Lighting Fixture Identification by Flashing Profile Association
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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, which involve physically actuating buttons and identifying device locations, making it difficult to configure devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A load control system with a network device for area-by-area configuration, using a flashing profile to identify devices and associate control-source devices with control-target devices, allowing for automated association through a visual display and system controller that transmits global commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional association methods are used to associate control-source devices with control-target devices, then device association can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and inconvenient requiring physical button actuation and location identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical button-actuation methods with acoustic signal-based device identification. The control-target device emits acoustic signals that can be detected by the control-source device, eliminating the need for physical button pressing and manual location identification. This substitution of mechanical interaction with acoustic field interaction streamlines the association process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control-target device automatically emits acoustic signals to enable its own identification by control-source devices. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external manual intervention to initiate the association process, as the device autonomously provides the information needed for pairing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual device identification methods are used, then devices can be associated with locations, but the process requires physical presence and button actuation at device locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary medium between the control-target device and the control-source device. Instead of requiring direct physical interaction or visual line-of-sight, the acoustic signals serve as a mediator that can traverse through space and obstacles, enabling flexible device association without strict physical presence requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional physical interaction (buttons on device surfaces) to three-dimensional acoustic field interaction. Acoustic signals propagate through the spatial environment, allowing device identification from various positions and orientations, thereby increasing configuration flexibility and reducing the need for precise physical alignment.
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.