Power-Line Lighting Control Using 3-Field Pulse Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control protocols for electrical devices like pool and spa lighting systems provide only one-dimensional control, requiring multiple power interruptions to switch between modes, which is time-consuming and limited in multidimensional control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A new 3DOF (three degrees of freedom) protocol that uses variable-length power ON and OFF times to encode multiple commands, allowing for simultaneous control of multiple aspects of the device in a single user interaction, significantly increasing the command pool size and reducing the time required to switch between modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power interruptions are used to switch between modes, then the device can be controlled to change modes, but the time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional control (single parameter per pulse) to multi-dimensional control by encoding multiple parameters (mode selection, brightness, saturation) within a single pulse waveform through variations in pulse width, inter-pulse intervals, and amplitude. This allows simultaneous control of multiple aspects without requiring sequential interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multiple variable parameters within the pulse signal including pulse width duration, inter-pulse interval timing, and amplitude levels to encode different command information. By varying these parameters, the system can convey multiple control commands in a single transmission, reducing the number of required power interruptions.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional power cycling protocol is used, then the control implementation is simple, but the command pool size is limited to one-dimensional control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing power cycling infrastructure multi-functional by enabling a single pulse transmission to simultaneously control multiple device parameters (mode, brightness, saturation) rather than just single-parameter control. This universal approach allows the same communication channel to handle diverse control requirements without adding separate communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control information into multiple encoded parameters within the pulse waveform structure. Different aspects of control (mode selection, brightness level, saturation) are represented as distinct temporal or amplitude segments within the same pulse sequence, allowing the receiver to decode multiple independent control values from a single transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable length pulses are used to encode commands, then the command pool size increases, but the protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulse sequences with structured timing relationships. By using regular, repeating pulse patterns with defined intervals and durations, the system creates a predictable encoding scheme that expands command capabilities while maintaining protocol regularity. This periodic structure simplifies both transmission and reception compared to arbitrary variable-length encoding.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for controlling electrical devices, such as lights capable of emitting different colours or colour sequences (shows). A multi-field command protocol is proposed to transmit command messages from a line controller to a controllable electrical device (light) to control its mode of operation, and optionally at least one dimension associated with the mode (e.g. light colour, and brightness and/or colour saturation, or blending colour show and speed of changing colours). The protocol comprises brief interruptions to the power supplied to the electrical device comprising a first variable length OFF time, a variable length ON time following the first OFF time, and a second variable length OFF time following the ON time. Together these times form three information fields having values represented by their respective lengths/durations. The fields define a selected mode of operation of the electrical device, and optionally at least one dimension associated with the mode.