Wi-Fi Load Control Programming for Smart Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control devices lack the ability to connect to the Internet via wireless connections and control lighting loads in response to messages received from wireless devices, such as smart phones, which is desirable for enhanced control and programming capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A load control device with a controllably conductive device, a controller, and a near-field communications (NFC) module, Internet Protocol communications module, or optical module, allowing it to receive signals for programming and controlling power delivery to electrical loads, including integration with smart phones for user interface and parameter adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If load control devices are made with wireless communication capabilities (WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth), then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load control device integrates multiple wireless communication protocols (WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth) into a single device, enabling it to communicate with various types of wireless devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) through different protocols. This multi-functionality approach allows one device to serve multiple communication purposes, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through consolidation rather than separate dedicated modules for each protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a communication module that acts as an intermediary between the user's wireless device and the load control functionality. This module handles the complexity of protocol conversion and data transmission, allowing the main control circuitry to remain relatively simple while still providing sophisticated wireless control capabilities through the intermediary communication layer
2Adaptability or versatility
If load control devices are integrated with Internet connectivity, then adaptability and control versatility are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides Internet connectivity through standard protocols (WiFi, Bluetooth) that enable communication with various Internet-connected services and devices. This universal connectivity approach allows the same hardware to interface with different networks and services without requiring specialized hardware for each protocol, thereby improving adaptability while controlling the increase in device complexity through protocol-level versatility rather than hardware-level complexity
3Ease of operation
If programming parameters are transmitted via wireless signals, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of parameter transmission may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module serves as an intermediary that manages the transmission of programming parameters between wireless devices and the load control device. It handles protocol conversion, error checking, and data validation to ensure reliable parameter transmission while maintaining the ease of wireless operation. The intermediary layer absorbs potential transmission errors and ensures that only valid parameters are accepted by the control circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the load control device acknowledges receipt of programming parameters and confirms successful configuration. This feedback loop allows the transmitting device to verify that parameters were successfully transmitted and programmed, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving the convenience of wireless operation. The feedback mechanism enables error detection and correction without requiring complex transmission protocols
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 wireless control and programming of lighting loads through smart phones, providing enhanced user interaction and flexible control options, including intensity adjustment and scheduling, while supporting various communication protocols for seamless integration with Internet-connected systems.
Implementation Method 1
The NFC module may be operatively coupled to the controller. The NFC may be operable to receive at least one NFC signal for programming operating parameters of the load control device
Implementation Method 2
The controller may be operatively coupled to a control input of the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive
Data Source
AI summary
A load control device 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 an AC power source and an electrical load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals 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 that includes the IP address.