Shared-SSID Wireless Controllers for Seamless Load Control Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems face challenges in maintaining seamless communication between network devices and system controllers due to varying signal strengths and the need for manual reconnection when moving between different system controller ranges.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a load control system that includes system controllers capable of wireless communication with network devices, using a common SSID and SSID password for seamless connection switching, and employing port forwarding techniques to ensure continuous communication with target system controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user connects to a system controller via wireless network to configure devices, then configuration capability is provided, but connection stability deteriorates when moving outside the controller's wireless range
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple system controllers, each providing its own wireless network. This segmentation allows the user to move from one controller's coverage area to another while maintaining continuous configuration capability across the entire load control environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a seamless connection mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the user's computing device and multiple system controllers. This mechanism automatically manages connection transitions between controllers, preventing connection drops and maintaining stable configuration capability throughout the environment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent wireless networks are provided by different system controllers, then each controller can be configured independently, but connection complexity increases when switching between controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The seamless connection mechanism provides universal functionality across multiple independent wireless networks. It enables a single computing device to connect to and configure any system controller in the environment without requiring different connection procedures or manual reconfiguration, thereby reducing connection management complexity while maintaining independent configuration capability.
3Productivity
If a user needs to walk around the load control environment to perform configurations, then comprehensive device coverage is achieved, but connection continuity deteriorates when moving between controller ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic connection management where the computing device can automatically switch between different system controller wireless networks based on location. This dynamic behavior allows the user to move freely throughout the environment while the connection is continuously maintained through automatic transitions between controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The seamless connection mechanism performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing connection protocols and authentication across multiple system controllers. This preparation enables automatic connection switching without interruption, allowing the user to move freely while maintaining continuous configuration capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A load control system may be provided including control devices and a system controller. The system controller may be configured to broadcast a service set identifier (SSID) and provide a wireless network connection to a network device. The system controller may provide a web page to the network device, wherein the web page may include an indication of target system controllers. The target system controllers may be used for configuring (e.g., associating) the control devices. The system controller may receive an indication of a target system controller selected to associate the control devices. The system controller may determine an address and port number of the target system controller identified by the network device. The system controller may provide, to the network device, the web page from the target system controller while the network device is connected to the system controller via the wireless network connection.