Overlapping Fade Times for Synchronized Load Parameter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems are limited by a common fade time for all control parameters, leading to inefficiencies when controlling multiple parameters simultaneously, as devices struggle to maintain desired fade rates due to time constraints.
Innovation Solution
A load controller adjusts target values and transmission periods to simulate continuous fade rates for multiple load control parameters by determining updated target values and transmitting them over limited fade times, allowing simultaneous control of parameters with maintained fade rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a common fade time is used for all control parameters, then device compatibility is maintained, but control precision and efficiency deteriorate when controlling multiple parameters simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control process by introducing separate fade time parameters for different control parameters (e.g., fadeTime for intensity, fadeTimeCCT for color temperature). This allows each parameter to have its own dedicated fade time, enabling precise control of multiple parameters simultaneously while maintaining device compatibility through the standardized parameter structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fade time is extended to control multiple parameters, then control smoothness improves, but system response time and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters by introducing multiple independent fade time variables (fadeTime, fadeTimeCCT, etc.) instead of a single common fade time. This allows the system to optimize fade duration for each specific parameter, maintaining smooth transitions while improving overall system response time by preventing bottlenecks caused by overly conservative common fade times.
3Manufacturing precision
If updated target values are calculated and transmitted frequently, then control accuracy improves, but communication overhead and system load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by calculating updated target values at specific intervals during the fade process and transmitting them only when necessary. This approach maintains control accuracy by providing timely updates while reducing communication overhead by avoiding excessive or redundant transmissions, thus balancing precision with energy efficiency.
Data Source
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.