Discovery Procedure for a Remote Fan-Speed Control Device in a Wireless Load Control System

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/659,602, filed Jun. 13, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

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 input devices and load control devices. The load control devices may receive messages, which may include control data, for controlling an electrical load from one or more of the input devices. The load control devices may be capable of directly controlling an electrical load. The input devices may be capable of indirectly controlling the electrical load via the load control device. Examples of load control 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 input devices may include remote-control devices, occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, temperature sensors, and/or the like.

Systems, methods, and apparatus are described herein for configuring (e.g., activating) a fan-speed control device in a wireless control system using a network device. The fan-speed control device may be configured to control a rotational speed of a ceiling fan. The power to the fan-speed control device may be cycled, or the fan-speed control device may receive another indication (e.g., via a message or actuation of a button), and the fan-speed control device may enter a discovery mode. The fan-speed control device may control the rotational speed of the ceiling fan to turn off the ceiling fan in response to entering the discovery mode. The fan-speed control device may transmit a discovery request message in the discovery mode for being discovered by a network device.

The network device may display an indicator representing the discovered fan-speed control devices on a visible display in response to receiving the discovery request messages from the fan-speed control devices. The network device may receive a selection of the indicator representing one of the discovered fan-speed control devices. The network device may transmit a message including an identify command to the fan speed control device for identifying the fan-speed control device for activation.

The fan-speed control device may control the rotational speed of the ceiling fan to turn the ceiling fan on at an identification speed in response to receiving the identify command at the fan-speed control device. The user may identify the fan-speed control device corresponding to the ceiling fan being identified in the space. The network device may receive an input from the user to activate the fan-speed control device to which the identify command was transmitted. The network device may store a device identifier of the fan-speed control device in response to receiving the input to activate the fan-speed control device.

The network device may transmit an activation message to the selected control device and/or one or more other devices in the load control system for activating the selected control device in the load control system. The activation message may include activation data that may establish and/or activate the selected control device in the load control system, such that the selected control device may be configured to communicate with other control devices of the load control system. In some examples, the activation data may include one or more portions of the system configuration data and may be transmitted to the selected control device along with the activation, such as a device name, a device type, a device location, a system configuration identifier (e.g., a configuration address for communicating with other control devices), and/or other network credentials for communicating on a wireless network. In addition, the one or more other portions of the system configuration data (e.g., programming data and/or association data) may be transmitted to the selected control device along with the activation data as a result of activating the selected control device in the load control system, such as associated control devices, one or more operational settings, and/or programming data.

After receiving the selection of the indicator representing the fan-speed control device and prior to transmitting the message including the identify command, the network device may receive a warning notifying the user to ensure that there are no obstructions preventing the ceiling fan controlled by the fan speed control device from rotating. The network device may receive an input indicating a confirmation that there are no obstructions preventing the ceiling fan controlled by the fan speed control device from rotating prior to sending the message including the identify command to the fan-speed control device.

The fan-speed control device may store a first rotational speed at which the ceiling fan is controlled. After the fan-speed control device enters a discovery mode, is discovered, and receives the identify command, the fan-speed control device may control the ceiling fan at a second rotational speed to turn the ceiling fan on at the identification speed in response to receiving the identify command. After the fan-speed control device is activated, the fan-speed control device may return to controlling the ceiling fan at the first rotational speed.

is a diagram of an example load control systemfor controlling the operation of one or more electrical devices (e.g., electrical loads), such as first and second ceiling fansThe first and second ceiling fansmay each receive power from a power source, such as an alternating-current (AC) power source or a direct-current (DC) power source. The first and second ceiling fansmay be installed on the ceiling of a roomor another space in a building. Each of the first and second ceiling fansmay comprise a respective motor load, such as first and second motors(e.g., fan motors), for rotating a plurality of respective bladesto circulate the air in the room. For example, each of the first and second ceiling fansmay comprise three bladesas shown in. Each of the first and second ceiling fansmay also comprise a housingfor housing the motorrespectively, and a base portionfor mounting the ceiling fan,respectively, to the ceiling of the room.

The first and second ceiling fansmay be coupled to the power source via a circuit breaker(e.g., a switching circuit and/or mechanical switch), which may be located in a breaker panel, such that the first and second ceiling fansare coupled to a circuit(e.g., the same circuit). The first and second ceiling fansmay be electrically connected to and capable of receiving power from the power source when the circuit breakeris closed (e.g., conductive). The first and second ceiling fansmay be electrically disconnected from the power source and unpowered when the circuit breakeris open (e.g., non-conductive). Whileshows only the circuit, the load control systemmay comprise other circuits to which other ceiling fans may be coupled and which may be controlled by other circuit breakers in the breaker paneland/or another breaker panel.

The load control systemmay also, or alternatively, comprise one or more control devices configured to control the one or more electrical devices (e.g., electrical loads), such as the first and second ceiling fansThe control devices may include input devices and/or load control devices, such as a first fan-speed control devicefor controlling the motorof the first ceiling fanand a second fan-speed control devicefor controlling the motorof the second ceiling fanThe first and second fan-speed control devicesmay each be electrically coupled in series between the power source and the first and second ceiling fans,respectively. The first and second fan-speed control devicesmay each be mounted remotely, for example, to a respective junction box above a ceiling and/or behind a wall of the room. The first and second fan-speed control devicesmay each comprise a respective internal motor control circuit configured to control the first and second ceiling fansby controlling a respective load current I, Iconducted through the motorsof the first and second ceiling fansrespectively. The first and second fan-speed control devicesmay be configured to control the first and second ceiling fansto turn the first and second ceiling fanson and off and/or to adjust a respective rotational speed S, Sof the first and second ceiling fansrespectively. Each of the first and second fan-speed control devicesmay be configured to control the respective rotational speed S, Sof the first and second ceiling fansrespectively, to a number of discrete speeds (e.g., available speeds). For example, the respective rotational speed S, Sof the first and second ceiling fansmay be controlled to one of seven discrete speeds at a time. In addition, the first and second load control devicesmay each be configured to adjust a respective direction of rotation of the first and second ceiling fans,respectively.

The first and second fan-speed control devicesmay be configured to communicate (e.g., transmit and/or receive) messages (e.g., digital message) via wired signals and/or wireless signals, such as radio-frequency (RF) signals. For example, the first and second fan-speed control devicesmay be configured to control the first and second ceiling fansrespectively, in response to control data (e.g., commands) received in the messages via the RF signals. The load control systemmay include a wireless control system comprising control devices capable of communicating via wireless control signals, such as such as radio-frequency (RF) signals. The first and second fan-speed control devicesmay each comprise one or more wireless communication circuits for transmitting and/or receiving messages via the RF signals. A first wireless communication circuit of each of the first and second fan-speed control devicesmay be capable of communicating on a first wireless communication link (e.g., a wireless network communication link) and/or communicating using a first wireless protocol (e.g., a wireless network communication protocol, such as the CLEAR CONNECT protocol (e.g., the CLEAR CONNECT A and/or the CLEAR CONNECT X protocols) and/or the THREAD protocol) via the RF signals. A second wireless communication circuit of each of the first and second fan-speed control devicesmay be capable of communicating on a second wireless communication link (e.g., a short-range wireless communication link) and/or communicating using a second wireless protocol (e.g., a short-range wireless communication protocol, such as the BLUETOOTH and/or BLUETOOTH LOW ENERGY (BLE) protocols) via the RF signals.

The load control systemmay comprise other load control devices installed for controlling other types of electrical loads. For example, the load control devices may include lighting control devices configured to control one or more respective lighting loads; daylight control devices, such as motorized window treatments configured to control an electrical motor to move a position of a window treatment or covering material; plug-in load control devices for controlling a plug-in electrical load that is plugged into an outlet; temperature control devices, such as a thermostat, that may be coupled to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system via a control link for controlling a temperature in the room; audio/visual control devices or appliances; a screw-in luminaire including a dimmer circuit and an incandescent or halogen lamp; a screw-in luminaire including a ballast and a compact fluorescent lamp; a screw-in luminaire including an LED driver and an LED light source; an electronic switch, controllable circuit breaker, or other switching device for turning an appliance on and off; a motor control unit for controlling a motor load, such as a ceiling fan or an exhaust fan; a drive unit for controlling a motorized window treatment or a projection screen; motorized interior or exterior shutters; an air conditioner; a compressor; an electric baseboard heater controller; a controllable damper; a variable air volume controller; a fresh air intake controller; a ventilation controller; hydraulic valves for use radiators and radiant heating system; a humidity control unit; a humidifier; a dehumidifier; a water heater; a boiler controller; a pool pump; a refrigerator; a freezer; a television or computer monitor; a video camera; an amplifier; an elevator; a power supply; a generator; an electric charger, such as an electric vehicle charger; an alternative energy controller; and/or another type of load control device.

The load control systemmay comprise one or more input devices configured to communicate with one or more load control devices via RF signals. For example, the load control systemmay include a remote control devicefor transmitting messages including control data (e.g., commands) for controlling one or more electrical loads via the load control devices. The messages may be transmitted from the remote control devicein response to an input event, such as a button press. The remote control device(e.g., a remote fan-speed control device) may transmit messages (e.g., digital message) including control data (e.g., commands) for controlling the first and second ceiling fansvia the RF signals. For example, the remote control devicemay be battery-powered, and may be handheld, mounted to a wall, and/or mounted to a pedestal to be placed on a tabletop. The remote control devicemay comprise a plurality of buttons, such as, for example, an on button, an off button, a raise-speed button, and/or a lower-speed button. For example, the remote control devicemay be configured to transmit the messages including the control data to the first and second fan-speed control devicesfor causing the first and second fan-speed control devicesto control the first and second ceiling fansrespectively, in response to actuations of one or more of the on button, the off button, the raise-speed button, and/or the lower-speed button. The first and second fan-speed control devicesmay be configured to turn on the first and second ceiling fansrespectively, in response to actuations of the on button, and/or to turn off the first and second ceiling fansrespectively, in response to actuations of the off button. The first and second fan-speed control devicesmay be configured to increase the rotational speed of the motorsof the first and second ceiling fansrespectively, in response to actuations of the raise-speed button, and/or decrease the rotational speed of the motorsof the first and second ceiling fans,respectively, in response to actuations of the lower-speed button. One will recognize that the first and second fan-speed control devicesmay also and/or alternatively be configured to receive control signals from a control device via a wired communication link.

The load control systemmay include one or more other input devices, such as a sensor device configured to transmit messages including control data (e.g., commands) for controlling one or more electrical loads. The sensor device may be configured to transmit messages via the RF signalsto one or more other devices in the load control systemin response to an input event, such as a sensor measurement event. The sensor device may operate as an occupancy sensor configured to detect occupancy and vacancy conditions. The sensor device may operate as a visible light sensor (e.g., including a camera or other device capable of sensing visible light). The load control systemmay comprise other types of input devices, such as, for example, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, radiometers, cloudy-day sensors, shadow sensors, pressure sensors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, air-quality sensors, motion sensors, security sensors, proximity sensors, fixture sensors, partition sensors, multi-zone control units, slider control units, kinetic or solar-powered remote controls, key fobs, cell phones, smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants, personal computers, laptops, timeclocks, audio-visual controls, safety devices, power monitoring devices (e.g., such as power meters, energy meters, utility submeters, utility rate meters, etc.), central control transmitters, residential controllers, commercial controllers, industrial controllers, and/or another type of input device.

The load control systemmay also comprise one or more system processing devices, such as a system controller, that may be configured to transmit and/or receive messages via wired and/or wireless communications. For example, the system controllermay be configured to transmit and/or receive the RF signals, to communicate with one or more control devices of the load control system(e.g., the first and second fan-speed control devicesand/or the remote control device). The system controllermay be coupled to one or more wired control devices of the load control systemvia a wired digital communication link. The system controllermay also, or alternatively, be capable of communicating on a third wireless communication link (e.g., a network communication link) and/or communicating using a third wireless protocol (e.g., a network communication protocol, such as Internet protocol, Ethernet-based protocols, WI-FI protocols, or other suitable network protocols), via the RF signals. For example, the system controllermay be configured to transmit and/or receive messages on a network (e.g., a local area network and/or a wide area network, such as the Internet), via the RF signals. The system controllermay transmit messages to the first and second fan-speed control devicesin response to messages received via the network. The messages may include configuration data for configuring the first and second fan-speed control devicesand/or control data (e.g., commands) for controlling the first and second fan-speed control devicesIn some examples, the system controllermay be configured to transmit and receive messages between the control devices of the load control system. For example, the system controllermay transmit messages to the first and second fan-speed control devicesfor controlling the first and second ceiling fansrespectively, in response to the messages received from the remote control device(e.g., via the RF signals).

A network devicemay be in communication with the first and second fan-speed control devicesand/or the system controllerfor configuring and/or controlling the control devices of the load control system. The network devicemay comprise a wireless phone, a tablet, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wearable device (e.g., a watch, glasses, etc.), or other computing device. The network devicemay be operated by a user. For example, the network devicemay comprise a visible displayfor displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) for displaying information for the userand receiving inputs from the user. The network devicemay be configured to communicate with the first and second fan-speed control devicesvia the RF signals(e.g., using the short-range wireless communication protocol on the short-range wireless communication link). In addition, or alternatively, the network devicemay be configured to communicate with the system controllervia the RF signals(e.g., using the network communication protocol on the network communication link). Further, the network devicemay be configured to transmit and/or receive beacon signals that may be used to commission the load control systemvia the short-range wireless communication link (e.g., using the RF signals).

The load control devices of the load control system(e.g., the first and second fan-speed control devices) may be configured to control the electrical loads (e.g., the first and second ceiling fans) in response to inputs received from the input devices (e.g., the remote control device) and/or the system processing devices (e.g., the system controller) based on system configuration data (e.g., programming data and/or association data), which may be stored in a system configuration database. The system configuration database and/or portions of the system configuration database may be stored as configuration data on one or more of the devices of the loads control system. The system configuration data may include configuration settings (e.g., operational settings) that may be configured for operation of the control devices. A computing device, such as the network deviceor other suitable network device, may be configured to define the system configuration data in response to inputs received from the user. For example, the network devicemay be configured to execute a design configuration application (e.g., design configuration software and/or graphical user interface (GUI) software) to display the graphical user interface on the visible displayfor displaying configuration options and/or receiving the inputs from the userto generate the system configuration data.

After the control devices of the load control system(e.g., the load control devices, the input devices, and/or the system processing devices) are installed, the load control systemmay be enabled for operation during a commissioning procedure. For example, the network devicemay be configured to coordinate the commissioning procedure in response to inputs received from the user. The network devicemay be configured to define the system configuration data prior to and/or during the commissioning procedure of the load control system. The system configuration data may comprise a device object for each of the control devices in the load control system. The device objects of the system configuration data may each comprise one or more of a device name, a device type, a device location, a system configuration identifier (e.g., a configuration address), one or more operational settings, and/or programming data. The one or more operational settings may define operational characteristics for how the device operates (e.g., based on the programming data). For example, the one or more operational settings may comprise high-end and/or low-end intensity levels (e.g., for a lighting control device), raised and/or lowered limit positions (e.g., for a motorized window treatment), a sensitivity level (e.g., for an input device, such as a sensor), one or more fan speeds (e.g., for controlling the first and second ceiling fans), etc. The programming data may be configured with a preset identifier (e.g., a scene identifier) for operating according to the operational settings in response to triggering of a preset (e.g., a scene). The operational settings may define how the control devices operate to control the electrical loads of the load control system(e.g., thresholds or other programmed settings defining how the control devices operate). In addition, each of the device objects of the system configuration data may be configured to store a device identifier (e.g., a unique identifier of the control device of the load control system, such as a serial number) that allows the control device of that device object to communicate with the other control devices of the load control system. For example, the device identifier of each of the device objects of the system configuration data may be received and stored in the system configuration data during the commissioning procedure.

The control devices of the load control systemmay be activated (e.g., as a step of the commissioning procedure) to establish the control devices in the load control system(e.g., during an activation process), such that the control devices may be configured to communicate with each other (e.g., via the RF signals). During the activation process, the network devicemay be configured to transmit a discovery initiation message (e.g., a discovery initiation beacon message) to the control devices of the load control system. In some examples, the network devicemay be configured to repetitively (e.g., periodically) transmit the discovery initiation message during the activation procedure. The discovery initiation message may be transmitted as a broadcast message to control devices configured to receive the discovery initiation message, a multicast message configured to be received by a group of control devices, or a unicast message identifying a target control device for receiving the discovery initiation message. The discovery initiation message may identify one or more control devices for being triggered to a discovery mode in response to receipt of the discovery initiation message. The discovery initiation message may include a discovery initiation identifier, which may be a unique identifier (e.g., a serial number) of the network deviceand/or the design configuration application executed by the network device. In response to receiving the discovery initiation message, the control devices of the load control systemmay be configured to enter a discovery mode. In some examples, the control devices of the load control systemmay be configured to enter the discovery mode, when a received signal magnitude (e.g., a received signal strength indicator) of the received discovery initiation message exceeds a discovery threshold. In another example, the control devices of the load control systemmay enter the discovery mode in response to actuation of a button located thereon, in response to detecting a cycling of power to a circuit to which the control devices are electrically coupled, and/or via another triggering event for triggering the discovery mode at the control devices.

When in the discovery mode, the control devices of the load control systemmay be configured to transmit a discovery request message (e.g., a discovery request beacon message) to the network device. In some examples, the control devices of the load control systemmay be configured to repetitively (e.g., periodically) transmit the discovery request message while in the discovery mode. The discovery request message may include a device identifier, which may be a unique identifier (e.g., a serial number) of the control device that transmitted the discovery request message. The discovery request message may include a device type (e.g., fan-speed control device). The discovery request message may be transmitted as a broadcast message to control devices configured to receive the discovery request message, a multicast message configured to be received by a group of control devices, or a unicast message identifying a target control device (e.g., the network device) for receiving the discovery request message.

The network devicemay receive discovery request messages from one or more of the control devices of the load control system. The network devicemay be configured to display on the visible displaya device list of one or more of the control devices of the load control systemfrom which the network devicereceived the discovery request messages. The usermay select one of the control devices in the device list to activate. In some examples, the control devices of the load control systemthat are listed in the device list may be configured to provide a visible indication in the space in which the control device is installed, so that the usercan locate the control devices in the space. For example, a lighting control device may be configured to blink a controlled lighting load and/or cause the controlled lighting load to turn a particular color. In addition, or alternatively, a motorized window treatment may be configured to cause a covering material (e.g., shade fabric) to move back and forth (e.g., up and down) over a short distance (e.g., perform a wiggle movement). A fan (e.g., the first and second ceiling fans,) may be configured to turn on and/or off for a predefined period of time and/or to a predefined speed. Further, a system processing device (e.g., such as the system controller) may be configured to blink and/or control the color of a light source (e.g., a light-emitting diode) on the system processing device that is visible to the userin the space.

After the userselects one of the control devices from the device list displayed on the visible displayof the network device, the network devicemay activate the selected control device by transmitting an activation message to the selected control device and storing the device identifier of the selected control device (e.g., as received in the discovery request message) in the device object in the system configuration data. For example, the network device may transmit the device identifier of the selected control device to one or more other devices (e.g., system controller or other control devices) to activate the selected control device for enabling communication with and/or control of the selected control device by transmission of messages including the device identifier. In addition, the usermay provide inputs via the graphical user interface to configure operational settings and/or define programming data for the selected control device after the control device is activated. In some examples, the operational settings and/or programming data in the device object of the system configuration data for the selected control device may have been previously populated (e.g., prior to the commissioning procedure). The network device may transmit an activation message to the selected control device and/or one or more other devices in the load control systemfor activating the selected control device in the load control system. The activation message may include activation data that may establish and/or activate the selected control device in the load control system, such that the selected control device may be configured to communicate with other control devices of the load control system. In some examples, the activation data may include one or more portions of the system configuration data and may be transmitted to the selected control device along with the activation, such as a device name, a device type, a device location, a system configuration identifier (e.g., a configuration address for communicating with other control devices), and/or other network credentials for communicating on a wireless network. In addition, the one or more other portions of the system configuration data (e.g., programming data and/or association data) may be transmitted to the selected control device along with the activation data as a result of activating the selected control device in the load control system, such as associated control devices, one or more operational settings, and/or programming data.

The usermay then continue the commissioning procedure by selecting another control device from the device list to activate (e.g., until each of the control devices of the load control systemis activated). In some examples, when the control device can be accessed by the user, the usermay actuate an actuator (e.g., a button) on the control device to select the control device for activation (e.g., as with the remote control devicethat is located such that the usermay actuate one of the buttons of the remote control deviceto select the remote control devicefor activation).

Some of the control devices of the load control system(e.g., such as the first and second fan-speed control devices) may not be able to easily provide visible indication in the space in which the control devices are installed. For example, since the first and second fan-speed control devicesmay be hidden from view (e.g., mounted above a ceiling, behind a wall, and/or in the respective base portions), the first and second fan-speed control devicesmay not be able to blink and/or change the color of a light source on the first and second fan-speed control devicesto provide the visible indication. In addition, or alternatively, the first and second ceiling fansmay not comprise light sources that the first and second fan-speed control devicescan control to provide the visible indication. Further, the first and second ceiling fansmay be characterized by high inertias, such that the respective rotational speeds S, Smay not be quickly changed to provide a visible indication in the movement of the respective blades(e.g., such as a wiggle movement). As a result, the usermay not be able to distinguish between the first and second fan-speed control devicesto select, from the device list displayed on the visible display, one of the first and second fan-speed control devicesto activate. In addition, or alternatively, since the first and second fan-speed control devicesmay be remotely-located, the usermay not be able to actuate an actuator (e.g., a button on the first and second fan-speed control devices) to select the first and second fan-speed control devicesfor activation.

To activate one of the first and second fan-speed control devicesthe network devicemay prompt the user to cycle power to the circuitto which the first and second fan-speed control devicesare electrically coupled. For example, the usermay cycle power to the circuitto which the first and second fan-speed control devices,are electrically coupled by opening and then subsequently closing the circuit breakerin the breaker panel. When powering up (e.g., after the power is cycled to the circuit), the first and second fan-speed control devicesmay be configured to enter the discovery mode. For example, the first and second fan-speed control devicesmay be configured to enter the discovery mode for a period of time (e.g., approximately five minutes) and then exit (e.g., automatically exit) the discovery mode. After entering the discovery mode, the first and second fan-speed control devicesmay be configured to transmit a discovery request message to the network device. The network devicemay be configured to include (e.g., only include) in the device list displayed on the visible displaythe control device on the circuitto which power was just cycled (e.g., the first and second fan-speed control devices). In this manner, the length of the device list (e.g., the number of control devices listed in the device list) may be smaller than when the control devices of the load control systementer the discover mode in response to receiving the discovery initiation message from the network device. This may allow for identifying control devices for being activated more easily (e.g., in a faster manner) than filtering through a larger number of control devices identifying themselves for potential activation by transmitting a discovery initiation message. The usermay be presented with the device list that does includes control devices that have cycled power or from which a discovery request message is received above a threshold signal strength to limit the number of control devices, such that the first and second fan-speed control devicesthat may be identified. This may allow for identifying control devices for being activated more easily (e.g., in a faster manner) than filtering through a larger number of control devices identifying themselves for potential activation. When the first and second fan-speed control devicesenter the discovery mode, the first and second fan-speed control devicesmay turn off the first and second ceiling fans. Each of the first and second fan-speed control devicesmay be turned off when entering the discovery mode to assist the user in identifying one of the fan-speed control devicesthat is controlling the respective ceiling fanto rotate later in the activation process (e.g., as will be described in greater detail below).

The usermay select one of the first and second fan-speed control devicesin the device list to activate. The network devicemay prompt the user to choose one of the first and second fan-speed control devicesin the device list to provide a visible indication in the space. In response to a selection of one of the first and second fan-speed control devicesin the device list, the network devicemay display a warning on the visible display, where the warning notifies the userto ensure that there are no obstructions preventing the respective ceiling fanof the selected one of the first and second fan-speed control devicesfrom spinning (e.g., rotating). Using the graphical user interface displayed on the visible display, the usermay provide an input that there are no obstructions preventing the respective ceiling fanof the selected one of the first and second fan-speed control devicesfrom spinning. The network devicemay then transmit a message including an identify command to the selected one of the first and second fan-speed control deviceswhich may turn on the respective ceiling fanwith the rotational speed S, Sset to an identification speed SID. Since both of the first and second fan-speed control devicesturned off the respective ceiling fanswhen entering the discovery mode and the selected one of the first and second fan-speed control devicesis now the only one rotating, the usermay be able to easily identify the selected one of the first and second fan-speed control devicesThe usermay select (e.g., reselect) the one of the first and second fan-speed control devicesthat was previously selected and the network devicemay activate the selected one of the first and second fan-speed control devices,by transmitting an activation message to the selected one of the first and second fan-speed control devicesand storing the device identifier of the selected one of the first and second fan-speed control devicesin the device object in the system configuration data. The usermay provide inputs via the graphical user interface to configure operational settings and/or define programming data for the selected fan-speed control deviceafter the one of the first and second fan-speed control devicesis activated.

illustrate an example screen(e.g., a graphical user interface (GUI) window) that may be used to activate one or more remotely-located load control devices, such as remotely-located fan-speed control devices (e.g., the first and second fan-speed control devices). The fan-speed control devices may be configured to control respective ceiling fans (e.g., the ceiling fans). For example, the screenmay be displayed on a visible display of a network device (e.g., the visible displayof the network device). The network device may be configured to display a graphical user interface on the visible display for displaying configuration options and/or receiving the inputs from a user (e.g., the user) to generate the system configuration data and/or active the remotely-located fan-speed control devices.

After receiving discovery request messages from one or more of the fan-speed control devices, the network device may be configured to display a device listthat includes device indicators(e.g., names or other identifiers) of the fan-speed control devices from which the discovery request messages were received (e.g., as shown in). For example, each of the indicatorsmay comprise a device type of each of the fan-speed control devices and/or a type of electrical load that is controlled by each of the fan-speed control devices (e.g., “ceiling fan”). Each of the indicatorsmay comprise at least a portion of a device identifier (e.g., a unique identifier, such as a serial number) of each of the fan-speed control devices from which the discovery request messages were received. The screenmay include an identify buttonproximate to (e.g., next to) each of the device indicatorsin the device list. The user may select one of the identify buttonsfor selecting the respective fan-speed control device to provide a visible identification in the space in which the respective ceiling fans are installed.

In response to an actuation of one of the identify buttons, the network device may display a pop-up windowincluding a warningthat notifies the user to indicate that there are no obstructions preventing the respective ceiling fan of the selected fan-speed control device from spinning (e.g., rotating) as shown in. The pop-up windowmay include a confirm buttonand/or a cancel button. In response to an actuation of a cancel buttonon the pop-up window, the network device may be configured to close the pop-up windowwithout causing any of the fan-speed control devices to provide a visible indication in the space in which the respective ceiling fan is installed. The screenmay appear as shown inafter selection of the cancel button.

The network device may be configured to transmit a message including an identify command for causing the selected fan-speed control device to provide a visible indication in the space in which the respective ceiling fan is installed. For example, in response to an actuation of the confirm buttonon the pop-up window, the network device may be configured to transmit a message including an identify command for causing the selected fan-speed control device to provide a visible indication in the space in which the respective ceiling fan is installed and/or close the pop-up window. The network device may be configured to display an activate buttonnext to the device indicatorof the selected fan-speed control device (e.g., as shown in). If the user wants to activate the selected fan-speed control device, the user may actuate the activate buttonand the network device may activate the selected fan-speed control devices by transmitting an activation message to the selected fan-speed control device and storing a device identifier of the selected fan-speed control device in a device object in system configuration data. Though the pop-up windowis displayed to include the warningand/or the network device may be configured to transmit a message that includes the identify command in response to actuation of the confirm button, the identify command may be transmitted in response to selection of one of the identify buttonsand/or another actuation on the screen.

is a simplified block diagram of an example of a fan-speed control devicethat may be deployed as, for example, the first and second fan-speed control devicesof the load control systemshown in. The fan-speed control devicemay include a hot terminal H that may be adapted to be coupled to a power source, such as an alternating-current (AC) power source. In some examples, the power sourcemay comprise a direct-current (DC) power source. The fan-speed control devicemay include a controlled-hot terminal CH that may be adapted to be coupled to an electrical load, such as a motor load. In one example, the motor loadmay be a motor of a ceiling fan (e.g., the motorof the respective first and second ceiling fans). The fan-speed control devicemay include a load control circuit, such as a motor control circuit, coupled in series electrical connection between the power sourceand the motor load. The motor control circuitmay be configured to control the power delivered to the motor load. The fan-speed control devicemay include a control circuitconfigured to control the motor control circuitto control the power delivered to the motor loadto thus control a rotational speed Sof the motor load. The control circuitmay 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. Though a single control circuit is illustrated, one or more control circuits may be implemented in the fan-speed control device.

The motor control circuitmay be capable of controlling the rotational speed Sof the motor loadto a number of discrete speeds (e.g., seven discrete speeds), such as a first speed S(e.g., a minimum speed), a second speed S, a third speed S, a fourth speed S, a fifth speed S, a sixth speed S, and/or a seventh speed S(e.g., a maximum speed). For example, the speeds S-Smay increase in speed in order (e.g., from the first speed Sto the seventh speed S). The motor control circuitmay comprise a first controllable switching circuita second controllable switching circuita third controllable switching circuit, and/or a fourth controllable switch circuitFor example, the first, second, third, and/or fourth controllable switching circuitsmay each comprise a bidirectional semiconductor switch, such as a thyristor (e.g., a triac or one or more silicon-controlled rectifiers), a field-effect transistor (FET) in a rectifier bridge, two FETs in anti-series connection, one or more insulated-gate bipolar junction transistors (IGBTs), and/or other suitable bidirectional semiconductor switches. In addition, the first, second, third, and/or fourth controllable switching circuits,may each comprise a relay or other suitable controllably conductive device. The control circuitmay be configured to control (e.g., independently control) the first, second, third, and/or fourth controllable switching circuitsto render the first, second, third, and/or fourth controllable switching circuitsconductive and non-conductive.

The first controllable switching circuitmay be coupled in series with a first capacitor Csuch that the series combination of the first controllable switching circuitand the first capacitor Cmay be coupled in series between the hot terminal H and the controlled-hot terminal CH. The second controllable switching circuitmay be coupled in series with a second capacitor Csuch that the series combination of the second controllable switching circuitand the second capacitor Cmay be coupled in series between the hot terminal H and the controlled-hot terminal CH. The third controllable switching circuitmay be coupled in series with a third capacitor Csuch that the series combination of the third controllable switching circuitand the third capacitor Cmay be coupled in series between the hot terminal H and the controlled-hot terminal CH. For example, the first, second, and third capacitors CC, Cmay have different capacitances, e.g., approximately 1 μF, 2.2 μF, and 3.3 μF, respectively. The fourth controllable switching circuitmay be coupled (e.g., directly coupled) in series between the hot terminal H and the controlled-hot terminal CH. The series combination of the first controllable switching circuitand the first capacitor Cthe series combination of the second controllable switching circuitand the second capacitor Cthe series combination of the third controllable switching circuitand the third capacitor Cand the fourth controllable switching circuitmay be coupled in parallel with each other. In addition, the motor control circuitmay comprise a first resistor Rcoupled in parallel with the first capacitor Cfor discharging the first capacitor Cwhen the first controllable switching circuitis non-conductive, a second resistor Rcoupled in parallel with the second capacitor Cfor discharging the second capacitor Cwhen the second controllable switching circuitis non-conductive, and/or a third resistor Rcoupled in parallel with the third capacitor Cfor discharging the third capacitor Cwhen the third controllable switching circuitis non-conductive.

The control circuitmay be configured to render (e.g., independently render) the first, second, third, and/or fourth controllable switching circuitsconductive and non-conductive to control a magnitude of a load current Iconducted through the motor loadto control the rotational speed Sof the motor loadto one or more of the number of speeds S-S. The control circuitmay be configured to render the first controllable switching circuitconductive to electrically couple the first capacitor Cin series between the power sourceand the motor loadto control the rotational speed Sof the motor loadto the first speed S. The control circuitmay be configured to render the second controllable switching circuitconductive to electrically couple the second capacitor Cin series between the power sourceand the motor loadto control the rotational speed Sof the motor loadto the second speed S. The control circuitmay be configured to render the third controllable switching circuitconductive to electrically couple the third capacitor Cin series between the power sourceand the motor loadto control the rotational speed Sof the motor loadto the third speed S. The control circuitmay be configured to render the first and third controllable switching circuitsconductive to electrically couple the first and third capacitors CCin parallel between the power sourceand the motor loadto control the rotational speed Sof the motor loadto the fourth speed S. The control circuitmay be configured to render the second and third controllable switching circuits,conductive to electrically couple the second and third capacitors CCin parallel between the power sourceand the motor loadto control the rotational speed Sof the motor loadto the fifth speed S. The control circuitmay be configured to render the first, second, and third controllable switching circuitsconductive to electrically couple the first, second, and third capacitors CCCin parallel between the power sourceand the motor loadto control the rotational speed Sof the motor loadto the sixth speed S. The control circuitmay be configured to render the fourth controllable switching circuitconductive to bypass the first, second, and third capacitors CC, Cto control the rotational speed Sof the motor loadto the seventh speed S.

In the example described herein, the control circuitmay not render the first and second controllable switching circuitsconductive to electrically couple the first and second capacitors CCin parallel between the power sourceand the motor loadto control the motor loadto control the rotational speed Sof the motor loadto an eighth speed S. This may have been done because of the particular capacitances selected for the respective first, second, and third capacitors CCCC. For instance, if the first, second, and third capacitors CCCmay have capacitances of approximately 1 μF, 2.2 μF, and 3.3 μF, respectively, then the total capacitance created when the first and second controllable switching circuitsare rendered conductive (e.g., 1 μF+2.2 μF=3.2 μF) is substantially equal to the total capacitance created when just the third controllable switching circuitsis rendered conductive (e.g., 3.3 μF), so this operation is not performed by the control circuitin some examples. However, if the capacitances of the first, second, and third capacitors CC, Care selected to be different values (e.g., where the combined capacitance of the first and second capacitors CCdoes not equal the capacitance of the third capacitor C), then the control circuitmay be configured to render the first and second controllable switching circuitsconductive to electrically couple the first and second capacitors CCin parallel between the power sourceand the motor loadto control the rotational speed Sof the motor loadto the eighth speed S, such that the fan-speed control devicemay be configured with up to eight speeds S-S. For example, in some examples, the eighth speed Smay be between the third speed Sand the fourth speed S.

The fan-speed control devicemay include a power supply. The power supplymay generate a direct-current (DC) supply voltage Vfor powering the control circuitand the other low-voltage circuitry of the fan-speed control device. The power supplymay be coupled between the hot terminal H and the controlled-hot terminal CH (e.g., in parallel with the motor control circuit). The power supplymay be configured to conduct a charging current through the motor loadto generate the DC supply voltage V.

The fan-speed control devicemay comprise a zero-crossing detector(e.g., a zero-cross detect circuit) electrically coupled between the hot terminal H and the controlled-hot terminal CH. The zero-crossing detectormay be configured to generate a zero-cross detect signal Vthat indicates the zero-crossing points of an AC mains line voltage generated by the power source. The control circuitmay receive the zero-cross detect signal Vand may be configured to render the controllable switching circuitsof the motor control circuitbased on the zero-cross detect signal V. For example, the control circuitmay be configured to render the controllable switching circuitsconductive and non-conductive at approximately the zero-crossings of the AC mains line voltage as determined from the zero-cross detect signal Vreceived from the zero-crossing detector.

The fan-speed control devicemay comprise a memorythat may be communicatively coupled to the control circuitfor the storage and/or retrieval of data. The memorymay be implemented as an external integrated circuit (IC) or as an internal circuit of the control circuit. The memorymay comprise a computer-readable storage media or machine-readable storage media that maintains computer-executable instructions for performing one or more procedure and/or functions as described herein. For example, the memorymay comprise computer-executable instructions or machine-readable instructions that when executed by the control circuitconfigure the control circuitto provide one or more portions of the procedures described herein. The control circuitmay access the instructions from the memoryfor being executed to cause the control circuitto operate as described herein, or to operate one or more other devices as described herein. The memorymay comprise computer-executable instructions for executing configuration software. For example, the control circuitmay be configured to store in and retrieve from the memoryconfiguration data for configuring the fan-speed control devices of the load control system and/or control data for controlling the fan-speed control devices of the load control system. The configuration data may include a portion of the system confirmation data of the load control system. For example, the control circuitmay be configured to store in and retrieve from the memoryconfiguration settings (e.g., operational settings), programming data, association data (e.g., unique identifiers of control devices of the load control system), etc. In addition, the control circuitmay be configured to store in and retrieve from the memoryoperational parameters, such as, the present rotational speed and/or direction of the motor loadcontrolled by the fan-speed control device), etc. For example, the operational characteristics stored in the memorymay be configured during a configuration procedure of the fan-speed control device. The control data may be included in one or more commands for controlling the motor load. The control circuitmay be responsive to the control data in message that include a device identifier (e.g., a unique identifier of the fan-speed control device, such as a serial number). The control circuitmay use the control data to control the motor control circuit(e.g., based on the configuration settings or operational settings).

The fan-speed control devicemay comprise a communication circuitconfigured to communicate (e.g., transmit and/or receive) messages. For example, the communication circuitmay comprise one or more wired communication circuits and/or wireless communication circuits. The one or more wired communication circuits and/or wireless communication circuits of the communication circuitmay be implemented as external integrated circuits (ICs) or as internal circuits of the control circuit. For example, the one or more wireless communication circuits of the communication circuitmay include for example, one or more a radio-frequency (RF) transceivers coupled to a respective antenna for transmitting and/or receiving RF signals. In addition, the one or more wireless communication circuits of the communication circuitmay also include 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 one or more wireless communication circuits of the communication circuitmay be capable of performing communication via the same communication channels or different communication channels. In some examples, the communication circuitmay be configured to communicate via a network, such as a wireless or wired local area network (LAN), e.g., for access to the Internet. In addition, the communication circuitmay be configured to communicate via a control network (e.g., a wired or wireless control communication link) for communicating with the fan-speed control devices of the load control system. The control circuitmay be configured to receive messages including control data (e.g., one or more commands) for controlling the motor loadvia the communication circuit. The control circuitmay be responsive to the control data in message that include a device identifier (e.g., a unique identifier of the fan-speed control device, such as a serial number). The control circuitmay use the control data to control the motor control circuitto adjust the rotational speed Sof the motor load. In addition, the control circuitmay be configured to transmit, to an external fan-speed control device via the communication circuit, messages including control data (e.g., one or more commands) for controlling a motor load controlled by the external fan-speed control device. Further, the control circuitmay be configured to receive messages (e.g., including feedback data, such as status information of the fan-speed control devices) from the fan-speed control devices via the communication circuit.

The fan-speed control devicemay further comprise a user interface circuit. The user interface circuitmay comprise one or more input circuits for receiving inputs. For example, the user interface circuitmay comprise one or more actuators configured to be actuated in response to actuation of one or more respective buttons of the fan-speed control device. In addition, the user interface circuitmay comprise a touch sensitive circuit (e.g., a capacitive or resistive touch element) that may be responsive to actuations (e.g., touch actuations) of a touch sensitive surface of the fan-speed control device. The control circuitmay be configured to generate control data (e.g., one or more commands) for controlling the motor loadin response to the user inputs received via the user interface circuit. The control circuitmay use the control data to control the motor control circuitto adjust the rotational speed Sof the motor load. Further, the user interface circuitmay comprise one or more light sources configured to illuminate visual indicators of the fan-speed control devicefor providing feedback information to a user.

During an activation process of a commissioning procedure, the fan-speed control devicemay be established in the load control system (e.g., during an activation procedure configured to activate the fan-speed control devicein the load control system), such that the fan-speed control devicemay be configured to communicate with other control devices of the load control system (e.g., via the RF signals). When powering up (e.g., after the power is cycled to the fan-speed control device), the control circuitmay be configured to enter the discovery mode. For example, the control circuitmay be configured to enter the discovery mode for a timeout period (e.g., approximately five minutes) and then exit (e.g., automatically exit) the discovery mode. The control circuitmay be configured to implement a timer to determine when the timeout period expires.

After entering the discovery mode, the control circuitmay be configured to transmit a discovery request message via the communication circuit. The discovery request message may include the device identifier of the fan-speed control device. In response to receiving a message including an identify command via the communication circuit, the control circuitmay control the motor control circuitto cause the motor loadto rotate at an identification speed S. Variations in motors of ceiling fans (e.g., such as manufacturer, model, version, type, etc.) may cause the motor loadto operate differently from one motor load to the next. For example, when the control circuitis controlling the motor control circuitto set the rotational speed Sto one of the discrete speeds S-S(e.g., the available speeds), the actual resulting rotational speed Smay be different from one motor load to the next. In addition, some motor loads may not be able to turn on at one or more of the lower speeds of the discrete speeds S-S. The identification speed SID may be one of the discrete speeds S-Sthat may be relatively low, but large enough such that most motor loads are able to turn on at the identification speed S. For example, the identification speed Smay be the third speed. S. The identification speed Smay be set to a predefined relatively low speed (e.g., as compared to the seventh speed S) to avoid damage when obstructions are near the ceiling fan during the activation process. The predefined identification speed SID may be set to a particular predefined speed that is one of the total discrete speeds (e.g., the third speed Sof the discrete speeds S-S). The predefined identification speed SID may be set to a particular one of the discrete speeds that is higher than the lowest discrete speed (e.g., the first speed Sof the discrete speeds S-S), but closer to the lowest discrete speed than the highest discrete speed (e.g., the seventh speed Sof the discrete speeds S-S). In some cases, the identification speed Smay be set to the lowest available speed (e.g., the first speed S). The identification speed Smay be configurable by a user input via the network device. For example, the network device may display a list of the fan speeds, or a subset of available fan speeds (e.g., Sto S) for user selection on the network device.

The control circuitmay be configured to receive an activation message while in the discovery mode, and may store activation data received in the activation message in the memory. The activation data may establish the fan-speed control device in the load control system, such that the fan-speed control device may be configured to communicate with other control devices of the load control system. The activation data may include one or more portions of the system configuration data and may be transmitted to the selected control device along with the activation, such as a device name, a device type, a device location, a system configuration identifier (e.g., a configuration address for communicating with other control devices), and/or other network credentials for communicating on a wireless network. In addition, the one or more other portions of the system configuration data (e.g., programming data and/or association data) may be transmitted to the selected control device along with the activation data as a result of activating the selected control device in the load control system, such as associated control devices, one or more operational settings, and/or programming data

When the fan-speed control devicehas been activated and/or in response to the timeout timer expiring, the control circuitmay be configured to exit the discovery mode and control the rotational speed Sto a previous speed Sto which the control circuitwas controlling the rotational speed Sof the motor loadprior to entering the discovery mode.

is a block diagram of an example processing device, which may be deployed as the system controller, the network device, a computing device (e.g., a computer and/or a server) running configuration software (e.g., design configuration software) and/or a graphical user interface (GUI) software, and/or another processing device The processing devicemay comprise a control circuitconfigured to generate configuration data for configuring the operation of one or more control devices of a load control system (e.g., the load control system). In some examples, the control circuitmay be configured to generate control data (e.g., commands) for controlling one or more load control devices, such as fan-speed control devices (e.g., the fan-speed control devices). The control circuitmay 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.

The processing devicemay comprise a power sourcefor producing a power source voltage V. For example, the power sourcemay comprise one or more batteries and/or a photo-voltaic power source (e.g., a solar cell). In addition, the power sourcemay comprise one or more energy storage elements, such as super capacitors and/or rechargeable batteries. Further, the power sourcemay also be configured to receive power from an external power source, such as an external direct-current (DC) power source or an alternating-current (AC) power source. The processing devicemay also comprise a power supplythat may be configured to receive the power source voltage Vand generate a DC supply voltage Vfor powering the control circuitand other circuitry (e.g., low-voltage circuitry) of the processing device.

The processing devicemay comprise a memorythat may be communicatively coupled to the control circuitfor the storage and/or retrieval of data. The memorymay be implemented as an external integrated circuit (IC) or as an internal circuit of the control circuit. The memorymay comprise a computer-readable storage media or machine-readable storage media that maintains computer-executable instructions for performing one or more procedures and/or functions as described herein. For example, the memorymay comprise computer-executable instructions or machine-readable instructions that when executed by the control circuitconfigure the control circuitto provide one or more portions of the procedures described herein. The control circuitmay access the instructions from the memoryfor being executed to cause the control circuitto operate as described herein, or to operate one or more other devices as described herein. The memorymay comprise computer-executable instructions for executing configuration software. For example, the control circuitmay be configured to store in and retrieve from the memoryconfiguration data for configuring the fan-speed control devices of the load control system and/or control data for controlling the fan-speed control devices of the load control system. The configuration data may include a portion of the system confirmation data of the load control system. For example, the control circuitmay be configured to store in and retrieve from the memoryconfiguration settings (e.g., operational settings), programming data, association data (e.g., unique identifiers of control devices of the load control system), etc. In addition, the control circuitmay be configured to store in and retrieve from the memoryoperational parameters, such as, the present rotational speed and/or direction of the motor loadcontrolled by the fan-speed control device, etc. For example, the operational characteristics stored in the memorymay be configured during a configuration procedure of the processing device. The control data may be included in one or more commands for controlling an electrical load, such as the motor loadof fan-speed control device. The control data in a message may include a device identifier (e.g., a unique identifier of the fan-speed control device, such as a serial number).

The processing devicemay comprise a communication circuitconfigured to communicate (e.g., transmit and/or receive) messages. For example, the communication circuitmay comprise one or more wired communication circuits and/or wireless communication circuits. The one or more wired communication circuits and/or wireless communication circuits of the communication circuitmay be implemented as external integrated circuits (ICs) or as internal circuits of the control circuit. For example, the one or more wireless communication circuits of the communication circuitmay include for example, one or more a radio-frequency (RF) transceivers coupled to a respective antenna for transmitting and/or receiving RF signals. In addition, the one or more wireless communication circuits of the communication circuitmay also include an RF transmitter for transmitting RF signals, an RF receiver for receiving RF signals, and/or an infrared (IR) transmitter and/or receiver for transmitting and/or receiving IR signals. The one or more wireless communication circuits of the communication circuitmay be capable of performing communication via the same communication channels or different communication channels. In some examples, the communication circuitmay be configured to communicate via a network, such as a wireless or wired local area network (LAN), e.g., for access to the Internet. In addition, the communication circuitmay be configured to communicate via a control network (e.g., a wired or wireless control communication link) for communicating with the fan-speed control devices of the load control system. The control circuitmay be configured to transmit messages including control data (e.g., one or more commands) for controlling the fan-speed control devices via the communication circuit. In addition, the control circuitmay be configured to receive messages (e.g., including feedback data, such as status information of the fan-speed control devices) from the fan-speed control devices via the communication circuit.

The processing devicemay further comprise a user interface circuit. The user interface circuitmay comprise one or more input circuits for receiving inputs. For example, the user interface circuitmay comprise one or more actuators configured to be actuated in response to actuation of one or more respective buttons of the processing device. In addition, the user interface circuitmay comprise a touch sensitive circuit (e.g., a capacitive or resistive touch element) that may be responsive to actuations (e.g., touch actuations) of a touch sensitive surface of the processing device(e.g., a touch screen). Further, the user interface circuitmay comprise one or more light sources configured to illuminate visual indicators of the processing devicefor providing feedback information to a user. In some examples, the user interface circuitmay comprise a visual display.