Wireless Load Control Device Discovery via Beacon Signal Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load control systems face challenges in determining assigned link addresses for load control devices during commissioning, leading to time-consuming and costly processes, as users must physically locate and associate devices across a building.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mobile device-based system that uses beacon messages to discover and configure load control devices, allowing for the creation of temporary groups and automatic association of control devices through signal strength indicators and adjustable discovery thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually locate and associate load control devices during commissioning, then device configuration can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic device discovery and configuration through beacon messages transmitted by load control devices. The mobile device automatically receives and processes these beacons, determines device locations, and associates devices with link addresses without requiring manual user intervention to physically locate and identify each device during commissioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically moving through a building to locate devices with a wireless communication-based system. Beacon messages transmitted via radio frequency signals enable automatic device detection and location determination, eliminating the need for users to physically traverse the building floor by floor to commission devices.
2Measurement precision
If users physically move around the building to locate control devices, then devices can be identified and associated with locations, but the process becomes complex and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses beacon messages transmitted by load control devices as feedback signals. The mobile device receives these beacons, processes the information to determine device locations, and automatically associates devices with their physical locations. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually search for and identify devices, simplifying the commissioning process while maintaining accurate location identification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed discovery threshold is used for beacon messages, then device discovery is straightforward, but the discovery range cannot be dynamically adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic discovery threshold mechanism where the threshold value can be adjusted based on the number of devices discovered. When fewer devices are found, the threshold is lowered to expand the discovery range and capture more devices. When more devices are found, the threshold is raised to reduce the discovery range and avoid overwhelming the system. This dynamic adjustment provides adaptability while maintaining relatively simple implementation through automated threshold modification based on device count feedback.
Data Source
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AI summary
A load control system may be commissioned using beacon messages. The load control system may include control devices that each include a beacon transmitting circuit configured to transmit a beacon message that comprises an identifier associated with the control device. A network device, such as a mobile device, may discover a control device based on the beacon message received from the control device. In response to discovery of the control device, the control device may be added to a temporary group of control devices for being collectively configured and/or controlled. Control devices may be discovered based on the signal strength at which the beacon messages are received. A mobile device may adjust a discovery threshold for discovering a target number of control devices in the load control system.