EP4256544A1

EP4256544A1 - Wireless electric load control system

Info

Publication number: EP4256544A1
Application number: EP21835485.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Graham L. CHRISTENSEN; Joseph C. Guellnitz; Rangasayee SAPTHASAYEE; James P. Steiner
Original assignee: Lutron Technology Co LLC
Current assignee: Lutron Technology Co LLC
Priority date: 2020-12-01
Filing date: 2021-12-01
Publication date: 2023-10-11
Also published as: WO2022119879A1; CN116584017A; MX2023006454A; CA3200902A1

Abstract

A control system for an electric load device adapted to be installed in a space may include an electric load device, an electric load control device, and a load interface device. The electric load device may be configured to receive messages from a proprietary remote-control device via wireless signals using a first wireless communication protocol. The load interface device may be configured to receive messages using a second wireless communication protocol and transmit messages via wireless signals using the first wireless communication protocol. The load interface device: (1) receives a first message from the electric load control device via the wireless signals using the second wireless communication protocol; and (2) in response to receiving the first message, transmits a second message to the electric load device via the wireless signals using the first wireless communication protocol, the second message including a command for controlling an output parameter of the electric load device.

Description

WIRELESS ELECTRIC LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

[0001] A user environment, such as a residence or an office building for example, may be configured using various types of load control systems. A lighting control system may be used to control the lighting loads in the user environment. A motorized window treatment control system may be used to control the natural light provided to the user environment. A heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may be used to control the temperature in the user environment. Each load control system may include various control devices, including controlsource devices and control-target devices. The control-target devices may receive digital messages, which may include load control instructions, for controlling an electrical load from one or more of the control-source devices. The control-target devices may be capable of directly controlling an electrical load. The control-source devices may be capable of indirectly controlling the electrical load via the control-target device. Examples of control-target devices may include lighting control devices (e.g., a dimmer switch, an electronic switch, a ballast, or a light-emitting diode (LED) driver), a motor control device (e.g., for a ceiling fan or exhaust fan), a motorized window treatment, a temperature control device (e.g., a thermostat), an AC plug-in load control device, and/or the like. Examples of control-source devices may include remote-control devices, occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, temperature sensors, and/or the like.

SUMMARY

[0002] As described herein, a control system for one or more electric loads installed in a space may include an electric load device (e.g., a ceiling fan), a control device, and a load interface device. The electric load device may be configured to receive messages via wireless signals using a first wireless communication protocol. The control device may be configured to transmit messages via wireless signals using a second wireless communication protocol that differs from the first wireless communication protocol. The load interface device may receive a first message from the control device via the wireless signals using the second wireless communication protocol, and, in response to receiving the first message, transmit a second message to the electric load device via the wireless signals using the first wireless communication protocol, the second message may include a command for controlling one or more output parameters (e.g., rotation speed of a ceiling fan). In addition, the control device may comprise at least one of: (1) a load control device coupled in series electrical connection between an alternating-current (AC) power source and the electric load device; (2) a remote-control device configured to transmit the first message in response to an actuation of one or more of buttons of the remote-control device; or (3) a system controller configured to transmit the first message in response to a third message received via a network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Fig. 1 is a block diagram depicting an example load control system that includes a load interface device to receive a wireless signal using a wireless communication protocol and transmit a corresponding wireless signal using a different wireless communication protocol.

[0004] Fig. 2 is a simple diagram of an example load control system such as depicted in Fig. 1 in which the load control system controls one or more operating parameters of an electric load device that includes a ceiling fan.

[0005] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an example load interface device as included in the load control systems depicted in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] Fig. 1 is a block diagram depicting an example load control system 100 that includes an electric load device 110 controlled via a proprietary remote-control device 120 that communicates commands using a first communication protocol 104 or via an electric load control device 130 that receives signals using a load interface device 150 that receives commands using a second wireless protocol 106 from one or more of a system controller 160 or a remote-control device 140, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. As depicted in Fig. 1, the electric load device 110 may be supplied with a proprietary remote-control device 120 using a first wireless communication protocol 104 to communicate commands to thew electric load device 110. The communication between the electric load device 110 and the proprietary remote-control device 120 may be unidirectional (z.e., from the proprietary remote-control device 120 to the electric load device 110) or bidirectional (z.e. , between the proprietary remote-control device 120 and the electric load device 110). In at least some embodiments, it may be preferable or desirable to reduce the number of such remote-control devices using a universal or similar remote-control device 140 capable of replacing two or more remote-control devices, such as two or more proprietary remote-control devices 120. The remote-control device 140 may communicate using a second communication protocol 106 that differs from the first communication protocol, thus the remote-control device 140 may not be capable of communicating directly with the electric load device 110.

[0007] An electric load control device 130 may be operatively coupled to the electric load device 110. The electric load control device 130 controls one or more operational or output parameters of the electric load device 110. For example, the electric load control device 130 may be operatively coupled between a power source 102 (e.g., an alternating current, or AC, power source 102) and the electric load device 110 to control one or more aspects of the power (e.g., voltage, phase, etc.) supplied to the electric load device 110. The electric load control device 130 receives commands from the remote-control device 140 and/or the system controller 160 using the second communication protocol 106. The load interface device 150 receives the commands communicated by the remote-control device 140, the electric load control device 106, and/or the system controller 160 using the second communication protocol 106 and transmits the corresponding command to the electric load device 110 using the first communication protocol 104. This effectively replaces the functionality provided by the proprietary remote-control device 120 with one or more of the remotecontrol device 150, the electric load control device 130, and/or the system controller 160.

[0008] The electric load device 110 may include devices using a radio-frequency (RF) proprietary remote-control device 120 to control one or more operational aspects of the electric load device 110. Example electric load devices may include but are not limited to: ceiling fans, fireplaces, televisions, garage door openers, audio-visual equipment, household appliances, and similar. Such electric load devices 110 may include one or more RF receivers, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF transceivers, or combinations thereof. The proprietary remote-control device 120 alters, adjusts, or otherwise controls one or more output parameters of the electric load device 110. Such output parameters are typically a function of the type of electric load device 110. For example, an electric load device such as a ceiling fan may have output parameters such as: lamp ON/OFF, lamp dimming, fan ON/OFF, fan rotation, and/or fan speed. In another example, an electric fireplace may have output parameters such as: flame ON/OFF, flame color, heater ON/OFF, and heater fan ON/OFF. The proprietary remote-control device 120 typically accompanies the electric load device 110 permitting the user to control the output parameters of the electric load device 110. In some instances, the proprietary remote-control device 120 may include a handheld or portable device that includes a one or more user actuatable controls, user interfaces, or user controlled devices. In at least some instances, the proprietary remote-control device 120 may include an instruction set, logic, program, or application executed by processor circuitry in a handheld device such as a smartphone or wearable computing device. The electric load device 110 may include wireless interface circuitry to receive commands from the proprietary remote-control device (e.g., fan ON/OFF, lamp ON/OFF, heater ON/OFF, lamp dimming); memory circuitry to store configuration parameters associated with the electric load device (c.g. ₅ LED luminosity /temperature correction tables); and control circuitry capable of executing instructions to alter, control, or adjust one or more output parameters of the electric load device 110.

[0009] The electric load control device 130 is disposed between the power supply 102 and the electric load device 110. In some implementations, the electric load control device 130 may be a simple ON/OFF switch that interrupts the power delivered by the power supply 102 (e.g., an alternating current, or AC, power distribution grid) to the electric load device 110. In some implementations, the electric load control device 130 may include one or more user- actuatable controls to adjust one or more output parameters of the electric load device 110. For example, the electric load control device 130 may include one or more incremental or continuously adjustable controls to adjust one or more controllably conductive devices to control the power delivered by the power supply 102 to the electric load device 110. In some implementations, the electric load control device 130 includes one or more RF receivers to receive commands from a remote-control device 140 and/or a system controller 160 using the second wireless communication protocol 106. The electric load control device 130 may include a wallbox mountable load control device.

[0010] The remote-control device 140 wirelessly communicates with one or more of: the electric load control device 130, the load interface device 150, and the system controller 160 using the second wireless communication protocol 106. The remote-control device 140 permits the device user to remotely adjust one or more output parameters of the electric load device 110 by directly adjusting or indirectly adjusting (e.g., via system controller 160) the power delivered to the electric load device 110 by the electric load control device 130. The remote-control device 140 may include a dedicated device or may include a general purpose, processor-based device such as a smartphone, wearable device, or handheld computing device capable of executing instruction sets, logic, programs, or applications to communicate with one or more of: the electric load control device 130, the load interface device 150, and the system controller 160 using the second wireless communication protocol 106.

[0011] The load interface device 150 receives commands using the second communication protocol 106 and transmits corresponding commands to the electric load device 110 using the first communication protocol 104. The load interface device 150 maps, converts, looks-up, or otherwise translates a command received from remote-control device 140 using the second wireless communication protocol 106 to a corresponding command in the first wireless communication protocol 104 prior to transmitting the command to the electric load device using the first wireless communication protocol 104. The load interface device 150 beneficially increases the functionality of the remote-control device 140 by providing the capability to alter, adjust, or otherwise control electric load devices 110 using the first wireless communication protocol 104. In some implementations, the load interface device 150 includes an electrical connector, such as a two or three prong plug that permits direct coupling of the load interface device 150 to the power supply 102, for example via an electric outlet coupled to a power distribution grid. Since the load interface device 150 communicates using both the first wireless communication protocol 104 and the second wireless communication protocol 106, and since the first wireless communication protocol 104 and the second wireless communication protocol 106 may use different frequencies, the load interface device may have a single antenna circuit for communicating using both the first wireless communication protocol 104 and the second wireless communication protocol 106 or may have a first dedicated antenna circuit for the first wireless communication protocol 104 and a second dedicated antenna circuit for the second wireless communication protocol 106. [0012] The system controller 160 communicates with the electric load control device 130, the remote-control device 140, and the load interface device 150 and the via the second wireless communication protocol 106. In some instances, the remote-control device 140 may communicate with the system controller 160 using a third wireless communication protocol (not shown in Fig. 1) that differs from both the first wireless communication protocol 104 and the second wireless communication protocol 106. In some instances, rather than communicating directly with the load interface device 150, the remote-control device 140 may instead communicate with the system controller 160 which, in turn, communicates with the load interface device 150. The system controller 160 may execute one or more instruction sets, logic diagrams, programs, or applications to autonomously control one or more output parameters of the electric load device 110. For example, the system controller 160 may execute one or more instruction sets to cause a lamp coupled to the electric load device 110 to autonomously power ON at a first defined time or event (e.g., sunset) and autonomously power OFF at a second defined time or event (e.g., sunrise). In another example, the system controller 160 may cause a thermal generator (z.e., heater) included in the electric load device 110 to autonomously cycle ON at a defined low temperature setpoint (e.g., 65°F) and autonomously cycle OFF at a defined high temperature setpoint (e.g., 70°F). In yet another example, the system controller 160 may cause the color temperature of an LED lighting fixture included in the electric load device 110 to automatically incrementally or continuously adjust color output to follow a natural daily show routine. The system controller 160 may receive commands from one or more remote devices via the network 162.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a diagram of an example load control system 200 for controlling the operation of an electrical load device, such as a ceiling fan 210. The ceiling fan 210 may receive power from a power source, e.g., an alternating-current (AC) power source 202. The ceiling fan 210 may be installed on the ceiling of a room or space in a building. The ceiling fan 210 may include a plurality of blades 212 (e.g., three blades as shown in Fig. 2) that may be rotated by a motor to circulate the air in the room. The ceiling fan 210 may also include a motor control device or circuit (not shown) that may be housed in a base portion 214 and may control the rotational speed and direction of rotation of the motor. The ceiling fan 210 may also include a light source 216 (e.g., a lighting load), which may be controlled by the motor control device. For example, the motor control device may be configured to turn the light source 216 on and off, and/or adjust an intensity level and/or a color (e.g., a color temperature) of the light source 216.

[0014] The ceiling fan 210 may be configured to receive wireless signals, such as radiofrequency (RF) signals 104 from a remote-control device 220 (e.g., a proprietary remote-control device provided by the manufacturer with the ceiling fan 210). For example, the remote-control device 220 may be configured to transmit the RF signals 104 to the ceiling fan 210 on a first wireless communication link using a first wireless communication protocol, which may be for example, a proprietary protocol of the manufacturer of the ceiling fan. The first wireless communication link may be a one-way communication link and/or a two-way communication link. The proprietary remote-control device 220 may be configured to transmit messages including commands for controlling the ceiling fan 210 via the RF signals 104 in response to actuations of one or more of a plurality of buttons 222. For example, the motor control device of the ceiling fan 210 may be configured to turn the motor on and off, increase and decrease the rotational speed of the motor by a predetermined amount, and/or adjust the direction of rotation in response to actuations of one or more of the buttons 222 of the proprietary remote-control device 220. In addition, the motor control device of the ceiling fan 210 may be configured to turn the light source 216 on and off, and/or adjust the intensity level and/or color (e.g., color temperature) of the light source 216 in response to actuations of one or more of the buttons 222 of the proprietary remote-control device 220.

[0015] The load control system 200 may comprise a fan control device 230, a remote-control device 240, a fan interface device 250, and a system controller 160. For example, the fan interface device 250 may be plugged into an outlet of an electrical receptacle 270 that may be electrically coupled to the AC power source 202. The fan interface device 250 may be configured to transmit messages to ceiling fan 210 via the RF signals 104 (e.g., via the first wireless communication link using the first wireless communication protocol). The fan interface device 250 may comprise one or more buttons 252. The fan interface device 250 may be configured to transmit messages including commands for controlling the ceiling fan 210 via the RF signals 104 in response to actuations of one or more of the buttons 252. The fan interface device 250 may be configured to store a unique identifier (e.g., a serial number and/or communication address) of the ceiling fan 210 and may be configured to communicate with the ceiling fan via the RF signals 104 using the unique identifier (e.g.. by including the unique identifier in messages transmitted to the ceiling fan). For example, the motor control device of the ceiling fan 210 may be configured to turn the motor on and off, increase and decrease the rotational speed of the motor by a predetermined amount, adjust the rotational speed of the motor to a preset rotational speed, and/or adjust the direction of rotation in response to actuations of one or more of the buttons 252 of the fan interface device 250. In addition, the motor control device of the ceiling fan 210 may be configured to turn the light source 216 on and off, and/or adjust the intensity level and/or color (e.g.. color temperature) of the light source 216 in response to actuations of one or more of the buttons 252 of the fan interface device 250.

[0016] The fan interface device 250 may also be configured to receive messages including feedback information of the ceiling fan 210. For example, the feedback information may indicate a status, a rotational speed, a direction of rotation, and/or other operational characteristic of the motor and/or the intensity level and/or color (e.g.. color temperature) of the light source 216 of the ceiling fan 210. The fan interface device 250 may also comprise one or more visual indicators 254, and may be configured to illuminate the visual indicators 254 in response to an actuation of one of the buttons 252 and/or to indicate feedback information of the ceiling fan 210 (e.g., the status, the rotational speed, the direction of rotation, and/or other operational characteristic of the motor and/or the intensity level and/or color of the light source 216 of the ceiling fan 210). The fan interface device 250 may be configured to store the feedback information in memory. In the event of a power outage, the fan interface device 250 may be configured to transmit a message including a command for controlling the ceiling fan 210 according to feedback information received prior to the power outage (e.g., according to a previous status, rotational speed, direction of rotation, intensity level, color, etc.).

[0017] The ceiling fan 210 may be configured with one or more operational settings, which may determine the output of the ceiling fan motor and/or the lighting source 116. The fan interface device 250 may be configured to transmit messages including configuration information to the ceiling fan 210 via the RF signals 104 for adjusting the operational settings of the ceiling fan 210. The fan interface device 250 may also be configured to receive message including the operational settings of the ceiling fan 210 via the RF signals 104. The fan interface device 250 may be configured to store the operating settings of the ceiling fan 210 in memory. In the event of the replacement of the ceiling fan 210 with a new ceiling fan, the fan interface device 250 may be configured to transmit the operational settings of the old ceiling fan to the new ceiling fan.

[0018] The fan interface device 250 may also be configured to communicate (e.g., transmit and receive) RF signals 106 via a second wireless communication link using a second wireless communication protocol. The second wireless communication protocol may be different than the first wireless communication protocol, for example, a standard wireless communication protocol (e.g., the BLUETOOTH, BLUETOOTH LOW ENERGY (BLE), WI-FI, THREAD, and/or ZIGBEE protocols) and/or a proprietary wireless communication protocol, such as the CLEAR CONNECT protocol (e.g., the CLEAR CONNECT A and/or CLEAR CONNECT X protocols). The second wireless communication link may be a two-way communication link. The fan interface device 250 may be configured to communicate with the fan control device 230, the remote-control device 240, the system controller 160, and/or other control devices of the load control system 200 via the RF signals 106. The fan interface device 250 may be configured to transmit messages including commands for controlling the ceiling fan 210 via the RF signals 104 in response to receiving messages from the fan control device 230, the remote-control device 240, and/or the system controller 260 via the RF signals 106. The fan interface device 250 may be configured to be associated with the fan control device 230, the remote-control device 240, and/or the system controller 160 during a configuration procedure of the load control system 200. The fan interface device 250 may be configured to store in memory a unique identifier (e.g., a serial number and/or a communication address) of each of the control devices of the load control system 200 to which the fan interface device 250 is associated, and may use the unique identifier to communicate with the control devices via the RF signals 106.

[0019] The fan control device 230 may be electrically coupled in series between the AC power source 202 and the ceiling fan 210. For example, the fan control device 230 may comprise a wall-mounted fan control device that may be installed in place of a standard toggle switch. The fan control device 230 may comprise an internal load control circuit (not shown) for temporarily disconnecting power to the ceiling during configuration of the load control system 200. During normal operation, the load control circuit may be continuously rendered conductive to conduct load current from the AC power source 202 to the ceiling fan 210. [0020] The fan control device 230 may comprise upper and lower control portions 232A, 232B for controlling the light source 216 and the motor of the ceiling fan 210, respectively. The upper control portion 232A may comprise a toggle actuator 234 A for turning the light source 116 on and off and an intensity adjustment actuator 236A for adjusting the intensity level and/or color (e.g., color temperature) of the light source. The upper control portion 232A may also comprise a linear array of visual indicators 238 A for providing feedback (e.g., of the present intensity level and/or color) of the light source 216 of the ceiling fan 210. The lower control portion 232B may comprise a toggle actuator 234B for turning the motor of the ceiling fan 210 on and off and a rotational speed adjustment actuator 236B for adjusting the rotational speed of the motor of the ceiling fan. The lower control portion 232B may also comprise a linear array of visual indicators 238B for providing feedback (e.g., of the present status, rotational speed, and/or direction of rotation) of the motor of the ceiling fan 210.

[0021] The fan control device 230 may be configured to transmit messages to the fan interface device 250 via the RF signals 106 in response to actuations of the toggle actuator 234A and/or the intensity adjustment actuator 236A of the upper control portion 232A and/or the toggle actuator 234B and/or the rotational speed adjustment actuator 236B of the lower control portion, and the fan interface device 250 may be configured to transmit commands for controlling the light source 216 and the motor of the ceiling fan 210 via the RF signals 106 in response to messages received from the fan control device 230 (e.g., in response to actuations of the toggle actuators 234A, 234B, the intensity adjustment actuator 236A, and the rotational speed adjustment actuator 236B). The fan control device 230 may be configured to be associated with the fan interface device 230 and to store a unique identifier (e.g., a serial number and/or a communication address) of the fan interface device 230.

[0022] The fan control device 230 may be configured to receive feedback information regarding the motor and/or the light source 216 of the ceiling fan 210, and illuminate one or more of the visual indicators 238 A of the upper control portion 232A and/or the visual indicators 238B of the lower control portion 232B to provide an indication of the feedback information regarding the motor and/or the light source 216 of the ceiling fan 210. The fan control device 230 may be configured to store the feedback information in memory. In the event of a power outage, the fan control device 230 may be configured to illuminate the visual indicators 238 A, 238B to indicate the feedback information regarding the motor and/or the light source 216 of the ceiling fan 210 prior to the power outage.

[0023] The fan control device 230 may also comprise an internal air-gap switch (not shown) electrically coupled in series between the AC power source 202 and the ceiling fan 210. The air-gap switch may be actuated (e.g., opened) in response to the actuation of an air-gap switch actuator 239 (e.g., pulling the air-gap switch actuator out away from the fan control device 230.

[0024] The remote-control device 240 may be, for example, a battery-powered RF remotecontrol, and may be configured to transmit RF signals 104 including commands for controlling the ceiling fan 210 in response to actuations of a plurality of buttons, e.g., an on button 242, an off button 244, an increase speed button 245, a decrease speed button 246, and a preset button 248. During normal operation of the load control system 200, the remote-control device 240 may be configured to transmit messages to the fan interface device 250 via the RF signals 106 in response to actuations the on button 242, the off button 244, the increase speed button 245, the decrease speed button 246, and/or the preset button 248, and the fan interface device 250 may be configured to transmit messages including commands for controlling the ceiling fan 210 to the ceiling fan 210 via the RF signals 104 in response to the messages received from the remote-control device 240. The motor control device of the ceiling fan 210 may be configured to turn the motor on and off in response to actuations of the on and off buttons 242, 244 of the remote-control device 240, respectively. The motor control device of the ceiling fan 210 may be configured to increase and decrease the rotational speed of the motor by a predetermined amount in response to actuations of the increase speed button 245 and the decrease speed button 246, respectively. The motor control device of the ceiling fan 210 may be configured to adjust the rotational speed of the motor to a preset rotational speed in response to an actuation of the preset button 248. The motor control device of the ceiling fan 210 may be further configured to adjust the direction of rotation of the motor in response to an actuation of one of the buttons 242-248 of the remote-control device 240.

[0025] The system controller 160 may operate as, for example, a central processor or load controller, and may be configured to communicate digital messages via the RF signals 104 to and from the control devices of the load control system (e.g., the fan control device 230 and the remote- control device 240). The system controller 160 may be configured to be coupled to a network 162, such as a wireless or wired local area network (LAN), e.g., for access to the Internet. The system controller 160 may be wirelessly connected to the network. The system controller 160 may be coupled to the network via a network communication bus (e.g., an Ethernet communication link). The system controller 160 may be configured to communicate via the network with one or more network devices (not shown), e.g., a mobile device, such as, a personal computing device and/or a wearable wireless device. Examples of load control systems operable to communicate with mobile and/or network devices on a network are described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent No. 10,271,407, issued April 23, 2019, entitled LOAD CONTROL DEVICE HAVING INTERNET CONNECTIVITY, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0026] The system controller 160 may be configured to receive commands from controlling the motor and/or light source 216 of the ceiling fan 216 from the network devices via the network 162. The system controller 160 may be configured to transmit messages to the fan interface device 250 via the RF signals 106 in response to messages including commands received from the network devices, and the fan interface device 250 may be configured to transmit commands for controlling the motor and/or light source 216 of the ceiling fan 210 to the ceiling fan via the RF signals 104. The system controller 160 may be configured to store in memory a unique identifier (e.g., a serial number and/or a communication address) of each of the control devices of the load control system 200 to which the fan interface device 250 is associated (e.g., one or more of the fan control device 230, the remote-control device 240, and/or the fan interface device 250), and may use the unique identifier to communicate with the control devices via the RF signals 106. The system controller 160 may be configured to receive one or more messages including the operational settings of the ceiling fan 210 and store the operating settings of the ceiling fan 210 in memory. In the event of the replacement of the ceiling fan 210 with a new ceiling fan, the system controller 210 may be configured to transmit the operational settings of the old ceiling fan to the new ceiling fan via the fan interface device 250.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an example load interface device 150 (e.g., a fan interface device 250), which may be deployed as part of the load control system 100 shown in Fig. 1. The load interface device 150 may comprise a control circuit 310, which may include one or more of a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitable controller or processing device.

[0028] The load interface device 150 may comprise first and second communication circuits 312, 314. The first and second communication circuits 312, 314 may each comprise a wireless communication circuit, such as, for example, a radio-frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to an antenna for transmitting and/or receiving RF signals, an RF transmitter for transmitting RF signals, an RF receiver for receiving RF signals, or an infrared (IR) transmitter and/or receiver for transmitting and/or receiving IR signals. The load interface device 150 may be configured to transmit RF signals (e.g., the RF signals 104) to an electric load device 110 (e.g., ceiling fan 210) via the first communication circuit 312 on a first wireless communication link using a first wireless communication protocol (e.g., a proprietary protocol of the manufacturer of the ceiling fan). The load interface device 150 may also be configured to communicate (e.g., transmit and receive) RF signals (e.g., the RF signals 106) with other control devices of the load control system (e.g., the load control system 100) via a second wireless communication link using a second wireless communication protocol (e.g., a standard wireless communication protocol and/or a proprietary wireless communication protocol for communicating the RF signals in the load control system 100). For example, the load interface device 150 may receive messages from the control devices of the load control system (e.g., the electric load control device 130, the remote-control device 140, and/or the system controller 160) via the second communication circuit 314, and transmit messages including commands for controlling the electric load device 110 via the first communication circuit 312 in response to the messages received from the control devices of the load control system via the second communication circuit 314.

[0029] The load interface device 150 may comprise actuators 316 (e.g., momentary switches) that may be actuated in response to actuations of one or more buttons (e.g., the buttons 222) for receiving user inputs. The control circuit 310 may be configured to transmit messages including commands for controlling the electric load device 110 via the first communication circuit 312 in response to actuations of one or more of the actuators 316. The load interface device 150 may be configured to transmit messages including commands for controlling the electric load device 110, for example to turn the motor of the ceiling fan on and off, increase and decrease the rotational speed of the motor by a predetermined amount, and/or adjust the direction of rotation. The control circuit 310 may be configured to transmit messages including commands for controlling the electric load device 110 to turn a light source on and off, and/or adjust an intensity level and/or a color (e.g.. a color temperature) of the light source.

[0030] The load interface device 150 may comprise one or more visual indicators 318 for providing indications of feedback information regarding the electric load device 110. The load interface device 150 may be configured to receive messages including the feedback information from the electric load device 110 via the first communication circuit 312. For example, the feedback information may indicate a status, a rotational speed, a direction of rotation, and/or other operational characteristic of the motor and/or the intensity level and/or color (e.g.. color temperature) of the light source included in the electric load device 110.

[0031] The load interface device 150 may comprise a memory 320 for storing operational data of the control device. The memory 320 may be implemented as an external integrated circuit (IC) or as an internal circuit of the control circuit 310. The load interface device 150 may be configured to store in memory a unique identifier (e.g.. a serial number and/or a communication address) of each of the control devices of the load control system to which the load interface device 150 is associated, and may use the unique identifier to communicate with the control devices via the second communication circuit 214. The control circuit 210 may be configured to store the feedback information of the ceiling fan in memory. In the event of a power outage, the control circuit 210 may be configured to transmit via the first communication circuit 212 a message including a command for controlling the ceiling fan 110 according to feedback information received prior to the power outage and/or stored in the memory 220 (e.g., according to a previous status, rotational speed, direction of rotation, intensity level, color, etc.). The load interface device 150 may be configured to store operating settings of the ceiling fan in memory. In the event of the replacement of the electric load device 110 with a new electric load device 110, the control circuit 310 may be configured to transmit via the first communication circuit 312 one or more messages including the operational settings of the electric load device 110 to the new electric load device 110. [0032] The load interface device 150 may also comprise a power supply 322. The power supply 322 may be configured to receive a source voltage Vs, e.g., from an alternating-current (AC) power source and/or a direct-current (DC) power source, via two electrical connections 324. For example, the two electrical connections 324 may comprise two blades configured to be plugged into an outlet of an electrical receptacle (e.g., the electrical receptacle 170) for receiving an AC mains voltage from an AC power source. The power supply 322 may be configured to generate a DC supply voltage Vcc from the source voltage Vs, and provide the DC supply voltage Vcc for powering the control circuit 310 and the other low-voltage circuitry of the load interface device 150.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A load control system for an electric load device, the load control system comprising: an electric load device to receive messages via wireless signals using a first wireless communication protocol; an electric load control device to transmit messages via wireless signals using a second wireless communication protocol; and a load interface device to: receive a first message from the electric load control device via the wireless signals using the second wireless communication protocol; and in response to receiving the first message, transmit a second message to the electric load device via the wireless signals using the first wireless communication protocol, the second message including a command for controlling the electric load device.

2. The load control system of claim 1, wherein the electric load control device comprises one or more buttons, the electric load control device to transmit the first message in response to an actuation of one or more of the buttons.

3. The load control system of claim 2, wherein the electric load control device comprises an electric load control device coupled in series electrical connection between an alternating-current (AC) power source and the electric load device.

4. The load control system of claim 3, wherein the electric load control device comprises an air-gap switch configured to be opened to disconnect the electric load from the AC power source.

5. The load control system of claim 2, further comprising a proprietary remotecontrol device that includes one or more user actuatable buttons, the proprietary remote-control device to transmit the first message using the first wireless communication protocol responsive to an actuation of one or more of the buttons.

6. The load control system of claim 5, further comprising: a remote-control device that includes one or more user actuatable buttons, the remotecontrol device to transmit a second message to the load interface device via a wireless signal using the second wireless communication protocol responsive to an actuation of one or more of the buttons of the remote-control device.

7. The load control system of claim 1, wherein the load interface device to receive a third message from the electric load device via a wireless signal using the first wireless communication protocol, the third message including feedback information regarding the electric load device.

8. The load control system of claim 7, wherein the load interface device to store the received feedback information in memory.

9. The load control system of claim 8, wherein, in the event of a power outage, the load interface device to transmit a fourth message to the electric load device via the wireless signals using the first wireless communication protocol, the fourth message including a command for controlling the electric load device according to feedback information stored in the memory.

10. The load control system of claim 7, further comprising: one or more visual indicators; wherein the load interface device is configured to illuminate the one or more visual indicators to provide an indication of the feedback information.

11. The load control system of claim 1, wherein the load interface device to store operational settings of the electric load device.

12. The load control system of claim 11, wherein the load interface device to transmit a third message to the electric load device via the wireless signals using the first wireless communication protocol, the third message including configuration information for adjusting the operational settings of the electric load device. - 18 -

13. The load control system of claim 11, wherein, in the event of the replacement of an existing electric load device with a new electric load device, the load interface device to transmit a third message to the electric load device via the wireless signals using the first wireless communication protocol, the third message including the operational settings of the existing electric load device.

14. The load control system of claim 1, wherein the load interface device to store in memory a unique identifier associated with the electric load device, and include the unique identifier of the electric load device in the second message transmitted to the electric load device.

15. The load control system of claim 1, wherein the load control device comprises a system controller to transmit the first message in response to a third message received via a network.

16. The load control system of claim 1, wherein the load interface device comprises one or more buttons, the load interface device to transmit a third message to the electric load device in response to an actuation of one or more of the buttons of the load interface device.