Abstract:
A self-programmable control system for an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may comprise a ceiling fan and associated light fixtures, wherein the ceiling fan is manufactured to be coupled with an AC power source, and includes a motor with associated connection wires for rotating fan blades. Such ceiling fan system may further include at least one lower light fixture, and one upper light fixture, with associated connection wires for adjusting light intensity. The control system may utilize a plurality of wireless or hard-wired controllers, wherein each controller contains a transmitter configured to encode and transmit a control signal from the controller to a receiver. The control system further includes a receiver adapted to receive the encoded control signals, decode the instruction, and provide the decoded instruction to a component of the electronic device. The receiver is adapted to operate in several different modes, including a dimmer mode and a programming mode, whereby the remote transmitters may adjust the illumination intensity and the receiver may program itself to receive instructions only from a specific controller.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    This invention relates to encoded control systems, and more specifically, to a device for controlling a ceiling fan and its associated light fixtures, and a method wherein the transmission of a signal is encoded. 
         [0003]    2. Background of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Current ceiling fan systems may comprise a motor, fan blades, at least one light fixture located below the fan blades, a light fixture located above the fan blades, and a device to control the ceiling fan system, such as an AC-coupled wall control unit. Such a device for controlling a ceiling fan system is inefficient as these devices utilize a method of control in which control signals are sent from the control unit to the ceiling fan by modulating them onto the AC power line, thus reducing the AC power to the fan, causing unwanted fluctuations in the fan speed and light intensity. 
         [0005]    Such wall control units also lack variation in functionality, as most only provide the ability to turn off and on the fan and its associated light fixtures, and do not allow for user-defined variations in the light intensity and fan speed. Further, the few wall control units that do allow greater user-control do not feature the ability to adjust the direction of fan blade rotation. 
         [0006]    It is desirable to control fan and light settings through use of a remote control system in addition to the wall-mounted controller. A remote control system can utilize wireless communication between a transmitter and a receiver over some sort of wireless medium, such as Radio Frequency (RF) or infrared light (IR). Such a method can suffer from interference from other wireless controllers using the same wireless medium. Accordingly, it is advantageous to encode the transmitted signal so that only the desired receiver only receives commands from the desired transmitter, thereby eliminating interference from other sources. It is also desirable to provide a self-programmable receiver for receiving the encoded instructions from the remote controller so that the receiver can be readily programmed to work with different remotes. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Disclosed is a control system powered by an Alternating Current (AC) power source. The electronic device to be controlled may comprise a ceiling fan and associated light fixtures, wherein such ceiling fan is manufactured to be coupled with an AC power source, and includes a motor with associated connection wires for rotating fan blades. Such ceiling fan system may further include at least one lower light fixture, and one upper light fixture, with associated connection wires for adjusting light intensity. 
         [0008]    The controlling system may include a plurality of wireless controllers, wherein each controller contains a transmitter tailored to encode and deliver a wireless control signal from said controller to the receiver. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a control signal, which contains an instruction to be executed by the receiver, is encoded by the controller prior to being transmitted via a wireless medium such as Radio Frequency (RF) or infrared light (IR), and is decoded by the receiver prior to execution. By encoding the control signals sent by a particular transmitter, only the intended receiver will be able to process the control signals and execute the desired function. 
         [0009]    The control system may comprise at least one portable remote controller powered by a Direct Current (DC) power source, such as a battery. The remote controller may also comprise an encoding device with eight code switches, wherein each code switch has an “On/Off” position. The encoding device may further comprise a Holtek HT 12A integrated circuit, which is commercially available. The eight code switches can be connected to address pins of the HT12A integrated circuit so that the desired code can be provided directly to the encoding circuit. The remote controller user interface may further comprise two switches designated to control the light fixtures associated with the ceiling fan, four switches to control the fan speed setting, and one switch to reverse the direction of fan blade rotation. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the remote controller generates and encodes control signals, then transmits the encoded control signals to the receiver via a wireless transmission medium. According to another embodiment, the transmission medium may comprise a wired connection between the controller and the receiver. 
         [0010]    The control system may further comprise at least one stationary controller, wherein said controller is tailored to be mounted on a fixed structure, such as a wall, and is powered by an AC power source. The stationary controller may comprise an encoding device with eight code switches, wherein each code switch has an “On/Off” position. The stationary controller user interface may comprise two switches designated to control the light fixtures associated with the ceiling fan, and four switches to control the fan speed setting. The stationary controller may further comprise one switch to reverse the direction of fan blade rotation, and one toggle switch to power the receiver on and off. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the stationary controller generates and encodes code signals, then transmits said control signals to the receiver via a wireless transmission medium. According to another embodiment, the transmission medium may comprise a wired connection between the controller and the receiver. 
         [0011]    The control system may further comprise a receiver that includes a Radio Frequency (RF) receiver, wherein said receiver receives encoded control signals from transmission devices. The receiver may decrypt the control signals, extract and process the control instruction, and operate the fan motor and associated light fixtures in a manner that is compliant with said control instruction. In one embodiment of the invention, both the stationary controller and the portable remote controller are adapted to transmit a control signal to the receiver via the same transmission medium. 
         [0012]    Additional advantages, objects, and features of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    Disclosed embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, wherein: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary control system; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a ceiling fan system, consisting of a lower light fixture, upper light fixture, fan blades, and a motor; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of an exemplary stationary controller in a light or ceiling fan control unit wall housing; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B and  4 C are diagrams illustrating the user interface and code switches for a portable controller; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a process flow diagram of the steps performed by an exemplary embodiment of a portable controller; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C are diagrams illustrating an exemplary user interface and code switches for a stationary controller of the control system; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a process flow diagram of the steps performed by an exemplary embodiment of the stationary controller embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of the connections between a ceiling fan system and a receiver; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a process flow diagram of the steps performed by an exemplary embodiment of the receiver; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a process flow diagram for the “Process Control Instruction” step of  FIG. 9 ; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is an exemplary embodiment of a process flow diagram for the “Enter Dimmer Mode” step of  FIG. 10B . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Control System Overview 
       [0025]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary control system  100 , wherein said control system includes a stationary controller  102  connected to an AC power source  104 ; a receiver  106  connected to an AC power source  104  and ceiling fan system  200 ; and a portable controller  110  connected to a DC power source  112 . The exemplary control system  100  further includes a wiring schematic  114  for connecting the receiver  106  to the ceiling fan system  200 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  provides a schematic diagram of a representative ceiling fan system  200  comprised of at least one lower light fixture  202 , an upper-light fixture  204 , a motor  206 , and fan blades  208 , wherein said motor  206  is powered by an AC power supply  104  and rotates said fan blades  208  at a desired speed and direction. 
         [0027]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , one embodiment of the stationary controller  302  may be mounted into a light or ceiling fan control unit wall housing  304  with a faceplate  306  installed on top of the controller mounting unit  308 . Such installation further includes connecting a ground wire  310  of the controller to a grounding wire  311  in the wall housing unit  304 , connecting a first power wire  312  of the controller to a first power wire  313  in the wall housing unit  304 , and connecting a second power wire  314  of the controller to a second power wire  315  in the wall housing unit  304 . The first power wires  312  and  313  connect the stationary controller to the AC power supply  104 , while the second power wires  314  and  315  connect the stationary controller to the control unit  106 . After connecting the first power wires  312  and  313 , connecting the second power wires  314  and  315 , and grounding the ground wire  310  of  FIG. 3 , AC power is able to flow from the AC power supply  104 , through the stationary controller  102 , and to the receiver  106  of  FIG. 1 . 
       Portable Controller 
       [0028]      FIG. 4A  illustrates an exemplary portable remote controller  110  used to instruct the receiver  106  to control the ceiling fan system  200 . The front surface  400  of the controller  110  features a plurality of push switches acting as the user interface system, wherein the light-controlling switches  402  and  404  control the illumination of the lower  202  and upper  204  light fixtures on the ceiling fan system  200 ; the fan-controlling switches  406 ,  407 ,  408 ,  409 , and  410  provide the fan motor  206  with the desired speed and direction of fan blade  208  rotation; and the indicator light  411  illuminates to inform the user that the controller  110  has recognized that a switch is pressed. An encoding device, such the commercially available HT12E encoder, may also be incorporated into the controller  106  to encode signals that are to be sent from the portable controller  110  to the receiver  106 . 
         [0029]    The light-controlling switches featured on the front surface  400  of the portable remote controller  110  are “Up-Light” switch  402  and “Down-Light” switch  404 . In one embodiment of the invention, when the “Up-light” switch  402  is pressed for less than a first period of time (e.g., less than 0.7 seconds), the receiver  106  will operate in “normal mode.” In the “normal mode,” the controller  110  generates and transmits an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 . Upon receiving this signal, the receiver  106  provides power to the fan&#39;s associated light fixtures  202  and  204 . If the light fixtures  202  and  204  are already powered on, this control instruction turns the power off to the light fixtures  202  and  204 . In another embodiment of the invention, when the “Down-Light” switch  402  is pressed for less than a first period of time (e.g., less than 0.7 seconds), the receiver  106  will operate in “normal mode.” In the “normal mode,” the controller  110  generates and transmits an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 . Upon receiving this signal, the receiver  106  removes power from the fan&#39;s associated light fixtures  202  and  204 . If the light fixtures  202  and  204  are already powered off, this control instruction turns the power on to the light fixtures  202  and  204 . 
         [0030]    In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, when either the “Up-Light” switch  402  or the “Down-Light” switch  404  are pressed for longer than the first period of time (e.g., greater than 0.7 seconds), the receiver  106  enters “dimmer mode.” The receiver  106  will operate in the “dimmer mode” until it returns to “normal mode” operation. When the light-controlling switches “Up-Light”  402  and “Down-Light”  404  are pressed while the controller is operating in “dimmer mode,” the light control switches gradually adjust the illumination intensity of the lower  202  and upper  204  light fixtures, wherein said adjustment of light intensity varies periodically (e.g., every 0.8 seconds). For example, if the receiver  106  is operating in “dimmer mode,” and the user presses the “Up-Light” switch  402 , the controller  110  generates and transmits an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 . Upon receiving the encoded control signal, the receiver  106  decodes the signal and gradually increase the intensity, or brightness, of the fan&#39;s associated light fixtures  202  and  204 . Once the light fixtures  202  and  204  reach their maximum intensity, the intensity will pause briefly, then gradually start to decrease. The receiver will continue to cycle through increasing and decreasing intensity until the user stops pressing the “Up-Light” switch  402 . Conversely, if the receiver  106  is operating in “dimmer mode,” and the user presses the “Down-Light” switch  404 , the controller  110  generates and transmits an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 . Upon receiving the encoded signal, the receiver  106  gradually decreases the intensity of the light fixtures  202  and  204 . Once the light fixtures  202  and  204  are at minimum intensity, the intensity will pause briefly, then gradually start to increase. The receiver will continue to cycle through increasing and decreasing intensity until the user stops pressing the “Down-Light” switch  402 . Or, according to another embodiment of the invention, the cyclical change in light intensity may continue for as long as the user depresses a light-control switch while the controller  110  is operating in “dimmer mode,” or the light fixtures  202  and  204  reach their maximum or minimum intensity. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, when the controller  110  is operating in “dimmer mode,” and the user waits for longer than a second period of time (e.g., greater than 0.8 seconds) before pressing another light-control switch, the controller  110  may return to “normal mode” operation. A flow chart illustrating the steps performed in the “dimmer mode” is further illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0031]    The fan speed switches featured on the front surface  400  of the portable remote controller  110  are “Low” switch  406 , “Medium” switch  407 , and “High” switch  408 . In one embodiment of the invention, when the “Low” switch  406  is pressed, the controller  110  may generate and transmit an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 , wherein said control signal instructs the receiver  106  to power the associated fan motor  206  at the defined “Low” speed setting, and in the direction in which the motor  206  is currently operating. The “Low” speed setting is typically defined as the minimal speed for fan blade  208  rotation. When the “Medium” switch  407  is pressed, the controller  110  may generate and transmit an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 , wherein said control signal instructs the receiver  106  to power the associated fan motor  206  at the defined “Medium” speed setting, and in the direction in which the motor  206  is currently operating. The “Medium” speed setting is typically defined as a speed for fan blade  208  rotation greater than the “Low” speed, but less than the “High” speed. When the “High” switch  408  is pressed, the controller  110  may generate and transmit an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 , wherein said control signal instructs the receiver  106  to power the associated fan motor  206  at the defined “High” speed setting, and in the direction in which the motor  206  is currently operating. The “High” speed setting is typically defined as the maximum speed for fan blade  208  rotation. 
         [0032]    The front surface  400  of the portable controller  110  further features fan control switches “Stop” switch  409 , and “Reverse” switch  410 . In one embodiment of the invention, when the “Stop” switch  409  is pressed, the controller  110  may generate and transmit an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 , wherein said control signal instructs the receiver  106  to power off the associated fan motor  206 . When the “Reverse” switch  410  is pressed, the controller  110  may generate and transmit an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 , wherein said control signal instructs the receiver  106  to power the associated fan motor  206  in the opposite direction and same speed in which it is currently operating, effectively reversing the direction of fan blade  208  rotation. 
         [0033]      FIG. 4B  additionally includes a back surface view  450  of the controller  110  featuring a removable cover  452 , a battery compartment  454 , and a set of code toggle switches  456 .  FIG. 4C  is the back surface view  450  further including an enlarged view  460  of the code toggle switches  456 . The enlarged view  460  illustrates eight individual code toggle switches  456   a - h . Because there are eight individual code toggle switches  456   a - h , the signal encoding device is said to have 8-bit encryption, meaning there are 2̂8, or 256 possible signal encoding code combinations. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal encoding code for the portable controller  110  is determined by setting each individual code toggle switch  456  to either an “On” or “Off” position. 
         [0034]    When DC power is supplied to the controller  110 , it continuously waits for a user input. Once a switch is pressed, the controller  110  follows the process flow  500  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The controller  110  receives a user input once the user has pressed a control switch ( 501 ). While the switch is pressed, the red indicator light  411  flashes ( 502 ), and the controller  110  receives the user input command ( 503 ). A microprocessor inside the controller  110  generates a control instruction based on which switch was pressed, and embeds the instruction in a control signal ( 504 ). The microprocessor then encodes said control signal ( 505 ), and transmits the control signal ( 506 ) to the receiver  106 . The encoding code used to encode the control signal is determined by the settings of the individual code toggle switches  456   a - h . After the control signal is sent to the receiver  106 , the controller  110  returns to its original state wherein it waits for a user input. 
       Stationary Controller 
       [0035]      FIG. 6A  illustrates the exemplary stationary controller  102  used to control the ceiling fan system  200  represented in  FIG. 1 . The front surface  600  of the controller  102  features a plurality of switches acting as the user interface system, wherein the light-controlling switches  602  and  604  control the illumination of the light fixtures  202  and  204  on the ceiling fan system  200 , and the fan-controlling switches  606 ,  607 ,  608 ,  609 , and  610  provide the fan motor  206  with the desired speed and direction of fan blade  208  rotation. The front surface  600  further features a power switch  601 , and an indicator light  611  that illuminates to inform the user that the controller  102  has recognized that a switch is pressed. 
         [0036]    The light-controlling switches featured on the front surface  600  of the stationary controller  102  are “Up-Light” switch  602  and “Down-Light” switch  604 . In one embodiment of the invention, when the “Up-light” switch  602  is pressed and held for less than a predetermined period of time (e.g., 0.7 seconds), the controller  102  may operate in “normal mode,” and generate and transmit an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 , wherein said control signal instructs the receiver  106  to power on the fan&#39;s associated lower  202  and upper  204  light fixtures. If the light fixtures  202  and  204  are already powered on, this control instruction turns the power off to the light fixtures  202  and  204 . In another embodiment of the invention, when the “Down-light” switch  604  is pressed and held for less than a predetermined period of time (e.g., 0.7 seconds), the controller  102  may operate in “normal mode,” and generate and transmit an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 , wherein said control signal instructs the receiver  106  to power off the light fixtures  202  and  204 . If the light fixtures  202  and  204  are already powered off, this control instruction turns the power on to the light fixtures  202  and  204 . 
         [0037]    In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, when either the “Up-Light” switch  602  or the “Down-Light” switch  604  is pressed and held for more than a predetermined period of time (e.g., 0.7 seconds), the receiver  106  enters “dimmer mode.” The receiver  106  operates in “dimmer mode” until returning to the “normal mode” operation. When the light-controlling switches “Up-Light”  602  and “Down-Light”  604  are pressed while the controller is operating in “dimmer mode,” the light control switches gradually adjust the illumination intensity of the light fixtures  202  and  204 , wherein said adjustment of light intensity varies periodically (e.g., every 0.8 seconds). For example, if the stationary controller  102  is operating in “dimmer mode,” and the user presses the “Up-Light” switch  602 , the controller  102  may generate and transmit an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 . Upon receiving this signal, the receiver  106  gradually increase the intensity, or brightness, of the fan&#39;s associated light fixtures  202  and  204 . Once the light fixtures  202  and  204  reach the maximum intensity, the intensity will pause briefly, then cycle though a dimming phase for the light fixtures  202  and  204 . Similarly, after the light reaches its minimum intensity in the dimmer cycle, the receiver will start gradually increasing the intensity of light. This cycle will continue until a button is released on the controller. Further, if the receiver  106  is operating in “dimmer mode,” and the user presses the “Down-Light” switch  604 , the controller  102  generates and transmits an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 . Upon receiving this signal, the receiver  106  gradually decreases the intensity of the light fixtures  202  and  204 . Once the light fixtures  202  and  204  reach the minimum intensity, the intensity will pause briefly, then cycle though a brightening phase for the light fixtures  202  and  204 . The cycle of dimming and brightening will continue until a button is released on the controller. 
         [0038]    In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the gradual change in light intensity may continue for as long as the user depresses a light-control switch while the controller  102  is operating in “dimmer mode.” In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, when the controller  102  is operating in “dimmer mode,” and the user waits for more than a predetermined period of time (e.g., 0.8 seconds) before pressing another light-control switch, the receiver  106  may return to “normal mode” operation. Instruction processing for the “dimmer mode” is further illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0039]    The fan speed switches featured on the front surface  600  of the stationary controller  102  are “Low” switch  606 , “Medium” switch  607 , and “High” switch  608 . In one embodiment of the invention, when the “Low” switch  606  is pressed, the controller  102  may generate and transmit an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 , wherein said control signal instructs the receiver  106  to power the associated fan motor  206  at the defined “Low” speed setting, and in the direction in which the motor  206  is currently operating. When the “Medium” switch  607  is pressed, the controller  102  may generate and transmit an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 , wherein said control signal instructs the receiver  106  to power the associated fan motor  206  at the defined “Medium” speed setting, and in the direction in which the motor  206  is currently operating. When the “High” switch  608  is pressed, the controller  102  may generate and transmit an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 , wherein said control signal instructs the receiver  106  to power the associated fan motor  206  at the defined “High” speed setting, and in the direction in which the motor  206  is currently operating. 
         [0040]    The front surface  600  of the stationary controller  102  further features fan control switches “Stop” switch  609 , and “Reverse” switch  610 . In one embodiment of the invention, when the “Stop” switch  609  is pressed, the controller  102  may generate and transmit an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 , wherein said control signal instructs the receiver  106  to power off the associated fan motor  206 . When the “Reverse” switch  610  is pressed, the controller  102  may generate and transmit an encoded control signal to the receiver  106 , wherein said control signal instructs the receiver  106  to power the associated fan motor  206  in the opposite direction and same speed in which it is currently operating, effectively reversing the direction of fan blade  208  rotation. Also featured on the front surface  600  of the stationary controller  102  is the On/Off power switch  601 . In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, when the power switch  601  is turned to the “On” position, AC power is supplied to both the stationary controller  102  and the receiver  106 . Conversely, when the power switch  601  is turned to the “Off” position, AC power is not supplied to either the stationary controller  102  or the receiver  106   FIG. 6B  additionally includes a perspective view  650  of the entire stationary controller  102  unit, featuring the user interface  651  of the controller  102 , the mounting unit  652 , and a set of code toggle switches  653 .  FIG. 6C  is the side view  650  further including an enlarged view  660  of the code toggle switches  653 . The enlarged view  660  illustrates eight individual code toggle switches  653   a - h . In one embodiment of the invention, the signal encoding code for the stationary controller  102  is determined by setting each individual code toggle switch  653  to either an “On” or “Off” position. 
         [0041]      FIG. 7  is a process flow diagram  700  of representative steps taken by the stationary controller  102 . When the power switch  601  is turned to the “On” setting, AC power is supplied to the stationary controller  102  and the receiver  106  ( 701 ). When powered on, the controller  102  continuously waits for a user input. Once a user has pressed a control switch ( 702 ), the red indicator light  611  flashes ( 703 ), and the controller  102  receives the user input command ( 704 ). A microprocessor inside the controller  102  generates a control instruction based on which switch was pressed, and embeds the instruction in a control signal ( 705 ). The microprocessor then encodes said control signal ( 706 ), and transmits the encoded signal ( 707 ) to the receiver  106 . The encoding code used to encode the control signal of the stationary controller  102  is determined by the settings of the individual code toggle switches  653   a - h . After the control signal is sent to the receiver  106 , the controller  102  returns to its original state where it waits for a user input. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, when the stationary controller  102  recognizes that the power switch is turned to the “Off” position, AC power to the receiver  106  and stationary controller  102  is disabled ( 708 ). 
       Receiver 
       [0042]    A connection diagram  800  of one embodiment of the receiver  106  and ceiling fan system  200  is illustrated in  FIG. 8 , wherein said receiver  106  includes an antenna  810  for receiving RF transmissions, a white motor N wire  802 , a black motor L wire  804 , a blue bottom light wire  806 , an orange upper light wire  808 , a white AC in N wire  812 , and a black AC in L wire  814 . The receiver  106  is wired to a ceiling fan system  200 , wherein said fan system  200  includes a motor  206  for controlling fan blade  208  rotation, one or more lower light fixtures  202 , an upper-light fixture  204 , and fan blades  208 . The ceiling fan system  200  further includes a white COM wire  822 , black MOTOR wire  824 , blue bottom light wire  826 , and orange upper light wire  828 . 
         [0043]    In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the receiver  106  is directly wired to the ceiling fan system  200  and AC power supply  104 . The white AC in N wire  812 , and black AC in L wire  814  connect to the AC power supply  104 , thus providing power to the receiver  106 . Connecting the white motor N wire  802  to the white COM wire  822 , and connecting the black motor L wire  804  to the black MOTOR wire  824  supplies AC power to the fan system  200 , and allows the receiver  106  to control the operation of the fan motor  206 . Connecting the blue bottom light wire  806  to the blue bottom light wire  826  allows the receiver  106  to control the operation of the lower light fixture  202 , while connecting the orange upper light wire  808  to the orange upper light wire  828  allows the receiver  106  to control the operation of the upper light fixture  204 . 
         [0044]    According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiver  106  may comprise an RF or IR receiving device designed to receive wireless signals from a portable controller  110 . A micro-controller, such as the commercially available MDT10P21 8-bit micro-controller sold by Micro Design Technology Co., may also be incorporated into the receiver  106  to process signals received by the receiving device and control the operations of the electronic device, such as a ceiling fan. An EEPROM memory device, such as the commercially available HT93LC46 CMOS EEPROM device sold by Holtek, may also be incorporated into the receiver  106  to receive and store codes for programming the receiver  106 . A decoding device, such the commercially available HT12D decoder, may be further incorporated into the receiver  106  to decode signals sent from the portable controller  110  to the receiver  106 . 
         [0045]    In addition to the previously described “dimmer mode,” the receiver  106  may also operate in a programming mode  901  and standard mode  900 . While in standard mode  900 , the receiver  106  simply executes the control commands it receives from either the stationary controller  102  or the remote controller  110 . While in programming mode  901 , the receiver  106  learns the code used by the controlling device (e.g. the stationary control  102  or the remote control  110 ) so that the corresponding instructions can be decoded and executed. To enter programming mode  901 , AC power  104  is disconnected and restored to the receiver  106 , and within a first predetermined period of time (e.g., 60 seconds) after power restoration, the user presses and holds a switch on the controller ( 102  or  110 ) longer than a second period of time (e.g., 3 seconds). As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , once the receiver  106  is in programming mode  901 , it automatically learns and stores the code of said programming controller ( 912 ). If the code is successfully programmed ( 914 ), the receiver  106  will flash the lower light fixture  202  two times ( 916 ). The receiver  106  then returns to standard operation mode  900  and waits for a control instruction. 
         [0046]    The process flow diagram  900  illustrated in  FIG. 9 , shows both the standard operating mode  900  and the programming operation mode  901  for the controller system. Information processing for the receiver  106  begins when the unit is powered on. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, once the receiver  106  is powered on ( 902 ), the previous settings (e.g. light intensity and fan speed settings) are applied ( 904 ). For example, if the light fixtures  202  and  204  were at full brightness and the fan speed was set to medium when the receiver  106  was powered off, these same settings would be applied once the power was turned back on. Once the settings are restored ( 904 ), the receiver  106  waits for the user to press a switch on either the stationary controller  102  or the portable controller  110  to send a control signal. Once a control signal is received ( 906 ), a microprocessor located inside the receiver  106  determines if the power has been restored within a first predetermined period of time (e.g., 60 seconds) ( 908 ). If power has been restored within that first period of time, the receiver  106  microprocessor determines if the user pressed (and held down) the switch for longer than a second predetermined period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) ( 910 ). If the user did press and hold the switch for longer than the second period of time (e.g., 3 seconds), then the receiver  106  enters programming mode  901 ; otherwise, the receiver  106  attempts to decrypt the control signal ( 918 ). If the control signal decryption is not successful, the receiver discards the control instruction and waits for a user input. If the control signal decryption is successful, then the microprocessor of the receiver  106  processes and executes the control instruction ( 922 ), and stores the fan system&#39;s  200  updated settings in an onboard memory storage location ( 924 ) inside the receiver  106 . In one embodiment of the invention, the fan system&#39;s  200  saved settings will be restored ( 904 ) in the event power to the control system  106  is reset. 
         [0047]    The “Process Control Instruction” step  922  of  FIG. 9  is further detailed in the process flow diagram  1000  in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . Once the user has pressed a switch, and the control instruction is successfully decoded ( 920 ), the microprocessor in the receiver  106  processes, or executes, the control instruction ( 922 ). To execute the control instruction, the microprocessor determines which switch was pressed by the user ( 1001 ), and then performs the corresponding action. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, if the fan “Stop” switch  409  or  609  is pressed, the fan speed is set to “Off” ( 1002 ). If the fan “Low Speed” switch  406  or  606  is pressed, the fan speed is set to “Low” ( 1004 ). If the fan “Medium Speed” switch  407  or  607  is pressed, the fan speed is set to “Medium” ( 1006 ). If the fan “High Speed” switch  408  or  608  is pressed, the fan speed is set to “High” ( 1008 ). If the fan “Reverse” switch  410  or  610  is pressed, the direction of fan blade  208  rotation is reversed ( 1010 ). 
         [0048]    As illustrated in  FIG. 10B , if the “Up-Light” switch  402  or  602  is pressed, the processor determines if the switch was held down for longer than a predetermined period of time (e.g., 0.7 seconds) ( 1012 ). If the switch was pressed and held for longer than the period of time (e.g., 0.7 seconds), the receiver  106  enters “dimmer mode” ( 1014 ). If the button was not pressed for longer than the period of time, the processor next determines if the light is currently on ( 1015 ). If the light is on, then the processor sends an instruction to turn the light off ( 1016 ). If the light is off, then the processor sends an instruction to turn the light on ( 1017 ). Additionally, if the “Down-Light” switch  404  or  604  is pressed, the processor first determines if the switch was held down for longer than a predetermined period of time (e.g., 0.7 seconds) ( 1018 ). If the switch was pressed and held for longer than the period of time (e.g., 0.7 seconds), the controller  106  enters “dimmer mode” ( 1014 ). If the button was not pressed for longer than the period of time, the processor next determines if the light is currently on ( 1019 ). If the light is on, then the processor sends an instruction to turn the light off ( 1020 ). If the light is off, then the processor sends an instruction to turn the light on ( 1021 ). 
         [0049]    The “Enter Dimmer Mode” module  1014  of  FIG. 10B  is further described by the flow chart diagram  1100  in  FIG. 11 . The “dimmer mode” process starts ( 1105 ) by checking to see if one of the up-light or down-light buttons have gone unpressed for longer than a predetermined period of time (e.g., 0.8 seconds) ( 1110 ). If so, then the receiver exits the dimmer mode of operation ( 1115 ). If one of the buttons has not gone unpressed for longer than the predetermined period of time, then the receiver checks to see if the up-light button is pressed ( 1120 ). If the up-light button is pressed, then the receiver starts the dimmer cycle by increasing the light intensity ( 1125 ). If the up-light button is not pressed, then the receiver checks to see if the down-light button is pressed ( 1130 ). If the down-light button is pressed, then the receiver starts the dimmer cycle by decreasing the light intensity ( 1135 ). The dimmer cycle ( 1140 ) operates by gradually increasing or decreasing the intensity of the light until the button is no longer pressed. If the button is continually pressed ( 1145 ), then the dimmer cycle will continue ( 1150 ). If the button is released ( 1145 ), then the receiver will exit the dimmer cycle  1140  and revert to step  1110  as shown by arrow  1155 . After the light reaches its maximum intensity in the dimmer cycle, the receiver will start gradually decreasing the intensity of the light. Similarly, after the light reaches its minimum intensity in the dimmer cycle, the receiver will start gradually increasing the intensity of the light. This cycle will continue until a button is released on the controller, as shown in step  1145 . 
         [0050]    The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary, and are not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. The description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Realizations in accordance with the present invention have been described in the context of particular embodiments. These embodiments are meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be provided for components described herein as a single instance. Boundaries between various components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within the scope of claims that follow. Finally, structures and functionality presented as discrete components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow. 
         [0051]    Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although the headings refer to a “Technical Field,” the claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called technical field. Further, a description of a technology in the “Background” is not to be construed as an admission that technology is prior art to any invention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to be considered as a characterization of the invention(s) set forth in the claims found herein. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty claimed in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims associated with this disclosure, and the claims accordingly define the invention(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of the claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of the specification, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.