A control device may include a processor may include a core, a timer peripheral, and a peripheral direct memory access controller. The processor may include a receive port coupled to a communication port of the reporting device via a communication line. The control device may include a timer peripheral that can generate an enable signal and a timing signal, and a buffer circuit that may include an enable port for the enable signal for enabling/disabling the buffer circuit, an input port for the timing signal, and an output port coupled to the communication line. The processor may enable/disable the buffer circuit to control the timing of data bit(s) transmission across the communication line by the reporting device. The peripheral direct memory access controller may store the data bit(s) in a receive buffer during the bit period, and the core may subsequently retrieve the data bit(s) from the receiver buffer.
A control module may control a control device of a load control system. The control module may include a connector that can be coupled to the control device for receiving power and communicating with the control device. The control module may include a first wired communication circuit may be coupled to the third and fourth electrical terminals and configured to communicate with the control device when the control module is coupled to the control device using a four-wire topology. The control module may include a second wired communication circuit may be coupled to the first and second electrical terminals and configured to communicate with the control device when the control module is coupled to the control device using a two-wire topology. The control circuit may be configured to determine whether to communicate with the control device using the first wired communication circuit or the second wired communication circuit.
An occupant detection device may include an occupant detection circuit that is configured to determine locations of one or more occupants in the space. The occupant detection device may also include a low-power detection circuit that is configured to indicate an occupancy or vacancy condition in the space. The occupant detection device may include a control circuit that is configured to determine that the low-power detection circuit indicates that there are no occupants within the space. The control circuit may determine that there is movement in an occupant map or a region of interest as indicated by the locations of the one or occupants. The control circuit may configure masked regions around the locations of the movement, and store the masked regions in memory. The movement detected by the occupant detection device within the masked regions may be ignored when determining an occupant count for the space.
A control module configured to be mounted in a fixture opening of a lighting fixture may comprise an antenna (e.g., a dipole antenna) having a majority of primary radiating structures located outside of the lighting fixture when mounted to the lighting fixture. The control module may comprise a detector positioned to receive infrared energy through a lens for detecting occupancy or vacancy conditions. The antenna may comprise two elements electrically connected in a dipole antenna configuration and comprising respective curved portions that are positioned to curve around the detector outside of the lighting fixture. The control module may comprise an enclosure comprising clips that each have teeth for attaching the control module within the fixture opening. The clips may be located adjacent to each other and the teeth may be staggered relative to each other, such that one tooth of either clip engages the fixture opening at a single time.
H05B 47/115 - Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings
H05B 47/13 - Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings by using passive infrared detectors
H05B 47/19 - Controlling the light source by remote control via wireless transmission
F21V 19/00 - Fastening of light sources or lamp holders
A lighting device may include an elongated housing that defines a cavity. The lighting device may include plurality of emitter printed circuit boards configured to be received within the cavity. Each of the plurality of emitter printed circuit boards may include a plurality of emitter modules mounted thereto. Each of the plurality of emitter printed circuit boards may include a control circuit configured to control the plurality of emitter modules mounted to the respective emitter printed circuit board based on receipt of one or more messages. The lighting device may include a total internal reflection lens for each of the plurality of emitter printed circuit boards. The total internal reflection lens may be configured to diffuse light emitted by the emitter modules of the plurality of emitter printed circuit boards.
A battery-powered Roman shade system may comprise first and second brackets for mounting the shade system to a structure, a roller tube rotatably supported by the first and second brackets, and a housing configured to receive, at a first end of the housing, one or more batteries for powering a motor drive unit inside the roller tube. The housing may also be configured to support a lift assistance subsystem at a second end of the housing. The lift assistance subsystem is configured to provide variable lift assistance to the motor drive unit. The shade system may also comprise a battery holder for holding the one or more batteries. For example, the housing may comprise an internal compartment for housing the battery holder and the lift assistance subsystem. In addition, the shade system may comprise a gear assembly configured to mechanically couple the roller tube to the lift assistance subsystem.
A motorized window treatment system includes a roller tube (110), a flexible material (120), a motor drive unit (190), and mounting brackets (130A, 130B). The mounting brackets include a stationary portion (125A, 125B) configured to be attached to a structure surrounding a window. The mounting brackets include a pivoting portion (150A, 150B) configured to receive an end portion of a housing of a motor drive unit. The pivoting portion is be configured to operate the motorized window treatment between the operating position and the extended position. A portion of the motor drive unit may be accessible when the motorized window treatment is in the extended position. The mounting brackets may include a stopping mechanism that is configured to prevent the motorized window treatment from extending beyond the extended position.
A control device for controlling an electrical load may include a slider knob, a plurality of light sources, a diffuser, and a control circuit. The slider knob may be configured to move in a vertical direction along an elongated slot located in a bezel of the control device. The diffuser may be located along the elongated slot and be configured to be illuminated by the plurality of light sources to indicate the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. The control circuit may be configured to control the amount of power delivered to the electrical load in response movement of the slider knob along the elongated slot, and to illuminate at least a portion of the diffuser to indicate the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. In response to receiving a message to control the electrical load by a remote device, the control circuit may be configured to illuminate the diffuser to indicate the amount of power delivered to the electrical load such that the illuminated portion of the diffuser does not align with the location of the slider knob.
A power supply (100) may include a power converter circuit (130, 140) may be configured to control a magnitude of an output voltage (Vout), and generate a signal (VFB2) indicative of the magnitude of the output voltage. The power supply may include an over-power protection circuit (110) that is configured to receive a feedback signal (VFB1) indicative of a magnitude of an input current (Iin) of the power converter circuit. The power supply may include a control circuit (150) that is configured to determine a magnitude of a requested power based on the signal indicative of the magnitude of the output voltage, and disable the power supply (e.g., control the magnitude of the output voltage to be zero volts) when the magnitude of the requested power is greater than a second threshold and the magnitude of input power indicated by the first feedback signal is less than a third threshold.
H02H 3/05 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection - Details with means for increasing reliability, e.g. redundancy arrangements
H02H 3/08 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current
H02H 3/42 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to product of voltage and current
H02H 7/122 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from norm for rectifiers for static converters or rectifiers for inverters, i.e. dc/ac converters
10.
SENSOR FOR MEASURING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN A USER ENVIRONMENT
A device located within a user environment comprises plurality of sensors to measure one or more environmental conditions within the user environment. A first sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure an environmental condition on a first plane and a second sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure an environmental condition on a second plane. For example, the sensor device may measure the temperature, humidity, light intensity, color temperature, and/or the like. The sensor device may periodically measure the environmental conditions, and may periodically transmit the values of the measured environmental conditions to a computing device. A mobile device associated with a user may receive the measured values from the sensor device when the mobile device is within range of the sensor device, and may present a survey to the user that includes one or more questions that prompt the user to report their comfort level with respect to the measured environmental conditions. The mobile device and/or another computing device may build a profile for the location and/or the user based on the values and the user's reported comfort levels.
A control device may comprise a passive infrared sensing circuit configured to operate in a charging state to charge one or more capacitors to appropriate voltages for operation in an operational state of the sensing circuit. The sensing circuit may comprise a pyroelectric detector configured to generate an output signal in response to received infrared energy, and first and second amplifier circuits configured to amplify the output signal. The control device may comprise a control circuit coupled to receive a sensing signal from the second amplifier circuit. Prior to the operational state, a capacitor of the first amplifier circuit may charge through a diode coupled between an output and an inverting input of an operational amplifier. In addition, prior to the operational state, a capacitor of the passive infrared sensing circuit may charge through the control circuit until the magnitude of a voltage across the capacitor exceeds a threshold voltage.
H05B 47/13 - Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings by using passive infrared detectors
H05B 47/16 - Controlling the light source by timing means
G08B 13/191 - Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using infrared-radiation detection systems using pyroelectric sensor means
A motorized window treatment may comprise an antenna that allows for wireless communication. The motorized window treatment may comprise a roller tube, a motor drive unit, and at least one mounting bracket. The roller tube may be configured to windingly receive a flexible material and to be rotated to raise and lower the flexible material. The mounting bracket may be configured to support a bearing assembly of the motor drive unit to allow the roller tube to rotate with respect to the mounting bracket. The bearing assembly may be located between the roller tube and the mounting bracket, so as to form a gap between the roller tube and the mounting bracket. The antenna may comprise an electrical conductor wrapped around the motor drive unit adjacent to the gap between the roller tube and the mounting bracket.
The computing device may be configured to automatically determine curated configuration settings for a scene that is configured to control one or more zones. Each of the zones may be assigned a respective zone purpose. Each zone may be assigned at least one load control device that is configured to control a corresponding electrical load. Each of the one or more zones may be assigned a control type, which may be based on a respective product type and/or load type of the load control devices/electrical loads within each zone. The computing device may be configured to display one or more graphical user interfaces that a user of the computing device may interact with to select a curated configuration option for configuring the scene. The computing device may be configured to automatically determine curated configuration setting for the scene based on the selected curated configuration option and/or the zone purpose.
A load control device for controlling an amount of power delivered from an alternating-current (AC) power source to an electrical load may be configured to determine if a miswire condition exists at the load control device. For example, a control circuit of the load control device may be configured to detect a hot-to-dimmed-hot miswire condition in which a dimmed-hot terminal may be coupled to a hot side of the AC power source and a hot terminal may be coupled to the electrical load. In addition, the control circuit may be configured to detect a neutral-to-accessory-terminal miswire condition in which the hot terminal may be coupled to the hot side of the AC power source and an accessory terminal may be coupled to a neutral side of the AC power source.
A smart lighting device may be configured to be controlled in response to control instructions in messages and/or phase-control signals. The smart lighting device may determine whether to respond to the phase-control signal or the control instructions in messages. The smart lighting device may be configured to recognize whether it is electrically connected to a smart load control device or a non-smart load control device. A load control device may determine whether it is electrically connected to a mixed circuit or a non-mixed circuit. When the load control device determines that the circuit is a mixed circuit, the load control device may transmit phase-control signals and control instructions in messages at the same time. The load control device may determine that a smart lighting device has been added (e.g., electrically connected) to the circuit it is electrically connected to.
A lighting device may include a lens, an emitter configured to emit light through the lens, and a reflector. The reflector may define a cavity that extends from a first end to a second end of the reflector. The emitter may be received in the first end of the reflector, and the lens may be attached to the second end of the reflector. The lens may include teeth that extend from a rear surface of a rim of the lens. The reflector may include a collar at the second end, and the collar may include attachment clips that are configured to lock the teeth in place and retain the lens in attachment to the reflector.
F21K 9/233 - Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with a single fitting for each light source, e.g. for substitution of incandescent lamps with bayonet or threaded fittings specially adapted for generating a spot light distribution, e.g. for substitution of reflector lamps
F21V 13/04 - Combinations of only two kinds of elements the elements being reflectors and refractors
F21V 17/16 - Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening by deformation of parts of the lighting device; Snap action mounting
A lighting device may include a light source, a plurality of drive circuits, and a control circuit. The light source may include a plurality of emitter circuits that are configured to emit light. The light source may include a first emitter circuit that is configured to emit light at a first color (e.g., color temperature), a second emitter circuit is configured to emit light at a second color (e.g., color temperature), and a third emitter circuit is configured to emit light at a third color (e.g., color temperature). The first, second, and third colors (e.g., color temperatures) may be on a color curve, such as a color temperature curve like the black body locus. The control circuit may be configured to control the amount of power delivered to no more than two emitter circuits to emit light when controlling the light emitted by the light source to the target intensity.
A remote control device my comprise a control unit and a mounting structure (e.g., a smart mounting structure) to which the control unit is configured to be mounted. The control unit may be configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes. The control unit may transmit a first message for controlling a first electrical load when the control unit is operating in a first operating mode and a second message for controlling a second electrical load when the control unit is operating in a second operating mode. When the control unit is mounted to the mounting unit, the mounting unit may transmit a third message to the first control circuit of the control unit in response to receiving a user input received via an input circuit of the control unit. The control unit may change between the plurality of operating modes in response to receiving the third message.
A load controller in a load control system may communicate messages with load control devices for controlling electrical loads. The load controller may receive messages that comprise values for controlling different load control parameters over different overlapping fade times. The load controller may identify a shorter remaining fade time for controlling one of the load control parameters and may determine an updated target value for controlling another load control parameter over the shorter remaining fade time. The load controller may transmit a series of messages within a limited fade time using an updated target value for each message to control an electrical load at a fade rate that during a fade time that is longer than the limited fade time.
A load control system for controlling a plurality of lighting loads located in a space may be configured to track the location of one or more tracked devices. The load control system may comprise a system controller, lighting control devices, e.g., for controlling a plurality of lighting loads, and tracked devices. The tracked devices may each transmit beacon messages. The lighting control devices may receive the beacon message. The lighting control devices may measure a communication quality metric of each of the beacon messages, and process the measured communication quality metrics received over a period of time to determine a processed communication quality metric for the tracked device. The lighting control devices may transmit tracking data to the system controller. The system controller may determine a location (e.g., an area location and/or a fixture location) of the tracked device.
A control device configured for use in a load control system to control an electrical load external to the control device may comprise an actuation member having a front surface defining a capacitive touch surface configured to detect a touch actuation along at least a portion of the front surface. The control device includes a main printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a control circuit, a tactile switch, a controllably conductive device, and a drive circuit operatively coupled to a control input of the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive or non-conductive to control the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. The control device also includes a capacitive touch PCB that comprises a touch sensitive circuit comprising one or more receiving capacitive touch pads located on the capacitive touch PCB and arranged in a linear array adjacent to the capacitive touch surface.
A control system for an electric load device adapted to be installed in a space may include an electric load device, an electric load control device, and a load interface device. The electric load device may be configured to receive messages from a proprietary remote-control device via wireless signals using a first wireless communication protocol. The load interface device may be configured to receive messages using a second wireless communication protocol and transmit messages via wireless signals using the first wireless communication protocol. The load interface device: (1) receives a first message from the electric load control device via the wireless signals using the second wireless communication protocol; and (2) in response to receiving the first message, transmits a second message to the electric load device via the wireless signals using the first wireless communication protocol, the second message including a command for controlling an output parameter of the electric load device.
G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
H02J 50/80 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices
H05B 47/19 - Controlling the light source by remote control via wireless transmission
A sensor and/or system controller may process an image multiple times at multiple resolutions to detect glare conditions. A glare condition threshold used to determine whether a glare condition exists may be based on the resolution of the image. When the resolution of the image is higher, the glare condition threshold may be higher. The sensor and/or system controller may organize one or more adjacent pixels having similar intensities into pixel groups. The pixel groups may vary in size and/or shape. The sensor and/or system controller may determine a representative group luminance for the pixel group (e.g., an average luminance of the pixels in the group). The sensor and/or system controller may determine a group glare condition threshold, which may be used to determine whether a glare condition exists for the group of pixels and/or may be based on the size of the group.
A sensor and/or system controller may process an image multiple times at multiple resolutions to detect glare conditions. A glare condition threshold used to determine whether a glare condition exists may be based on the resolution of the image. When the resolution of the image is higher, the glare condition threshold may be higher. The sensor and/or system controller may organize one or more adjacent pixels having similar intensities into pixel groups. The pixel groups may vary in size and/or shape. The sensor and/or system controller may determine a representative group luminance for the pixel group (e.g., an average luminance of the pixels in the group). The sensor and/or system controller may determine a group glare condition threshold, which may be used to determine whether a glare condition exists for the group of pixels and/or may be based on the size of the group.
A control device configured for use in a load control system to control one or more electrical loads external to the control device may include an antenna and an actuation member having a front surface defining a touch sensitive surface configured to detect a touch actuation along at least a portion of the front surface. The control device may include a main printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a control circuit, an antenna PCB connected to the main PCB, a tactile switch(es), a controllably conductive device, and a drive circuit operatively coupled to a control input of the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive or non-conductive to control the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. The antenna may extend substantially perpendicular from the main PCB through an opening in the yoke and into a cavity defined by the actuation member and the yoke.
H05B 47/19 - Controlling the light source by remote control via wireless transmission
H01Q 9/42 - Resonant antennas with feed to end of elongated active element, e.g. unipole with folded element, the folded parts being spaced apart a small fraction of the operating wavelength
26.
IMPROVED LOAD CONTROL ON WIRED AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATION LINKS
A load controller in a load control system may communicate messages with controllable loads on a plurality of loops for controlling electrical loads. Each controllable load may include a load control device and an associated electrical load. The messages received by the load controller may include a zone identifier. The zone identifier may be associated with the load control devices for being controlled together. The load controller may communicate messages to sets of load control devices for performing common control of the load control devices on each loop using group messages. The load controller may reconfigure the zones that are assigned group identifiers for receiving group messages on the loops, such that the group identifiers are assigned to the zones that have larger numbers of load control devices. The message types on a given loop may be selected based on the type of control being transmitted in the commands.
A device may be configured to process messages from a plurality of input devices. The messages may be received on a first communication link and may be processed for being transmitted on a second communication link. The device may receive messages comprising data on the first communication link from the plurality of input devices. The data from the input devices may be aggregated and transmitted in at least one message on the second communication link.
H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks
H04W 4/38 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for collecting sensor information
H05B 47/105 - Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters
H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
28.
DIRECT-CURRENT POWER DISTRIBUTION IN A CONTROL SYSTEM
A control system may include a direct-current (DC) power bus for charging internal energy storage elements in control devices of the control system. For example, the control devices may be motorized window treatments configured to adjust a position of a covering material to control the amount of daylight entering a space. The system may include a bus power supply that may generate a DC voltage on the DC power bus. For example, the DC power bus may extend from the bus power supply around the perimeter of a floor of the building and may be connected to all of the motorized window treatments on the floor (e.g., in a daisy-chain configuration). An over-power protection circuit may be configured to disconnect the bus power supply if a bus current exceeds a threshold for a period of time.
Described herein are brake assemblies that may be useful for window treatments, such as spring-balanced motorized window treatments, including spring-balanced shades. The brake assemblies include brake springs of wire formed into a plurality of coils. The plurality of coils may terminate in a tang assembly, the tang assembly having a tang and a support portion. A support portion supports the tang when the tang is acted on by a force (e.g., a spring tightening or a spring loosening force). The support portion greatly reduces the hazard of the tang bending, because the tang is supported at each of its ends. With less chance of bending at the tang, a smaller wire diameter may be used for the brake spring, which creates less drag when rotating in a driven state. In the case of battery-driven shades, less drag saves battery life.
E06B 9/90 - Safety measures against dropping or unauthorised opening; Braking or immobilising devices; Devices for limiting unrolling automatic for immobilising the closure member in various chosen positions
A linear lighting device may include an elongated housing that defines a cavity. The linear lighting device may include plurality of emitter printed circuit boards configured to be received within the cavity. Each of the plurality of emitter printed circuit boards may include a plurality of emitter modules mounted thereto. Each of the plurality of emitter printed circuit boards may include a control circuit configured to control the plurality of emitter modules mounted to the respective emitter printed circuit board based on receipt of one or more messages. The linear lighting device may include a total internal reflection lens for each of the plurality of emitter printed circuit boards. The total internal reflection lens may be configured to diffuse light emitted by the emitter modules of the plurality of emitter printed circuit boards
H05B 45/10 - Controlling the intensity of the light
F21K 9/278 - Arrangement or mounting of circuit elements integrated in the light source
F21K 9/68 - Optical arrangements integrated in the light source, e.g. for improving the colour rendering index or the light extraction - Details of reflectors forming part of the light source
H05B 47/18 - Controlling the light source by remote control via data-bus transmission
H05B 47/19 - Controlling the light source by remote control via wireless transmission
31.
COMMUNICATION OF MESSAGES USING A COORDINATED MULTICAST TECHNIQUE
A load control system may include multiple devices capable of communicating with one another to enable load control via a network. Devices communicating in the load control system may be powered by a lower power supply (e.g., a battery). These devices may be power-conservative control devices. A device may transmit an indication that it is a power-conservative control device. The device may be assigned a multicast slot. The multicast slot may occur periodically and may be associated with a multicast phase. An indication of the device's assigned multicast slot may be transmitted to other devices in the load control system. Messages may be transmitted to the device from one or more other devices during its configured multicast slot. The device may periodically transition its communication circuit on and off based on the multicast slot.
Systems and methods are disclosed for a load control system which produces a show by adjusting one or more parameter values, such as color temperature, intensity, spectrum, volume, load state, and position of a window covering, as a function of a show time equal to a current time of day. The load control system is responsive to receiving commands to adjust the show time with respect to the current time of day. The load control system is configured to respond to the received commands by initiating a temporary system override in which the one or more parameter values may rewind or forward in time according to the defined show. The temporary override may exit and the defined show may resume at the current time of day after a predetermined amount of time has passed, at a reset time, or in response to a command.
A motor drive unit may include a motor and a magnetic brake. The motor may be configured to be located within a motor drive unit housing of the motor drive unit. The motor may include a motor drive shaft defining a motor drive shaft rotational axis in a longitudinal direction. The motor drive shaft may be configured to rotate a roller tube of a motorized window treatment. The magnetic brake may include a stationary portion that includes a first plurality of magnets and a rotating portion that includes a second plurality of magnets. The first plurality of magnets may be configured to repel the second plurality of magnets such that repulsion between the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets generates a holding torque to prevent the motor drive shaft from rotating when the motor is not driving the motor drive shaft.
E06B 9/72 - Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive comprising an electric motor positioned inside the roller
E06B 9/90 - Safety measures against dropping or unauthorised opening; Braking or immobilising devices; Devices for limiting unrolling automatic for immobilising the closure member in various chosen positions
A motorized window treatment may include a roller tube, a flexible material attached to the roller tube, and a motor drive unit. The motor drive unit may be disposed within a cavity of the roller tube. The motor drive unit may include a motor, a gear assembly, and a shaft stabilization member. The motor may include a drive shaft extending from a drive end of the motor and a rear shaft extending from a non-drive end of the motor. The drive shaft and the rear shaft may be configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis. The gear assembly may be operatively coupled to the roller tube and the drive shaft. The shaft stabilization member may be operatively coupled to the rear shaft. The shaft stabilization member may be configured to dampen axial and/or radial forces in the motor drive unit.
Wireless devices may perform modified carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) techniques in order to increase reliability while maintaining a reasonable latency for communications. The wireless devices may perform listen-before-talk (LBT) techniques using an adaptive transmission threshold (e.g., an adaptive CSMA threshold). The transmission threshold may be compared to a measured signal strength magnitude to determine whether the frequency channel is quiet enough for transmission of a packet. The transmission threshold may be initially set to equal a minimum value. The wireless device may increase the transmission threshold after each instance of LBT failure to allow the wireless device to get progressively more likely to transmit the packet each time LBT fails.
A motorized window treatment may be configured to adjust a position of a covering material to control the amount of daylight entering a space. The motorized window treatment may include a DC power source for charging an energy storage element, such as a supercapacitor and/or rechargeable battery. The energy storage element may be configured to provide power for the operation of a motor used to adjust the position of the covering material. The energy storage element may discharge when providing power to the motor and may charge such that the current it draws from a battery is at a desired average current level that extends the lifetime of the battery.
A motorized window treatment may include a roller tube, a flexible material attached to the roller tube, a motor drive unit, and mounting brackets configured to rotatably support respective ends of the roller tube. The roller tube may be operable between an operating position and an extended position. The extended position may include one or more ends of the roller tube being accessible while still attached to the mounting brackets. At least one of the mounting brackets may include a stationary portion, a sliding portion, and/or a translating portion. The translating portion and/or the sliding portion may be configured to translate the roller tube between the operating position and the extended position. The translating portion may define an attachment member and include an attachment aperture. The end of the roller tube may be accessible via the attachment aperture when the roller tube is in the extended position.
A load control system may include control devices configured to communicate via a network. The network may include router devices (e.g., a leader device and other router devices) for enabling communication of messages throughout the network. Boundary router devices may be assigned to assist with communications around a noise source. The boundary router devices may be identified as being outside of a first range from the noise source and within a second range from the noise source. Control device within the first range that are closer to the noise source may be assigned as end devices. The boundary router devices that are outside of the first range may be close enough to the end devices within the first range to assist the end devices with communication around the noise source.
H04W 40/32 - Connectivity information management, e.g. connectivity discovery or connectivity update for defining a routing cluster membership
H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks
H04W 40/22 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing using selective relaying for reaching a BTS [Base Transceiver Station] or an access point
39.
COMMUNICATING WITH AND CONTROLLING LOAD CONTROL SYSTEMS
Systems and methods are disclosed for communicating via a communications network with a load control system of a respective user environment, receiving information on the load control system via the communications network, displaying graphical user interfaces based on the received information, and controlling and configuring the load control system via graphical user interfaces by communicating via the communications network messages the load control system.
A load control system may include control devices configured to communicate via a network. The network may include router devices for enabling communication of messages throughout the network. Networks may enter a router optimization mode to optimize the locations of the router devices in the network. During a router optimization mode, the control devices that are communicating over the network may transmit optimization messages. In order to generate optimized network data for optimizing the network and the roles of devices on the network, potential connections may be analyzed between devices and roles of the router devices in the network may be established based on the potential connections between devices.
A load control system may be commissioned using beacon messages. The load control system may include control devices that each include a beacon transmitting circuit configured to transmit a beacon message that comprises an identifier associated with the control device. A network device, such as a mobile device, may discover a control device based on the beacon message received from the control device. In response to discovery of the control device, the control device may be added to a temporary group of control devices for being collectively configured and/or controlled. Control devices may be discovered based on the signal strength at which the beacon messages are received. A mobile device may adjust a discovery threshold for discovering a target number of control devices in the load control system.
A power converter circuit includes a control circuit configured to generate a drive signal for rendering a semiconductor switch conductive and non-conductive to generate a bus voltage across a bus capacitor. The control circuit adjusts a minimum operating period of the drive signal to a first value when an output power of the power converter circuit is greater than a first threshold and to a second value when the output power is less than a second threshold. The control circuit may comprise a comparator that generates the drive signal in response to a sense voltage and a threshold voltage. When operating in a standby mode, the control circuit may adjust a magnitude of the threshold voltage based on an instantaneous magnitude of an alternating-current line voltage received by the power converter circuit, such that an input current drawn by the power converter circuit is sinusoidal.
H05B 45/385 - Switched mode power supply [SMPS] using flyback topology
H02M 3/335 - Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
Devices of a load control system may communicate with each other via a network. The load control system may include different control devices, such as load control devices, input devices, or other devices capable of communicating with each other to perform load control. These control devices may be capable of providing feedback to a user that indicates different network information that may be used for network diagnostics and/or configuration. For example, a lighting control device may be capable of providing feedback via a corresponding lighting load that indicates network information that may be used in network diagnostics and/or configuration.
The lighting device may be configured to perform black body curve fading. For example, the control circuit may be configured to control the drive circuit such that the light emitted by the lighting load is adjusted (e.g., faded) along a black body curve. The control circuit may be configured to determine whether to fade from an initial color to a destination color in a Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) chromaticity space or an XY chromaticity space. The control circuit may be configured to determine whether the initial color and/or the destination color are on the black body curve. When the initial color and the destination color are determined to be on the black body curve, the control circuit may be configured to control the drive circuit such that the light emitted by the lighting device is adjusted from the initial color to the destination color along the black body curve.
A base may be configured to be attached to a pedestal. The pedestal may include a top plate, a bottom plate, and a mounting tab. The bottom plate may be configured to rest on a horizontal surface. The mounting tab may extend from the top plate (e.g., a platform on the top plate). The mounting tab may be configured to extend into an opening defined by the base. The mounting tab may be configured to prevent rotation of the base of the remote control device when the base is attached to the pedestal. The bottom plate may include a concave bottom surface. The concave bottom surface may include a recessed portion and a flat portion. The flat portion may be along an outer perimeter of the bottom plate. The flat portion may be configured to rest on the horizontal surface.
A control device for controlling power delivered to an electrical load includes a faceplate subassembly and a main control module. The faceplate subassembly includes a faceplate, a button, a circuit board, and a back cover. The faceplate includes a front surface and an opposed rear surface, and an opening extending therebetween with the button disposed in the opening in the faceplate. The back cover is positioned adjacent to the circuit board and defines a plurality of holes. A shaft of a post extending from the faceplate is disposed in one of the holes in the back cover and an end of the post is enlarged such that the back cover is captured between the end of the post and the rear surface of the faceplate. The main control module is configured to cause power delivered to the electrical load to be adjusted in response to depression of the button.
G06F 3/02 - Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
H01H 13/70 - Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
H01H 13/83 - Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by legends, e.g. Braille, liquid crystal displays, light emitting or optical elements
A control device for controlling power delivered to an electrical load includes a faceplate subassembly and a main control module. The faceplate subassembly includes a faceplate, a button, a circuit board, and a back cover. The faceplate includes a front surface and an opposed rear surface, and an opening extending therebetween with the button disposed in the opening in the faceplate. The back cover is positioned adjacent to the circuit board and defines a plurality of holes. A shaft of a post extending from the faceplate is disposed in one of the holes in the back cover and an end of the post is enlarged such that the back cover is captured between the end of the post and the rear surface of the faceplate. The main control module is configured to cause power delivered to the electrical load to be adjusted in response to depression of the button.
48.
DRIVE CIRCUIT FOR A LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE LIGHT SOURCE
A controllable lighting device may comprise a drive circuit characterized by one or more cycles and a control circuit configured to control the drive circuit to conduct a load current through a light source of the lighting device. The control circuit may be configured to determine one or more operating parameters of the lighting device during a present cycle of the drive circuit based on a feedback signal indicative of a peak magnitude of the load current conducted through the light source. The control circuit may be able to adjust an average magnitude of the load current conducted through the light source so as to adjust an intensity of the light source towards a target intensity based on the operating parameters.
A manually-operated window treatment system includes a roller tube, a covering material, and a chain (e.g., a semi-rigid chain). The roller tube is supported at opposed ends thereof. The covering material is attached to the roller tube. The covering material is operable between a raised position and a lowered position via rotation of the roller tube. The chain is configured to be operated by a user to rotate the roller tube. The chain has a first minimum bend radius when bent in a first direction and a second minimum bend radius when bent in a second direction. The first minimum bend radius is less than the second minimum bend radius.
A load control system may include control devices configured to communicate via a network. The network may include router devices for enabling communication of messages throughout the network. A control device may operate as a router device in the network. The control device may receive advertisement messages from a leader device in the network. When the leader device fails to communicate advertisement messages within a predefined period of time to other control devices that are operating as router devices in the network, one or more router devices may be identified as backup-leader devices to take over operation as the leader device in the network. When a control device that has the role of a leader device or router device is intentionally deactivated, the control device may perform a deactivation process that is specific to the role of the control device on the network.
A load control environment may be controlled by adjusting load control devices, such as a lighting intensity level, a level of the covering material for a motorized window treatment, and/or a temperature level to reduce and/or optimize the consumption of power. The optimization of power may include reducing the total cost and consumption of power, while maintaining a target or minimum level of comfort for occupants and/or a net monetary gain. The optimization of power consumption may be performed by adaptively controlling the load control devices to reduce the total power consumption of the load control environment, while maintaining a minimum level for comfort metrics indicating a level of occupant comfort and/or the net monetary gain associated with the comfort metrics.
A blind system may control (e.g., automatically control) an amount of daylight entering a window on a façade of a building to prevent direct sunlight from shining into the building, while maximizing the amount of indirect sunlight in the building. The blind system may tilt one or more slats into a view tilt position in which the slats are horizontal, a slanted tilt position in which the slats may block direct sunlight from shining into the building, and a privacy tilt position in which the slats are vertical. The drive unit may tilt the slats according to a timeclock having the event times determined from a predicted position of the sun, such that the slats are tilted to the slanted tilt position when the predicted position of the sun indicates that direct sunlight is incident on the façade. A facing direction of the façade may be configured using a mobile device.
E06B 9/303 - Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with horizontal lamellae, e.g. non-liftable liftable with ladder-tape
H04M 1/72415 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories for remote control of appliances
E06B 9/32 - Operating, guiding, or securing devices therefor
G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
Devices of a control system may communicate with each other via a network. The control devices may be configured to form the network by joining the network and each attempt to attach to another device on the network. Attachment may be performed using one or more link quality thresholds. For example, the control device may measure background values and the link quality threshold may represent an Nth percentile value of the recorded background values measured at the control device. During a router optimization mode, the control devices may measure and store a communication quality metrics that may be used to assign the role of router devices and/or the role of leader device to control devices on the network.
A wall-mountable load control device (200) may include an illuminated rotary knob (210) for providing a nightlight feature. The load control device may be configured to control an intensity of a lighting load. The load control device may include a yoke (230) adapted to be mounted to an electrical wall box, an enclosure (236) attached to the yoke, a faceplate (202) attached to the yoke and having an opening, a mounting member (260) attached to the yoke, and/or a potentiometer (240) located within the enclosure and having a shaft (242) extending through an opening in the yoke and the opening of the faceplate. The load control device may include a collar (220) attached to a boss (262) of the mounting member and surrounding the shaft of the potentiometer. The mounting member may be configured to conduct light from at least one light source housed within the enclosure to illuminate the faceplate.
H05B 47/17 - Operational modes, e.g. switching from manual to automatic mode or prohibiting specific operations
H01H 19/54 - Switches operated by an operating part which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and which is acted upon directly by a solid body external to the switch, e.g. by a hand the operating part having at least five or an unspecified number of operative positions
55.
CONTROL OF COVERING MATERIAL AND MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENTS
A motorized window treatment may include a roller tube, a covering material that is attached to the roller tube, and a motor drive unit configured to be located within the roller tube. The motor drive unit may include a motor drive shaft defining a motor drive shaft rotational axis in a longitudinal direction. The motor drive shaft may be configured to rotate the roller tube to adjust the covering material between a raised position and a lowered position. The motorized window treatment may be configured to adjust a visible light transmittance of the covering material by rotating the roller tube, for example, when the covering material is in a fixed position between the raised position and the lowered position.
E06B 9/42 - Parts or details of roller blinds, e.g. suspension devices, blind boxes
D03D 15/56 - Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used characterised by the properties of the yarns or threads elastic
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance
E06B 9/72 - Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive comprising an electric motor positioned inside the roller
56.
LOAD CONTROL DEVICE HAVING A CAPACITIVE TOUCH SURFACE
A control device configured for use in a load control system to control one or more electrical loads may comprise an actuation member having a front surface defining a touch sensitive surface configured to detect a point actuation along at least a portion of the front surface, a touch sensitive circuit, and a control circuit. The touch sensitive device may comprise one or more receiving capacitive touch pads located behind the actuation member and arranged in a linear array adjacent to the touch sensitive surface. The control circuit may be configured to operate using different filtering techniques based on the state/mode of the control device and/or based on whether the positions of point actuations by a user along the touch sensitive surface indicate a fine tune or gross adjustment by the user. For example, the control circuit may generate an output signal using light/no filtering or using heavy filtering.
A control device configured to control an amount of power delivered to an electrical load may provide feedback regarding the amount of power being delivered to the electrical load. The control device may include a visual indicator that is illuminated by a plurality of light sources. The control device may comprise a control circuit configured to determine the amount of power being delivered to the electrical load and control the light sources to illuminate a portion of the visual indicator to indicate the amount of power being delivered. Different sections of the illuminated portion of the visual indicator may be illuminated to different intensity levels and the intensity levels may be adjusted between different operational states.
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
F24F 11/52 - Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
A motorized window treatment system (e.g., a motorized blind system) may include a headrail, a covering material extending from the headrail, a battery compartment coupled to the headrail, a valance clip comprising a stationary portion coupled to the headrail and a movable portion configured to be coupled to the stationary portion such that the movable portion is movable from a first position to a second position, and a valance configured to be coupled to the movable portion of the valance clip. When the movable portion is in the first position, the valance may cover the battery compartment. When the movable portion is in the second position, the battery compartment may be at least partially exposed. The battery compartment may be configured to hold at least one battery for powering a drive unit of the motorized window treatment system.
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a provisioning service, such as a broker provisioner service (BPS), for provisioning a device (e.g, such as a control device and/or a mobile device) to one or more remote servers. The device may send a connection request message to the BPS to be provisioned with the remote servers (e.g, one or more services offered by the remote servers). The BPS may determine one or more services and/or brokers associated with the corresponding remote servers with which the device may be provisioned, e.g, based on provisioning rules. The BPS may apply the provisioning rules to determine the appropriate services and/or brokers and the corresponding remote servers with which the device may be provisioned. The BPS may send a provision message to the device. The device may establish communications with the provisioned services and/or brokers and/or the corresponding remote servers.
In an auto vibrancy mode, a vibrancy value for a lighting load may be automatically determined based on a selected color setting for the lighting load. The automatically determined vibrancy value may also be configured to emit light from the lighting load at or above a target CRI value for the selected color setting. The selected color setting may be a CCT value on the black-body curve or an x-y chromaticity value. If the selected color setting is CCT value on the black-body curve, the automatically determined vibrancy value may be a pre-defined vibrancy value that is configured to emit light from the lighting load at or above the target CRI value for the selected CCT value. If the selected color setting is an x-y chromaticity value, the automatically determined vibrancy value may be based on the distance between the selected x-y chromaticity value and the black-body curve.
A window treatment may include a headrail, a weighting element, a plurality of slats, one or more first ladder cords, one or more second ladder cords, a plurality of ladder rungs, and one or more couplings. The plurality of slats may be located between the headrail and the weighting element. Each of the plurality of slats may include an upper surface and a lower surface. The plurality of ladder rungs may extend between a first ladder cord and a second ladder cord. The lower surface of each of the plurality of slats may rest on a respective ladder rung of the plurality of ladder rungs. The one or more couplings may be configured to be attached to respective slats of the plurality of slats. The coupling may be configured to be removed such that the slat can be removed from the window treatment.
A remote control device may be mounted to a structure. The remote control device may include a control unit, a base, a faceplate, an adapter, and a mounting plate. The adapter may be configured to be attached to the faceplate. The adapter may be configured to be secured to the structure. The mounting plate may float between the adapter and the structure when the adapter is secured to the structure. The mounting plate may include a frame, a mounting tab, and a plurality of spring arms. The mounting tab may extend from the frame, for example, a platform on the frame. The mounting tab may be configured to prevent rotation of the base of the remote control device when the base is attached to the mounting plate. The plurality of spring arms may be configured to bias the mounting tab away from the structure.
A motorized window treatment includes a motor drive unit having a motor and a covering material having a first end in a fixed position and a second end movable along a first axis. The covering material is configured to be extended along a first axis when the motor is operated in a first direction and retraced along the first axis when the motor is operated in a second direction. A hembar is coupled to the second end of the covering material. At least one state sensing circuit is coupled to the hembar and is configured to generate at least one first signal. A control circuit is configured to determine a present state of the hembar based on the at least one first signal. The motor drive unit is configured to control the motor when the present state of the hembar and an expected state of the hembar are different.
A control device may communicate messages with devices in a network through a parent device, and receive messages from auxiliary parent devices. The control device may store a respective communication metric associated with each of the parent device and the one or more auxiliary parent devices. The control device may set an auxiliary parent device of the one or more auxiliary parent devices as the parent device of the control device, e.g., when a respective communication metric of the auxiliary parent device determined to be set as the parent device indicates a stronger communication link than the parent device. The control device may determine that the respective communication metric of the auxiliary parent device indicates a stronger potential communication link than the parent device when the average received signal strength indicator of auxiliary parent device is greater than the average received signal strength indicator of the parent device.
A control device may be configured to form a network at a unique coordinated startup time. The control device may identify a role assigned to the control device in a previously-formed network that the control device was attached to. The control device may determine a unique coordinated startup time for the control device based on the role assigned to the control device in the previously-formed network. The control device may initiate a network formation procedure at the unique coordinated startup time for the device. For example, the network formation procedure may cause the control device to attach to another control device in the network. The network formation procedure is configured to enable the control device to assume the role assigned to the control device in the previously-formed network in the new network.
A control device may be configured to delay an attachment procedure while attachment messages are being transmitted over the network. The control device may be configured to initiate an attachment procedure with a router device on a network at the end a back-off period of time. The attachment procedure may include transmitting attachment messages (e.g., parent request messages) that enable the control device to transmit and receive messages over the network through the router device. During the back-off period of time, the control device may determine an attachment message is received from another control device on the network. And, if an attachment message (e.g., a parent request messages and/or a link request message) is received from another control device, the control device may increase the back-off period of time (e.g., delaying when the control device initiates its attachment procedure).
A control device configured for use in a load control system to control an electrical load external to the control device may comprise an actuation member having a front surface defining a capacitive touch surface configured to detect a touch actuation along at least a portion of the front surface. The control device includes a main printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a control circuit, a tactile switch, a controllably conductive device, and a drive circuit operatively coupled to a control input of the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive or non-conductive to control the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. The control device also includes a capacitive touch PCB that comprises a touch sensitive circuit comprising one or more receiving capacitive touch pads located on the capacitive touch PCB and arranged in a linear array adjacent to the capacitive touch surface.
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
A load control device for controlling power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load may have a closed-loop gate drive circuit for controlling a semiconductor switch of a controllably conductive device. The controllably conductive device may be coupled in series between the source and the load. The gate drive circuit may generate a target signal in response to a control circuit. The gate drive circuit may shape the target signal over a period of time and may increase the target signal to a predetermined level after the period of time. The gate drive circuit may receive a feedback signal that indicates a magnitude of a load current conducted through the semiconductor switch. The gate drive circuit may generate a gate control signal in response to the target signal and the feedback signal, and render the semiconductor switch conductive and non-conductive in response to the gate control signal.
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
H05B 47/25 - Circuit arrangements for protecting against overcurrent
H02H 3/08 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess current
H03K 17/0812 - Modifications for protecting switching circuit against overcurrent or overvoltage without feedback from the output circuit to the control circuit by measures taken in the control circuit
H03K 17/16 - Modifications for eliminating interference voltages or currents
H03K 17/687 - Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and -breaking characterised by the use of specified components by the use, as active elements, of semiconductor devices the devices being field-effect transistors
69.
COMMUNICATING WITH AND CONTROLLING LOAD CONTROL SYSTEMS
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.
A remote control device may be configured to transmit command messages based on user interactions. The remote control device may receive an indication of a user interaction and transmit a command message based on the indication of the user interaction. The command message may include a command to adjust an intensity level of a lighting device and a fade period. The fade period may include the period of time over which the lighting device is to transition to the intensity level. After a transmission interval period of time from when the command message was transmitted elapses and based on a subsequent user interaction, the remote control device may transmit another command message, which may include a command for the lighting device to adjust to another intensity level over the fade period. The fade period may be longer than the transmission interval.
A remote control device for controlling lighting devices may be configured to detect an excessive user interaction (e.g., a continued user interaction) and reduce a number of command messages that are being transmitted to prevent the lighting devices from producing undesirable visual effects. The remote control device may comprise a user interface (e.g., that may include a rotation portion, such as a rotary knob) and a processor configured to receive an indication of a user interaction via the user interface. The processor may periodically transmit command messages at a transmission frequency in response to a continued user interaction, where each of the command messages comprise a respective command for adjusting to a respective lighting level. The processor may also start a usage timer in response to receiving the indication of the user interaction, and decrease the transmission frequency in response to the usage timer exceeding a usage threshold.
A remote control device may control electrical loads and/or load control devices of a load control system without accessing electrical wiring. The remote control device may include a control unit and a base that may be configured to be mounted over a paddle actuator of an installed mechanical switch. The base may include a frame, a biasing member, and/or a ribbon portion. The frame may be configured to secure the remote control device thereto. The frame may define a rear surface that is configured to abut a bezel of the mechanical switch. The biasing member may be configured to engage a rear surface of a faceplate of the mechanical switch. The ribbon portion may be configured to attach the biasing member to the frame. The ribbon portion may be configured to extend through a gap between the bezel and the faceplate.
Remote control devices may control electrical loads and/or load control devices of a load control system without accessing electrical wiring. The remote control device may be mounted over a mechanical switch that is installed in a wallbox. The remote control device may include a base, a battery, a battery holder, and a control unit. The base may be configured to attach the remote control device to the mechanical switch. The control unit may be configured to be removably attached to the base. The battery holder may be configured to retain the battery therein. The battery holder may be configured to be installed within the void defined by the housing. The battery holder may be operable between a first position in a lower portion of the void and a second position in an upper portion of the void.
H01H 3/32 - Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts
H01M 50/244 - Secondary casings; Racks; Suspension devices; Carrying devices; Holders characterised by their mounting method
H01M 50/269 - Mechanical means for varying the arrangement of batteries or cells for different uses, e.g. for changing the number of batteries or for switching between series and parallel wiring
H01M 50/289 - Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by spacing elements or positioning means within frames, racks or packs
A load control system may be commissioned using beacons. The load control system may include control devices that each include a beacon transmitting circuit configured to transmit a beacon that comprises an identifier associated with the control device. A network device, such as a mobile device, may discover a control device based on the beacon received from the control device. In response to discovery of the control device, the control device may be added to a temporary group of control devices for being collectively configured and/or controlled. Control devices may be discovered based on the signal strength at which the beacons are received. The control devices may provide feedback to a user in response to confirmation messages to indicate to a user that the lighting control device has been added to the temporary group. The control devices may stop providing the feedback after they are removed from the temporary group.
H05B 47/19 - Controlling the light source by remote control via wireless transmission
H04L 41/0806 - Configuration setting for initial configuration or provisioning, e.g. plug-and-play
H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
H04L 67/125 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks involving control of end-device applications over a network
75.
CONTROL DEVICE HAVING A SECONDARY RADIO FOR WAKING UP A PRIMARY RADIO
A control device may comprise a primary radio circuit for receiving radio-frequency signals via an antenna, and a secondary radio circuit for waking up the primary radio circuit when a radiofrequency signal is presently being transmitted by an external device. The control device may include a control circuit that may be coupled to the primary radio circuit, and may control the primary radio circuit into a sleep mode. The secondary radio circuit may generate a first control signal indicating that the radio-frequency signal is presently being transmitted by the external device. The control circuit may wake up the primary radio circuit from the sleep mode in response to the secondary radio circuit generating the first control signal indicating that the radio-frequency signal is presently being transmitted by the external device.
H04B 1/3805 - Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving with built-in auxiliary receivers
A control device may be configured to transmit messages using an adaptive transmit power. The control device may determine a transmit power for transmitting the message based on a command in the message. The control device may determine a transmit power based on a change in lighting intensity caused by the command. The transmit power may be greater when the change in lighting intensity is above a threshold than when the change in light intensity is below the threshold. The control device may determine whether the message was successfully received based on the receipt of an acknowledgement message. The control device may increase the transmit power when the message fails to be received and retransmit the message including the command at an increased transmit power. The control device may store (e.g., learn) the increased transmit power for later use.
H04W 52/28 - TPC being performed according to specific parameters using user profile, e.g. mobile speed, priority or network state, e.g. standby, idle or non-transmission
H04W 52/36 - Transmission power control [TPC] using constraints in the total amount of available transmission power with a discrete range or set of values, e.g. step size, ramping or offsets
A lighting device (e.g., a controllable light-emitting diode illumination device) may have a light-generation module that may be assembled and calibrated prior to the light-generation module being installed in a finished good. The light-generation module may include an emitter module having at least one emitter mounted to a substrate and configured to emit light. The light-generation module may include a first printed circuit board on which the emitter module may be mounted and a second printed circuit board on which those circuits that are essential for powering the emitter module may be mounted. The light-generation module may include a heat sink located between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board. The emitter module may be thermally-coupled to the heat sink through the substrate and the first printed circuit board.
A load control system may be commissioned using beacons. The load control system may include control devices that each include a beacon transmitting circuit configured to transmit a beacon that comprises an identifier associated with the control device. A network device, such as a mobile device, may discover a control device based on the beacon received from the control device. In response to discovery of the control device, the control device may be added to a temporary group of control devices for being collectively configured and/or controlled. Control devices may be discovered based on the signal strength at which the beacons are received. The control devices may provide feedback to a user in response to confirmation messages to indicate to a user that the lighting control device has been added to the temporary group. The control devices may stop providing the feedback after they are removed from the temporary group.
A control system may include a direct-current (DC) power bus for charging (e.g., trickle charging) internal energy storage elements in control devices of the control system. For example, the control devices may be motorized window treatments configured to adjust a position of a covering material to control the amount of daylight entering a space. The system may include a DC power supply that may generate a DC voltage on the DC power bus. For example, the DC power bus may extend from the DC power supply around the perimeter of a floor of the building and may be connected to all of the motorized window treatments on the floor (e.g., in a daisy-chain configuration). Wiring the DC power bus in such a manner may dramatically reduce the installation labor and wiring costs of an installation, as well as decreasing the chance of a miswire.
H02J 1/08 - Three-wire systems; Systems having more than three wires
H02G 3/00 - Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from ac mains by converters
H02J 7/34 - Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering
80.
VISIBLE LIGHT SENSOR CONFIGURED FOR DETECTION OF GLARE CONDITIONS
A device may be configured to detect a glare condition and may comprise a photo sensing circuit and a visible light sensing circuit. The photo sensing circuit may be configured to periodically generate an illuminance signal that indicates an illuminance value. The visible light sensing circuit may be configured to periodically record images of the space at an exposure time. The device may receive an illuminance signal from the photo sensing circuit and determine a present illuminance based on the illuminance signal. The device may adjust the frequency at which the visible light sensing circuit records images based on the present illuminance. The exposure time may be determined based on the present illuminance and a glare condition type. An image recorded at a respective exposure time may wash out pixels above a certain illuminance value. The device may detect a glare condition at the location of washed out pixels.
An emitter module for a light-emitting diode (LED) light source may comprise a substrate, and a plurality of emitters mounted to the substrate, each emitter being configured to produce illumination at a different wavelength. The number of emitters is greater than four (e.g., five emitters). The emitter module may also comprise a dome mounted to the substrate and encapsulating the plurality of emitters. Each of the plurality of emitters is arranged such that a center of the emitter is located on a circular center line having a center that is the same as a center of the dome. Each of the plurality of emitters is located on a different primary radial axis of the emitter module. Each of the primary radial axes is equally spaced apart by an offset angle. The emitter module may comprise an additional one of each of the emitters at each of the different wavelengths.
Methods and systems as described herein may be used for independently controlling the color temperature, intensity, and/or circadian response (CR) of one or more light sources (e.g., discrete-spectrum light sources) to adjust one or more color temperature, intensity, and circadian metrics in a space. For example, a light fixture may have four controllable light sources, a warm CR boost, cool CR boost, warm non-boost CR and a cool non-boost CR to independently control intensity, color temperature, and CR outputs.
A load control device coupled between an AC power source and an electrical load may operate in a three-wire mode or a two-wire mode based on whether the load control device is connected to a neutral side of the AC power source. The load control device may further comprise first and second zero-cross detect circuits to be respectively used in the two-wire mode or the three- wire mode, and a neutral wire detect circuit configured to generate a neutral-wire detect signal indicating whether the load control device is connected to the neutral side of the AC power source. A control circuit of the load control device may determine whether the load control device should operate in the two-wire mode or in the three-wire mode in response to the neutral-wire detect signal.
A multiple location load control system may comprise a main load control device and an accessory load control device. The main load control device may control an amount of power delivered to an electrical load from an AC power source using a control circuit and a controllably conductive device. The accessory load control device may be coupled to the main load control device via an accessory terminal. The accessory load control device may detect a user input for changing a characteristic of the electrical load and may send a signal to the main load control device indicating the user input. The main load control device may detect a pattern of the signal based on a threshold and further determine the user input in response to the detected pattern. The main load control device may adjust the threshold based on line/load conditions of the multiple location load control system.
A load control device coupled between an AC power source and an electrical load may operate in a three- wire mode or a two-wire mode based on whether the load control device is connected to a neutral side of the AC power source. The load control device may further comprise first and second zero-cross detect circuits to be respectively used in the two-wire mode or the three- wire mode, and a neutral wire detect circuit configured to generate a neutral-wire detect signal indicating whether the load control device is connected to the neutral side of the AC power source. A control circuit of the load control device may determine whether the load control device should operate in the two-wire mode or in the three-wire mode in response to the neutral-wire detect signal.
86.
CONTROL DEVICE BASE THAT ATTACHES TO THE PADDLE ACTUATOR OF A MECHANICAL SWITCH
A remote control device may control electrical loads and/or load control devices of a load control system without accessing electrical wiring. The remote control device may be configured to be mounted over an installed mechanical switch having a paddle actuator and may include a base and a control unit that is configured to be removably attached to the base. The base may include a frame, a clamp arm, a screw, and/or a sleeve. The clamp arm may be configured to secure the base to a protruding portion of the paddle actuator. The clamp arm may be attached to the frame at a pivot joint. The clamp arm may be configured to pivot about the pivot joint. The pivot joint may be located proximate to an endpoint or a midpoint of the frame.
A device may detect a power removal event, determine whether the power removal event is a local power removal event or a system power removal event, and perform state correction. For example, the device may receive an indication of a state change event turning on the lighting device. The indication may be received from a sensor. For example, the sensor may include a photosensing circuit (e.g, capable of detecting light emission from the lighting device) or the sensor may include a live voltage sensor (e.g, capable of detecting a change in current driven to the lighting device). The device may then determine whether the power removal event is a system power removal event or a local power removal event. If the device determines that the power removal event is a system power removal event, the device may perform state correction (e.g., setting the lighting device to its state prior to the power removal event).
A load control system may include a control device, such as a control-target device and a control-source device. A control circuit of a computing device(s) may execute a load control system configuration tool. The control circuit executing the load control system configuration tool may display first level details associated with the load control system in a project. The first level details may include one or more of square footage, energy code, building function, or construction type associated with the project. Based on the first level details, the control circuit of the computing device(s) executing the load control system configuration tool may generate one or more load control system configurations. Each one of the one or more load control system configurations may include one or more load control instructions. The one or more load control instructions may control the control -target devices in the load control system in the project.
A load control device may be configured to control multiple characteristics of one or more electrical loads such as the intensity and color of a lighting load. The load control device may switch from controlling one characteristic of the electrical loads to controlling another characteristic of the electrical loads based on the position of one or more components of the load control device. Such a position may be manipulated by moving the one or more components relative to an idle position of the load control device. The load control device may be a wall-mounted device or a battery-powered remote control device.
A control device configured for use in a load control system to control an external electrical load may provide simple feedback regarding the operation of the control device. For example, the control device may comprise a base portion configured to be mounted to an electrical wallbox or over a mechanical switch, and a control unit connected to the base portion. The control unit may comprise a rotation portion rotatable with respect to the base portion, an actuation portion, and a light source. The control unit may be configured to control the light source to illuminate at least an illuminated portion of the actuation portion in response to actuations of the rotation portion and the actuation portion. In addition, the control unit may provide a limit indication on the illuminated portion by blinking the illuminated portion when the electrical load has reached a limit.
H05B 47/16 - Controlling the light source by timing means
H01H 19/54 - Switches operated by an operating part which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and which is acted upon directly by a solid body external to the switch, e.g. by a hand the operating part having at least five or an unspecified number of operative positions
91.
CONTROL OF MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENTS AND LIGHTING COLOR
Color temperature in a space may be adjusted by controlling lighting control devices and motorized window treatments. A position of a motorized window treatment may be controlled based on a control mode or user preference. Outside color temperature values may be limited from entering the space by closing the shade fabric of the motorized window treatment when the outside color temperature exceeds a threshold. A color temperature of outside light entering the space may be determined after the shades are adjusted. The color temperature of outside light entering the space may be determined by considering the shade fabric characteristics. The color temperature of light emitted by one or more lighting fixtures may be adjusted based on the color temperature of the light entering the space.
Color temperature in a space may be adjusted by controlling lighting control devices and motorized window treatments. A position of a motorized window treatment may be controlled based on a control mode or user preference. Outside color temperature values may be limited from entering the space by closing the shade fabric of the motorized window treatment when the outside color temperature exceeds a threshold. A color temperature of outside light entering the space may be determined after the shades are adjusted. The color temperature of outside light entering the space may be determined by considering the shade fabric characteristics. The color temperature of light emitted by one or more lighting fixtures may be adjusted based on the color temperature of the light entering the space.
Systems and methods are disclosed for communicating via a communications network with a load control system of a respective user environment, receiving information on the load control system via the communications network, displaying graphical user interfaces based on the received information, and controlling and configuring the load control system via graphical user interfaces by communicating via the communications network messages the load control system.
A controllable lighting device may utilize a controllable impedance circuit to conduct a load current through an LED light source. The controllable impedance circuit may be coupled in series with a first switching device, which may be rendered conductive and non-conductive via a pulse- width modulated signal to adjust an average magnitude of the load current. The controllable lighting device may further comprise a control loop circuit that includes a second switching device. The second switching device may be rendered conductive and non-conductive in coordination with the first switching device to control when a feedback signal is provided to the control loop circuit and used to control the LED light source. The control loop circuit may be characterized by a time constant that is significantly greater than an operating period of the load current.
The remote control device may provide feedback via the status indicator that indicates the present intensity level of a lighting device responsive to the remote control device. The remote control device may provide feedback to indicate a first present intensity level of a first lighting device when the command is a first command type, and a second present intensity level of a second lighting device when the command is a second command type. When the first command type is a raise command and the second command type is a lower command, the first present intensity level may be less than the second present intensity level. In addition, the first lighting device may be a lighting device responsive to the remote control device with a lowest present intensity level and the second lighting device may be a lighting device responsive to the remote control device with a highest present intensity level.
A sensor may be configured to determine how many people that have entered or exited a space. The sensor may comprise a pyroelectric infrared (PIR) detection circuit capable of generating different output signal patterns in response to a person entering or exiting the space. The sensor may determine whether the person has entered or exited the space based on the output signal pattern. The sensor may include a thermopile array, a radar detection circuit, or a visible light sensing circuit. The thermopile array, radar detection circuit, or visible light sensing circuit may be capable of detecting a person's location and/or movements within an area monitored by the sensor and determining, based on the detected movements, whether the person has entered or left the space. An occupant count of the space may then be determined accordingly by the sensor or by a system controller.
An occupant detection device (e.g., sensor) may include an occupant detection circuit (e.g., a radar occupant detection circuit; 180, 182) and a control circuit (110). The occupant detection circuit may determine the location of an occupant (142) in a space with reference to a global coordinate associated with the detection circuit and the control circuit may transform the location of the occupant into a local coordinate system associated with a region of interest in the space. The control circuit may use the location information to determine whether the occupant has entered or left the region of interest and adjust an occupant count for the region of interest based on the determination. The control circuit may acquire knowledge about the region of interest during a configuration or commissioning procedure.
G01S 7/41 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
G01S 13/06 - Systems determining position data of a target
G01S 13/34 - Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated using transmission of continuous, frequency-modulated waves while heterodyning the received signal, or a signal derived therefrom, with a locally-generated signal related to the contemporaneously transmitted signal
G01S 13/50 - Systems of measurement based on relative movement of target
G01S 13/68 - Radar-tracking systems; Analogous systems for angle tracking only
G01S 13/89 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
G01S 17/02 - Systems using the reflection of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
G01S 17/06 - Systems determining position data of a target
A motor drive unit for driving a motor of a motorized window treatment may comprise software-based and hardware-based implementations of a process for detecting and resolving a stall condition in the motor, where the hardware-based implementation is configured to reduce power delivered to the motor if the software-based implementation has not first reduced the power to the motor. A control circuit may detect a stall condition of the motor, and reduce the power delivered to the motor after a first period of time from first detecting the stall condition. The motor drive unit may comprise a stall prevention circuit configured to reduce the power delivered to the motor after a second period of time (e.g., longer than the first period of time) from determining that a rotational sensing circuit is not generating a sensor signal while the control circuit is generating a drive signal to rotate the motor.
E06B 9/88 - Safety measures against dropping or unauthorised opening; Braking or immobilising devices; Devices for limiting unrolling automatic for limiting unrolling
H02P 7/03 - Arrangements for regulating or controlling the speed or torque of electric DC motors for controlling the direction of rotation of DC motors
99.
TRACKING A POSITION OF A MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT
A motorized window treatment system is provided for moving a covering material (e.g., a shade fabric). The motorized window treatment system includes a motor drive circuit configured to generate signals that cause a motor to change a position of the covering material. A sensor circuit is provided to generate one or more sensor signals indicative of the position of the covering material. The motorized window treatment system further includes a control circuit coupled to the sensor circuit to receive the one or more sensor signals. The control circuit is configured to detect a power-down event when a supply voltage is equal to or less than a threshold value, and stores a power-down position and one or more power-down sensor states. The control circuit is configured to determine a present position based on the stored power-down position and the one or more power-down sensor states.
Lighting control systems may be commissioned for programming and/or control with the aid of a mobile device. Design software may be used to create a floor plan of how the lighting control system may be designed. The design software may generate floor plan identifiers for each lighting fixture, or group of lighting fixtures. During commissioning of the lighting control system, the mobile device may be used to help identify the lighting devices that have been installed in the physical space. The mobile device may receive a communication from each lighting control device that indicates a unique identifier of the lighting control device. The unique identifier may be communicated by visible light communication (VLC) or RF communication. The unique identifier may be associated with the floor plan identifier for communication of digital messages to lighting fixtures installed in the locations indicated in the floor plan identifier.
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