Abstract:
A design module is a software module that is implemented in a computer system that comprises instructions stored in a machine-readable medium and a processor that executes the instructions. The design module receives inputs from a person to create a custom insert for a lighting control panel. The inputs identify the content and locations of labels and a decorative background of the insert. Each label is associated with a corresponding input device. Each input device is associated with an optical configuration or “scene” of an environment associated with the lighting control panel. Each label includes alphanumeric text and/or graphics that identify the scene of the label&#39;s corresponding input device. The design module causes the insert to be generated by instructing a printer to print the labels and background on a sheet of material, at the specified locations.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The invention relates generally to lighting control panels and, more particularly, to methods and systems for customizing the content, design, and overall “look and feel” of lighting control panels and labels thereof. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    A lighting control panel is an electronic device used to control one or more other electronic devices, such as luminaires and light shades, that affect light in an environment. A luminaire is a system that outputs or distributes light into an environment, thereby allowing certain items in that environment to be visible. Luminaires are often referred to as “light fixtures.” A lighting control panel can be used to change an optical configuration and an intensity of light emitted by luminaires associated with the lighting control panel. For example, a person can use a lighting control panel to select one of a variety of different predefined optical configurations or “scenes” and to adjust intensity of light within a selected scene. Typically, lighting control panels are wall-mounted devices positioned where a conventional “on/off” switch would be. 
         [0003]    Lighting control panels include labels that identify each scene available for selection. For example, a lighting control panel in an educational environment can include labels for “general,” “meeting,” “seminar,” and “lecture” scenes. Traditionally, the labels are static in that, once they are created, they cannot be changed. For example, each label may be permanently etched or printed on a button, insert, cover, or other portion of the lighting control panel. Similarly, the overall design and “look and feel” of a traditional lighting control panel is static. 
         [0004]    The static nature of traditional lighting control panels and the labels thereof is problematic because designs and functions of environments associated with the traditional lighting control panels are inherently dynamic. For example, on a given day, a multi-purpose room or other environment may be used for a variety of different activities. Each activity may be associated with a different environmental design and may require a different set of lighting scenes. For example, a room may require a conservative environmental design when it is used for a meeting of international businessmen, and it may require a fun, party-type design when it is used for a wedding reception. 
         [0005]    Therefore, a need currently exists in the art for methods and systems for customizing lighting control panels. In particular, a need exists in the art for methods and systems for customizing the content, design, and overall “look and feel” of lighting control panels and labels thereof. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The invention provides methods and systems for customizing lighting control panels. A design module is a software module that is implemented in a computer system that comprises instructions stored in a machine-readable medium and a processor that executes the instructions. The design module can be executed on a local computer or a remote computer or server that communicates with a local computer via a network. For example, a person can access the design module via an Internet-based web application. 
         [0007]    The design module receives inputs from the person to create a custom insert for a lighting control panel. The lighting control panel includes at least one input device. Each input device is associated with a different scene or optical configuration for an environment that is associated with the lighting control panel. The lighting control panel is configured to control one or more other electronic devices in the environment. The lighting control panel responds to input received at each input device by controlling the other electronic devices to cause the environment to have the optical configuration associated with the input device. For example, each input device can include a button, capacitive touch switch, or other device that receives inputs from a person. 
         [0008]    A front cover is disposed over at least a portion of the input devices. The insert is disposed between the front cover and the input devices. The insert includes one or more labels that are each associated with one of the input devices. The insert also includes a decorative background, such as a color, graphic, or textual figure, that accompanies the labels. The front cover includes a transparent or semi-transparent material through which at least a portion of the labels and the background is visible. 
         [0009]    The labels and background of the insert are custom-designed using the design module. The design module receives at least one first input, with each first input identifying content for one of the labels. For example, the content can include alphanumeric text and/or graphics. The design module also receives at least one second input, with each second input identifying a location on the insert for a corresponding one of the labels. In certain exemplary embodiments, the design module receives the first and second inputs in response to prompts displayed by the design module on a graphical user interface. 
         [0010]    The design module causes the insert to be generated, with each label including its designated content and being located at its identified location. For example, the design module can cause the insert to be generated by instructing a locally or remotely located printer to print the labels on a sheet of material, such as plastic. Prior to the time of printing, the sheet of material may be blank or may include one or more pre-printed backgrounds or labels. A person can install the generated insert in a lighting control panel by removing the front cover of the lighting control panel, removing any insert present in the lighting control panel, replacing the removed insert with the generated insert, and replacing the front cover. 
         [0011]    These and other aspects, features and embodiments of the invention will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments exemplifying the best mode for carrying out the invention as presently perceived. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying figures briefly described as follows. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a lighting control panel, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram depicting a system for customizing lighting control panels, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart depicting a method for customizing lighting control panels, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart depicting a method for generating custom control panel inserts, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0017]    The following description of exemplary embodiments refers to the attached drawings, in which like numerals indicate like elements throughout the figures. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a lighting control panel  100 , in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The lighting control panel  100  is an electronic device used to control one or more other electronic devices (not shown), such as luminaires and window shades. Typically, the lighting control panel  100  is used to adjust at least one optical characteristic in a corresponding environment. For example, a person can use the lighting control panel  100  to adjust a configuration and/or an intensity of light in the environment. For simplicity, the term “controlled device” is used herein to refer to any electronic device that is controlled by a lighting control panel  100 . 
         [0019]    The lighting control panel  100  includes a main body  115  that includes circuitry through which control signals are transferred between the lighting control panel  100  and one or more controlled devices. Switches  116  disposed at least partially on a front face  115   a  of the main body  115  are associated with various predefined configurations of the controlled devices. For example, each configuration or “scene” can be associated with a different light configuration within an environment associated with the controlled devices. Each switch  116  is associated with one scene. In certain exemplary embodiments, each switch  116  is at least partially illuminated by one or more diodes or other light-emitting elements disposed within the main body  115 . 
         [0020]    A person can select a particular scene by activating the switch  116  associated with that scene. For example, each switch  116  can include a button, capacitive touch switch, or other device that receives inputs from a person. The circuitry within the main body  115  is electrically coupled to the switch  116  and is responsive to inputs thereto. Activation of a particular switch  116  causes the circuitry to transfer control signals between the switch  116  and one or more of the controlled devices. For example, activation of a switch  116  associated with a scene that requires bright lighting may cause control signals to activate one or more luminaires and/or raise one or more light shades. 
         [0021]    A knob  117  disposed on the front face  115   a  of the main body  115  is operable to turn the lighting control panel  100  on and off and to adjust intensity of light in a selected scene. For example, a person can depress the knob  117  to turn the lighting control panel  100  on and off and rotate the knob  117  clockwise and counterclockwise to increase and reduce the intensity of light in a selected scene. The knob  117  is electrically coupled to the circuitry within the main body  115  such that operation of the knob  117  causes control signals to be transferred between the knob  117  and one or more of the controlled devices. 
         [0022]    The main body  115  is configured to be coupled to a standard electrical wall box (not shown) via a chassis plate  120 . The chassis plate  120  includes two apertures  120   a  through which fastening devices, such as screws  121 , secure the chassis plate  120  to the wall box. A frame  120   b  of the chassis plate  120  defines an interior opening  120   c  through which at least a portion of a back side  115   b  of the main body  115  extends into the wall box. The main body  115  is removably secured to the chassis plate  120  via one or more tabs, slots, lips  120   d , screws, bolts, or other fastening means. Similarly, a front cover  105  is removably secured to the main body  115  via one or more tabs, slots  115   c , lips, screws, bolts, or other fastening means. 
         [0023]    A control panel insert  110  is disposed between the front cover  105  and the main body  115 . The control panel insert  110  is held in place by being essentially “sandwiched” between the front cover  105  and the main body  115 . Alternatively, the control panel insert  110  may be removably coupled to the front cover  105  and/or the main body  115  via one or more tabs, slots, lips, screws, bolts, or other fastening means. Openings  106  and  112  in the front cover  105  and the control panel insert  110 , respectively, accommodate at least a portion of the knob  117  so that at least a front end  117   a  of the knob  117  is disposed along an outer periphery of the control panel  100 . 
         [0024]    The control panel insert  110  is a sheet of material, such as plastic, that includes labels  111  identifying the scenes associated with the switches  116 . Each label  111  is associated with a different scene. For example, each label  111  can include text or graphics identifying its associated scene. Each label  111  is disposed proximate its corresponding switch  116 . For example, each label  111  may cover or engage at least a portion of its corresponding switch  116 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the labels  111  are transparent or semi-transparent so that the light illuminating each switch  116  illuminates one or more of the labels  111 . The light can illuminate all of the labels  111  or only the label  111  corresponding to the scene that is currently active. 
         [0025]    As set forth below, the content, design, and overall “look and feel” of the lighting control panel  100  can be customized using different control panel inserts  110 . In particular, a person can interchange different control panel inserts  110  within the lighting control panel  100  to adjust the content, design, and “look and feel” of the lighting control panel  100 . Each control panel insert  110  can be custom-designed to include desired content, such as custom text and graphics. For example, each control panel insert  110  can include a decorative background and labels  111  that have been custom-designed for a particular environment or event. 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram depicting a system  200  for customizing lighting control panels  100 , in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The system  200  is described hereinafter with reference to the methods  300  and  400  illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 .  FIG. 3  is a flow chart depicting a method  300  for customizing lighting control panels, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The exemplary method  300  is illustrative and, in alternative embodiments of the invention, certain steps can be performed in a different order, in parallel with one another, or omitted entirely, and/or certain additional steps can be performed without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The method  300  is described hereinafter with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . 
         [0027]    In step  305 , a person identifies a control panel  100  to customize. In step  310 , the person identifies a desired control panel insert  115  to be included in the control panel  100 . For example, the person can identify the control panel insert  115  from a group of one or more existing control panel inserts  115 . Alternatively, this step  310  may involve generating a new control panel insert  115  that includes desired content. An exemplary method  400  for generating a new, customized control panel insert  115  is described below, with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0028]    In step  315 , the person removes any control panel insert  115  present in the control panel  100 . To remove the control panel insert  115 , the person removes the cover  105  from the main body  115  and then separates the control panel insert  115  from the main body  115 . For example, the person can remove the cover  105  by disabling one or more tabs, slots, lips, screws, bolts, or other fastening means holding the cover  105  to the main body  115 . In step  320 , the person replaces the removed control panel insert  115  with the desired control panel insert  115  identified in step  310 . The person also replaces the removed front cover  105  to complete the re-assembly of control panel  100 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart depicting a method  400  for generating custom control panel inserts, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The exemplary method  400  is illustrative and, in alternative embodiments of the invention, certain steps can be performed in a different order, in parallel with one another, or omitted entirely, and/or certain additional steps can be performed without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The method  400  is described hereinafter with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0030]    In step  405 , a design module  205  identifies a control panel insert  115  to be designed. The design module  205  is a computer program that includes instructions executed in a computer system. In certain exemplary embodiments, the design module  205  is stored and executed on an operator device  215 . The operator device  215  is a computing device, such as a personal computer, that includes a processor configured to execute the instructions of the design module  205 . The operator device  215  also includes at least one input device  216  through which a person can enter commands and information to the operator device  215 . For example, the input device(s)  216  can include a keyboard, mouse, trackball, electronic pen, touch screen, microphone, joystick, or the like. 
         [0031]    In certain exemplary embodiments, the design module  205  is stored remotely from the operator device  215  and is in communication with the operator device  215  via a network  210 . The network  210  includes any wired or wireless telecommunication means by which computerized devices can exchange data, including, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an intranet, an Internet, or any combination thereof. In certain exemplary embodiments, a person operating the operator device  215  can access the design module  205  over the network  210  via web browser application software  220  of the operator device  215 . Thus, the design module  205  is accessible directly on the operator device  215  or indirectly via the network  210 . 
         [0032]    In step  410 , the design module  205  receives a first input that identifies a background for the control panel insert  115 . The background is an image or color displayed on at least a portion of the control panel insert  115 , substantially behind at least one of the labels  111 . The first input is provided to the design module  205  based on input entered via one or more of the input devices  216 . For example, the first input can be based on a typed entry or mouse-clicked selection of at least one background option. 
         [0033]    In certain exemplary embodiments, the background options can include previously created backgrounds stored in a computer memory coupled to the design module  205 , as well as newly created backgrounds generated with assistance by the design module  205 . For example, the background options can include a background uploaded from a memory of the operator device  215 . In certain exemplary embodiments, a person provides the first input in response to one or more prompts displayed on a graphical user interface associated with the design module  205 . For example, the graphical user interface can include a check box, drop-down box, text entry field, or other prompt identifying one or more available background options. 
         [0034]    In step  415 , the design module  205  receives a second input that identifies content for at least one label  111  of the control panel insert  115 . For example, for each label  111 , the second input can identify text and/or graphics to be included in the label  111 . The second input is provided to the design module  205  based on input entered via one or more of the input devices  216 . For example, the second input can be based on a typed entry or a mouse-clicked selection of at least one label option. 
         [0035]    In certain exemplary embodiments, the label options can include previously created labels stored in a computer memory coupled to the design module  205 , as well as newly created labels generated with assistance by the design module  205 . For example, the label options can include text or graphics uploaded from a memory of the operator device  215 . In certain exemplary embodiments, a person provides the second input in response to one or more prompts displayed on a graphical user interface associated with the design module  205 . For example, the graphical user interface can include a text entry field in which a person can type desired text, as well as a check box, drop-down box, text entry field, or other prompt identifying one or more available label options. 
         [0036]    In step  420 , the design module  205  receives a third input that identifies a respective location on the control panel insert  115  for each label  111 . For example, the third input can identify the switch  116  to which each label  111  will correspond. The third input is provided to the design module  205  based on input entered via one or more of the input devices  216 . For example, the third input can be based on a typed entry or a mouse-clicked selection of at least one location. In certain exemplary embodiments, a person provides the third input in response to one or more prompts displayed on a graphical user interface associated with the design module  205 . For example, the graphical user interface can include a check box, drop-down box, text entry field, or other prompt identifying one or more available locations. In certain exemplary embodiments, the graphical user interface displays an image of a control panel insert  115  on which the prompts are disposed. For example, a person can select a location for a particular label  111  by clicking on a desired location on the image and then entering text for the label  111  via a keyboard or other input device  116 . 
         [0037]    In step  425 , the design module  205  generates the control panel insert  115  based on the inputs received in steps  410 - 420 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the design module  205  generates the control panel insert  115  by causing a printer  225  to print the background and/or the labels  111  on a sheet of material. Each label  111  is disposed at the location identified in the third input received in step  420 . 
         [0038]    The printer  225  is connected directly or indirectly (via the network  210 ) to the operator device  215  and/or the design module  205 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the printer  225  is associated with a person other than the person using the operator device  215 . For example, the printer  225  can be associated with a manufacturer or other entity that prepares the control panel insert  115  on behalf of the person using the operator device  215 . Alternatively, the person using the operator device  215  can prepare the control panel insert  115  himself. 
         [0039]    Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described above in detail, the description is merely for purposes of illustration. It should be appreciated, therefore, that many aspects of the invention were described above by way of example only and are not intended as required or essential elements of the invention unless explicitly stated otherwise. Various modifications of, and equivalent steps corresponding to, the disclosed aspects of the exemplary embodiments, in addition to those described above, can be made by a person of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of this disclosure, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention defined in the following claims, the scope of which is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass such modifications and equivalent structures.