circuitry 2612 for transmitting and / or receiving information. Communication circuitry 2612 can perform wireless and / or wired communication. Communication circuitry 2608 and 2612 can communicate with control circuitry 2602. Communication circuitry 2608 and 2612 may include an RF transceiver or other communication modules capable of performing wireless communication via an antenna. Communication circuitry 2608 and communication circuitry 2612 may be able to communicate via the same communication channel or different communication channels. For example, communication circuitry 2608 can communicate via a wireless communication channel (e.g., Near Field Communication (NFC) (e.g., cellular communication, communication with network devices, communication via a network, etc.), and the communication circuit 2612 can be used via another wireless communication channel (e.g., Or a proprietary communication channel, such as CLEAR CONNECT TM Communication (e.g., communicating with control devices and / or other devices in a load control system).

[0280] Control circuitry 2602 can communicate with LED indicator 2614 for providing indications to the user. Control circuitry 2602 can also communicate with actuator 2606 (e.g., one or more buttons), which can be actuated by the user to transmit user selections to control circuitry 2602. For example, actuator 2606 can be actuated to place control circuitry 2602 in association mode and / or transmit association messages from hub device 2600.

[0281] Each module within hub device 2600 can be powered by power supply 2610. For example, power supply 2610 may include an AC power supply or a DC power supply. Power supply 2610 can generate a supply voltage Vcc for powering the modules within hub device 2600.

[0282] Although features and elements are described herein in specific combinations, each feature or element may be used alone or in any combination with other features and elements. For example, the functionality 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 hub device or a network device. The methods described herein may be implemented using a computer program, software, or firmware incorporated in a computer-readable medium for execution by a computer or processor. Examples of computer-readable media include electronic signals (transmitted via 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-ROMs and Digital Universal Discs (DVDs).

Claims

1. A load control method, comprising: Receive an actuation instruction from a remote control device, wherein the actuation is configured to switch the on / off state of a lighting device group; In response to the actuation, a status query message for the on / off state is sent to at least one lighting device in the lighting device group to identify the on / off state of the at least one lighting device before controlling one or more lighting devices in the lighting device group; Receive a status message from at least one lighting device in the group of lighting devices, wherein the status message indicates the corresponding on / off status of the at least one lighting device; as well as Send a digital message configured to control the on / off state of one or more lighting devices in the lighting device group.

2. The load control method according to claim 1, wherein, The remote control device includes a knob or a linear control.

3. The load control method according to claim 1, wherein, The remote control device is configured to display feedback on a status indicator after receiving the status message from at least one of the lighting devices in the lighting device group.

4. The load control method according to claim 3, wherein, The at least one lighting device is the first lighting device in the group of lighting devices, and the remote control device receives the status message from the first lighting device.

5. The load control method according to claim 4, wherein, The lighting equipment group includes a main lighting device, wherein the first lighting device is the main lighting device.

6. The load control method according to claim 3, wherein, The remote control device is configured to display different types of feedback based on status messages received from each of the lighting devices in the lighting device group.

7. The load control method according to claim 1, wherein, The remote control device is configured to determine whether to send an on or off command based on the status message received from at least one of the lighting devices in the lighting device group.

8. The load control method according to claim 1, wherein, The remote control device is configured to determine whether to send an on or off command based on the status message received from the main lighting device in the lighting device group.

9. The load control method according to claim 1, wherein, The remote control device is configured to determine whether to send an on or off command based on the status message received from a first lighting device in the lighting device group, the remote control device receiving the status message from the first lighting device.

10. The load control method according to claim 1, wherein, The remote control device includes a knob, and wherein the remote control device is configured to determine a dynamic starting point for rotation of the knob based on a status message received from at least one lighting device in the lighting device group.

11. The load control method according to claim 1, wherein, The remote control device is configured to send the status query message to another lighting device in the lighting device group when the status message from the previous lighting device indicates that the previous lighting device is in a preset state, and wherein the remote control device is configured to stop sending the status query message when the status message from the previous lighting device indicates that the previous lighting device is in a non-preset state.

12. A load control method, the method comprising: Identify switching events used to switch the on / off states of multiple lighting devices; In response to the recognition of the switching event, wake up from sleep mode and send a pre-stored on / off command; In response to the pre-stored on / off command, a status update message is received from one or more of the plurality of lighting devices; Based on the status update message received from one or more of the plurality of lighting devices, it is determined that the on / off status of a subset of the plurality of lighting devices has not been changed in response to the pre-stored on / off command; as well as Send at least one digital message configured to switch the on / off state of the plurality of lighting devices.

13. The load control method according to claim 12, wherein, The switching event includes one of the following: actuation of a button on the remote control device, actuation of the remote control device, rotation of the remote control device by a predefined distance, or rotation of the remote control device for a predefined duration.

14. The load control method according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one digital message configured to switch the on / off state of the plurality of lighting devices is sent as a multicast message.

15. The load control method according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one digital message configured to switch the on / off state of the plurality of lighting devices is sent as a unicast message to each of the plurality of lighting devices.

16. A load control device comprising components for performing the method described in any one of claims 1-11.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored program instructions thereon, which, when executed by a control circuit, cause the control circuit to perform the method described in any one of claims 1-11.

18. A load control device comprising components for performing the method described in any one of claims 12-15.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored program instructions thereon, which, when executed by a control circuit, cause the control circuit to perform the method described in any one of claims 12-15.

Images