Wi-Fi Lighting Load Control With Optical IP Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a wireless load control device that can connect to the Internet via a wireless connection and control or program a lighting load in response to messages received from a wireless device, such as a smart phone, particularly one that is operable to be controlled or programmed from a Wi-Fi enabled control device like an iPhone or Android phone.
Innovation Solution
A load control device with a controllably conductive device coupled in series electrical connection between an AC power source and an electrical load, featuring a Wi-Fi module to receive wireless signals directly from a smart phone or other Wi-Fi enabled device, and an optical module to receive optical signals for controlling power delivery, allowing programming and control via wireless communication protocols like Wi-Fi, NFC, or proprietary RF signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a load control device uses traditional wired connections for control, then reliability of control signal transmission is improved, but ease of operation and adaptability to modern wireless devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary between the control signal source and the load control device. This module receives wireless signals (WiFi, Bluetooth, RF) and converts them into control signals that can be processed by the existing load control circuitry, thereby enabling wireless operation without compromising the reliability of the core control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The load control device is designed with multi-functional communication capabilities, supporting multiple wireless protocols (WiFi, Bluetooth, RF) in addition to traditional wired connections. This universal approach allows the device to operate reliably through various transmission methods while maintaining ease of operation across different user preferences and device types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a load control device integrates multiple wireless communication protocols, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication functionality is segmented into separate, independent modules for each protocol (WiFi module, Bluetooth module, RF module). Each module handles a specific protocol independently, allowing the device to support multiple protocols without creating complex interactions between them. This modular segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If a load control device enables remote Internet connectivity, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but loss of information and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load control device implements feedback mechanisms that provide users with information about connection status, data transmission, and system state. This allows users to monitor and control what information is shared remotely, reducing the risk of information loss while maintaining the convenience of remote operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates preliminary security measures such as encryption, authentication, and data validation before any remote communication occurs. These preventive actions are built into the communication protocol layer, ensuring that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access or loss before transmission takes place.
Data Source
AI summary
A load control device for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between the source and the load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals directly from the wireless network. The controller controls the controllably conductive device to adjust the power delivered to the load in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless network. The load control device may further comprise an optical module operable to receive an optical signal, such that the controller may obtain an IP address from the received optical signal and control the power delivered to the load in response to a wireless signal received from the wireless network that includes the IP address.