Network-Based Scene Control for Lighting and Natural Light Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load control systems lack the ability to efficiently communicate and control various electrical loads, such as lighting, HVAC, and window treatments, from a network device, limiting user interaction and automation in managing lighting scenes and natural light simulations.
Innovation Solution
A network device with a processor, memory, and communication circuitry is used to interact with load control devices, allowing users to define and update lighting scenes through a graphical user interface, which can control lighting intensity, color, and vibrancy, and simulate natural light changes over time, using wireless communication with control devices like lighting control systems and motorized window treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If load control systems use traditional control methods without network device integration, then system simplicity is maintained, but user interaction capability and automation control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
A network device serves as an intermediary between the user and the load control system. The network device includes a processor that receives information from a controller in the load control system and communicates with the user through a graphical user interface displayed on a display screen. This intermediary approach enables enhanced user interaction and automation control without requiring direct complexity in the load control devices themselves.
2Extent of automation
If load control systems integrate network communication capabilities, then remote control and automation are enabled, but communication infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network device acts as a communication intermediary that handles all network communication protocols and infrastructure requirements. The processor receives information via communication circuitry from a controller through a communications network, translating complex communication tasks into simple user interactions through the graphical user interface. This separates automation capabilities from individual load control devices.
3Measurement precision
If the system provides detailed control interfaces for lighting parameters, then user control precision is improved, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface segments lighting control into distinct controllable parameters including lighting intensity, color temperature, and color settings. Each parameter is presented as a separate control element that the user can adjust independently. The processor receives these segmented control instructions and translates them into precise control signals for the lighting load, achieving detailed control without overwhelming the user with a monolithic complex interface.
4Measurement precision
If the network device receives and processes detailed information from the controller, then control accuracy is improved, but information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network device extracts and processes only the essential control information from the controller received via the communications network. The processor focuses on receiving information about current lighting state and translating user inputs from the graphical user interface into control commands. This extraction approach maintains control accuracy by processing relevant information while avoiding unnecessary processing overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
The network device may be configured to define or update a scene for controlling a zone in a certain area or location of a load control system. For example, the load control system may be installed in a residential home or building. At least one lighting control device that is configured to control a corresponding lighting load may be assigned to each of the one or more zones. The network device may be configured to display one or more graphical user interfaces that a user of the network device may interact with to define or update a scene. The network device may also be configured to display one or more graphical user interfaces that a user of the network device may interact with to define or update natural show functionality. After a scene and/or natural show have been configured, the may enabled or activated in response to a triggering event.