Load Control Scene Interfaces for Natural Light Automation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current load control systems lack the ability to efficiently communicate and control various electrical loads, such as lighting, HVAC, and window treatments, from a network device, limiting user interaction and automation in managing lighting scenes and natural light simulations.
Innovation Solution
A network device with a processor, memory, and communication circuitry that interacts with load control devices via a graphical user interface, allowing users to define and update lighting scenes, control lighting intensity and color, and simulate natural light changes over time, using wireless communication to control LED lighting systems and other electrical loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If load control systems are controlled through traditional local interfaces only, then device complexity is reduced, but user interaction capability and automation ability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
A network device acts as an intermediary between users and load control devices. The network device includes a processor that receives information from load control devices via communication circuits, and a display device that presents graphical user interfaces. This intermediary enables remote control and monitoring of lighting, HVAC, and window treatment systems without requiring direct connection or complex local interfaces at each controlled device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network communication is added to enable remote control, then user interaction and automation are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network device is designed as a multi-functional system that combines communication capabilities, processing power, and user interface functions in a single device. It can control multiple types of loads (lighting, HVAC, window treatments) through a unified graphical user interface, eliminating the need for separate control systems for each function and reducing overall system complexity despite enhanced capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If graphical user interface with multiple controls is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network device extracts and centralizes information processing functions in its processor, separating the computational burden from the user interface. The display device presents graphical user interfaces that provide comprehensive control options for lighting intensity, color, scene definitions, and natural light simulations, while the processor efficiently manages the information processing requirements without overwhelming the system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to efficiently manage and automate lighting and electrical loads through a user-friendly interface, allowing for scene control and natural light simulation, enhancing energy management and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting load that includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), such as, for example, a red diode, a green diode, and a blue diode and may be configured to produce any of a plurality of different colors through the plurality of LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
The network device may be configured to define or update a scene for controlling a zone in a certain area or location of a load control system. For example, the load control system may be installed in a residential home or building. At least one lighting control device that is configured to control a corresponding lighting load may be assigned to each of the one or more zones. The network device may be configured to display one or more graphical user interfaces that a user of the network device may interact with to define or update a scene. The network device may also be configured to display one or more graphical user interfaces that a user of the network device may interact with to define or update natural show functionality. After a scene and/or natural show have been configured, the may enabled or activated in response to a triggering event.