Load Control Device Synchronization via Master-Slave Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wi-Fi-enabled load control devices experience variability in communication latency due to contention-based shared networks, leading to the 'popcorn effect' where lights turn on or off at different times, causing an undesirable aesthetic.
Innovation Solution
A device configured to control electrical loads, comprising a controller and a first wireless communication circuit, which communicates on a first wireless communication network via a first protocol. The controller receives a signal with a power control command and synchronization condition, determining if the synchronization condition is satisfied before implementing the power control adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Wi-Fi technology is used for wireless communication in a contention-based shared network, then devices can communicate wirelessly with flexibility and ease of operation, but communication latency varies due to contention for shared channels, causing the popcorn effect where lights turn on or off at different times
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having all load control devices listen for and queue commands before execution. The master load control device collects commands from remote devices and distributes them to slave devices in a coordinated manner, ensuring all devices are ready to execute simultaneously. This preliminary coordination phase resolves the latency variation by establishing a synchronized execution timeline before the actual load control action occurs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple load control devices operate independently on a shared wireless network, then each device can be controlled remotely, but the devices execute commands at different times due to varying latency, creating an undesirable aesthetic
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the control functions of multiple independent load control devices into a coordinated master-slave architecture. The master device consolidates command reception and execution timing, while slave devices focus on receiving and executing commands at synchronized times. This merging of control coordination functions maintains the versatility of independent device control while achieving stable synchronized operation through unified command distribution and execution timing.
3Ease of operation
If commands are transmitted to multiple load control devices simultaneously over a shared network, then all devices can be controlled from a single remote location, but the contention-based protocol causes devices to receive and execute commands at different times
Solution Approach 1:
The master load control device serves as an intermediary between remote controlling devices and slave load control devices. It receives commands from remote devices, processes them centrally, and distributes synchronized execution commands to slave devices. This intermediary role allows centralized remote control functionality while the master device's coordination mechanism ensures precise timing synchronization, resolving the conflict between ease of operation and timing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A load control device for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals directly from the wireless network. The controller may cooperate with one or more other devices to synchronize in time the adjustments made by one or more load control devices that are operable to control the power delivered to one or more electrical loads. The one or more load control devices may also cooperate with one or more Internet based information providers to provide preconfigured and condition based adjustments of the one or more electrical loads.