Load Controller Fade-Time Coordination for Multi-Parameter Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems are limited to controlling load control parameters using a common fade time, which can result in deviations from the intended fade rate when multiple parameters are commanded over different fade times, particularly in lighting control systems.
Innovation Solution
A load controller that determines updated target values for each load control parameter based on the remaining fade time, allowing it to simulate a continuous fade rate by transmitting adjusted values to maintain the intended fade rate over the commanded time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a common fade time is used for all load control parameters, then the load control device can be simplified and operated uniformly, but the fade rate accuracy for individual parameters deteriorates when different fade times are commanded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into two functional parts: a load controller that accepts and processes individual fade time commands for each parameter, and a load control device that executes the control actions. The controller calculates intermediate target values and transmits them with appropriate fade times, allowing each parameter to have its own fade time while the device maintains uniform operation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The load controller acts as an intermediary between the user/input devices and the load control device. It receives individual fade time commands for multiple parameters, calculates updated intermediate target values, and transmits adjusted control values to the device, thereby reconciling the need for both uniform device operation and parameter-specific fade rate accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple load control parameters are controlled over different fade times, then the fade rate accuracy for each parameter is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control functionality into the load controller which handles complex calculations for multiple parameters with different fade times, and the load control device which executes simplified control actions. This segmentation allows fade rate accuracy for each parameter while preventing complexity from propagating to the device level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex fade time management and intermediate target value calculation logic from the load control device and places it in the load controller. The device is relieved of complexity by receiving pre-calculated control values and fade times, while the controller assumes the computational burden of managing multiple parameters with different fade rates.
3Measurement precision
If the load controller transmits updated intermediate target values with adjusted fade times, then the fade rate accuracy is maintained, but the communication overhead and transmission frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load controller operates periodically, calculating updated intermediate target values and transmitting them to the load control device at regular intervals. This periodic transmission maintains fade rate accuracy by ensuring control values are updated as needed, while the structured periodic nature of the communications optimizes timing and reduces overhead compared to continuous or event-driven approaches.
Data Source
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AI summary
A load controller in a load control system may communicate messages with load control devices for controlling electrical loads. The load controller may receive messages that comprise values for controlling different load control parameters over different overlapping fade times. The load controller may identify a shorter remaining fade time for controlling one of the load control parameters and may determine an updated target value for controlling another load control parameter over the shorter remaining fade time. The load controller may transmit a series of messages within a limited fade time using an updated target value for each message to control an electrical load at a fade rate that during a fade time that is longer than the limited fade time.