Remote Lighting Group Control for State Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting control systems face challenges in synchronizing the state of multiple lighting devices, leading to some devices being out of sync, and lack a universal status indicator for various electrical loads, causing confusion for end users.

Innovation Solution

A remote control device that communicates wirelessly to synchronize the state and intensity of multiple lighting devices, provides visual feedback through a status indicator, and can be configured to work with different protocols, ensuring quick and organized control of electrical loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a common lighting control device controls a group of lighting devices, then the lighting devices can be controlled collectively, but some lighting devices may become out of sync with the rest of the group

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollective control capabilityVSAvoidsynchronization status
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device queries the state of each lighting device in the group and uses this feedback information to determine whether synchronization is needed before issuing toggle commands, ensuring all devices remain in sync

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs a preliminary query of lighting device states before executing a toggle operation, allowing the control device to assess synchronization status and take corrective action in advance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If independent control of subset of lighting devices is allowed, then individual device control flexibility is improved, but synchronization with the group deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control flexibilityVSAvoidgroup synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device continuously monitors the state of individually controlled devices through query operations and uses this feedback to restore group synchronization when deviations are detected

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively counteracts potential desynchronization by querying device states and issuing corrective commands before the out-of-sync condition affects group operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Device complexity

If a default status indicator is used for various types of electrical loads, then a universal indicator is provided, but user confusion increases due to inability to determine actual load status

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniversal indicator simplicityVSAvoidload status information
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The status indicator is customized to display information specific to the type of electrical load being controlled, providing locally appropriate visual feedback that accurately reflects the actual state of each different load type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3530080B1Controlling groups of electrical loads
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 LUTRON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LLC
  • EP3530080B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3530080B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3530080B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

A load control system may include control devices for controlling electrical loads. The control devices may include load control devices, such as a lighting device for controlling an amount of power provided to a lighting load, and controller devices, such as a remote control device configured to transmit digital messages for controlling the lighting load via the load control device. The remote control device may communicate with the lighting devices via a hub device. The remote control device may detect a user interface event, such as a button press or a rotation of the remote control device. The remote control device or the hub device may determine whether to transmit digital messages as unicast messages or multicast messages based on the type of user interface event detected. The remote control device, or other master device, may synchronize and/or toggle an on/off state of lighting devices in the load control system.