Integrating and controlling multiple load control systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulty in interacting with multiple load control systems in an environment, such as lighting and HVAC systems, as they need to manage each system individually, lacking a unified control interface.
Innovation Solution
An integrated load control system that includes a system controller, control-source and control-target devices, and a RESTful architecture, allowing communication through unique identifiers and URIs, enabling unified control and management of various electrical loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple load control systems are deployed in an environment, then the functionality and control capabilities are improved, but the complexity of user interaction and system management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple load control systems into a single integrated system where different load control functions (lighting, HVAC, window treatments) are merged under one unified controller and user interface. This allows users to interact with all systems through a single interface rather than managing each system separately, thereby maintaining enhanced control capabilities while reducing management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified load control system is designed with universal functionality that can control diverse electrical loads through a common interface and communication protocol. The system uses standardized URIs and message formats that work across different load types, making the system adaptable to various control needs while simplifying user interaction through consistent operation methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple load control systems are deployed, then more electrical loads can be controlled, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must interact with each system individually
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple load control systems are merged into a unified interface that presents a single point of interaction to users. The system combines control functions for lighting, HVAC, window treatments, and other electrical loads into one cohesive interface, allowing users to operate all systems simultaneously or individually through a single access point, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a unified controller as an intermediary between users and multiple load control systems. This mediator translates user commands into appropriate system-specific messages using standardized URIs and protocols, shielding users from the underlying complexity of multiple systems while enabling comprehensive electrical load control through simplified interaction.
3Device complexity
If individual system interaction is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to inability to control systems together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple load control systems into an integrated architecture where a single controller manages all electrical loads. This structure maintains relative simplicity by using standardized communication protocols and URI-based addressing, while simultaneously improving productivity by enabling users to control multiple systems together through unified commands, eliminating the need to interact with each system separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified control system provides universal functionality that can control diverse electrical loads through a single interface. The system uses multi-functional message formats and standardized URIs that work across different load types, enabling efficient simultaneous control of multiple systems while maintaining a relatively simple and consistent system structure that is easy to understand and operate.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for using one or more gateway systems for integrating multiple load control systems such that the load control systems may appear to a user and be controlled by the user as a unified load control system.