Configuring a load control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems face challenges in accurately configuring and associating load control devices due to a lack of spatial information and compatibility issues during installation, making it difficult to effectively control electrical loads and communicate between devices.
Innovation Solution
A load control system that utilizes a system controller and graphical user interface software to associate control-source and control-target devices through digital messages, allowing for the creation of relationships between devices and storing unique identifiers for communication, enabling precise control and configuration of electrical loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an association table is created to link input devices and load control devices, then device association is enabled, but spatial information and compatibility information are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a simple flat association table to a multi-dimensional data structure that incorporates spatial coordinates (x, y, z positions), device types, and compatibility information. This dimensional expansion allows the system to retain both association relationships and spatial context simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the association data into distinct components: spatial information (location coordinates), device information (device types and identifiers), and compatibility information (wiring groupings). This segmentation allows each component to be independently managed and queried.
2Ease of manufacture
If occupancy sensors are installed without spatial information, then sensor installation is simplified, but sensor selection and configuration become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary spatial mapping and device registration during the installation phase, storing location information and device characteristics before operational configuration. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex configuration later, as the system already possesses spatial and compatibility data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by querying the stored spatial and compatibility information to guide sensor selection and configuration decisions. The controller uses the pre-stored data to automatically determine appropriate sensor types and configurations based on the specific spatial context.
3Manufacturing precision
If detailed spatial and compatibility information is collected during installation, then device configuration is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the system automatically captures and stores spatial information and device characteristics during installation without requiring manual data entry. The controller autonomously queries device identifiers, determines spatial relationships, and populates the database, reducing installation complexity while maintaining high configuration precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A load control system may be configured using a graphical user interface software. The graphical user interface software may display a first icon and a second icon. The first icon may represent a first electrical device and the second icon may represent a second electrical device. The first icon and the second icon may represent the relative location of the first electrical device and the second electrical device within a load control environment. The graphical user interface software may display a line from a selected icon (e.g., first icon) to a cursor. The graphical user interface software may adjust the line from the selected icon, for example, as the cursor moves. The graphical user interface software may define and store an association between the first electrical device and a second electrical device, for example, in response to the user selecting the first icon and the second icon.