Landscape Lighting Controller with Wireless Zone Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing landscape lighting systems lack the ability to control multiple zones of lights and accessories remotely, requiring manual operation and continuous power source activation, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A smart controller system that wirelessly communicates with a transformer and landscape lights, allowing for scheduling and remote control of multiple zones, color changes, and operation of accessories like sprinklers and speakers, using a portable digital device, and includes a real-time clock and battery backup for autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single switch controls all landscape lights through the transformer, then the system is simple to operate, but the power source must remain powered on at all times consuming energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the landscape lighting system into multiple independently controllable zones, each with its own controller. This segmentation allows individual zones to be powered on only when needed, eliminating the requirement for the main power source to remain continuously powered while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized control of multiple zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate zone controllers that act as mediators between the transformer and individual light strings. These controllers can be individually activated, allowing the main power source to be turned off when no zones are active, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation through remote or automated control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate switches are used for each zone of landscape lights, then each zone can be controlled independently, but manual operation time increases with more zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical switching with automated electronic control systems. Controllers can be programmed with schedules, illuminated by photocells, or controlled remotely via wireless communication, eliminating the need for manual operation of multiple switches while maintaining independent zone control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables zones to control themselves through automated means such as photocell sensors that automatically turn zones on at dusk and off at dawn, or through pre-programmed schedules. This self-service capability eliminates manual intervention entirely, allowing independent zone control without consuming operator time.
3Ease of operation
If individual wireless receivers are added to each landscape light for remote control, then color changes and remote operation are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal controllers that can manage multiple zones and multiple functions (on/off control, color changes, scheduling) through a single device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each light or zone, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive remote control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods for providing a controller to be wired between a transformer and zones of landscape lights to provide power to and for turning on and off different landscape lights, creating and deleting landscape light zones based on a schedule loaded onto the controller by a wireless communication from a portable digital device, such as a smart phone having a landscape scheduling App thereon. Additional embodiments include wireless receivers in the landscape lights which allow for the portable digital device to remotely change colors of the landscape lights. Additional embodiments for controlling other accessories used in landscapes such as but not limited to sprinkler systems, speakers, and the like.