RF Lighting Preset Programming via Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF lighting control systems face challenges in programming a preset intensity from a remote control due to FCC regulations limiting continuous RF transmissions, leading to user confusion when trying to set a new lighting intensity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that control the lighting load's intensity to an initial preset, provide a visual indication after a first set of wireless transmissions, and store the new intensity after a second set, ensuring compliance with FCC regulations by allowing immediate response to RF signals and clear user feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the system waits for a predetermined number of RF signals before responding to program a preset, then it can determine button hold status, but it cannot respond immediately due to FCC transmission limits
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by controlling the lighting load immediately in response to the first RF signal, then subsequently determines button hold status after receiving a predetermined number of signals. This resolves the contradiction by separating the immediate response action from the delayed button hold detection, allowing both FCC compliance and accurate button status determination.
2Ease of operation
If the system provides immediate visual feedback, then user confusion is reduced, but RF transmission limits prevent continuous signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic visual feedback through the visual indicator rather than continuous RF transmission. The indicator provides periodic updates to the user about preset programming status while the RF transmissions occur only at predetermined intervals compliant with FCC limits. This resolves the contradiction by replacing continuous RF signaling with periodic visual feedback.
3Speed
If the system uses infrared remote control for preset programming, then immediate response is possible, but it requires line-of-sight communication and lacks wireless flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the infrared mechanical line-of-sight communication system with radio-frequency wireless communication. Although RF has transmission limits, the system compensates by using visual indicators for feedback and immediate lighting control response, maintaining programming speed while gaining wireless flexibility and eliminating line-of-sight requirements.
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
Enables efficient and user-friendly programming of lighting presets while adhering to FCC transmission limits, reducing user confusion and ensuring reliable operation of RF lighting control systems.
Implementation Method 1
Control systems for controlling electrical loads, such as lights, motorized window treatments, and fans, are known. Such control systems often use radio-frequency (RF) transmission to provide wireless communication between the control devices of the system.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of programming a preset intensity of a dimmer switch from a radio-frequency (RF) remote control. A user is able to adjust the intensity of the lighting load to a new intensity and subsequently press and hold a preset button on the remote control to program the new intensity as the preset intensity. The remote control transmits a wireless transmission to the dimmer switch, which immediately responds to the actuation of the preset button by controlling the intensity of the lighting load to an initial preset intensity. The dimmer switch then blinks a light-emitting diode representative of the new intensity to provide feedback that the dimmer switch is in the process of programming the preset intensity to the new intensity. Eventually, the dimmer switch stores the new intensity as the preset intensity and stops blinking the light-emitting diode.