Beacon-Based Load Control Commissioning With Adaptive Discovery Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load control systems face challenges in efficiently commissioning and configuring electrical loads due to the difficulty in determining assigned link addresses for load control devices, leading to time-consuming and costly processes, especially in large installations where devices are scattered across different rooms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a load control system that uses beacon messages for device discovery and grouping, allowing control devices to transmit identifiers and adjust signal thresholds for proximity detection, enabling efficient configuration and control through a network device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual identification and association of control devices is performed during commissioning, then link addresses can be associated with locations, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly especially in large installations
Solution Approach 1:
The control devices automatically transmit their own identification information (device ID, location data) without requiring manual intervention. The system controller autonomously receives this information and performs the association between link addresses and locations automatically, eliminating the need for users to manually search for and identify devices during commissioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of physically searching for devices, noting their locations, and manually entering data into the system is replaced by an automated electronic communication system. Control devices electronically transmit their identification and location data to the system controller through wireless or wired communication, substituting manual labor with automated data exchange.
2Quantity of substance
If a fixed discovery range is used for device discovery, then devices within range can be detected, but devices in remote locations cannot be discovered
Solution Approach 1:
The discovery range is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system controller adjusts the discovery range parameter based on the physical location of the controller relative to the control devices. When the controller is remotely located, the discovery range is automatically expanded to include distant devices. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the discovery range adapts to the actual deployment scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the discovery range parameter dynamically based on location information. The controller determines its own location and the locations of control devices, then adjusts the discovery range parameter accordingly. This parameter change allows the system to maintain accurate device discovery across varying distances and locations.
3Ease of operation
If users manually search for and identify control devices in different rooms, then devices can be located, but users must move around the building which increases commissioning time
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary communication mechanism between the controller and control devices. Instead of users physically moving to locate devices, the control devices act as intermediaries by automatically transmitting their location information and status to the controller. This electronic intermediary replaces the need for physical traversal of the building during commissioning.
Data Source
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.