Patent ID: 6687487
Filing Date: 2004-02-03
Classification: G08C,H01Q,H02J,H04B,H05B,Y02B,Y02E,Y04S

Abstract:
A repeater for use in a lighting control system of the type including a master control unit in two way communication with a lighting control device, the repeater for transmitting information between the master control unit and the lighting control device to help ensure reliable two way communication between the master control unit and the lighting control device, the repeater comprising:a transmitter/receiver, the transmitter/receiver receiving information in signals from the master control unit and the lighting control device and transmitting the received information, each time the information is received, in signals for reception by the respective lighting control device and master control unit; and further wherein a direct communication path for the information between the master control unit and the lighting control device is provided, the direct communication path being intermittently unreliable; the repeater providing an additional communication path for the information between the master control unit and the lighting control device; the repeater being spaced from the master control unit and the lighting control device by respective specified fixed distances once the repeater is installed at a location, said respective specified fixed distances being less than a theoretical maximum communication distance between the repeater and each of the master control unit and the lighting control device; said repeater providing said additional communication path that is always available substantially concurrently with the direct communication path to ensure reliable communication between the master control unit and the lighting control device.