Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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LIGHTING CONTROL WITH WIRELESS REMOTE
CONTROL AND PROGRAMMABILITY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wireless controllable and program-
mable power control system for controlling and programming the state and power
intensity level of one or more electrical devices in one or more zones for the
creation
of one or more lighting scenes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Lighting control systems comprising switches and dimmers have
become increasingly popular, especially for applications where it is desired
to
precisely control the level of light intensity in a particular room. In the
simplest
type of dimmer controlled lighting systems, a dimmer switch actuator is
manipulated
by hand, to control the setting of a variable resistor which in turn controls
the
switching of a solid state power control device such as a triac. The switching
of
the solid state power control device, in turn, varies the voltage input to the
lamp
to be dimmed. This type of system, incorporating a dimmer switch, is simple
and
easy to construct, but offers limited additional features and flexibility. One
feature
this system lacks is the ability to return to a prior or preset light
intensity level after
having been adjusted to a subsequent intensity level. Typically, a dimmer
switch
based system has no ability to memorize or recall prior intensity settings.
Consequently, preset light intensity levels can be reestablished only by trial
and error
in manipulating the variable resistor of the dimmer.
Other lighting control systems comprise touch actuator operated
lighting controls which address some of the Iimitations associated with the
manually-
operated variable resistor controlled dimmer switch previously described. In
one
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example of a touch actuator operated control system, the lamp is cycled
repetitively
through a range of intensities, from dim to bright, in response to extended
touch inputs. When the desired intensity is reached, the touch input is
removed, the cycle
will stop, and the level of light intensity is set (preselected) and stored in
a memory =
function that is typically provided by such systems. Typically, a subsequent
short
touch input will turn the lamp off, and a further short touch input will turn
the lamp
on at the set intensity level stored in the memory. While this type of device
is an
improvement over manually-operated dimmer switches, it requires the user to go
through the cycle of intensity levels in order to arrive at a different
intensity level.
In addition, this type of device lacks the ability to return to a set or
preset intensity
level when the level is changed. A user must go through the cycle again until
he
or she finds the light intensity level desired. Moreover, this type of device
has no
ability to perform certain aesthetic effects such as a gradual fade from one
light
intensity level to another.
U.S. Patent 4,649,323 discloses a microcomputer-controlled light
control which provides a fade function. The control disclosed in that patent
is
operated by a pair of non-latching switches which provide inputs to a
microcomputer.
The microcomputer is programmed to determine whether the switches are tapped
or held (i.e., whether they are touched for a transitory duration or for a
longer period
of time). When a switch is held, the light intensity is either decreased or
increased,
and release of the switch causes the intensity setting to be entered into a
memory.
If the control is operating at a static light intensity level, a tap of a
switch will cause
the light intensity level to fade to a preset level, either off, full on, or
an intermediate
level. A tap while the light intensity level is fading will cause the fade to
be termi-
nated and cause the light intensity level to shift immediately and abruptly to
either
full on or full off, depending on which switch is tapped. This type of
control,
however, is not without drawbacks of its own. For example, a single tap by a
user
is interpreted in either of two very different ways (initiate fade or
terminate fade),
depending on the state of the control at the time the user applies the tap to
a switch. 30 This can be confusing to a user, who may erroneously terminate a
fade when it is
desired to initiate a fade, and vice versa. In addition, it is not possible to
reverse
a fade by a subsequent tap of the same switch while a fade is in progress.
Instead,
a tap while the control is fading in one direction will not reverse the
direction of
the fade but will cause the control to "jump" to either full on or full off.
An abrupt
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shift from a low intensity level to full on, or from a high intensity to no
light at all
. (full off), can be quite startling to the user and others in the area (and
even
dangerous, if the user and others are suddenly plunged into darkness).
= The control disclosed in patent 4,649,323 also lacks a long-duration
fade to off, as do the other prior control designs. In many cases, it is
desirable for
a user to be able to have the lights fade out gradually. For example, a user
may
wish to turn out bedroom lights before retiring, but still have sufficient
light to safely
make his or her way from the control location to the bed before the lights are
completely extinguished. There may also be situations where the night staff of
a
large building may need to extinguish ambient lights from a central location
which
is located some distance away from an exit, and may need a level of
illumination
in order to walk safely to the exit. These features would not be possible with
the
prior control, which would offer the user either almost immediate darkness or
a
constant level of intensity throughout the night, neither of which would be
acceptable.
Commonly assigned U.S. Patents Nos. 4,575,660, 4,924,151,
5,191,265, 5,248,919, 5,430,356, and 5,463,286, disclose various lighting
control
systems in which lamps or groups of lamps, in one or more zones, are varied in
brightness to produce several different scenes of illumination. The level of
brightness of the lamps constituting each lighting group is displayed to the
user by
either the number of light emitting diodes, LED's illuminated in a linear
array of
the LED's, or the position of a potentiometer slider in a linear track.
U.S. Patents Nos. 5,191,265, and 5,463,286 disclose wall mounted
programmable modular control systems for controlling groups of lights in one
or
more zones. In these systems, the lights are controlled by a master control
wall
module, a remote wall unit, and by a remote hand held control unit. The hand
held
unit communicates to the master control module by conventional infra-red (IR)
transmission techniques.
The lighting control device in patent 5,248,919 has all of the light
= control features needed to effectively and safely control the state and
intensity level
of one or more lights. However, this device lacks many desirable features such
as
wireless remote controllability, programmability, the ability to lock and
unlock a
preset function and a delayed off. In many cases, it is desirable for a user
to be able
to have one or more lamps fade to a pre-selected intensity level or state, or
to fade
to off_ after a variable delay time. It would be even more useful and
desirable to
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be able to remotely control and program the preset light intensities of one or
more
lamps associated with one or more lighting scenes.
Another lighting device known in the art as "Onset Dimmer OS600"
is manufactured by Lightolier Controls, Inc. Unlike the present invention,
which
allows a user to selectively lock and unlock a stored preset light intensity
level with
an actuator, which also performs other functions, the prior art Lightolier
device
cannot unlock the preset light intensity when stored. In other words, the
Lightolier
device can only lock a different preset light intensity into its memory.
Further,
unlike the present invention, the Lightolier device uses a separate dedicated
switch
with a separate dedicated actuator in order to lock in a preset light
intensity level.
There is thus a need for an improved lighting control system which
offers advantages not possible with prior controls while avoiding the
drawbacks of
the prior controls. The present invention fills that need.
SU1VIlMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a wireless remotely controllable
and programmable power control unit and receiver system having at least one
power
control unit for conttolling and programming the state and power level of one
or
more electrical devices. When the electrical device is a light source, one or
more
power control units control the intensity of the one or more light sources in
one or
more zones for the creation of one or more lighting scenes. The system
includes
a user-actuatable wireless remote hand held transmitter unit, and at least one
power
control and receiver unit adapted to receive control signals from the remote
transmit-
ter unit. The receiver of the power control unit includes a wide angle infra-
red (IR)
lens which has a wide field of view in a horizontal plane but a limited field
of view
in a vertical plane.
One embodiment of the present invention includes a basic user-
actuatable wireless remote control unit. The basic wireless remote control
unit has
a raise/lower type intensity control and a single on/off control. The basic
wireless
remote control unit sends control signals to one or more receiver units which
in turn
control one or more light sources in one or more zones. Each receiver unit
defines
a zone controlling one or more light sources. The basic wireless remote
control unit
can control one or more receiver units, as a group. This means that the basic
remote
unit commands all the receiver units to control the lamps connected to then
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simultaneously. A unique feature of the basic wireless remote control unit is
that
the controls mimic controls of the receiver unit. Hence, operating a control
on the
basic wireless remote control has the same effect as operating the
corresponding
= control on the receiver unit.
Another embodiment of the present invention includes an enhanced
wireless remote control unit having one or more scene selection switches. In
addition
to having the features of the basic wireless remote control unit, the enhanced
remote
unit can send scene control signals to one or more receiver units to control
them as
a group. In addition, the enhanced wireless remote control unit can program
the
lighting levels associated with each lighting scene so that a desired preset
light level
can be established and stored in memory in the receiver unit.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a second
basic or a second enhanced wireless remote control unit having all the
features of
the previous embodiments in addition to an address selection switch. The
address
selection switch is used to address and send control signals to one or more
receiver
units assigned the selected address either individually or as a group. In
addition to
controlling the receiver units, once they have been assigned address the
second
enhanced remote unit can be used to assign addresses to individual receiver
units.
In all embodiments of the present invention, the program mode is
built into the receiver unit so that it can be programmed remotely by the
enhanced
wireless remote control units. In the program mode, the user can select and
store
one or more desired preset light intensity levels for the lights controlled by
the
receiver unit.
In all embodiments of the invention, a preset light intensity level can
be stored into the receiver unit by three actuations of the on/off switch
(locking a
preset). When the preset level is stored and locked, the receiver unit will
always
return to the locked preset level when given an on command, either directly or
remotely. The stored preset level can also be cleared by four actuations of
the on/off
, -switch (unlocking a preset). If the stored preset level is not locked
before an off
command, the receiver unit will return to the intensity level to which it was
set just
. prior to the last off command, when the receiver unit is again turned on.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the basic and
enhanced wireless remote control units employ conventional infra-red (IR)
signal
encoding as a means to transmit control signals to the receiver unit. The
encoded
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control signals are for commanding such things as a scene select, increase
light
intensity, decrease light intensity, light on, light off, lights to full,
light off after a
delay, enter program mode, set preset level, and set address. However it is
understood that other encoded signals can be employed. In addition, other
transmitting and receiving means such as radio frequency (RF) and lightwave
signals
can be employed.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wireless
remote control units and the receiver units have at least one scene control or
an
on/off control, and at least one raise/lower intensity control. The intensity
control
enables the user to select a desired intensity level between a minimum
intensity level
and a maximum intensity level. The scene control enables a user to select a
preset
light intensity level for one or more light sources in one or more zones that
define
a lighting scene. The on/off control enables a user to fade the light
intensity either
on or off.
In addition, the on/off control enables a user to activate additional
features. These additional features include, but are not limited to, a
variable delay
to off, and a fade to full and are described in detail below.
An FADE TO OFF response is effected by a single actuation, for
example a temporary application of pressure sufficient to open or close a
switch
once, causing all lights associated with at least one receiver unit to fade,
at a first
fade rate, from any intensity level to an off state.
A FADE TO PRESET response is effected by a single actuation,
causing a light to fade, at a first fade rate, from an off state or any
intensity level
to a preprogrammed preset intensity level.
A DELAY TO OFF response is effected by a press and hold
actuation, i.e., a more than a temporary application of pressure sufficient to
open
or close a switch, causing a light to fade, at a first fade rate, from any
intensity level
to an off state after a variable delay. The variable delay is a function of
user input
and is equal to: (hold time - 0.5) X 20 seconds.
A FADE TO FULL is effected by a double actuation, two temporary
applications of pressure sufficient to open or close a switch applied in rapid
succession, causing a light to fade, at a second fade rate, from an off state
or any
intensity level to a maximum intensity level.
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In one embodiment of the invention, the intensity selection actuator
comprises a rocker switch actuatable between first, second, and third
positions. The
first position corresponds to an increase in intensity level, and the second
position
= corresponds to a decrease in intensity level. The third is a neutral
position.
In an alternate embodiment, the intensity selection actuator comprises
first and second switches, each actuatable between a first and second
position.
Actuation of the first switch causes an increase in the desired intensity
level and
actuation of the second switch causes a decrease in the desired intensity
level at
specific fade rates.
In a preferred embodiment of the receiver unit, a plurality of
illuminated intensity indicators are arranged in a sequence representing a
range from
a minimum to a maximum intensity level. The position of each indicator within
the
sequence is representative of an intensity level relative to the minimum and
maximum
intensity levels of the controlled light sources. The sequence may, but need
not,
be linear. The invention also comprises a first indicator, having a first
illumination
level, for visually indicating the preset intensity level of a controlled
light when the
light is on. The preferred embodiment may further comprise a second indicator,
having a second illumination level, for visually indicating a preset intensity
level of
a controlled light when the light is off. The second illumination level is
less than
the first illumination level when said light is on. The second illumination
level is
preferably sufficient to enable said indicators to be readily perceived by eye
in a
darkened environment.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the control system
preferably includes a microcontroller having changeable software. The
microcontroller may include means for storing in a memory digital data
representa-
tive of the delay times. The microcontroller may also include means for
storing in
a memory digital data representative of a preset intensity level. Further, the
control
system may comprise a means for changing or varying the fade rates or delay to
off
stored in memory. The microcontroller may also include means for
distinguishing
between a temporary and more than a temporary duration of actuation of a
control
switch, for the purpose of initiating the fade of a light according to an
appropriate
fade rate.
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In. one embodiment of the invention, all fade rates are equal. In an.
alternate embodiment,
each fade rate is different. In still another embodiment, the second fade rate
is substantially faster
than the first fade rate.
In an alternate einbodunent of the present invention, the power control unit
includes an
infrared lens for receiving infrared light signals containing information
transmitted from a
wireless infrared transmitter.
In one aspect of the invention, the lens comprises a plariar infrared
receiving surface, an
infrared output surface, and a flat infrared transmissive body portion
therebetween. The output
surface of the lens has a shape substantially conforming to an input surface
of an infrared
detector. The flat body portion of the lens has external side surfaces
substantially conforming to
an ellipse. The side surfaces are positioned on either side of a longitudinal
axis that is defined by
the lens. The elliptical side surfaces are shaped to reflect the infrared
light that enters the lens
input surface. The light reflects off the side surfaces and passes through the
body portion to the
output surface. The output surface directs the infrared ligllt onto the input
surface of the infrared
detector. The infrared detector is positioned substantially behind the lens
output surface.
In another aspect of the invention, the infrared lens is located on movable
number so that
the lens output surface is adjacent to an input surface of an infrared
detector. The infrared
detector is located in a fixed position behind the lens. The movable nuinber
and the lens move in
a direction that is toward or away from the fixed position of the infrared
detector and its input
surface.
In a first broad aspect, the invention seeks to provide an apparatus for
remotely controlling
power delivered to at least one electrical device comprising:
(a) a wireless transmitter having a first transmitter switch for generating
and
transmitting at least one first control signal and a second control signal, in
response to actuation of
said first transmitter switch, and
(b) at least one control unit having a receiver for receiving said at least
one first
transmitted control signal from said wireless transmitter, said at least one
control unit having a
control circuit for controlling the power delivered to said at least one
electrical device in response
to said first control sigtlal,
said second control signal commanding the control unit to store in a memory a
locked preset power level to be delivered to said at least one electrical
device,
8
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said at least one first control signal including a sigmal commanding the
control unit
to adjust the power delivered to a dimmed level in the range froin zero to
full power independently
of the locked preset power level and without altering the locked preset power
level, and a signal
commanding the control unit to control the power delivered to be equal to the
locked preset power
level previously stored.
In a second broad aspect, the invention seeks to provide an apparatus for
controlling
power delivered to at least one electrical device, comprising:
at least one control unit having a power control circuit and a first control
unit switch
for generating a first control signal,
said power control circuit controlling the power delivered to said at least
one
electrical device in response to said first control signal, and
said first control unit switch being operative to generate additional control
signals to
command said at least one control unit to cause the power delivered to said at
least one electrical
device to decrease from a non-zero power level to a substantially zero power
level, to store a
locked preset power level in a memory, to conunand the control unit to adjust
the power delivered
to a dimmed level in the range from zero to full power independently of the
locked preset power
level and without altering the locked preset power level, and to command the
control unit to
control the power delivered to be equal to the locked preset power level
previously stored.
In a third broad aspect, the invention seeks to provide an apparatus for
controlling power
delivered to at least one electrical device, comprising:
at least one control unit having a power control circuit and at least one
control unit
switch for generating at least one first control signal, a second control
signal, and a third control
signal,
said power control circuit controlling the power delivered to said at least
one
electrical device in response to said at least one first control signal,
said second control signal commanding the control unit to store a locked
preset
power level in a memory, and
said third control signal conunanding the control unit to clear said locked
preset
power level from said memory,
said at least one first control signal including a signal commanding the
control unit
to adjust a dinuned power level delivered within the range from zero to full
power independently
8a
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of the locked preset power level and without altering the locked preset power
level when there is a
stored locked preset power level, and
said at least one first control signal including a signal commanding the
control unit
to control the power delivered to be equal to the locked preset power level
when there is a locked
preset power level stored in said memory, and to be equal to the last
establislied dimmed power
level when there is no locked preset power level stored in said memory.
In a fourth broad aspect, the invention seeks to provide an apparatus for
controlling power
delivered to at least one electrical device, comprising:
at least one control unit having a power control circuit,
a first control unit switch for generating a first control signal in response
to
actuation of said first control unit switch,
said power control circuit controlling the power delivered to said at least
one
electrical device in response to said first control signal, and
said first control signal commanding said control unit to cause the power
delivered
to said at least one electrical device to decrease from a non-zero power level
to zero after a first
delay time, wherein said first delay time is proportional to a length of time
said first control unit
switch is actuated.
In a fiffth. broad aspect, the invention seeks to provide an apparatus for
controlling power
delivered to at least one electrical device, comprising:
at least one control unit having a power control circuit and at least one
control unit
switch for generating a first, a second and a third control signal,
said power control circuit controlling the power delivered to said at least
one
electrical device in response to said first control signal,
said second control signal commanding said at least one control unit to store
in a
first memory a duration of delay time, and
said third control signal commanding said at least one control unit to cause
the
power delivered to said at least one electrical device to decrease froni a non-
zero power level to a
zero power level after said delay time.
In a sixth broad aspect, the invention seeks to provide an apparatus for
controlling power
delivered to at least one electrical device, comprising:
8b
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a wireless transmitter having at least one transmitter switch wherein. said at
least
one transmitter switch includes a first and a second transmitter switch for
generating and
transmitting a first and a second control signal,
at least one control unit having a receiver for receiving said first and said
second
signals from said wireless transmitter, said at least one control unit having
addressability and a
control circuit for controlling the power delivered to said at least one
electrical device,
said first control signal commanding said at least one control unit to be
responsive
to signals containing one of a plurality of addresses,
said second control signal containing an address component and said at least
one
control unit responding to said second control signal when said address
component of said second
control signal is the same as the address assigned to said at least one
control unit.
In a seventh broad aspect, the invention seeks to provide an apparatus for
controlling
power delivered to at least one electrical device, coinprising:
at least one control unit having a power control circuit and a first control
unit switch
for generating a first control sibmal,
said power control circuit controlling the power delivered to said at least
one
electrical device in response to said first control signal,
said first control unit switch. being operative to generate additional control
signals to
command said at least one control unit to cause the power delivered to said at
least one electrical
device to decrease from a non-zero power level to a substantially zero power
level, to store a preset
power level in a memory,
actuation of said first control switch commanding said at least one control
unit to
decrease the power supplied to said at least one electrical device from said
non-zero power level to
a zero power level if prior to said actuation said power control circuit is
controlling said power to
be delivered to said at least one electrical device to be said non-zero power
level, and to increase
the power supplied to said at least one electrical device from zero to said
non-zero power level if
prior to said actuation said power control circuit is controlling said power
to be delivered to said at
least one electrical device to be zero.
8c
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings
fomis which
are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is
not limited to the
precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
FIG. 1 shows a front view of a preferred einbodiment of a power control and
receiver unit
with an infra-red lens in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 shows
a top view of a
preferred enlbodiment of a hand held basic remote control unit in accordance
with the present
invention.
FIG. 2A sliows a left side view of the basic remote control unit as shown in
FIG. 2. FIG.
2B shows a right side view of the basic remote control, unit as shown in FI:G.
2.
8d
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FIG. 2B shows a right side view of the basic remote control unit as
shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 2C shows an end view of the basic remote control unit shown
= in FIG.2.
FIG. 3 shows a top view of a preferred embodiment of a wireless
enhanced transmitter unit in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3A shows a right side view of the enhanced transmitter unit as
shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 3B shows an end view of the enhanced transmitter unit as shown
in FIG. 3.
FIG. 4 shows a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment of
a wireless transmitter unit having scene controls in accordance with the
present
invention.
FIG. 4A shows an end view of the wireless transmitter unit having
as shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 5 shows a top view of an alternate embodiment of a preferred
wireless enhanced transmitter unit having scene and special function controls
and
in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 5A shows an end view of the alternate enhanced transmitter unit
as shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 6 shows a functional flow diagram of the operation of the
transmitter units.
FIG. 7 shows top plan view of a preferred embodiment of a infrared
lens in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 8A illustrates the operation of the infrared lens shown in FIG.
7, when infrared light at an incident ray angle of 0 passes through lens.
FIG. 8B illustrates the operation of the infrared lens shown in FIG.
7, when infrared light at an incident ray angle of 40 passes through lens.
FIG. 8C illustrates the operation of the infrared lens shown in FIG.
7, when infrared light at an incident ray angle of 80 passes through lens.
FIG. 9A illustrates the installation of the infrared lens located in a
moveable surface, in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 9B is an isometric illustration of the infrared lens located in a
moveable surface and an infrared detector.
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FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of the circuitry of the receiver unit
shown in FIG 1.
FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of the circuitry of the basic remote
control unit shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 12A shows a block diagram of the circuitry the enhanced remote
control unit shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 12B shows a block diagram of the circuitry of the enhanced
remote control unit shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 12C shows a block diagram of the circuitry of the enhanced
remote control unit shown in FIG. 5.
FIGs. 13 - 20 show a functional flow diagram of the operation of
the receiver unit.
FIG. 21 illustrates delay to off profiles for the power control device
shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like
elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a power control and infra-red receiving
control
unit 10 embodying a power control device according to the present invention
for
controlling electric power delivered to at least one electrical device (not
shown).
The control unit 10 comprises a cover plate 11 and a plurality of control
actuators
comprising a user actuatable power level selection actuator 12, a user
actuatable
control switch actuator 13, hereinafter referred to as a toggle switch
actuator 13,
and an air gap switch actuator 18 which controls an air gap switch (not shown)
for
removing all electric power to the control unit 10. The control unit 10
further
comprises a power level indicator in the form of a plurality of individual
LEDs 14
arranged in a line.
The control unit 10 further comprises an infra-red (IR) receiving lens
70 located in an opening 15 on the toggle switch actuator 13. The lens 70
captures
IR control signals that are transmitted by any one of a number of wireless
transmitter
units 20, 30, 40, 50, described below. The structure of infra-red receiving
lens 70
will be described in more detail below.
In one aspect of the invention, power control signals are transmitted
to the control unit 10 by a wireless hand held user actuatable basic remote
control
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20 or a wireless hand held user actuatable enhanced remote control 30, 40, 50,
. depicted in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively.
In another aspect of the invention, the control unit 10 embodies a
- power control and infra-red receiver circuit 100 shown in Fig. 10, for
controlling
one or more electrical devices. The control unit 10 is designed to control the
electric
power delivered to at least one electrical device.
Preferably, the electrical device controlled by control unit 10 is an
electric lamp or lamps 114, as shown in Fig. 10. The control unit 10 controls
the
electric power delivered to, and hence the light intensity of, the electric
lamp or
lamps 114 in known manner by using a phase controlled triac circuit or
otherwise.
However, it is to be understood that the electrical device could be
a fan, a motor, a relay, etc. In addition, the type of lamp 114 controlled is
not
limited to an incandescent lamp but could be a low voltage incandescent lamp,
a
fluorescent lamp, or other type of lamp.
The preferred embodiments described below are described in the
context of the electrical device being a lamp or lamps 114 and the control
unit 10
controlling the intensity of these lamps.
When the electrical device includes at least one lamp, the at least one
lamp defines a lighting zone (hereinafter zone.) By incorporating multiple
control
units 10, multiple zones can be created and controlled. The zones are used to
create
lighting scenes (hereinafter scenes) by controlling the power level, and
therefore the
intensity, of the lamps associated with one or more zones, thereby creating a
plurality
of scenes. Therefore, multiple scenes can be created with one or more power
control
units 10, which can be controlled by the control unit or the remote
transmitters 20,
30, 40, 50.
Hereinafter, the terms "actuation" or "actuated" mean either opening,
closing, or maintaining closed for a particular period of time, a switch
having one
or more poles. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the switches are
momentary contact switches and actuation is caused by the application of
pressure
to the switch actuator of sufficient force to either open or close a switch.
However,
other types of switches could be used.
CA 02237030 2007-04-16
POWER CONTROL AND RECEIVER UNIT
Referring to FIG. 1, the power level selection actuator 12 is actuated by the
user to set a
desired level of light intensity of the one or more electric lasnps controlled
by the control unit 10.
The selection actuator 12 further comprises an upper power level selector
portion 12a and a
lower power level selector portion 12b, controlling respective power level
selector switches 62a,
62b shown in FIG.1Ø
The upper power level selector portion 12a, when actuated, causes an increase
or
"RAISE" in intensity of the lamps controlled by the control unit 10.
Conversely, the lower power
level selector portion 12b, when actuated with control unit 10 in the on
state, causes a decrease
or "LOWER" in intensity of the lamps controlled by the control unit 10. In
addition, if the lower
power level selector portion 12b is actuated when control unit 10 is in the
off state, it can be used
to set and store a delay to off time. The longer the lower power level
selector 12b is actuated,the
longer the delay time to be set and stored..
The aetuation of user actuatable control switch actuator 13 causes control
unit 10 to
respond in a variety of ways, depending on the precise nature of the actuation
of control switch
actuator 13 which actuates control switch 63 (Fig.10); i.e.. whether it is
achtated for a transitory
period of time or a longer than transitory period of time, or whether it is
actuated for several
transitory periods of time in quick succession, and also depending on the
state of the control unit
10 prior to the actuation of the control switch actuator 13.
In the present, an actuation has a transitory duration if the duration of the
actuation is less
than 0.5 seconds. Two successive actuations of the actuator, in rapid
succession (double tap),
refers to two transitory actuations that are within 0.5 seconds of each other.
Three successive
actuations of an actuator, in rapid succession (triple tap), refers to three
transitory actuations all
within 1.0 second. Four successive actuations of an actuator, in rapid
succession (quad tap),
refers to four transitory actuations all witliin 1.5 seconds.
Although these time periods are presently preferred for determining whether a
double tap,
triple tap, or quad tap actuations has occurred, any short period of time may
be employed without
departing from the invention. For example, a time period of 1.5 seconds could
be used for
determining whether a double tap, triple tap, or a quad tap has occun=ed so
that in an alternative
embodiment of the invention, if two successive actuations of transitory
duration occurred in 1.5
seconds
12
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it would be considered a double tap. The period of time during which multiple
= successive actuations of transitory duration are looked for is considered to
be a short
duration of time.
It is also possible to have an actuation of an actuator for more than
0.5 seconds, which is considered to be extended in nature and has an extended
duration.
The responses to the actuation of the control switch actuator 13 are
to increase the light intensity from zero to a preset level (FADE TO PRESET),
increase the light intensity to maximum (FADE TO FULL), decrease the light
intensity to zero (FADE TO OFF), decrease the light intensity to zero after a
delay
(DELAY TO OFF), store a preset light level in memory (LOCKED PRESET), and
remove a preset light level from memory (DISCONTINUE LOCKED PRESET).
These features are executed by means of circuitry associated with the control
unit
10 and depicted in a block diagram 100, shown in Fig. 10, described in detail
in
the flow charts illustrated in Figs. 13-20.
A FADE TO PRESET response is effected by a single actuation of
transitory duration of the user actuatable control switch actuator 13 when the
control
unit 10 is in the off state, thereby causing the intensity of the electric
lamp 114 to
increase at a first fade rate, from zero to a preset intensity level. This can
be either
a locked preset level or the level at which the lamp was illuminated when the
control
unit 10 was last in an on state, as will be described in more detail below.
A FADE TO FULL response is effected by a double actuation, i.e.,
two actuations of transitory duration in rapid succession, of the user
actuatable
control switch actuator 13 (double tap), thereby causing the intensity of the
electric
lamp 114 to increase, at a second fade rate, from an off state or any
intensity level
to a maximum intensity level.
A FADE TO OFF response is effected by a single actuation of
transitory duration of the user actuatable control switch actuator 13, thereby
causing
the intensity of the electric lamp 114 associated with the control unit 10 to
decrease,
at a third fade rate, from any intensity level to an off state.
A DELAY TO OFF response is effected by an "extended" actuation,
i.e., a more than transitory actuation of the user actuatable control switch
actuator
13, thereby causing the intensity of electric lamp 114 to decrease at the
third fade
rate, from any intensity level to an off state after a delay time. The
duration of the
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delay time i.e., how long the delay time lasts from beginning to end, is
dependent
on the length of time the control switch actuator 13 is actuated. In the
preferred
embodiment the delay time is linearly proportioned to the length of time the
control
switch actuator 13 is actuated.
Actuations of less than 0.5 sec. are considered to be transitory or of
short duration. Actuation of greater than 0.5 sec. cause an increase in the
delay time
of 10 seconds for each additional 0.5 second that control switch actuator 13
is
actuated. Hence, if the control switch actuator 13 is held for two seconds,
the delay
time would be 30 seconds.
A variable fade to off could also be effected by an "extended" actua-
tion of the control switch actuator 13, causing the intensity of electric lamp
114 to
decrease from any intensity to off with a variable fade rate. The variable
fade rate
is dependent on the duration of the actuation. Whether the unit has variable
delay
or variable fade to off on extended actuation of the control switch actuator
13 is
dependent on the programming of the microprocessor 108 shown in Fig. 10.
A LOCKED PRESET response is effected by a triple actuation, i.e.,
three actuations of transitory duration in rapid succession of the user
actuatable
control switch actuator 13 (triple tap). The intensity of the lamp 114 does
not change
but the intensity level is stored in a memory as a locked preset level, and
subsequent
changes to the intensity level of the lamp do not affect the locked preset
level.
A DISCONTINUE LOCKED PRESET response is effected by a
quadruple actuation, i.e., four actuations of transitory duration in rapid
succession
of the user actuatable control switch actuator 13 (quadruple tap). The
intensity of
the lamp 114 does not change, but any intensity level stored in memory as a
locked
preset level is cleared.
If a locked preset level is stored in memory and the control unit 10
is in an off state then a FADE TO PRESET response causes the intensity of the
electric lamp 114 to increase to the locked preset level. If no locked preset
level
is stored in memory and the control unit 10 is in an off state, then a FADE TO
PRESET response causes the intensity of the electric lamp 114 to increase to
the
level at which the lamp 114 was illuminated when the control unit 10 was last
in
an ON state.
Although the process of storing and clearing a locked preset level
has been described with reference to multiple actuations of the control switch
actuator
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13, this could also be accomplished by using two additional separate switches,
one
to store a locked preset level and one to clear the locked preset level, or by
using
one additional switch, successive actuations of which would alternately store
and
clear the locked preset power level.
If a delay time has been stored by actuating the lower power level
selector portion 12b when the control unit 10 is in the off state as described
above,
then a FADE TO OFF response effected by a single actuation of transitory
duration
of the user actuatable control switch actuator 13 when the control unit 10 is
in the
on state causes the lights to remain at their present intensity for the
duration of the
stored delay time and then to decrease at a third fade rate to an off state.
FIG. 21 illustrates delay to off profiles for a 20 second delay to off
of the control unit 10. The profiles show how the light intensity levels of
the lamp
114 change, starting from their current intensity level for four different
beginning
intensity levels. The lamp 114 remains at the current intensity level for the
delay
time in this case 20 seconds before the intensity of the lamp decreases to
zero. The
delay to off time is variable and the preferred embodiment has a variable
delay to
off time range of 10 to 60 seconds in 10 second increments. Although these
delay
times are presently preferred, it should be understood that the delay to off
times and
the associated fade rate to off at the end of the delay time are not the only
ones
which may be used with the invention, and any desired delay, fade rate or
combination thereof may be employed without departing from the invention.
The control unit 10 will remain at the current intensity leve1600 for
the duration of the delay time. At the end of the delay time, the intensity of
the lamp
114 decreases to zero. A suitable fade rate 602 for the decrease to zero may
be 33 %
per second. Preferably the delay times and fade rates are stored in the form
of
digital data in the microprocessor 108, and may be called up from memory when
required by the delay to off routine also stored in memory.
The delay to off profiles illustrated in FIG. 21 for a 20 second delay
and similar profiles for the other possible delay to off times are used
whether the
control unit 10 is performing a DELAY TO OFF in response to an extended
actuation of control switch actuator 13 or it is delaying to off with a
previously stored
delay time in response to transitory actuation of control switch actuator 13.
CA 02237030 2007-04-16
The control unit :1.0 and the cover plate 11 need not be liinited to any
specific fonn, and
are prefer.ably of a type adapted to be mounted to a conventional wall box
commonly used in the
installation of lighting control devices.
The selection actuator 12 and the control switch actuator 13 are not limited
to any
specific form, and may be of a.ny suitable design which permits actuation by a
user. Preferably,
although not necessarily, the actuator 12 controls two separate momentary
contact push switches
62a, 62b, but may also control a rocker switch, for example, without departing
from the
invention. Actuation of the upper portion 12a of the actuator 12 increases or
raises the light
intensity level, wliile actuation of lower portion 12b of the actuator 12
decreases or lowers the
light intensity level. Preferably, but not necessarily, the actuator 13
controls a push-button
momentary contact type switch 53 (Fig.5) but the switc1153 (Fig.5) may be of
any other suitable
type without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Similarly, although the effect of actuating the control switch actuator 13 is
described
above witli respect to specific actuation sequences of control switch 13
having specific effects,
i.e., FADE TO FULL is effected by a double tap and LOCKED PRESET is effected
by a triple
tap, the linkage between the specific actuation sequence and the specific
effect can be changed
without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in an
alternative
embodiment of the invention, FADE TO FULL could be effected by a triple tap.
The control unit 10 includes an intensity level indication in the form of a
plurality of
intensity level indicators 14. The indicators are preferably, but need not be,
ligllt-emitting diodes
(LEDs) or the like. Although the intensity level indicators 14 may
occasionally be referred to
herein for convenience as LEDs, it should be understood that such a reference
is for ease of
describing the invention and is not intended to linlit the invention to any
particular type indicator.
Intensity level indicators 14 are arranged, in this einbodiment, in a linear
array representing a
range of light intensities of the one or inore lamps controlled by the control
uni.t 10. The range of
light intensities is from a minimum (zero, or "off') to a maxiinuin intensity
level ("full on"). A
visual indication of the light intensity of the controlled lights is displayed
by the illuinination of a
single intensity level indicator 14 preferably at 100% of its output when the
lamps are on.
The intensity level indicators 14 of the preferred embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1 show
seven indicators aligned vertically in a linear array. By illuminat-
16
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ing the uppermost indicator in the array, maximum light intensity level is
indicated.
By illuminating the center indicator, an indication is given that the light
intensity
level is at about the midpoint of the range, and by illuminating the lowermost
- indicator in the array, the minimum light intensity level is indicated.
Any convenient number of intensity level indicators 14 can be used.
By increasing the number of indicators in an array, the finer the gradation
between
intensity levels within the range can be achieved. In addition, when the lamp
or
lamps being controlled are off, all of the intensity level indicators 14 can
be constant-
ly illuminated at a low level of illumination preferably at 0.5 % of their
maximum
output for convenience of the user. The indicator representing the actual
intensity
level of the lamps when they return to the on state is illuminated at a
slightly higher
illumination level, preferably at 2% of its maximum output. These illumination
characteristics enable the intensity level indicators 14 to be more readily
perceived
by the eye in a darkened environment, thereby assisting a user in locating the
switch
in a dark room, and constitute a "night light mode". An important feature of
the
present invention, in addition to controlling the lights in the room, is to
provide
sufficient contrast between the level indicators to enable a user to perceive
the actual
intensity level at a glance.
The intensity level indicators 14 are also used to provide feedback
to the user of the control unit 10 regarding how the control unit 10 is
responding
to the various actuations of control switch actuator 13 and selection switch
actuator
12.
For example, when a FADE TO PRESET response is effected by
a single actuation of transitory duration of control switch actuator 13 when
the
control unit 10 is in the off state, the intensity level indicators 14 change
from the
"night light mode" to illuminating the lowermost indicator followed by
illuminating
successively higher indicators in turn as the light intensity increases until
the indicator
which indicates the intensity of the preset light level is illuminated.
Further, when a FADE TO FULL response is effected by a double
tap of the control switch actuator 13, the intensity level indicators change
from their
original condition to illuminating successively higher indicators in turn
until the
uppermost indicator in the array is illuminated as the light intensity
increases to full.
Further, when a FADE TO OFF response is effected by a single
actuation of transitory duration of the control switch actuator 13 when the
control
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unit 10 is in the on state, the intensity level indicators 14 change from
their original
condition to illuminating successively lower indicators in turn as the light
intensity
decreases to its lowest level. Finally, the intensity level indicators 14
indicate the
"night light mode" when the light intensity decreases to zero.
Further, when a DELAY TO OFF response is effected by extended
actuation of the control switch actuator 13 when the control unit 10 is in the
on state,
the intensity level indicators 14 first indicate the length of the delay time
selected.
After the control switch actuator 13 has been held closed for 0.5 seconds, the
lowermost indicator will cycle on and off to indicate that a 10 second delay
has been
selected, after a further 0.5 seconds the next highest indicator will cycle on
and off
to indicate that a 20 second delay has been selected, and so on, with
successively
higher indicators cycling on and off until the control switch actuator 13 is
released.
When the control switch actuator 13 is released, the indicator
indicating the present light intensity level cycles on and off during the
delay time.
At the end of the delay time, the indicator which indicates the present level
is
illuminated and then successively lower indicators are illuminated as the
light
decreases to its lowest level. Finally, the intensity level indicators 14
indicate the
"night light mode" when the light intensity decreases to zero.
When a LOCKED PRESET response is effected by a triple actuation
of the control switch actuator 13, the intensity level indicator indicating
the current light level of the lamp flashes twice at a frequency of 2Hz to
indicate
that the intensity level has been successfully stored.
When a DISCONTINUE LOCKED PRESET response is effected
by a quadruple actuation of the control switch actuator 13, the intensity
level
indicator indicating the current light level of the lamp flashes twice at a
frequency
of 2Hz to indicate that the intensity level has been cleared from memory.
When a RAISE response is effected by actuation of the upper portion
12a of the selection actuator 12, the intensity level indicators 14 change
from their
original condition to illuminating successively higher indicators in turn as
the
actuation continues until either the actuation ends or the uppermost indicator
in the
array is illuminated when the light intensity reaches a maximum.
When a LOWER response is effected by actuation of the lower
portion 12b of selection actuator 12 while the control unit 10 is in the on
state, the
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intensity level indicators 14 change from their original condition to
illuminating
successively lower indicators as the actuation continues until either the
actuation ends
or the lowermost indicator in the array is illuminated when the light
intensity reaches
= a minimum. The control unit 10 does not turn off.
Finally, if the lower portion 12b of the selection actuator 12 is
actuated when the control unit 10 is in the off state, the intensity level
indicators 14
initially indicate the "night light mode". After the lower portion 12b has
been
actuated for 4.0 seconds, the lowermost indicator will cycle on and off to
indicate
that a 10 second delay has been selected, after a further 0.5 seconds the next
highest
indicator will cycle on and off to indicate that a 20 second delay has been
selected,
and so on, with successively higher indicators cycling on and off until the
lower
portion 12b is released. When the lower portion 12b is released, the indicator
indicating the delay time selected flashes twice at a frequency of 2Hz to
indicate that
the delay time has been successfully stored and then the intensity level
indicators
14 return to the "night light mode".
WIRELESS TRANSMITTER UNITS
One embodiment of a basic infrared signal transmitting wireless
remote control unit 20 suitable for use with the control unit 10 is shown in
FIGS.
2, 2A, 2B and 2C.
The basic wireless control unit 20 comprises a plurality of control
actuators, comprising a user actuatable transmitter power level selection
actuator
23 and associated intensity selection switches 223 and a user actuatable
transmitter
control switch actuator 21 and associated transmitter control switch 221.
Transmitter
selection actuator 23 further comprises an increase power level selector
portion 23a
and a decrease power level selector portion 23b, controlling respective
intensity
selection switches 223a, 223b.
The basic wireless control unit 20 further comprises an infra-red
transmitting diode 26 which is located in an opening 25 in an end 24 of the
basic
wireless control unit 20 as best seen in FIG. 2C. Alternatively, basic
wireless
control unit 20 can further comprise an address switch 222 and an address
switch
actuator 22, which may be used in conjunction with a "send address" switch
(not
shown) as will be described in more detail below. The switches 221, 222, 223a,
223b are shown in FIG. 11.
CA 02237030 2007-04-16
Actuation of the increase power level selector portion 23a, the lower power
level selector
portion. 23b, or the transmitter control switch actuator 21. of basic wireless
remote control unit 20
generally has the same effect as actuating the upper power level selector
portion 12a, the lower
power level selector portion 12b or the control switch actuator 13
respectively of the control unit
10.
The actuation of the actuators 23a, 23b, 21 on the basic wireless remote
control unit 20
closes the respective switches 223a, 223b, 221 which they actuate. The switch
closure is
detected by a microprocessor 27 and the information about which actuator has
been operated is
transmitted via infra-red signals from the infra-red transmitting diode 26 as
will be described in
more detail below in connection with the description of FIGS. 6 and 11..
The infrared signals are detected by an infra-red receiver 104 and the signal
information
is passed to a microprocessor 108 which interprets the signal information as
will be described in
more detail below in connection with the description of FIGS. 10 and 13 to 20.
In general, actuating an actuator on the basic wireless remote control unit 20
has the same
effect as operating the corresponding actuator on the control unit 10. Thus,
actuating the
transmitter control switch actuator 21 for a transitory period of time will
have the same effect as
operating the control switch actuator 13 on the control unit 10 for a
transitory period of time. (As
described above, the exact effect may vary depending on the state of the
control unit 10 prior to
the actuation). However, if desired, certain functions may be accessed only
from the control uiiit
10 and not from basic wireless remote control unit 20 or vice versa. For
example, the triple tap of
transmitter control switch actuator 21 could have no effect on the control
unit 10, whereas the
triple tap of control switch actuator 13 could have the effect described
above.
One embodiment of an enhanced infra-red sigmal transmitting wireless remote
control
unit 30 suitable for use with the control unit 10 is shown in FIGS. 3, 3A and
3B. The enhanced
wireless control unit 30 comprises a plurality of control actuators,
comprising a user actuatable
transmitter power level. selection actuator 33 and associated intensity
selection switches 333a,
333b (FIG. 12A) and a user actuatable transmitter scene control actuator 31
and associated
switches 331a, 331b (FIG. 12A). Transnlitter selection actuator 33 further
coinprises an increase
power level selector portion 33a and a decrease power level selector portion
33b, controlling
respective intensity
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selection switches 333a and 333b, and scene the control actuator 31 further
comprises a scene select actuator 31a and an off actuator 31b controlling
respective
scene control switches 331a, 331b.
The enhanced wireless control unit 30 further comprises an infra-red
transmitting diode 36 which is located in an opening 35 in an end 34 of the
enhanced
wireless control unit 30 as best seen in FIG. 2B. Alternatively the enhanced
wireless
control unit 30 can further comprise an address switch 332 and address switch
actuator (not shown but the same as the address switch actuator 22 used with
the
basic wireless control unit 20). The switches 331a, 331b, 332, 333a, 333b are
shown in FIG. 12A.
Actuation of the increase power level selector portion 33a or the lower
power level selector portion 33b of the enhanced wireless control unit 30
generally
has the same effect as actuating the upper power level selector portion 12a or
the
lower power level selector portion 12b of the control unit 10, respectively.
Actuation of the scene select actuator 31a for a transitory period of
time causes the light intensity of the electric lamp 114 to change at the
first fade rate
from its present intensity level (which can be off) to a first preprogrammed
preset
intensity level.
Actuation of the scene select actuator 31a for two transitory periods
of time in rapid succession causes the light intensity of the electric lamp
114 to
change at the first fade rate from its present intensity level (which can be
off) to a
second preprogrammed preset intensity level.
The method for preprogramming the preset intensity levels will be
described in detail below.
Actuation of the off actuator 31b generally has the same effect as
actuating the control switch actuator 13 of the control unit 10 when the
control unit
10 is in an on state and is delivering a non-zero power level to the lamp
under
control; and has no effect when the control unit 10 is in an off state and
delivering
zero power to the lamp. Hence, by actuating the off actuator 31b, it is
possible to
effect a fade to off response or a delay to off response from the control unit
10.
The actuation of the actuators 33a, 33b, 31a, 31b which they actuate
on the enhanced wireless remote control unit 30 closes the respective switches
333a,
333b, 331a, 331b. The switch closure is detected by a microprocessor 47, and
the
information about which actuator has been operated is transmitted via infra-
red
CA 02237030 2007-04-16
signals from the infra-red transinitting diode 36 as will be described in more
detail below in
connection with the description of FIGS. 6 AND 12A.
The infrared signals are detected by an infra-red receiver 104 and the signal
information
is passed to a microprocessor 108 which interprets the signal information as
will be described in
more detail below in connection with the description of FIGS. 10 AND 13-20.
A second embodiment of an enhanced infra-red transmitting wireless remote
control unit
40 suitable for use with the control unit 1.0 is shown in FIGS. 4 AND 4A. The
enhanced wireless
control unit 40 comprises a plurality of control actuators, comprising a user
actuatable
transmitter power level selection actuator 43 and associated intensity
selection switches 443a,
443b (FIG.12B) and user actuatable transinitter scene control actuators 41 and
associated
switches 441a, 441b (Fig.12B). The transmitter selection actuator 43 is a
paddle actuator which
is moved upwards to actuate increase intensity selection switch 443a and is
moved downwards to
actuate decrease intensity selection switch 443b. The scene control actuators
41 comprise scene
select actuators 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d and an off actuator 41e controlling
respective scene control
switches 441a, 441b, 441c, 441 d, 441e.
The enhanced wireless control unit 40 further comprises an infra-red
transmitting diode
46 which is located in an opening 45 in an end 44 of the enhanced wireless
control unit 40 as
best seen in FIG. 4A. Alternatively enhanced wireless control unit 40 can
further comprise an
address switch 442 and an address switch actuator (not shown but the same as
the address switch
actuator 22 used with the basic wireless control unit 20). The switches 441a,
441b, 441c, 441d,
441e, 442, 443a, 443b are shown in FIG. 12B.
Actuation of increase intensity switch 443a by moving the transmitter
selection actuator
upward generally has the same effect as actuating the upper power level
selector portion 12a of
the control unit 10. Similarly, actuation of decrease intensity selection
switch 443b by moving
the transmitter selection actuator downward generall.y has the same effect as
actuating the lower
power level selector portion 12b of the control unit 10.
- Actuation of each of the scene select actuators 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d for a
transitory period
of time causes the light intensity of the electric lamp 114 to change at the
first fade rate from its
present intensity level (which can be off) to first, second, third, and fourth
preprogrammed preset
intensity levels, respectively.
22
CA 02237030 2007-04-16
Actuation of each of the scene select actuators 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d for two
transitory
periods of time in rapid succession causes the light intensity of the electric
lamp 114 to change at
the first fade rate from its present intensity level (which can be off) to
fifth, sixth, seventh, and
eightll preprogramined preset intensity levels, respectively.
The method for preprogramming the preset intensity levels will be described in
detail
below.
Actuation of the off actuator 41e generally has the same effect as actuating
the control
switch actuator 13 of the control unit 10 when the control unit 10 is in an on
state and is
delivering a non-zero power level to the lamp under control; and has no effect
when control unit
10 is in an off state and delivering zero power to the lamp. Hence, by
actuating the off actuator
41e, it is possible to effect a fade to off response or a delay to off
response from the control unit
10.
The actuation of the actuators 43, 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, 41e on the enhanced
wireless
remote control unit 30 closes the respective switches 443a, 443b, 441a, 441b,
441c, 441d, 441e
which they actuate. The switch closure is detected by a microprocessor 47, and
the information
about which actuator has been operated is transmitted via infra-red signals
from the infra-red
transmitting diode 46 as will be described in more detail below in connection
with the
description of FIGS. 6 AND 12B.
The infra-red signals are detected by an infra-red receiver 104 and the signal
information
is passed to a microprocessor 108 which interprets the signal information as
will be described in
more detail below in connection with the description of FIGS. 10 AND 13-20. A
third
embodiunent of an enhanced infra-red transmitting wireless reinote control
unit 50 suitable for
use with the control unit 10 is shown in FIGS. 5 AND 5A.
The enhanced wireless control unit 50 comprises a plurality of control
actuators
comprising a user actuatable transmitter power level selection actuator 53 and
associated
intensity selection switches 553a, 553b (FIG. 12C) and user actuatable
transmitter scene control
actuators 51 and associated switches 551a, 551b, 551c, 551d, 551e, 551f, 551g,
551h, 551i. The
transmitter selection actuator 53 is a paddle actuator which is moved upwards
to actuate increase
intensity selection switch 553a and is moved downwards to actuate decrease
intensity selection
switch 553b. The scene control actuators 51 comprise scene select actuators
51a, 51b, 51c,
23
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51d and an off actuator 51e controlling respective scene control switches
551a, 551b,
551c, 551d, 551e. The scene control actuator 51 further comprise special
function
select actuators 51f, 51g, 51h, 51i controlling respective special function
control
switches 551f, 551g, 551h, 551i.
The enhanced wireless control unit 50 further comprises an infra-red
transmitting diode 56 which is located in an opening 55 in an end 54 of the
enhanced
wireless control unit 50 as best seen in FIG. 5A. Alternatively enhanced
wireless
control unit 50 can further comprise an address switch 552 and an address
switch
actuator (not shown but the same as the address switch actuator 22 used with
the
basic wireless control unit 20). The switches 551a, 551b, 551c, 551d, 551e,
551f,
551g, 551h, 551i, 552, 553a, 553b are shown in FIG. 12C.
Actuation of increase intensity switch 553a by moving the transmitter
selection actuator upward generally has the same effect as actuating the upper
power
level selector portion 12a of the control unit 10. Similarly, actuation of
decrease
intensity selection switch 553b by moving the transmitter selection actuator
downward generally has the same effect as actuating the lower power level
selector
portion 12b of the control unit 10.
Actuation of each of the scene select actuators 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d
for a transitory period of time causes the light intensity of the electric
lamp 114 to
change at the first fade rate from its present intensity level (which can be
off) to first,
second, third, and, fourth preprogrammed preset intensity levels,
respectively.
Actuation of each of the scene select actuators 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d
for two transitory periods of time in rapid succession causes the light
intensity of
the electric lamp 114 to change at the first fade rate from its present
intensity level
(which can be off) to fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth preprogrammed preset
intensity
levels, respectively.
The third embodiment 50 of the enhanced transmitter differs from
the second embodiment 40 of the enhanced transmitter in that it further
comprises
special function actuators 51f, 51g, 51h, 51i controlling respective special
function
switches 551f, 551g, 551h, 551i. These special function actuators can be used
to
select ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth preprogrammed preset intensity
levels,
respectively, or to select special functions. Alternatively, some special
function
actuators can be used to select preprogrammed preset intensity levels and some
can
be used to select special functions.
CA 02237030 2007-04-16
The method for preprogramining the preset intensity levels and the nature of
the special
functions will be described in detail below.
Actuation of the off actuator 51e generally has the same effect as actuating
the control
switch actuator 13 of the control unit 10 wlien the control unit 10 is in an
on state and is
delivering a non-zero- power level to the lainp under control; and has no
effect wlien control unit
is in an off state and delivering zero power to the lamp. Hence, by actuating
the off actuator
51e, it is possible to effect a fade to off response or a delay to off
response from the control unit
10.
The actuation of the actuators 53, 51a. 51b, 51e, 51d, 51e, 51f, 51g, 51h, 51i
on. the
10 enhanced wireless remote control unit 50 closes the respective switches
553a, 553b, 551a, 551b,
551c, 551d, 551e, 551f, 551g, 551h, 551i which they actuate. The switch
closure is detected by a
microprocessor 47, and the information about which actuator has been operated
is transnzitted via
infra-red signals from the infra-red transmitting diode 56 as will be
described in more detail
below in connection with the description of FIGS. 6 AND 12C.
The infra-red signals are detected by an infra-red receiver 104 and the signal
information
is passed to a microprocessor 108 which interprets the signal information as
will be described in
more detail below in connection with the description of FIGS. 10 AND 13-20.
The method for preprogramming the preset intensity levels accessed from the
enhanced
wireless control units 30, 40, 50 is similar for each of the enhanced remote
controls.
Programming mode for the control unit 10 is entered by actuating a combination
of
actuators on the enhanced reinote controls and keeping the switches controlled
by the actuators
closed for a certain length of time, preferably 3 seconds, while transinitting
infra-red signals
from the transmitter to control unit 10 at which time the control unit 10
enters programming
mode.
For the embodinient of the enhanced reinote control 30 illustrated in FIGS. 3,
3A AND
3B, progr.amming mode is entered by actuating the scene select actuator 31 a
and the off actuator
31b at the same time. For the embodiment 40 illustrated in FIGS. 4 AND 4A,
programming
mode is entered by actuating the scene select actuator 41a and the off
actuator 41e at the saine
time. For the embodiment 50 illustrated in FIGS. 5 AND 5A, prograrruning mode
is entered by
actuating the scene select actuator 51a and the off actuator 51e at the same
time.
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The control unit 10 enters the programming mode ready to program the first
preset
intensity level. The uppermost indicator 14 (which is indicating that the
first preset intensity
level is being progranimed) flashes on and off with a duty cycle of
approximately 10% and the
indicator 14 corresponding to the light intensity level currently programmed
as the first preset
intensity level flashes on and off with a 90% duty cycle. Duty cycle here
refers to the relative
amount of time that one indicator 14 is on as opposed to another indicator 14
being on. Only one
indicator 14 is ever illwninated at one time due to constraints within the
power supply powering
the indicator 14.
The light intensity level to be stored is adjusted by actuating the increase
power level
selector portion 33a or lower power level selector portion 33b or the off
actuator 31b for the
embodiment of the enhanced remote control 30 illustrated in FIGS. 3, 3 A AND
3B, by
actuating the power level selection actuator 43 either up or down to actuate
increase intensity
selection switch 443a or decrease intensity selection switch 443b or the off
actuator 41e for the
embodiment of the enhanced remote 40 illustrated in FIGS. 4, 4A and 12B, by
actuating the
power level selection actuator 53 either up or down to actuate increase
intensity selection switch
553a or decrease intensity selection switch 553b or the off actuator 51e for
the embodiment of
the enhanced remote 50 illustrated in FIGS. 5, 5A and 12C. For all embodiments
of the
enhanced remote control 30, 40, 50, the light intensity to be stored can also
be adjusted by
actuating the upper power level selection portion 12a and the lower power
level selector portion
12b of the control unit 10.
As the intensity is adjusted, the light intensity of electric lamp 114 changes
and the
indicator 14 which is illuminated with a 90% duty cycle also changes to
indicate the new current
light level.
Once the desired intensity level to be programmed as the first preset
intensity level
(which may be off), has been reached either another preset intensity level to
be prograinmed is
selected or programming mode is exited. In the case of the enhanced remote
control. 30
illustrated in FIGS. 3, 3A AND 3B, only a first preset intensity level can be
programmed, so the
oiily option at this point is to exit programming mode.
If it is desired to program another preset intensity level, then this is
selected by actuating
a scene select actuator 41b, 41c, 41d for a transitory period of time for the
embodiment of the
enhanced remote control illustrated in FIGS. 4
26
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AND 4A or a scene select actuator 51b, 51c, 51d for a transitory period of
time
for the embodiment of the enhanced remote control illustrated in FIGS. 5 AND
5A.
These scene select actuators select second, third, and fourth preset
intensity levels to be programmed respectively. The second highest indicator
14
flashes on and off with a 10% duty cycle when the second preset intensity
level has
been selected, the third highest indicator 14 flashes on and off with a 10 %
duty cycle
when the third preset intensity level has been selected and the middle
indicator 14
flashes on and off with a 10 % duty cycle when the fourth preset intensity
level has
been selected.
Actuating a scene select actuator 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, 51a, 51b, 51c,
51d for two transitory periods of time enables the selection of the fifth,
sixth,
seventh, and eighth preset intensity levels to be programmed, respectively.
The highest, second highest, third highest, and middle indicator 14
will flash on and off with a duty cycle other than 10 % to indicate that
either the fifth,
sixth, seventh, or eighth preset intensity level to be programmed has been
selected.
If the embodiment of the enhanced transmitter 50 illustrated in FIGS.
5 AND 5A is being used to select ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth preset
intensity
levels from the special function actuators 51f, 51g, 51h, 51i, these can be
selected
for programming by actuating a special function actuator 51f, 51g, 51h, 51i.
The highest, second highest, third highest, and middle indicator 14
will flash on and off with a second duty cycle other than 10% to indicate that
either
the ninth, tenth, eleventh, or twelfth preset intensity level to be programmed
has
been selected.
The light intensity to be stored is adjusted in the same manner as
described above for programming the first preset intensity level.
Once all the desired preset intensity levels have been programmed,
programming mode is exited by actuating the same combination of actuators
which
were used to enter programming mode again for a period of time, preferably 3
seconds, while transmitting infra-red signals from the transmitter to the
control unit
10. At the end of the period, the control unit exits programming mode.
Alternatively, programming mode can be exited by actuating actuator 13 on
control
unit 10 for a transitory period of time.
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The operation of the special function actuators 51f, 51g, 51h, 51i
on the enhanced transmitter 50 is dependant on the particular special
functions
programmed into the control unit 10 which receives the infrared signals.
One alternative is to use the special function selection actuator to
select additional programmed intensity levels as described above. A first
special
function which can be selected by a first special function actuator is "FADE
TO OFF
WITH DETERMINED FADE TIME". This function is similar to "DELAY TO
OFF" except that, whereas in the case of the "DELAY TO OFF" the light
intensity
of lamp 114 remains at its current intensity during the delay time and then
decreases
to zero over a relatively short period of time, in the case of "FADE TO OFF
WITH
DETERMINED FADE TIME" the light intensity level of lamp 114 immediately
begins to decrease in value once the actuator is released and then continues
to
decrease in value until it reaches zero at the end of the "DETERMINED FADE
TIME".
The "DETERMINED FADE TIME" is determined by the length of
time that the first special function actuator has been actuated. The longer
the
actuator is actuated, the longer the fade time.
After the first special function actuator has been actuated the indicator
14 will flash the lowest LED to indicate a fade time of 10 sec has been
selected.
For each additiona10.5 sec that the first special function actuator is
actuated the fade
time increases by 10 sec to a maximum of 60 sec. Successively higher
indicators
14 are flashed to indicate the increasing fade time selected. When the first
special
function actuator is released, the decrease in light intensity of lamp 114
begins to
occur and the indicator 14 indicating the current light intensity is flashed.
Successively lower indicators 14 are flashed as the light intensity of lamp 14
is
decreased until the indicator 14 indicates the "Night light mode" when lamp
114 is
at zero power.
A second special function which can be selected by a second special
function actuator is "RETURN TO PREVIOUS LIGHT LEVEL". This function
causes the light intensity of lamp 114 to return to the last preset level it
had prior
to the last actuation of a scene select actuator, a control switch actuator,
or a power
level selector actuator.
In this way it is possible for the user of the control unit 10 to return
to the last selected preset level which could be a preprogrammed preset
intensity
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level, a locked preset intensity level or an unlocked preset intensity level.
The
intensity level of lamp 114 will gradually increase or decrease from the
current
intensity level to the intensity level being returned to, and the indicator 14
will
change from illuminating the LED corresponding to the current intensity level
to
illuminating successively higher or lower LEDs until the indicator 14
indicating the
intensity level of the last selected preset level is illuminated.
Other special functions can optionally be programmed into the control
unit 10 and selected by actuating different special function actuators.
The operation of the optional address switch actuator 22 and address
switch 222, 332, 442, 552 and the send address switch (not shown) is similar
for
the basic wireless control unit 20, and the three embodiments of the enhanced
wireless control unit 30, 40, 50.
The first use of the optional address switch actuator 22 and the send
address switch is to label control unit 10 with a particular address. Address
switch
actuator 22 controls an address switch, 222, 332, 442, 552 which is typically
a
multiposition switch, for selecting between different address A, B, C, D, etc.
If
it is desired to label a particular control unit 10 with address B, then the
address
switch actuator would be adjusted to select B, and then the send address
switch
would be actuated. The send address switch is not shown, but could have any
desired form. Preferably, the send address switch is actuated by a small and
inconspicuous actuator since it is used infrequently. Alternatively, the
actuator for
the send address switch could be hidden under normal use for, for example
under
a battery compartment cover for the wireless control unit 20, 30, 40, 50.
Alternatively in the case of the three embodiments of enhanced
wireless control unit 30, 40, 50, the function of the send address switch
could be
obtained by actuating a combination of the existing actuators, for example the
off
actuator 31b, 41e, 51e and the upper power level selector portion 33a, or
moving
the transmitter selection actuator 43, 53 upwards.
After the send address switch has been actuated or the appropriate
combination of actuators has been actuated, an infrared signal is sent from
the
wireless control unit 20, 30, 40, 50 which commands any control unit 10 which
receives the signal to label itself with address B. The intensity level
indicator 14
indicating the current intensity level of the lamp flashes three times at a
frequency
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of 2Hz to indicate that the address has been successfully received and stored
in a
memory.
Alternatively, the intensity level indicator 14 indicating the current
intensity level of the lamp 114 flashes at a frequency of 2Hz until the
control switch
actuator 13 is actuated for a transitory period of time to store the address
in memory.
If actuator 13 has not been actuated within 2 minutes of the control unit 10
receiving
the infra-red signal, then no address is stored and the control unit 10
returns to the
state which it was in prior to receiving the infra-red signal.
In this way, it is possible to label a plurality of control units 10 with
the same or different addresses.
Once all the control units 10 desired to be controlled by the wireless
control unit 20, 30, 40, 50 have been labelled with addresses, then the
wireless
control unit 20, 30, 40, 50 can be used to control only those control units 10
which
have been labelled with a particular address in the following manner.
The address switch actuator 22 is adjusted to the position which
selects the address of the control units 10 which were desired to be
controlled, for
example A. After that has been done, any signals sent from wireless control
unit
20, 30, 40, 50 in response to the actuation of the other actuators, for
example scene
select actuation 31, 41, 51 or transmitter selection actuator 33, 43, 53
contain address
information A.
Only those control units 10 which have previously been labelled with
address A will respond to the infra-red signals which contain address
information
A. Other control units 10 will not respond. In this way, by labelling a
plurality
of control units 10 with different addresses, it is possible to control each
control unit
10 individually, even if all units receive the infra-red signals.
It is also possible for the address switch actuator 22 to select an ALL
address. This cannot be used to label control units 10. However, once the
control
units 10 have been labelled with individual addresses A, B, C, etc., then
selecting
the ALL address with the address switch actuator 22 causes the infra-red
signals
transmitted from wireless control unit 20, 30, 40, 50 to contain an ALL
address.
In this case, all control units 10 which receive the infra-red signals with
the ALL
address will respond regardless of the individual addresses with which they
have
been labelled.
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Turning to FIG. 10, the circuitry of the power control unit 10 is
depicted in the control unit block diagram 100. The circuitry, with the
exception
of wireless remote control operation, is well known to one skilled in the art.
Therefore, a detailed description of the prior art circuit is not reproduced
herein, and only the new features of the present invention are described
below.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides the
features of wireless remote control operation, as described below, in
combination
with the light control disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,248,919. In the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the circuitry of the power control unit
10 is
commanded by infra-red control signals transmitted by wireless remote control
units
20, 30, 40, 50, (shown in FIGs. 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively) in addition to
being
commanded by actuators located on the power control unit 10. An infrared
receiver
104 responds to the infra-red control signals and converts them to electrical
control
signal inputs to a microprocessor 108 in a similar manner to which the signal
detector
102 responds to control signals from switches 110 located in power control
unit 10
as well as control signals from switches 111 within wired remote lighting
control
units and provides control signal inputs to microprocessor 108 of the present.
invention are similar to the control signals, signal detector 32, and
microprocessor
28 disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,248,919. However, the program running is
different
and provides additional functions and features not disclosed in U.S. Patent
5,248,919.
In the present invention, control signal inputs are generated by switch
actuators on the power control unit 10, by switch actuators on a user
actuatable
wireless remote control unit 20, 30, 40, 50, or on wired remote lighting
control
units. In each case, these signals are directed to the microprocessor 108 for
processing. The microprocessor 108 then sends the appropriate signals on to
the
remaining portion of the control circuitry which in turn control the intensity
levels
and state of the lamp 114 associated with the control unit 10.
A block diagram of the control circuit 200 of basic remote control
unit 20 is depicted, in FIG. 11. The intensity selection actuator 23 actuates
intensity
selection switches 223a or 223b and the control switch actuator 21 -actiuates
transmitter control switch 221 to provide inputs to a microprocessor 27. The
microprocessor 27 provides encoded control signals to an LED drive circuit 28,
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which drives an LED 26 to produce and transmit infrared signals encoded by the
microprocessor 27. The LED 26 is located in the IR transmitter opening 25,
embodied in the end wall 24 of the user actuatable basic remote control unit
20.
The address switch actuator 22 actuates the address switch 222 to
provide inputs to the microprocessor 27. A "SEND ADDRESS" switch not shown
in FIG. 11 would also provide input to the microprocessor 27 as described
above.
Battery 49 provides power to basic remote control unit 20.
The microprocessor 27 has a preprogrammed software routine which
controls its operation. The operation of the routines in the microprocessor 27
is
illustrated in flow chart form in FIG. 6. There is one major flow path, or
routine,
which the program in the microprocessor 27 follows. This path is selected
whenever
the "ACTUATOR OR ACTUATORS OPERATED?" decision node 2000 is "yes".
This occurs whenever the control switch actuator 21 or the power level
selection
actuator 23 is actuated. Following the "ACTUATOR OR ACTUATORS
OPERATED?" decision node is the "DETERMINE WHICH ACTUATOR OR
ACTUATORS WERE OPERATED?" node 2004 where a determination is made
as to which actuator or actuators were operated. Following the "DETERMINE
WHICH ACTUATOR OR ACTUATORS WERE OPERATED" node 2004 is the
"DETERMINE ADDRESS" node 2006, where the microprocessor 27 determines
the setting of the address switch 222. The microprocessor 27 then proceeds to
"LOOK UP A NUMBER WHICH CORRESPONDS TO THE ACTUATOR OR
ACTUATORS OPERATED AND THE ADDRESS SELECTED" 2008. The
microprocessor then "ENCODES NUMBER" 2010 and then "TRANSMITS CODE"
2012.
If the control switch actuator 21 or power level selection actuator 23
is not actuated by a user, the remote control unit 20 enters a "SLEEP MODE"
2002
and no change is made to the state of the control unit 10.
A block diagram of each of the control circuits 300, 400, 500 of the
enhanced wireless remote control units 30, 40, 50 is depicted in FIGs. 12A,
12B,
12C. These block diagrams are very similar to the block diagram 200 shown in
FIG. 11 with the scene control switches 331a, 331b in the block diagram 300
replacing the transmitter control switch 221 in the block diagram 200, the
scene
control switches 441a, 441b, 441c, 441d, 441e in the block diagram 400
replacing
the transmitter control switch 221 in the block diagram 200, and the scene
control
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switches 551a, 551b, 551c, 551d, 551e, and special function switches 551f,
551g,
551h, 551i in the block diagram 500 replacing the transmitter control switch
221
in the block diagram 200.
The scene control switches provide inputs to the microprocessor 47.
The microprocessor 47 provides encoded control signals to an LED drive circuit
48 which drives an LED 36, 46, 56 to produce and transmit infrared signals
encoded
by the microprocessor 47. These signals are transmitted through the IR opening
35, 45, 55 which is located in the end wall 34, 44, 54 of the enhanced
wireless
remote control units 30, 40, 50.
An address switch actuator 22 of the enhanced remote control units
30, 40, 50 actuates the address switch 332, 442, 552 respectively to provide
inputs
to the microprocessor 47. A send address switch, not shown in Figures 12A,
12B,
and 12C would also provide input to the microprocessor 47.
The enhanced remote control units 30, 40, 50 use the same
preprogrammed software routine to control their operation as depicted in FIG.
6.
The actual code running may be different. The "ACTUATOR OR ACTUATORS
OPERATED" decision node 2000 in FIG. 6 is "yes" whenever a scene control
switch or a power level intensity selector switch is actuated.
4 Turning to FIGs 13 through 20, the microprocessor 108 of the control
unit 10 has preprogrammed software routines which control its operation. The
operation of the routines in the microprocessor 108 is illustrated in flow
chart form
in FIG 13 through 20. Referring to FIG 13, there are four major flow paths, or
routines, which the microprocessor 108 can follow. These paths are selected
depending on the source of the input control signals. The first three paths,
RAISE
1030, LOWER 1024, and TOGGLE 1036 are selected when the power selection
actuator 12 or the control switch actuator 13 are actuated, as discussed
above.
The function of the preprogrammed software routines for the
operation by wireless remote control will also be discussed in detail, this is
the fourth
path, "IR SIGNAL" 1012.
Referring to FIG 13, the program begins at "MAIN" 1000 as shown.
The first decision node encountered is the "IN IR PROGRAM MODE?" 1002. The
program determines if the control unit 10 is in program mode so that
preprogrammed light intensities can be stored. If the output from "IN IR
PROGRAM MODE" decision node 1002 is "yes", the next decision node is "HAS
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AN ACTUATOR OR IR SIGNAL BEEN RECEIVED WITHIN THE LAST TWO
MINUTES?" 1004. Decision node 1004 performs a time out function to determine
if the user is confused while in programming mode. If the user does not touch
the
actuators on the control unit within two minutes, the unit will automatically
exit from
program mode and stop flashing indicators 14 that are being flashed. If the
output
from decision node 1004 is "no", the control unit 10 is commanded to "EXIT
PROGRAM MODE" 1026 and "STOP FLASHING LEDS" 1028 and the program
returns to "MAIN" 1000. If the output from decision node 1004 is "yes", the
program proceeds to the "ACTUATOR OPERATED?" decision node 1006. A check
is made as to whether any actuators have been actuated on the control unit 10
i.e.,
the power level selection actuator 12 or the control switch actuator 13.
If the output of the "ACTUATOR OPERATED?" decision node 1006
is "yes", the program proceeds to "IN IR PROGRAM MODE?" decision node 1018,
where a check is made as to whether the control unit 10 is in program mode
again.
If the output of the "IN IR PROGRAM MODE?" decision node 1018 is "yes", the
program proceeds to "GO TO IR PROGRAM MODE ROUTINE" 1020. This is
shown in greater detail in the IR Program Mode routine 1100, shown in FIG 14.
If the output from decision node 1018 is "no", the program pr-pceeds
to the "RAISE?" decision node 1030 where a check is made as to whether the
upper
power level selector portion 12a has been actuated. If the output from the
"RAISE"
decision node is "yes", the program proceeds to the "GO TO RAISE ROUTINE"
1032. The "RAISE" routine 1400 is shown in greater detail in FIG 16.
If the output of the "RAISE" decision node 1030 is "no", the program
proceeds to the "LOWER?" decision node 1022 where a check is made as to
whether
the lower power level selector portion 12b has been actuated. If the output
from
the "LOWER" decision node 1022 is "yes", the program proceeds to the "GO TO
LOWER ROUTINE" 1024. The "LOWER" routine 1200 is shown in greater detail
inFIG 15.
If the output from the "LOWER?" decision node 1022 is "no", the
program proceeds to the "TOGGLE?" decision node 1034 where a check is made
as to whether the control switch actuator 13 has been actuated. If the output
of the
"TOGGLE" decision node 1034 is "yes", the program proceeds to the "GO TO
TOGGLE ROUTINE" 1036. The "TOGGLE" routine 1300 is shown in greater
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detail in FIG 17. If the output of the "TOGGLE" node 1034 is "no", the program
then returns to "MAIN" 1000.
If the output of the "ACTUATOR OPERATED?" decision node 1006
is "no", the program proceeds to the "HAS AN ACTUATOR BEEN OPERATED
IN THE LAST TWO MINUTES?" decision node 1008. The decision node 1008
runs another time out check to determine if any control actuators have been
operated
in the last two minutes. If the output from the decision node 1008 is "yes",
the
program proceeds to the "IR SIGNAL?" decision node 1010 where a determination
is made as to whether an IR signal has been received. If the output of the "IR
SIGNAL?" decision node 1010 is "yes", the program proceeds to "GO TO IR
SIGNAL ROUTINE" 1012. The "IR SIGNAL ROUTINE" 1500 is shown in greater
detail in FIGs 18, 19, 20. If the output of the "IR SIGNAL?" decision node
1010
is "no", the program proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS" 1014 where the status of the
intensity indicators 14 are updated, and the program returns to "MAIN" 1000.
The
control unit 10 is constantly updating the LED display even if no actuators
are
actuated or if no IR signals are received. If the "HAS AN ACTUATOR BEEN
OPERATED IN THE LAST TWO MINUTES?" decision node 1008 is "no", the
program proceeds to "RESET LEARN ADDRESS MODE" 1016 and then proceeds
on to the "IR SIGNAL?" decision node 1010.
After the program proceeds to the "LEARN ADDRESS MODE?"
1590, which will be described in more detail below, and "SAVE NEW ADDRESS"
1580, the program is looking for a confirmation signal. If the control unit
does not
receive the confirmation signal within two minutes the "LEARN ADDRESS MODE"
is reset and the new address received is erased.
Turning now to FIG 14, the first decision node encountered in "IR
PROGRAM MODE" is "TOGGLE?" 1102. IR program mode is where preset light
intensity levels can be stored in the control unit 10 by actuating actuators
on the
control unit 10 or on an enhanced wireless transmitter 30, 40, 50. At the
"TOGGLE" decision mode 1102 a determination is made as to whether the control
switch actuator 13 has been actuated. If the output of the node is "yes", the
control
unit 10 is commanded to "STOP FLASHING LEDS" 1104 where any flashing
indicators 14 are extinguished. The program continues to "EXIT PROGRAM
MODE" 1106, and "UPDATE LEDS" 1108 where the indicators 14 are updated
to the correct status, and the program proceeds to "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN"
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1110. This is one way of exiting program mode. Another way will be described
in detail below.
If the output of "TOGGLE?" decision node 1102 is "no", the next
decision node is "RAISE?" 1112 where a determination is made as to whether the
upper power level selector portion 12a has been actuated. If the output of the
node
is "yes", the program moves on to the "AT HIGH END?" decision node 1114. If
the output of the "AT HIGH END?" decision node 1114 is "yes", the light
intensity
of the lamp 114 can not be increased any more, so no changes are made and the
program proceeds "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1110. If the output of the "AT
HIGH END?" decision node 1114 is "no", the control unit 10, is commanded to
"INCREASE LIGHT LEVEL BY ONE STEP" 1116 where the output power of the
control unit 10 is increased. The program continues to "DETERMINE SCENE"
1118 where the program checks which scene is being programmed.
The unit then encounters the "HAS THE SAME ACTUATOR BEEN
OPERATED IN THE LAST 0.5 SEC?" decision node 1120. This decision node
function is included so that by actuating actuators multiple times, additional
functions
can be accessed. If the output of the decision node 1120 is "no", the unit is
commanded to "SAVE LIGHT LEVEL AS SCENE PRESET" 1130, where a new
intensity level is stored for the scene select actuator being programmed.
The program proceeds to "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1100.
If the output of the "HAS THE SAME ACTUATOR BEEN OPERATED IN THE
LAST 0.5 SEC?" decision node 1120 is "yes", i.e., multiple actuations of an
actuator
have occurred within a certain time period, the unit is commanded to "ADD FOUR
TO THE SCENE NUMBER" 1122, and "SAVE LIGHT LEVEL AS SCENE
PRESET" 1130 and the program proceeds to "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1000.
If the output of the "TOGGLE?" decision node 1102 is "no" and the
output of "RAISE?" decision node 1112 is "no", the program moves to the next
major routine and enters the "LOWER?" decision node 1124. A determination is
made as to whether the lower power level selector portion 12b has been
actuated.
If the output from decision node 1124 is "no", no changes are made and the
program
proceeds to "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1110. If the output of decision
node 1124 is "yes", the program proceeds to the "AT LOW END OR OFF?"
decision node 1126. A determination is made as to whether the lamp 114 is at
CA 02237030 2007-04-16
minimuin light intensity or off. If the output from decision node 1126 is
"yes", the light
intensity can not be decreased further, no changes are made and the program
proceeds to
"RETURN TO TOP OF 1VIAIN" 1110. If the output from decision node 1126 is "no",
the control
unit 10 is commanded to "DECREASE LIGHT LEVEL BY ONE STEP" 1128 where the
output
power of the control unit 10 is decreased aiid " DETERMINE SCENE" 1118 where
once again
the unit checks which scene is being programmed.
The program proceeds on to "HAS THE SAME ACTUATOR BEEN OPERATED IN
THE LAST 0.5 SEC?" decision node 1120. If the output froin decision node 1120
is "no", the
unit is commanded to "SAVE LIGHT LEVEL AS SCENE PRESET" 1130, where the new
intensity is stored for the scene select actuator being programmed. The
program proceeds to
"RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 11 10. If the output of "HAS THE SAME ACTUATOR BEEN
OPERATED IN THE LAST 0.5 SEC?" decision node 1120 is "yes", the unit is
commanded to
"ADD FOUR TO THE SCENE NUMBER" 1122, and "SAVE LIGHT LEVEL AS SCENE
PRESET" 1130, and then program proceeds to "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1110.
Turning now to FIG 15 and the "LOWER" routine 1200, the first decision node
encountered is "UNIT ON?" 1202 where a determination is made as to whether the
control unit
10 is in the "ON STATE". If the output from the "UNIT ON?" decision node 1202
is "yes", the
program proceeds to the "AT LOW END?" decision node 1204 where a determination
is made as
to whether the lamp 114 is at a minimum light intensity. If the output from
the decision node
1204 is "yes", the light intensity can not be decreased any more, no changes
are made and the
program proceeds to "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1206. If the output of the "AT LOW
END?" decision node 1204 is "no", the program proceeds to the "FADING"
decision node 1222.
A determination is made as to whether the control unit 10 is in a steady
state, or is fading
between two different output light intensity levels. If the output from
decision node 1222 is
"yes", the control unit 10 is fading between two different light intensity
levels hence the control
unit 10 is commanded to "STOP FADING" 1224 and to "DECREASE LIGHT LEVEL BY ONE
STEP" 1212, and the output power of control unit 10 is decreased. The next
decision node
encountered is the "WAS IT AN IR COMMAND?" 1214.
37
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If the output of the "FADING" decision node 1222 is "no", then the power
output from
control unit 10 is in a steady state, and the control unit 10 is commanded to
"DECREASE
LIGHT LEVEL BY ONE STEP" 1212 and the output power of control unit 10 is
decreased. The
program then proceeds to the "WAS IT AN IR COMMAND?" decision node 1214 where
a
determination is made as to whetller an infra-red signal has been received
which caused the
prograin to enter the "LOWER" routine 1200.
If the output from the "WAS IT AN IR COMIVIAND?" decision node 1214" is "yes",
the
program proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS" 1216, and then "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1206.
No change is made to any stored preset levels because LOWER commands from the
wireless
transmitter only affect the current light intensity unless the control unit 10
is in prograin mode.
Further as described below any light intensity levels adjusted by using the
user actuatable
intensity selection actuator on the control unit 10 are temporary if the
locked preset mode is set
and are stored if the locked preset mode is not set.
If the output of the "WAS IT AN IR COMMAND?" decision node 1214 is "no", the
program proceeds to the "IS LOCKED PRESET MODE SET?" decision node 1208 where
a
determination is made as to whether a preset light intensity has been stored.
If the output from
decision. node 1208 is "no" and no locked preset has been stored the unit is
commanded to
"UPDATE PRESET" 121.0 where the memory which stores the current value of the
unlocked
preset has the new intensity level stored 'ui it. The program goes on to
"UPDATE LEDS" 1216
where the status of the intensity indicators 14 is updated, and the program
proceeds to
"RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1206. If the output of the "IS LOCKED PRESET MODE
SET?" decision node 1208 is "yes", the unit is commanded to "UPDATE LEDS"
1216, and then
"RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1206. No change is made to any stored preset intensity
levels.
If the output from of the "UNIT ON?" decision node 1202 is "no", the unit
proceeds to
the "IN DELAYED OFF PROGRAM MODE?" decision node 1221. A delayed off time can
be
permanently stored so that every time the user actuates an actuator which
causes the control unit
10 to turn off, the unit delays a certain amount of time before turning off.
If the control unit 10 is
in the mode wl7ere a delay to off tinle is being prograimned then the output
from decision node
38
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1221 is "yes", and the program proceeds to the "HAS THE LOWER ACTUATOR
BEEN HELD FOR 10.0 SEC?" decision node 1226.
The permanently stored delay to off time can be cleared by actuating
an actuator which causes a"LOWER" 1200 command for an extended period of
time, i.e., 10 seconds. If the output from decision node 1226 is "yes", the
unit is
commanded to "CANCEL DELAYED OFF TIME" 1228, and the program proceeds
to "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1206. If the output from "HAS THE LOWER
ACTUATOR BEEN HELD FOR 10.0 SEC?" decision node 1226 is "no", the
program proceeds to the"DETERMINE HOW LONG LOWER ACTUATOR HAS
BEEN HELD" node 1230 where a determination is made as to how long a
"LOWER" 1200 commanding actuator has been actuated. The program continues
to "SET DELAYED OFF TO TIME THAT CORRESPONDS TO HOLD TIME"
1232 where the appropriate delay time is stored. The program continues to
"FLASH
LEDS" 1234 where the indicators are flashed as described above. The program
proceeds to "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1206. The longer the user depresses
the "LOWER" commanding actuator, the longer the delayed off time which is
stored.
If the output from the "IN DELAYED OFF PROGRAM MODE?"
decision node 1221 is "no", the unit proceeds to the "HAS THE LOWER BEEN
HELD FOR 4.0 SEC?" decision node 1218. To permanently store a delayed off
time, the user actuates an actuator which causes a"LOWER" command for an
extended period of time, i. e. , 4 seconds. If the decision node 1218 is"no",
the
program proceeds to "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1206.
If the output from decision node 1218 is "yes", the control unit 10
is commanded to "INITIATE DELAYED OFF PROGRAM MODE" 1220, to flash
the lowermost indicator 14 as described above, and then "FLASH LEDS" 1234, and
then the program proceeds to "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1206.
Turning now to FIG. 16, in the "RAISE" routine 1400, the first
decision node encountered is a "UNIT ON?" decision node 1402, where a
determination is made as to whether the control unit 10 is in the on state. If
the
output from the "UNIT ON?" decision node 1402 is "yes", i.e., the control unit
10
is on the program moves to the "AT HIGH END?" decision node 1404 where a
determination is made as to whether the lamp 114 is at a maximum light
intensity.
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If the output from decision node 1404 is "yes", the light intensity
cannot be increased any more, so no changes are made and the program proceeds
to "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1420. If the output from decision node 1404
is "no", the routine proceeds to the "FADING?" decision node 1406 where a
determination is made as to whether the control unit 10 is in a steady state
or is
fading between two different output light intensity levels. If the output from
decision
node 1406 is "yes", the control unit 10 is fading between two different light
intensity
levels, hence the control unit 10 is commanded to "STOP FADING" 1408 and then
to "INCREASE LIGHT LEVEL BY ONE STEP" 1410 where the output power of
the control unit 10 is increased. If the output from "FADING" decision node
1406
is "no", the unit is commanded to "INCREASE LIGHT LEVEL BY ONE STEP"
1410 where the output power of the control unit 10 is increased. The program
then
proceeds to the "WAS IT AN IR COMMAND?" decision node 1412 where a
determination is made as to whether an infra-red signal has been received
which
caused the program to enter the RAISE routine 1400. If the output from
decision
node 1412 is "yes", the control unit 10 proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS" 1418 and
then the program proceeds to "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1420 . No change
is made to any stored preset levels because RAISE 1400 routine commands from
the wireless transmitter only affect the current light levels unless the
control unit
10 is in program mode. If the output from the "WAS IT AN IR COMMAND?"
decision node 1412 is "no", the program then proceeds to the "IS LOCKED PRESET
MODE SET?" decision node 1414 where a determination is made as to whether a
locked preset light intensity level has been stored. If the output from
decision node
1414 is "yes", the control unit 10, proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS" 1418 where the
status of intensity indicator 14 is updated and then the program proceeds to
RETURN
TO TOP OF MAIN 1420. If the output from decision node 1414 is "no", the unit
is commanded to "UPDATE PRESET" 1416 where the memory (not shown) which
stores the current value of the unlocked preset has the new intensity level
stored in
the memory, and then goes on to "UPDATE LEDS" 1418. If the output from
"UNIT ON?" decision node 1402 is "no", the control unit 10 is commanded to
"TURN ON TO LOW END" 1422 where the control unit 10 is turned on, the
program goes on to, "INCREASE LIGHT LEVEL BY ONE STEP" 1410 and then
to "WAS IT AN IR COMMAND?" decision node 1412.
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Turning now to FIG. 17 and the "TOGGLE" routine 1300, the first
decision node encountered is "IN LEARN ADDRESS MODE?" 1302 where a
determination is made as to whether the control unit 10 is in a mode where it
is being
labelled with a new address. If the determination is made by the
microprocessor
108 that the control unit 10 is being labelled with a new address then the
output from
decision node 1302 is "yes", and the microprocessor proceeds to "USE NEW
ADDRESS AS SIGNAL IDENTIFICATION" 1304 commanding the control unit
to store the new address received as its unit address, then "RETURN TO TOP
OF MAIN" 1306. As described above, the control unit 10 is capable of receiving
10 a unique addresses via lR signals. This enables the use of a transmitter
that has an
address selector switch to control a plurality of control units 10
individually. If the
output of the "IN LEARN ADDRESS MODE?" decision node 1302 is "no", the
program proceeds to the "TOGGLE LAST TIME?" decision node 1330 where a
determination is made as to whether control switch actuator 13 is being
actuated for
more than a transitory period of time. If the output from decision node 1330
is
"yes", the program proceeds to the "FADING OFF?" decision node 1332 where
a determination is made as to whether the power level at the output of the
control
unit 10 is decreasing. If the output of the decision node 1332 is "yes", and
the
power output is decreasing the program proceeds to the "TOGGLE HELD FOR 1/2
SECOND?" decision node 1334 where a determination is made as to whether the
control switch actuator 13 has been actuated for more than 1/2 second and if
so, for
how long. If the output of the node is "yes", the control unit 10 is commanded
to
"DELAY TO OFF WITH DETERMINED DELAY TIME" 1336 where the control
unit 10 outputs its current power level for the duration of the delay time
corresponding to the length of time the control switch actuator 13 has been
actuated,
and then decreases the output power level and hence, the light intensity of
lamp 114
to zero. The program proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS" 1338 where the indicator 14,
indicating the current intensity level is flashed during the delay time and
successively
lower indicators are illuminated in turn as the output power level from the
control
unit 10 is decreased, and then proceeds to "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1306.
If the output from "TOGGLE LAST TIME?" decision node 1330
is "no", and the control switch actuator 13 is not being actuated for more
than a
transitory, period of time the program proceeds to the "TOGGLE TAPPED IN
LAST 0.5 SEC?" decision node 1318, where a determination is made as to whether
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control switch actuator 13 was previously actuated in a transitory manner in
the last
0.5 sec. If the output from decision node 1318 is "yes", the program proceeds
to
the "IS THIS THE THIRD TAP IN 1.0 SECONDS?" decision node 1320 where
a determination is made as to whether this is the third actuation of
transitory duration
in 1.0 sec. If the output from decision node 1320 is "yes", the control unit
10 is
commanded to "SAVE THE CURRENT LIGHT LEVEL AS LOCKED PRESET"
1322, wherein the current light intensity level is stored in memory as the
LOCKED
PRESET light level. The program continues to "REMAIN AT CURRENT LIGHT
LEVEL" 1324, the current light intensity level is not changed and then the
program
proceeds to "BLINK LEDs TWICE" 1326. The indicator 14 indicating the current
intensity level is flashed twice at a frequency of 2Hz to indicate that the
current light
level has been stored and the program proceeds to "SET LOCKED PRESET MODE"
1328 where the microprocessor 108 is updated to reflect that it is in the
LOCKED
PRESET mode. The program proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS" 1338 where the
indicator 14 indicating the current intensity level is illuminated.
If the output from the "IS THIS THE THIRD TAP IN 1.0
SECONDS?" decision node 1320 is "no", the program proceeds to the "IS THIS
THE FOURTH TAP IN 1.5 SECONDS?" decision node 1340 where a determination
is made as to whether this is the fourth actuation of transitory duration in
1.5 SEC.
If the output from decision node 1340 is "no", then it must be the second
actuation
of transitory duration and the control unit 10 proceeds to "FADE TO FULL WITH
FAST FADE" 1346. The light intensity of lamp 114 is increased rapidly to a
maximum light intensity, and the program proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS" 1338
where successively higher level indicators are illuminated in turn as the
light intensity
of lamp 114 increases.
If the output from decision node 1340 is "yes", then this is the fourth
actuation of transitory duration in 1.5 sec. The program proceeds to
"DISCONTINUE LOCKED PRESET" 1342 where microprocessor 108 is updated
to remove the control unit 10 from the LOCKED PRESET mode. The program
proceeds to, "BLINK LEDS TWICE" 1344 where the indicator indicating the
current
intensity level is flashed twice at a frequency of 2Hz and then "UPDATE LEDS"
1338 where the indicator 14 indicating the current intensity level is
illuminated.
If the output from "TOGGLE TAPPED IN THE LAST 1/2
SECOND?" decision node 1318 is "no", the program proceeds to the "UNIT ON
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OR FADING UP?" node 1308 where a determination is made as to whether the
control unit 10 is in the on state, or fading between two intensity levels. If
the
output from decision node 1308 is "yes", the program proceeds to "DELAYED OFF
MODE SET?" decision node 1310. If the output from decision node 1310 is "yes",
and a predetermined delay to off time has been stored (see description of set
delay
routine 1232 in FIG. 15), the control unit 10 is commanded to "DELAY TO OFF
WITH PROGRAMMED TIME" 1312. The lamp 114 stays at its current intensity
level for the stored delay to off time, and then the intensity of lamp 114
decreases
to zero. The program proceeds to "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1306. If the
output from "DELAYED OFF MODE SET?" decision node 1310 is "no", the
control unit 10 is commanded to "FADE TO OFF" 1314 and the light intensity of
lamp 114 is decreased to zero then the program proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS" 1338
when successively lower indicators are illuminated in turn as the light
intensity of
lamp 114 is decreased.
If the output of the "UNIT ON OR FADING UP?" decision node
1308 is "no", the control unit 10 is commanded to "FADE TO PRESET" 1316
where the light intensity of lamp 114 is increased to a preset level. The
preset level
can be the locked preset level, or the last preset level when the control unit
10 was
in the on state. The program proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS" 1338 where
successively higher indicators 14 are illuminated in turn as the light
intensity of lamp
114 increases.
If the output from the "FADING OFF?" decision node 1332 is "no",
the program proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS" 1338 where the status of indicators 14
is updated. If the output of "TOGGLE HELD FOR 1/2 SECOND?" decision node
1334 is "no", the program proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS" 1338, and the status of
indicators 14 is updated.
Turning now to FIGS.18,19, AND 20 and the "IR SIGNAL" routine
1500, starting with the "CORRECT SIGNAL ADDRESS?" decision node 1550,
the control unit 10 determines whether it should respond to IR signals
received by
first checking to see if the IR signal address matches the unit address. If
the
addresses do not match the control unit 10 ignores the IR signals. If the
output from
decision node 1550 is "no", the program proceeds to "RETURN TO TOP OF
MAIN" 1564.
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If the output from decision node 1550 is "yes", the program proceeds
to "IN IR PROGRAM MODE" decision node 1552 where a determination is made
as to whether control unit 10 is in the IR PROGRAM MODE. If the output of the
node is "no", the program proceeds to a series of decision nodes.
The first decision node encountered is "RAISE?" 1528 where a
determination is made as to whether the IR signal indicates that an increase
power
level actuator 23a, 33a, has been actuated or a power level selection actuator
43,
53 has been actuated in its up position. If the output from the "RAISE?"
decision
node 1528 is "yes", the program proceeds to "GO TO RAISE ROUTINE" 1530
which is illustrated in FIG. 16. If the output from decision node 1528 is
"no", the
program proceeds to the "LOWER?" decision node 1508, where a determination
is made as to whether the IR signal indicates that a decrease power level
actuator
23b, 33b, has been actuated or a power level selection actuator 43, 53 has
been
actuated in its down position. If the output from "LOWER?" decision node 1508
is "yes", the program proceeds to "GO TO LOWER ROUTINE" 1510 which is
illustrated in FIG. 15. If the output from "LOWER?" decision node 1508 is
"no",
the program proceeds to the "FULL ON?" decision node 1502 where a
determination
is made as to whether the IR signal indicates that two transitory actuations
of a
transmitter switch actuator 21 as shown in FIG. 2 have occurred in a short
period
of time. If the output from decision node 1502 is "yes", the control unit 10
is
commanded to "FADE TO FULL ON WITH FAST FADE" 1512 this will cause
the light intensity of lamp 114 to increase rapidly to maximum and then
"UPDATE
LEDS" 1562, where successively higher indicator 14 are illuminated in turn as
the
light intensity of the lamp 14 increases and then the program proceeds to the
TOP
OF MAIN 1564.
If the output from the "FULL ON?" decision node is 1502 is "no",
the program proceeds to the "OFF?" decision node 1532 where a determination is
made as to whether the IR signal indicates that an off actuator 31b, 41e, 51e
has
been actuated or transmitter switch actuator 21 has been actuated and the
control
unit 10 is in the on state. If the output from decision node 1532 is "yes",
the control
unit 10 is commanded to "FADE TO OFF" 1534 wherein the light intensity of lamp
114 is decreased to zero and then "UPDATE LEDS" 1562 where successively lower
indicators 14 are illuminated in turn as the light intensity of lamp 114 is
decreased
to zero.
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If the output of the "OFF?" decision node 1532 is "no", the program
proceeds to the "ON TO PRESET?" decision node 1514 where a determination is
made as to whether the IR signal indicates that a single actuation of
transitory
duration of actuator 21 of the basic transmitter shown in FIG. 2 has occurred
and
the control unit 10 is in the off state. If the output from decision node 1514
is "yes",
the control unit 10 is commanded to "FADE TO PRESET" 1516 wherein the light
intensity of lamp 114 is increased from zero to a preset intensity level which
is either
the locked preset intensity level or an unlocked preset intensity level and
then
"UPDATE LEDS" 1562 where successively higher indicators 14 are illuminated in
turn as the light intensity of lamp 114 is increased until the indicator 14
which
indicates the preset intensity level is illuminated.
If the output of the "ON TO PRESET?" decision node 1514 is "no",
the program proceeds to the "DELAY TO OFF?" decision node 1504 where a
determination is made as to whether the IR signal indicates that a transmitter
switch
actuator 21, or an off actuator 31, 41e, 51e as shown in FIGS 2, 3, 4, and 5
has
been actuated for a length of time greater than 0.5 sec. If the output from
decision
node 1504 is "yes", the control unit 10 is commanded to "DELAY TO OFF WITH
DETERMINED DELAY TIME" 1536. The microprocessor 108 determines a delay
time from the length of time the actuator 21, 31, 41e, 51 e has been actuated,
and
the control unit 10 causes the lamp 114 to stay at its current light intensity
level for
the length of the delay time and then the intensity of lamp 114 decreases to
zero.
The program then proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS" 1562 wherein the indicator 14
indicating the current light intensity level is flashed on and off during the
delay time
and then successively lower indicators 14 are illuminated in turn as the light
intensity
of lamp 114 is decreased to zero.
If the output of the "DELAY TO OFF?" decision node 1504 is "no",
the program proceeds to the "SCENE COMMAND?" decision node 1518, where
a determination is made as to whether the IR signal indicates that one of
scene select
actuators 31a, 41a-d, 51a-d, or one of the special function actuators 51f-i
being used
as a scene select actuator on an enhanced wireless transmitter has been
actuated.
If the output of decision node 1518 is "yes", the program proceeds to
"DETERMINE
SCENE" 1538 where the particular scene select actuator operated is determined
and
then the program continues to the "HAS THE SAME SCENE ACTUATOR BEEN
OPERATED IN THE LAST 0.5 SEC?" decision node 1540 where a determination
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is made as to whether the particular scene select actuator actuated has been
previously actuated in the last 0.5 sec. If the output from decision node 1540
is
"yes", the program proceeds to "ADD FOUR TO THE SCENE NUMBER" 1542,
and the higher numbered stored preset intensity level associated with that
particular
scene select actuator is used. The program then proceeds to "FADE TO SCENE"
1520 wherein the light intensity of lamp 114 is increased or decreased in
value until
it is equal to the desired stored preset intensity level associated with that
scene select
actuator, and previously programmed into the control unit 10 from an enhanced
wireless transmitter 30,40, 50. The program proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS" 1562
where the indicator 14 indicating the current light intensity is first
illuminated and
then successively higher or lower indicators or indicated in turn as the light
intensity
of lamp 114 is changed until the indicator 14 indicating the preset intensity
level is
illuminated. If the output of the "HAS THE SAME SCENE ACTUATOR BEEN
ACTUATOR IN THE LAST 0.5 SECOND?" decision node 1540 is "no", the
program proceeds to "FADE TO SCENE" 1520 without adding four to the scene
number and then proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS" 1562 with the same effect on the
control unit 10 as described immediately above.
If the output of the "SCENE COMMAND?" decision node 1518 is
"no", the program proceeds to the "IR PROGRAM SIGNAL?" decision node 1506
where a determination is made as to whether the IR signal indicates that the
appropriate combination of actuators has been actuated on an enhanced
transmitter
30, 40, 50 to cause the control unit to enter program mode. If the output of
decision
node 1506 is "yes", the program proceeds to "HAS PROGRAM SIGNAL BEEN
RECEIVED FOR THREE SECONDS?" decision node 1522 where a determination
is made as to whether the actuator combination has been actuated for 3
seconds.
If the output of decision node 1522 is "yes", the program proceeds to the
"CURRENTLY IN PROGRAM MODE?" decision node 1524 where a determination
is made as to whether the control unit 10 is currently in the program mode. If
the
output of decision node 1524 is "yes", the program proceeds to "GO OUT OF IR
PROGRAM MODE" 1544 where the control unit 10 exits program mode. The
program then proceeds to, "STORE PRESET SCENE LIGHT LEVEL" 1546 where
the preset intensity level associated with the last actuator being programmed
is stored
in memory and then the program proceeds to "STOP FLASHING LEDS" 1548
where the indicators 14 which are being cycled on and off in connection with
the
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program mode are extinguished and then the program proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS"
1562 where the intensity of indicators 14 is updated to reflect the new
condition of
the control unit 10 and then the program returns to the TOP OF MAIN 1564.
If the output of "CURRENTLY IN PROGRAM MODE?" decision
node 1524 is "no", the program proceeds to "ENTER SCENE 1 PROGRAM
MODE" 1526. The control unit 10 is commanded to enter program mode and accept
signals to adjust the preset light intensity stored for the preset recalled by
actuating
the first select scene actuator 31 a, 41 a, 51 a. The program then proceeds to
"FLASH
LEDS" 1560. The indicator 14 is cycled on and off as described above in
connection
with the description of the programming of a preset light intensity from an
enhanced
remote control transmitter 30, 40, 50 then the program proceeds to "UPDATE
LEDS" 1562 where the intensity of indicators 14 is updated to reflect the new
condition of the control unit 10. If the output of the "HAS PROGRAM SIGNAL
BEEN RECEIVED FOR THREE SECONDS?" decision node 1522 is "no", the
program proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS" 1562. If the output of the "IR PROGRAM
SIGNAL?" decision node 1506 is "no", the program proceeds to the "SPECIAL
FUNCTION?" decision node 1592 where a determination is made as to whether an
IR signal has been received which indicates that a special function actuator
51f-i has
been actuated on an enhanced wireless remote 50.
If the output of the "SPECIAL FUNCTION" decision node 1592 is
"no", the program proceeds to the "LEARN ADDRESS MODE?" decision node
1590 where a determination is made as to whether an IR signal has been
received
which indicates that the control unit 10 is to be labelled with a new address.
If the
output of the "LEARN ADDRESS NODE" decision node 1590 is "no", the program
proceeds to "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1564. If the output of the decision
node 1590 is "yes", the program proceeds to "SAVE NEW ADDRESS" 1580 where
the new address assigned to the control unit 10 is stored in a memory. Then
the
program proceeds to "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1564. If the output of the
"SPECIAL FUNCTION?" decision node 1592 is "yes" this indicates a special
function actuator 51f-i has been actuated on an enhanced wireless remote 50.
The
program then determines which special function has been selected by proceeding
to the "LONG FADE FUNCTION?" decision node 1594 where a determination is
made as to whether an IR signal has been received which indicates that the
"LONG
FADE. FUNCTION" has been selected. If the output of the "LONG FADE
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FUNCTION" decision node 1594 is "yes", the unit is commanded to "FADE TO
OFF WITH DETERMINED FADE TIME" 1596 wherein the light intensity level
of lamp 114 is slowly decreased to zero over a time period which is dependant
on
how long the special function actuator was actuated and then the program
proceeds
to "FLASH LEDS" 1560, wherein the indicator 14 is cycled on and off as
described
above in connection with the description of the FADE TO OFF WITH
DETERMINED FADE TIME special function. The program then proceeds to
"UPDATE LEDS" 1562 where the intensity of indicators 14 is updated to reflect
the new condition of the control unit 10. If the output of the "LONG FADE?"
decision node 1594 is "no", the program proceeds to the "PREVIOUS LIGHT
LEVEL?" decision node 1586 where a determination is made as to whether an IR
signal has been received which indicates that the PREVIOUS LIGHT LEVEL special
function has been selected. If the output of the "PREVIOUS LIGHT LEVEL"
decision node 1586 is "no", the program proceeds to "RETURN TO TOP OF
MAIN" 1564. If the output of the "PREVIOUS LIGHT LEVEL" decision node
1586 is "yes", the program proceeds to "RETURN TO PREVIOUS LIGHT LEVEL"
1588 where the control unit 10 is commanded to adjust the light intensity of
lamp
114 to be that which it was prior to last being adjusted either by the
operation of
a scene selection actuator or an increase, or decrease power level selection
actuator
and then the program proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS" 1562 where the intensity of
indicators 14 is updated to reflect the new condition of the control unit 10.
If the output of the "IN IR PROGRAM MODE?" decision node 1552
is "yes", indicating that control unit 10 is in "IR PROGRAM MODE" the program
proceeds to the "RAISE?" decision node 1554 where a determination is made as
to
whether an IR signal has been received which indicates that an increase power
level
actuator 23a, 33a, has been actuated or a power selector actuator 43, 53 is in
its
up position. If the output of the "RAISE" decision node 1554 is "yes", the
program
proceeds to "INCREASE LIGHT LEVEL BY ONE STEP" 1556, where the output
power of the control unit 10 is increased and the program then proceeds to
"STORE
LIGHT LEVEL AS PRESET FOR SCENE" 1558, where the new intensity level
is stored for the scene select actuator being programmed and the program
proceeds
to "FLASH LEDS" 1560, where the indicators 14 are cycled as described above
to indicate the scene select actuator being programmed and the current
intensity level.
The program proceeds to "UPDATE LEDS" 1562, where the intensity of indicators
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14 is updated to reflect the new condition of the control unit 10 and the
program
then proceeds to "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1564. If the output of the
"RAISE?" decision node 1554 is "no", the program proceeds to the "LOWER?"
decision node 1566 where a determination is made as to whether an IR signal
has
been received which indicates that a decrease power level actuator 23b, 33b
has been
actuated or a power selection actuator 43, 53 is in its down position.
If the output of the "LOWER" decision node 1566 is "yes", the
program proceeds to "DECREASE LIGHT LEVEL BY ONE STEP" 1568, where
the output power of the control unit 10 is decreased and the program then
proceeds
to "STORE LIGHT LEVEL AS PRESET FOR SCENE" 1558, "FLASH LED
1560", and then "UPDATE LEDS" 1562 and "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1564,
with the same effects as described inunediately above.
If the output of the "LOWER" decision node 1566 is "no", the
program proceeds to the "SCENE COMMAND" decision node 1572, where a
determination is made as to whether an IR signal has been received which
indicates
that a scene select actuator 31a, 41a-d, 51a-d has been actuated. If the
output of
the "SCENE COMMAND" decision node 1572 is "yes", the program proceeds to
the "DETERMINE SCENE" node 1574 where a determination is made as to which
scene select actuator has been actuated and then the program proceeds to the
"HAS
THE SAME SCENE ACTUATOR BEEN ACTUATED IN THE LAST 0.5 SEC?"
decision node 1576 where a determination is made as to whether the same scene
select actuator has been actuated in the last 0.5 seconds. If the output of
the "HAS
THE SAME SCENE ACTUATOR BEEN ACTUATED IN THE LAST 0.5 SEC"
decision node 1576 is "yes", the program proceeds to "ADD FOUR TO THE
SCENE NUMBER" 1570, and "FADE TO SCENE" 1578, where the light intensity
level of lamp 114 is increased or decreased to the last light intensity level
stored for
the preset intensity level being progranuned. The program then proceeds to
"STORE
LIGHT LEVEL AS PRESET FOR SCENE" 1558, "FLASH LEDS" 1560 and then
"UPDATE LEDS" 1562 and "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1564 with the same
effects as described above.
If the output of the "HAS THE SAME SCENE ACTUATOR BEEN
ACTUATED IN THE LAST 0.5 SECOND?" decision node 1576 is "no", the
control unit is commanded to "FADE TO SCENE" 1578 without adding four to the
scene number, "STORE LIGHT LEVEL AS PRESET FOR SCENE" 1558,
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"FLASH LEDS" 1560, "UPDATE LEDS" 1562 and then "RETURN TO TOP OF
MAIN" 1564 with the same effects as described above. If the output of the
"SCENE
COMMAND?" decision node 1572 is "no", the program proceeds to the "OFF?"
decision node 1582 where a determination is made as to whether an IR signal
has
been received which indicates that an off actuator 31b, 41e, 51e has been
actuated.
If the output of the "OFF" decision node 1582 is "yes", the unit is
commanded to "FADE TO OFF" 1584, where the output power of control unit 10
is decreased to zero and the program then proceeds to "STORE LIGHT LEVEL AS
PRESET FOR SCENE" 1558, "FLASH LEDS" 1562 "UPDATE LEDS" 1562 and
then "RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1564 with the same effects as described above.
If the output of the "OFF?" decision node 1582 is "no", the program proceeds
to
"RETURN TO TOP OF MAIN" 1564.
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention the power control
unit 10 includes an infrared lens 70 for receiving infrared signals from the
wireless
remote control units 20, 30, 40, 50.
Referring to FIG. 7, which shows a top plan view of lens 70 the basic
principle of operation of the infrared lens 70 is to refract and reflect
infrared light
through the lens 70 and into a detector 76 which has an infrared receiving
surface
78 contained within it which receives the infrared energy and converts it into
electrical energy. The lens 70 includes an input surface 71, an output surface
73,
and a flat body portion 72 therebetween. The input surface 71 is preferably
planar
and has a rectangular shape as viewed normal to the input surface 71. Included
within the rectangular shape are input surface extension sections 79 which
extend
beyond the main body portion 72 at opposing ends of the input surface 71. The
input
surface extension sections 79 enhance the mid angle performance of the lens
70,
thereby enabling the lens to capture more of the infrared light that is
incident within
angles around f40 normal to the input surface 71 as shown in FIG. 8B.
The lens output surface 73 includes a concave portion 73a which is
concave inwardly towards the center of the lens 70. The concave portion 73a
refracts infrared light passing through it from body portion 72 onto an input
surface
77 of a detector 76, and hence onto receiving surface 78.
The body portion 72 has a substantially flat shape with planar top
and bottom surfaces, with side surfaces 72a defined by an ellipse 74. The
ellipse
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74 is defined, in Cartesian coordinates, according to the equation a2 + b2 = i
, where
the ellipse is symmetric with respect to a major axis 74x, and
a minor axis 74y such that two arc lengths 74a are the distances from an
arbitrary
point on the ellipse 74 to the two focal points 74c, 74c' . The two arc
lengths 74a
from the focal points 74c, 74c' subtend equal angles 74d with the perimeter of
the
ellipse 74 for any arbitrary point on the ellipse thereby defining the side
surfaces
72a of the lens 70. The side surfaces 72a reflect the infrared light entering
the body
portion 72 from the input surface 71, and direct the reflected light towards
the output
surface 73 as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C. These figures illustrate infrared
light incident to the input surface 71 at 01, 401, and 801 respectively, and
collectively show how lens 70 captures infrared radiation over a wide angle
field
of view in the horizontal plane when the lens is installed in actuator 13 as
shown
in FIG. 9A
The operation of the lens 70 is described with reference to FIG. 7.
When a point source of infrared light (not shown) located at focus 74c uni-
directionally emits infrared light, then, for all subtended angles 74d
(hereinafter )
with angles < sin (1/n) = ao (Snell's Law: where n is the refractive index of
the
lens material) the light rays will undergo total internal reflection at the
perimeter
of the ellipse 74 that define the lens side surfaces 72a. The light is then
reflected
to the other focus 74c'. As the eccentricity of the ellipse is increased, the
subtended
angles 74d corresponding to 'ao also increase. Therefore, as the minor axis
74y
of the ellipse 74 is decreased, the field of view of the input surface 71 is
increased.
In operation, infrared light originates from an external source such
as a wireless remote transmitter 20, 30, 40, 50 for a power control unit 10
and enters
the input surface 71. In a preferred embodiment of the lens, the input surface
71
has a planar rectangular shape. 'However, it is understood that the lens can
be made
in any shape and contour. Preferably, the input surface 71 is a rectangle
where the
longer dimension is 0.660" and the shorter dimension is.120" as seen from the
front
of the unit, as shown in FIG. 9A. In addition, the lens 70 is typically
constructed
from an optical material such as polycarbonate plastic having a refractive
index n,
which is preferably between 1 and 2, where n is defined as the ratio between
the
speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in the optical material.
Preferable
Lexan 141 is used having a refractive index n = 1.586.
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Referring to FIG 7, the infrared detector 76 (shown in dashed line)
is a infrared receiving diode (photo diode) 78 enclosed in a hemispherical
cover 77
typically comprising an infrared transmissive material. A suitable infrared
detector
is manufactured by Sony and sold under the part number SBX8025-H.
In another aspect of the invention the lens 70 is placed on a movable
member such as a control switch actuator 13, and is located as that so that
the lens'
output surface 73 is adjacent to the input surface 77 of the infrared detector
76. The
infrared detector 76 is located in a fixed position behind the lens 70. The
movable
member 13 shown in FIGs 9A and 9B and the lens 70 move in a direction toward
and away from the fixed position of the infrared detector 76 and its input
surface
77. Typically, the output surface 73 of the lens 70 is separated from the
front
surface 77 of detector 76 by 0.080", at the point where it is furthest away
from the
from surface 77.
The concave output surface 73 of the lens 70 provides desired optical
properties and also conforms generally to the input surface 77 of the detector
76.
This enables lens 70 to be mounted closer to detector 76.
The above description discloses how to construct two dimensions of
a lens 70 with a wide angle of view in a single plane preferably the
horizontal plane
as lens 70 is installed in control switch actuator 13 and further the
operation of lens
70 has been described in two dimensions along x and y axes.
To construct a lens with a wide angle view in two directions, the
above design is used twice in orthogonal directions about the axis 74x of the
lens.
The resulting lens is an ellipsoid. The lengths of the y axis, 74y, and the z
axis (not
shown) perpendicular to the light rays entering the lens at zero degrees to
the normal
are dependent on the shape of the receiving surface 78 in the infrared
detector 76.
In the case of a square receiving surface 78 the y axis and the z axis of the
lens are
equal, and subsequently the input surface of the 761ens is circular. Such a
lens has
equal wide angle performance in all directions in front of the lens. When wide
angle
performance is desired only along a single plane, the lens nevertheless has to
have
some thickness. One way to produce such a lens is to slice the ellipsoid top
and
bottom such that the thickness is preferably approximately equal to the
thickness of
the receiving surface 78. The result is an input surface 71 that is
substantially a
rectangle, with the short edges conforming to arcs of an ellipse. This is
substantially
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the structure illustrated in FIGs 7, 9B where the side surfaces 72a are
portions of
ellipses in two directions.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and,
accordingly,
reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing
specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.
