Dimming control system with distributed command processing
US7098611B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S315/04
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A dimming control system includes dimmer modules that receive dimming level information from one of at least two control modules. Each dimmer module includes a microprocessor that provides internal intelligence for controlling power to a load in response to dimming level information. Control modules receive industry standard protocol dimming information from various sources, convert it to dimming level information, and serially communicate the dimming level information to the dimmer modules. Dimmer modules and control modules are mounted in a rack which includes a backplane having a nonvolatile memory device that retains configuration data even if control modules are removed from the rack. An inactive control module can assume control of the rack when an active control module fails.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.