Integrated system for controlling lights and shades
US7085627B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2012/285
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A control system includes a processor transmitting signals to a shade network and a lighting system directing that motorized shades and dimmable loads be set to desired intensity levels. A communication interface having a buffer is connected between the processor and the shade network. The communication interface provides for communication with the processor based on streaming protocol and with the shade network based on event-based protocol. The shade network converts intensity levels into shade positions. The processor may direct the shade network to move a shade in a series of substantially equal steps to simulate a relatively slowly moving shade. The processor may be connected to a timing device for creating a program based on time-based shade position information for directing the shades to be moved to given positions at certain times of day. A computer running user interface software may be be connected to the system to facilitate programming.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.