Lighting Fixture Identification via Flash Profiles and Visual Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load control systems require time-consuming and inconvenient association methods for control-source and control-target devices, involving physical button actuation and knowledge of device locations, making it difficult to configure devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A load control system with a network device for area-by-area association using a visual display, where control-source devices are associated with control-target devices through a configuration procedure, and control devices can flash a lighting load according to a specific profile to facilitate identification and association.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional association methods are used (physical button actuation and location knowledge), then control devices can be associated, but the process becomes time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical button actuation with optical identification. A camera captures images of visual indicators (LEDs or display elements) on control devices, and image processing algorithms automatically identify and associate devices based on their visual characteristics, eliminating the need for manual button pressing and location searching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the control device's identification information through imaging. Instead of requiring direct physical interaction, the system captures an optical copy (image) of the device's visual indicator and processes this copy to extract identification data, enabling remote and automated association.
2Reliability
If devices are configured manually with location knowledge, then proper association can be achieved, but the complexity of the configuration procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control devices perform self-identification by displaying visual indicators that contain their identification information. The system automatically captures and processes these visual indicators to extract device identities and establish associations, eliminating the need for users to manually input device locations or search for devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary imaging system (camera and image processing) that mediates between the control devices and the association logic. This intermediary automatically extracts identification information from visual indicators and facilitates device pairing, reducing the complexity of the configuration procedure while maintaining association accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Control-source devices may be associated with control-target devices of a load control system during a configuration procedure, such that the control-target devices are responsive to the associated control-source devices during normal operation. The configuration procedure may be executed using a network device having a visual display for associating the control-source devices and control-target devices. The control-source devices may be associated with the control-target devices on an area-by-area basis using an area configuration procedure. The control-target devices may be configured to flash a controlled lighting load according to a flashing profile during the configuration procedure. The flashing profile may be characterized by at least one abrupt transition between off and on, and at least one gradual transition between off and on, where the abrupt and gradual transitions are repeated on a periodic basis.