CA2675529A1 - Double microcontroller lamp dimmer - Google Patents
Double microcontroller lamp dimmer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2675529A1 CA2675529A1 CA 2675529 CA2675529A CA2675529A1 CA 2675529 A1 CA2675529 A1 CA 2675529A1 CA 2675529 CA2675529 CA 2675529 CA 2675529 A CA2675529 A CA 2675529A CA 2675529 A1 CA2675529 A1 CA 2675529A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- lamp dimmer
- control
- accordance
- microcontroller
- solid state
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 claims abstract 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000012795 verification Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000000750 progressive effect Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 241001168730 Simo Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008713 feedback mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013024 troubleshooting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B39/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for operating incandescent light sources
- H05B39/04—Controlling
- H05B39/08—Controlling by shifting phase of trigger voltage applied to gas-filled controlling tubes also in controlled semiconductor devices
- H05B39/083—Controlling by shifting phase of trigger voltage applied to gas-filled controlling tubes also in controlled semiconductor devices by the variation-rate of light intensity
- H05B39/085—Controlling by shifting phase of trigger voltage applied to gas-filled controlling tubes also in controlled semiconductor devices by the variation-rate of light intensity by touch control
- H05B39/086—Controlling by shifting phase of trigger voltage applied to gas-filled controlling tubes also in controlled semiconductor devices by the variation-rate of light intensity by touch control with possibility of remote control
- H05B39/088—Controlling by shifting phase of trigger voltage applied to gas-filled controlling tubes also in controlled semiconductor devices by the variation-rate of light intensity by touch control with possibility of remote control by wireless means, e.g. infrared transmitting means
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)
Abstract
A lamp dimmer suited for fluorescent and any other type of lights and/or lamps which controllably notches the alternative voltage cycle depending on the cycle programmed by the microcontroller. As the zero crossing point is sensed by solid state circuitry, one microcontroller senses the information and relays it to another microcontroller which has a progressive and non-interruptive control over the switching of the optocoupler. The notches are programmed with starting and ending points which can selectively notch the AC cycle in any position, giving the ultimate control over the amount of power delivered to the lamp. This type of control can be used to ultimately slice the timing of the North American 60Hz AC power cycle into steps within the millisecond region. A
infrared detector is used to sense the signals from any available infrared module which controls the timing delivered by the microcontroller. The sensor has a wide range of light spectrum giving access by any commercially available module control of this lamp dimmer. The sensor is separate from the control box, giving simple access to dimming functions by simple installation. Also, available is a stationary control for non-remote control.
infrared detector is used to sense the signals from any available infrared module which controls the timing delivered by the microcontroller. The sensor has a wide range of light spectrum giving access by any commercially available module control of this lamp dimmer. The sensor is separate from the control box, giving simple access to dimming functions by simple installation. Also, available is a stationary control for non-remote control.
Description
DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention This invention is directed towards light dimming systems and more particularly to a system suitable for dimming one or more fluorescent lamps, also capable of dimming all lamps in accordance with standard dimming lights.
In accordance with the present invention, the table lamp is usually strategically placed in a remote area of the room and therefore is subject to connections which are distributed within the home. Many inventions have a dimmer, which may or may not be controlled remotely, which is usually purchased for the purpose of installation within the wall electrical box. This makes control of multiple dimming functions a problem and therefore this invention addresses that problem. The present invention is a product which can be placed within the range of a light dimmer, and a wired infrared receiver can be glued and/or taped in any location for proper control of the dimming function. More specifically, the code which runs the dimming function, is simply an on-off signal from any infrared remote transmitter readily available in any household which is used to control the TV and/or the radio and/or the DVD and/or any other infrared remote product.
The following invention deploys two microcontrollers for microsecond switching and non-interruptible performance which is the preferred embodiment of the following invention.
Description of Prior Art Typical prior art for typical dimmer circuits and systems are described in the following Patents:
Schweer Carl, et al. Canadian Patent CA 1177111, Lamp Dimmer.
Discloses a dimming circuit with a feedback mechanism which controls the amount of light given the presence of the lamp intensity. It automatically adjusts light level to compensate for the brightness of an illuminated area from sunlight or other sources external to the system being controlled. The following art has different functions from the double microcontrolled lamp-dimmer, it has a totally different approach.
Hakkarain, Simo peka, et al. Canadian patent CA 2172189, Remote Control System for Individual Control of Spaced Lighting Fixtures.
The following art provides means to control an overhead fixture given a remote device to control and differentiate between fixtures. The following art has different functions from the double microcontrollable lamp-dimmer, it necessitates that the receiver function is incorporated into the fixture and does not allow for flexibility in the transportation of the receiver device.
Kobayashi, Fumiyuki. Canadian patent CA 2170810, Portable Electronic Apparatus Having A Plurality Of Infrared Elements.
The following art describes a portable electronic apparatus provided in a housing containing electronic circuits including a circuit necessary for infrared communication.
On the side surfaces of the housing, a plurality' of infrared emitting/receiving elements are provided in the different directions. The following art has a major difference in its application where the the housing incorporates all the sensing devices and does not allow for the sensing devices to be placed away from the housing using different technologies such as wiring. The double microcontrollable lamp-dimmer does not incorporate any sensing device within the housing and therefore extends range and flexibility over this patent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
So that the manner in which the above-recited features, advantages and objects of an invention, as well as others which will become apparent, are attained and can be understood in detail, more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiment thereof which is illustrated in the appended drawings, which drawings form a part of the specification. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only a preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
In The Drawings Fig 1.0 is a general block diagram of the preferred embodiment.
Fig. 1 A, 2A, 3A and 4A is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Description Of The Preferred Embodiment Now referring to the drawings, and first to Fig 1.0, a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The apparatus mainly the infrared receiver is independent of any enclosures and is particularly connected by a sizable length of wire which is placed and connected to the dimmer circuitry which is further explained by means of Fig lA through Fig 4A. The Infrared receives any code from any available remote control on the market and will control the dimming function of the circuit by counting pulses in the millisecond range. The invention has a manual control for ease in trouble-shooting the particular transmitter which is not included in this particular invention. The lamp in question will have a limit in the power consumption that will be constraint by the specifications and will have access to the AC standard in the particular country of use. The control box is further explained by means of Fig 1A
through 4A.
Fig 1A considers a down-conversion of the distributed line mainly by means of item 1, where the AC voltage is reduced in amplitude by the use of a transformer. The reduced voltage is further rectified by use of item 2 which is a solid state bridge rectifier to focus on delivering the correct DC bias to the entire dimmer circuit.
Further, the reduced AC voltage is tapped by the use of a resistor divider and channeled into item 3 which is a high performance voltage comparator to perfectly time the zero crossing of the AC voltage. This precise timing is fed to the second microcontroller for proper software analysis. Item 4, is there to deliver a plentiful positive 5.OVDC in order to power the entire circuit. Item 5, is preferably a positive to negative converter to power the negative rail of the comparator ( Item 3), this enables the correct bias for the solid state device and ensures precise timing coordinates. Item 6, is a means of proper regulation in removing unwanted spurious results.
Fig 2A considers the input coming from the infrared device, mainly by means of Item 7, given a local jack for proper mechanical input. Items 8 and 9, serve in amplifying the received signal and properly biased by Item 11, so that a clean signal-to-noise is preferred at this level. Item 10, serves mainly to compare the given received total input and is further discriminated by Item 12, where a needed threshold is properly determined.
This ensures that the "DETECT" signal is free from any noise levels coming from erroneous sources.
Fig 3A considers the effect of having two microcontrollers with software to precisely time the effects of cutting the power cycles and coming within microseconds of accuracy. Item 18, is mainly a mechanical switch which serves for manual interface. Item 17, is mainly an LED which serves to provide the user with visual aid to properly discern functionality. Items 13 and 14 are in effect the microcontrollers, which use an interrupt pin to properly detect signal change where the 1st microcontroller updates the 2d with the needed switching function, therefore providing the AC stability needed for precise power dimming of any given lamp. Items 15 and 16 are the heart of the microprocessors letting them be driven at speeds with a clock cycles of 20MegaHertz.
Fig 4A considers the effect that the control at a fairly low power is now needed to drive a high RMS Alternate Current. Item 19 is basically a device which gives in solid state form the necessary electrical isolation between low DC microcontroller signals and the high voltages needed to slice and switch at correct intervals. Item 20, is mainly the solid state switch which is known as a TRIAC, it is properly selected to provide the necessary amperage to the consumer lamp. Finally, Item 21 is the mechanical AC
plug which all standard lamps may be connected to.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention This invention is directed towards light dimming systems and more particularly to a system suitable for dimming one or more fluorescent lamps, also capable of dimming all lamps in accordance with standard dimming lights.
In accordance with the present invention, the table lamp is usually strategically placed in a remote area of the room and therefore is subject to connections which are distributed within the home. Many inventions have a dimmer, which may or may not be controlled remotely, which is usually purchased for the purpose of installation within the wall electrical box. This makes control of multiple dimming functions a problem and therefore this invention addresses that problem. The present invention is a product which can be placed within the range of a light dimmer, and a wired infrared receiver can be glued and/or taped in any location for proper control of the dimming function. More specifically, the code which runs the dimming function, is simply an on-off signal from any infrared remote transmitter readily available in any household which is used to control the TV and/or the radio and/or the DVD and/or any other infrared remote product.
The following invention deploys two microcontrollers for microsecond switching and non-interruptible performance which is the preferred embodiment of the following invention.
Description of Prior Art Typical prior art for typical dimmer circuits and systems are described in the following Patents:
Schweer Carl, et al. Canadian Patent CA 1177111, Lamp Dimmer.
Discloses a dimming circuit with a feedback mechanism which controls the amount of light given the presence of the lamp intensity. It automatically adjusts light level to compensate for the brightness of an illuminated area from sunlight or other sources external to the system being controlled. The following art has different functions from the double microcontrolled lamp-dimmer, it has a totally different approach.
Hakkarain, Simo peka, et al. Canadian patent CA 2172189, Remote Control System for Individual Control of Spaced Lighting Fixtures.
The following art provides means to control an overhead fixture given a remote device to control and differentiate between fixtures. The following art has different functions from the double microcontrollable lamp-dimmer, it necessitates that the receiver function is incorporated into the fixture and does not allow for flexibility in the transportation of the receiver device.
Kobayashi, Fumiyuki. Canadian patent CA 2170810, Portable Electronic Apparatus Having A Plurality Of Infrared Elements.
The following art describes a portable electronic apparatus provided in a housing containing electronic circuits including a circuit necessary for infrared communication.
On the side surfaces of the housing, a plurality' of infrared emitting/receiving elements are provided in the different directions. The following art has a major difference in its application where the the housing incorporates all the sensing devices and does not allow for the sensing devices to be placed away from the housing using different technologies such as wiring. The double microcontrollable lamp-dimmer does not incorporate any sensing device within the housing and therefore extends range and flexibility over this patent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
So that the manner in which the above-recited features, advantages and objects of an invention, as well as others which will become apparent, are attained and can be understood in detail, more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiment thereof which is illustrated in the appended drawings, which drawings form a part of the specification. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only a preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
In The Drawings Fig 1.0 is a general block diagram of the preferred embodiment.
Fig. 1 A, 2A, 3A and 4A is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Description Of The Preferred Embodiment Now referring to the drawings, and first to Fig 1.0, a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The apparatus mainly the infrared receiver is independent of any enclosures and is particularly connected by a sizable length of wire which is placed and connected to the dimmer circuitry which is further explained by means of Fig lA through Fig 4A. The Infrared receives any code from any available remote control on the market and will control the dimming function of the circuit by counting pulses in the millisecond range. The invention has a manual control for ease in trouble-shooting the particular transmitter which is not included in this particular invention. The lamp in question will have a limit in the power consumption that will be constraint by the specifications and will have access to the AC standard in the particular country of use. The control box is further explained by means of Fig 1A
through 4A.
Fig 1A considers a down-conversion of the distributed line mainly by means of item 1, where the AC voltage is reduced in amplitude by the use of a transformer. The reduced voltage is further rectified by use of item 2 which is a solid state bridge rectifier to focus on delivering the correct DC bias to the entire dimmer circuit.
Further, the reduced AC voltage is tapped by the use of a resistor divider and channeled into item 3 which is a high performance voltage comparator to perfectly time the zero crossing of the AC voltage. This precise timing is fed to the second microcontroller for proper software analysis. Item 4, is there to deliver a plentiful positive 5.OVDC in order to power the entire circuit. Item 5, is preferably a positive to negative converter to power the negative rail of the comparator ( Item 3), this enables the correct bias for the solid state device and ensures precise timing coordinates. Item 6, is a means of proper regulation in removing unwanted spurious results.
Fig 2A considers the input coming from the infrared device, mainly by means of Item 7, given a local jack for proper mechanical input. Items 8 and 9, serve in amplifying the received signal and properly biased by Item 11, so that a clean signal-to-noise is preferred at this level. Item 10, serves mainly to compare the given received total input and is further discriminated by Item 12, where a needed threshold is properly determined.
This ensures that the "DETECT" signal is free from any noise levels coming from erroneous sources.
Fig 3A considers the effect of having two microcontrollers with software to precisely time the effects of cutting the power cycles and coming within microseconds of accuracy. Item 18, is mainly a mechanical switch which serves for manual interface. Item 17, is mainly an LED which serves to provide the user with visual aid to properly discern functionality. Items 13 and 14 are in effect the microcontrollers, which use an interrupt pin to properly detect signal change where the 1st microcontroller updates the 2d with the needed switching function, therefore providing the AC stability needed for precise power dimming of any given lamp. Items 15 and 16 are the heart of the microprocessors letting them be driven at speeds with a clock cycles of 20MegaHertz.
Fig 4A considers the effect that the control at a fairly low power is now needed to drive a high RMS Alternate Current. Item 19 is basically a device which gives in solid state form the necessary electrical isolation between low DC microcontroller signals and the high voltages needed to slice and switch at correct intervals. Item 20, is mainly the solid state switch which is known as a TRIAC, it is properly selected to provide the necessary amperage to the consumer lamp. Finally, Item 21 is the mechanical AC
plug which all standard lamps may be connected to.
Claims (10)
1. A lamp dimmer for connection to at least one bulb for interrupting a portion of each positive and negative cycle in the applied distribution line current to the bulb, comprising:
a) A down-converting transformer to reduce the line voltage to a safe human level.
b) A bridge circuit to transform the power for usage by the solid state devices.
c) A means to detect the known zero crossing level of the distribution line, d) Two microcontrollers for precision slicing of the known distribution line.
One microcontroller detects the incoming control signals, the other microcontroller slices, with no interruptions, the power level to the known bulb and/or light.
e) An infrared detector, which is not part of the control box, which activates the microcontroller's program when enough cycles in the signal are deduced to be sufficient.
f) A manual switch for physical access to control the diming at the control box .
g) An optocoupler to properly isolate the solid state circuitry control from the high power distribution line.
h) A solid state Triac for proper switching and slicing of the power consumption.
a) A down-converting transformer to reduce the line voltage to a safe human level.
b) A bridge circuit to transform the power for usage by the solid state devices.
c) A means to detect the known zero crossing level of the distribution line, d) Two microcontrollers for precision slicing of the known distribution line.
One microcontroller detects the incoming control signals, the other microcontroller slices, with no interruptions, the power level to the known bulb and/or light.
e) An infrared detector, which is not part of the control box, which activates the microcontroller's program when enough cycles in the signal are deduced to be sufficient.
f) A manual switch for physical access to control the diming at the control box .
g) An optocoupler to properly isolate the solid state circuitry control from the high power distribution line.
h) A solid state Triac for proper switching and slicing of the power consumption.
2. A lamp dimmer in accordance with claim 1(e), wherein said the infrared detector is placed by a wired connection away from the control box, in close proximity to the lamp and strategically realized for proper control by an infrared transmitter.
3. A lamp dimmer in accordance with claim 1(e), wherein said the infrared detector is capable of receiving and counting on-off pulses from any commercial infrared remote transmitter. The infrared detector is said to have a wide spectrum capable of detecting all infrared signals.
4. A lamp dimmer in accordance with claim 1(a), wherein said the down-converter is a basic transformer which has significantly proper isolation from the AC distribution line used. The transformer is said to produce the needed DC power to functionally deliver voltage to the solid state devices in the entire product description.
5. A lamp dimmer in accordance with claim 1(b), wherein said the bridge circuit is an off-the-shelf bridge rectifier needed to deliver proper timing and proper rectification for usage by the entire product.
6. A lamp dimmer in accordance with claim 1(c), wherein said the timing slicer is incorporated and delivered by a solid state device for comparison purposes which can be set to deliver any crossing point.
7. A lamp dimmer in accordance with claim 1(d), wherein said the microcontrollers are used to provide efficient intelligence to the function of the said lamp dimmer. The lamp dimmer is said to use two microcontrollers for usage in the correct timing and slicing of the AC line voltage. The precision in this type of technology is said to be in steps of 10microseconds.
8. A lamp dimmer in accordance with claim 1(f), wherein said a manual switch is placed for verification and bypass of the control given by the said claim 1(e) whereas said to be the function by the infrared detector. ]
9. A lamp dimmer in accordance with claim 1(g), wherein said the optocoupler is placed to properly isolate the low voltage delivered by the said claim 1(a) and the AC distribution line.
10. A lamp dimmer in accordance with claim 1(h) wherein said the triac is used to properly deliver the slicing function by the said control given in claim 1(d).
The lamp dimmer will provide proper dissipation of power by the use of the said solid state triac by which a sufficient heat sink will provide the interface from body of the solid state device to the air circulation.
The lamp dimmer will provide proper dissipation of power by the use of the said solid state triac by which a sufficient heat sink will provide the interface from body of the solid state device to the air circulation.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2675529 CA2675529A1 (en) | 2009-08-12 | 2009-08-12 | Double microcontroller lamp dimmer |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2675529 CA2675529A1 (en) | 2009-08-12 | 2009-08-12 | Double microcontroller lamp dimmer |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2675529A1 true CA2675529A1 (en) | 2011-02-12 |
Family
ID=43586930
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2675529 Abandoned CA2675529A1 (en) | 2009-08-12 | 2009-08-12 | Double microcontroller lamp dimmer |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2675529A1 (en) |
-
2009
- 2009-08-12 CA CA 2675529 patent/CA2675529A1/en not_active Abandoned
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CN105794323B (en) | For providing the system and method for self-adjusting light source | |
| US8450944B2 (en) | Intelligent light for controlling lighting level | |
| US10201064B1 (en) | Power supply for a two-wire smart dimmer and lighting loads thereof | |
| US9791117B2 (en) | Emergency lighting fixture with remote control | |
| CA2651282C (en) | Smart control device | |
| US10123393B1 (en) | Power supply for a two-wire smart switch and lighting loads thereof | |
| US10959307B2 (en) | Load control device configured to operate in two-wire and three-wire modes | |
| US20100090604A1 (en) | Led drive circuit, led illumination component, led illumination device, and led illumination system | |
| KR101124478B1 (en) | dimming control apparatus for LED lighting system that being adjustable illuminance | |
| US20040009700A1 (en) | Motion activated plug-in outlet | |
| CA2650943A1 (en) | Power line communication | |
| US9578707B2 (en) | Lighting system, control method, and control apparatus | |
| WO2017139589A2 (en) | Toggle control for lighting system | |
| US20090195192A1 (en) | Smart light | |
| WO2016036789A1 (en) | Systems and methods for remotely controlling a wall socket | |
| US10750584B2 (en) | Lighting wall controller having touch rejection capability and proximity detection | |
| WO2011009187A1 (en) | Control switch suitable for different loads | |
| US8519629B2 (en) | Lighting device | |
| KR20130033021A (en) | Lighting control device using power line | |
| JP7033744B2 (en) | Lighting control system, lighting system, lighting system, and program | |
| KR20150125567A (en) | Lighting system and lighting apparatus | |
| KR101559435B1 (en) | A led lamp controlling board directly coupled with alternating current | |
| CA2675529A1 (en) | Double microcontroller lamp dimmer | |
| US20020153780A1 (en) | Touch operated control system for electrical devices | |
| US20200227996A1 (en) | Circuit adapted to detect applied voltage and/or voltage dependent conditions |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20130813 |