Preset Messaging for Load Control Without Lighting Popcorning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large lighting control systems experience delays in adjusting multiple electrical loads due to the time-consuming transmission of databases during commissioning, leading to undesirable 'popcorning' effects where lighting loads adjust visually piecemeal.
Innovation Solution
A load control system that includes a system controller capable of transmitting either a first or second command to load control devices based on a selected preset, where the first command provides a general description and the second command provides a detailed definition, allowing the system controller to decide which command to transmit based on previous transmissions and the number of load control devices involved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the control-source device transmits separate digital messages to each control-target device in a preset, then each device receives specific control instructions, but the transmission time increases significantly when there are many devices, causing noticeable delays and 'popcorning' effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate digital messages into a single aggregated message that contains control instructions for multiple control-target devices. Instead of transmitting individual messages to each device sequentially, the system merges the control data into one message that can be transmitted simultaneously to all devices in the preset, thereby reducing total transmission time while maintaining precise control over each device.
2Loss of time
If a single digital message with preset indication is transmitted to all control-target devices, then transmission time is reduced, but the system requires preconfigured databases at each device, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preconfiguring the control-target devices with databases containing their identification information and control parameters during system commissioning. This preliminary setup enables the devices to quickly process and respond to aggregated control messages without requiring complex real-time configuration, thus reducing transmission delays while managing device complexity through advance preparation.
3Reliability
If the system transmits detailed preset definitions to each device during commissioning, then devices have complete control information, but the commissioning time becomes unacceptably long for large systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential control parameters and device identification information needed for operation, storing them in compact databases at each control-target device during commissioning. By taking out only the necessary data elements rather than transmitting complete preset definitions to all devices, the system maintains reliable control while significantly reducing the time required for system commissioning and setup.
Data Source
AI summary
A load control system may comprise load control devices for controlling respective electrical loads, and a system controller operable to transmit digital messages including different commands to the load control devices in response to a selection of a preset. The different commands may include a preset command configured to identify preset data in a device database stored at the load control device and/or a multi-output command configured to define the preset data for being stored in the device database. The system controller may decide which of the commands to transmit to the load control devices in response to the selection of the preset.