Remote Power Controller Multi-Protocol Zone Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote power controllers cannot simultaneously control devices operating on multiple control protocols, leading to control conflicts and inflexibility in power distribution, especially in environments with diverse audio, video, and lighting systems, where different control methodologies are used, and changes to circuit breaker panels are cumbersome due to hardwiring.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes processors to receive requests from client computing devices to set up zones with different control methodologies, assign circuit breakers, and generate messages formatted according to specific control methodologies to control and monitor circuit breakers and relays, allowing simultaneous operation of devices using DMX, sACN, RS-232, RS-485, and TCP/IP protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power controllers use a single control protocol, then control conflicts are avoided, but the ability to simultaneously control devices operating on multiple control protocols is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control functionality by creating separate control channels or pathways for different control protocols (e.g., DMX, sACN, RS-232, RS-485, TCP/IP). Each protocol is handled through dedicated communication interfaces and processing logic, allowing multiple protocols to operate simultaneously without interfering with each other, thus resolving control conflicts while maintaining multi-protocol capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer (controller or interface device) that translates between different control protocols and the power distribution system. This intermediary handles protocol-specific processing and routing, enabling the system to accommodate multiple control methodologies while preventing direct protocol conflicts through standardized mediation
2Stability of the object's composition
If circuit breaker panels are hardwired to devices, then stable power distribution is achieved, but changes to power distribution become difficult and require rewiring
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static hardwired connections with dynamic, reconfigurable power distribution. Circuit breakers are equipped with remote control capabilities and communication interfaces that allow power distribution to be changed electronically without physical rewiring. The system can dynamically reassign power circuits to different devices based on operational requirements, maintaining stability through controlled management while enabling adaptability through software-based reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system substitutes mechanical/physical rewiring operations with electronic control and software-based power distribution management. Instead of physically changing wire connections to reconfigure power distribution, the system uses electronic signals and software commands to redirect power flow, replacing the mechanical act of rewiring with electronic control mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate remote power controllers are used for different systems, then each system can be controlled independently, but system complexity and the number of devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple separate remote power controllers into a single integrated controller that can handle multiple control protocols and power distribution functions simultaneously. The unified controller maintains independent control capabilities for different systems (audio, video, lighting) while consolidating hardware resources, thereby reducing the total number of devices while preserving independent system control through software-based separation of control functions
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes one or more processors to receive from a client computing device a request to setup a zone and assign at least one circuit breaker selected from a plurality of circuit breakers to the zone, receive from the client computing device a selection of a control methodology for the zone, receive from the client computing device a control request for the at least one circuit breaker, and generate a message for controlling the at least one circuit breaker, the message formatted according to the control methodology and execute at least one operation to control the at least one circuit breaker in the zone based on the control request and the message.