Photocontrol Device Remote RF Control via BLE

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting systems with photocontrols require physical access for programming changes, which is cumbersome, especially when multiple photocontrols need adjustments in hard-to-reach locations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a radio frequency (RF) remote control system that allows for wireless communication between a remote device and photocontrol devices using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol, enabling remote management of light output by overriding ambient light sensing logic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical access is required for photocontrol programming, then programming changes can be made, but accessibility becomes difficult and time-consuming especially for multiple photocontrols in hard-to-reach locations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility for photocontrol adjustmentVSAvoidTime required for photocontrol programming

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically accessing photocontrols on light poles with a wireless RF communication system. Users can program and control photocontrols remotely through a handheld device, eliminating the need for physical climb access to adjust settings on poles located in difficult-to-reach areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary RF communication system that acts as a mediator between the user and the photocontrol device. This wireless communication infrastructure allows programming changes to be transmitted remotely, serving as an intermediary channel that eliminates the need for direct physical access to the photocontrol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple photocontrols need to be adjusted, then comprehensive lighting control is achieved, but the complexity and difficulty of access increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to control multiple photocontrolsVSAvoidSystem complexity for managing multiple photocontrols

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal RF remote control system that can communicate with multiple photocontrols across different light fixtures. A single handheld device can program and control numerous photocontrols, providing multi-functional capability that simplifies managing multiple devices without requiring separate access methods for each.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates easy and remote adjustment of light output for multiple fixtures, reducing the complexity and accessibility issues associated with physical access, with visual and confirmation indications for successful command execution.

Implementation Method 1

a photocontrol device for a light fixture is used to control light output by establishing a communication session with a remote device through use of a wireless network interface... The wireless network interface may use a low power protocol, such as the Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) protocol to facilitate the communication session

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency communication:

Data Source

PatentUS9338862B2Techniques for remote communication with a photocontrol device

Publication Date: 2016.05.10 ABL IP HLDG LLC

AI summary

Disclosed are various embodiments for remote lighting control by a processor of photocontrol device for a light fixture. The photocontrol receives, via a wireless network interface, a request to establish a communication session with a remote device using the wireless network interface. The request includes an authentication credential. A command is received, via the communication session with the remote device, to control light output produced from the light fixture. The photocontrol initiates performance of the command for the light fixture, where the command supersedes any other command from ambient light sensing logic of the photocontrol device. The photocontrol device indicates a result of the performance of the command.