Wireless Controller Handoff for Continuous Load Control Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
In load control environments, users face difficulties in configuring load control systems due to the need to connect to specific system controllers within range, as movement can result in loss of connection or failure to configure devices outside the range of the intended network, requiring complex IT department involvement and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A load control system that allows seamless communication between network devices and system controllers using a common SSID and SSID password, enabling wireless connection switching between controllers while maintaining communication, with gateway and target system controllers facilitating configuration and operation independently of user location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users connect to a specific system controller's wireless network to configure devices, then configuration can be performed, but connection is lost when moving outside the network range or to another controller's network
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the load control environment into multiple coverage zones, each served by a different system controller. Controllers are distributed throughout the environment, with each controller responsible for a specific geographic area. This segmentation allows users to move between zones while maintaining connection to the overall system through seamless controller switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a seamless handoff mechanism that acts as an intermediary between users and system controllers. When a user moves from one controller's coverage area to another, the handoff mechanism automatically manages the transition, ensuring continuous configuration capability without user awareness of the underlying connection changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple system controllers provide independent wireless networks, then each controller can be configured independently, but users need to manually connect to different networks to access different controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal SSID configuration where all system controllers broadcast the same network identifier. This allows a single user device to discover and connect to any controller in the environment without manual network switching. The universal SSID acts as a common interface that provides access to the distributed controller network, eliminating the need for users to know which specific controller to connect to.
3Measurement precision
If users must be within range of a system controller to configure devices, then wireless communication is maintained, but users cannot configure devices located in areas outside their current network range
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic controller assignment based on real-time user location and signal strength. As users move through the environment, the system automatically determines which controller should handle configuration requests based on current coverage conditions. This dynamic approach allows users to configure devices throughout the entire environment without being constrained by static network boundaries.
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.