Abstract:
A method for configuring a first remotely-controlled device from a plurality of remotely-controlled devices to execute a function in response to a signal from a remote-controller by executing a set of steps at the first remotely-controlled device, wherein said set of steps comprises power cycling said first remotely-controlled device, said power cycling initiating a pairing period, during said pairing period, receiving, from said remote-controller, a first signal, wherein said first signal includes a first security code, and storing said first security code, said method further comprising, after said pairing period, receiving a second signal, said second signal carrying a second security code, comparing said second security code with said first security code, and, in response to said comparison, selecting an action selected from the group consisting of ignoring said second signal and carrying out said function in response to said second signal.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of the Nov. 20, 2015 priority date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/257,910, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to controlling light-fixtures, and in particular, to using a single remote-controller for controlling multiple identical light-fixtures. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Most simple unidirectional remote-controlled systems using infrared or radio include one remote-controller that is paired with one remotely-controlled device. In some instances, there may be two or more identical remotely-controlled devices within range of that remote-controller&#39;s transmitter. In such cases, it may be necessary to prevent that transmitter from controlling a second device within its transmission range. This is a common problem in, for example, a house having multiple remote-controlled ceiling fans. 
         [0004]    One solution to this problem includes setting a code on a dip switch on the device being controlled so that it matches a corresponding code that has been set on the remote-controller&#39;s transmitter. This permits operation of two remote-controllers for two different remotely-controlled devices without interference between them. 
         [0005]    In some remote-controlled systems, this pairing is carried out by having a learning button on the device. In these cases, pressing the learning button initiates a sequence during which pairing can occur. 
         [0006]    In many cases, it is useful to be able to control multiple identical remotely-controlled devices at once. For example, in lighting systems, it is useful to have the ability to dim or turn off selected groups of light-fixtures. In most cases, this is carried out by placing a group of light-fixtures to be controlled on the same electrical circuit and wiring that circuit to a dimmer circuit mounted on a nearby wall or panel. Any other groups of light-fixtures would be placed on additional circuits, each wired to a dedicated dimmer or switch. 
         [0007]    This solution suffers from a lack of flexibility as well as difficulty in installation. 
         [0008]    In principle, one could set dip switches on each of the light-fixtures involved. However, this is a laborious undertaking when many light-fixtures are involved. Moreover, the light-fixtures themselves may be mounted out of reach, thus making the task dangerous as well as laborious. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In another aspect, the invention features pairing a remote-controller with selected remotely-controlled device from a plurality of remotely-controlled devices. These remotely-controlled devices are divided between a first subset and a second subset, with the first subset having at at least one remotely-controlled device. Each remotely-controlled device has the ability to be paired with the remote-controller. The pairing procedure includes interrupting and then restoring power to the remotely-controlled devices. The restoration of power initiates a pairing period. The procedure includes the step of preventing any remotely-controlled device in the second subset from exercising its ability to be paired with the remote-controller during the pairing period. In effect, any remotely-controlled device in that second subset is masked. After having prevented any remotely-controlled device in the second subset from exercising its ability to be paired with the remote-controller during the pairing period, the pairing method continues with transmitting, to all of the remotely-controlled devices, a signal that includes a first security code. The behavior of the remotely-controlled devices in the two subsets will now differ. Those in the first subset will store the first security code, as a result of which, they become paired. However, as a result of having been prevented from exercising their ability to be paired, any remotely-controlled device in the second subset will remain unpaired with the remote-controller. 
         [0010]    In some practices, preventing any remotely-controlled device in the second subset from exercising its ability to be paired with the remote-controller during the pairing period includes separating the remotely-controlled device in the second subset from a power supply. As a result, upon restoring power to the first subset, the remotely-controlled device in the second subset remains separated from the power supply. Among these practices are those that also include restoring power to the remotely-controlled device in the second subset after lapse of the pairing period. 
         [0011]    Other practices of the invention include, during the pairing period, targeting a remotely-controlled device in the first subset with a visual signal. In these practices, the step of preventing any remotely-controlled device in the second subset from exercising its ability to be paired with the remote-controller during the pairing period includes refraining from targeting any remotely-controlled device in the second subset with the visual signal during the pairing period. Among these practices are those in which targeting a remotely-controlled device in the first subset with a visual signal includes targeting the remotely-controlled device in the first subset with a laser. 
         [0012]    Yet other practices further including receiving a signal from the remote-controller, comparing a security code in the signal with the stored security code, and carrying out a function in response to the signal. 
         [0013]    A variety of functions can be carried out in response to receiving a suitable signal from the remote-controller. These include changing an intensity of light emitted by the remotely-controlled device, causing the remotely-controlled device to transition between a first state and a second state, causing the remotely-controlled device to rotate, causing a change in direction of light emitted by the remotely-controlled device, changing the light&#39;s color or its beamwidth, and of course, simply turning the light on or off. In cases were the remotely-controlled device is something other than a light-fixture, other functions are possible. For example, for a ceiling fan, the function may be to adjust the speed or to turn it on or off. When the remotely-controlled device is a set of blinds, the function may be to open and close the blinds. 
         [0014]    Yet other practices include, at a remotely-controlled device in the second subset, receiving a signal from a remote-controller and ignoring the signal. 
         [0015]    Any number of remotely-controlled devices can be in the second subset. In fact in some practices, there are no remotely-controlled devices in the second subset at all. Thus, the second subset is an empty set. 
         [0016]    Among the practices of the invention are those in which the remotely-controlled devices are chosen to be light-fixtures, those in which they are chosen to be ceiling fans, air-conditioners, blinds, or even just remotely-controlled controllers that control other devices. 
         [0017]    In one aspect, the invention permits an owner to program a code to control remotely-controlled devices by cycling power. This particular method promotes security. For example, when implemented in a semi-public area such as a store, it makes it difficult for a vandal to use his own remote-controller to essentially hijack control over the remotely-controlled devices since the vandal would both not have the code and also not have access to the power switch. 
         [0018]    The methods and systems described herein also permit light-fixtures throughout an entire store or an area within a store to be easily programmed to respond to their own button codes. This allows two adjacent stores, or regions of a store, to adjust light-fixtures without interfering with each other. Moreover, if one changes the code on the transmitter, or one has forgotten it, it is a simple matter to pair the light-fixtures to the transmitter all over again with a new code. 
         [0019]    In other embodiments, all remotely-controlled devices have a sensor to detect a targeted wireless-signal, such as beam of laser light or infrared light. These remotely-controlled devices are dormant until they detect such a signal. 
         [0020]    The use of a targeted visual-signal makes it easier pair light-fixtures within a particular area. In this embodiment, on can power cycle the light-fixtures, after which one can activate selected light-fixtures using the targeted visual-signal. This will cause only the remotely-controlled devices activated by the targeted visual-signal to respond to that transmitter. Without the use of a targeted-visual signal, such as a laser, light-fixtures that are on the same electrical circuit would have to be disconnected during the pairing process. 
         [0021]    In one aspect, the invention features a method that includes configuring a first device from a plurality of remotely-controlled devices to execute a function in response to a signal from a remote-controller. Such a method includes executing a set of steps at the first device. This set of steps includes causing a change in power supplied to the first device. This change in power starts a pairing period. Then, during the pairing period, the first device receives, from the remote-controller, a first signal. This first signal includes a first security code. The first device then stores the first security code. This completes the configuration process. Then, after the pairing period, the first device receives a second signal. This second signal carries a second security code, which may or may not be the same as the first security code. The first device then compares the second security code with the first security code. In response to the comparison, it either ignores the second signal or carries out the function in response to the second signal. 
         [0022]    Practices of the method include those that include, during the pairing period, receiving a visual signal that causes the first device to transition out of a dormant state and into a receiving state in which the first device is susceptible to pairing. This signal can be a laser signal or an incoherent beam of light that has been aimed at an optical receiver on the first device. In either case, as a result of having received this visual signal, the first device becomes susceptible to pairing. 
         [0023]    Also among the practices of the invention are those in which initiating the pairing period includes causing an interruption of power to the first device. This can include, for example, turning power to the first device off and then turning it back on. 
         [0024]    Other practices of the invention also include, prior to the pairing period, setting the first security code on the remote-controller. Among these are practices that further include, prior to the pairing period, changing a dip switch on the remote-controller from a first setting to a second setting. In these practices, the second setting is indicative of at least a portion of the first security code. 
         [0025]    In some practices, the devices are light-fixtures. Among these are practices in which the light-fixture is turned on or off, or practices in which it is dimmed. 
         [0026]    Among the practices are those in which the function is that of device to transition between a first state and a second state, those in which the function is that of selecting the function to be causing the device to move, and those in which the function is that of selecting the function to be causing the device to rotate. 
         [0027]    Also among the practices of the invention are those that include ignoring the second signal and those that include carrying out the function in response to the second signal. 
         [0028]    Yet other practices include executing a set of steps at a second device from the plurality of devices. These steps include initiating a pairing period, during the pairing period, receiving, from the remote-controller, the first signal, wherein the first signal includes the first security code, storing the first security code, after the pairing period, receiving a second signal, the second signal carrying a second security code, comparing the second security code with the first security code, and, in response to the comparison, selecting an action selected from the group consisting of ignoring the second signal and carrying out the function in response to the second signal. 
         [0029]    Among the foregoing practices are those in which initiating a pairing period at the second device occurs concurrently with initiating a pairing period at the first device, and those in which initiating a pairing period at the second device occurs during the pairing period at the first device. 
         [0030]    In yet other practices, initiating a pairing period comprises power cycling the plurality of devices and enabling selected devices from the plurality of devices with a targeted wireless signal. 
         [0031]    Additional practices include those in which, during the pairing period, the first device emits an indicator signal indicating that it has transitioned out of a dormant state and into a receiving state in which it is susceptible to pairing. 
         [0032]    In another aspect, the invention features dividing remotely-controlled devices between a first set and a second set, preventing all remotely-controlled devices from the second set from being able to pair with a remote-controller, and, during a pairing period, unsuccessfully attempting to pair the remote-controller with all remotely-controlled devices in the second set. 
         [0033]    Among the foregoing practices are those that also include, during the pairing period, pairing the remote-controller with remotely-controlled devices in the first set. 
         [0034]    In some practices, preventing all remotely-controlled devices from the second set from being able to pair with the remote-controller includes separating the second set from a power supply such that the remotely-controlled devices in the second set are unable to receive power from the power supply when the power supply is supplying power to the first set of remotely-controlled devices. 
         [0035]    Yet other practices include interrupting power to a power supply to which the remotely-controlled devices are connected and restoring power to the power supply. This starts a pairing period. Pairing with the remote-controller and unsuccessfully pairing with the remote-controller occur within this pairing period. 
         [0036]    In other practices, preventing all remotely-controlled devices from the second set from being able to pair includes refraining from targeting the remotely-controlled devices from the second set with a laser during the pairing period. 
         [0037]    Also among the practices are those that include targeting remotely-controlled devices from the first set with a laser during the pairing period and, during the pairing period, pairing with the remotely-controlled devices in the first set. In these practices, preventing all remotely-controlled devices from the second set from being able to pair includes refraining from targeting the remotely-controlled devices from the second set with a laser during the pairing period. 
         [0038]    An alternative practice is the converse of the foregoing. This would include targeting remotely-controlled devices from the second set with a laser during the pairing period and, during the pairing period, pairing with the remotely-controlled devices in the first set. In these practices, preventing all remotely-controlled devices from the second set from being able to pair includes targeting the remotely-controlled devices from the second set with a laser during the pairing period. 
         [0039]    Yet other practices include targeting remotely-controlled devices from the second set with a laser during the pairing period and, during the pairing period, pairing with the remotely-controlled devices in the first set. In these practices, preventing all remotely-controlled devices from the second set from being able to pair includes targeting the remotely-controlled devices from the second set with a laser during the pairing period. 
         [0040]    In essence, the foregoing practices involve using the laser as a tool for designating which ones of the remotely-controlled devices are to be paired and which ones are not to be paired. 
         [0041]    In yet another aspect, the invention features a method that includes pairing predetermined ones of a plurality of remotely-controlled devices to a programmable transmitter. Pairing includes providing a unique security code to the predetermined ones of the plurality of remotely-controlled devices. Each remotely-controlled device has a radio or infrared button code. The act of providing includes placing the predetermined ones of the plurality of remotely-controlled devices in a learning mode for a period of time. This includes initiating a power up of the predetermined ones of the remotely-controlled devices, during the period of time, using a programmable transmitter to emit a signal that includes an identifying string to the radio or infrared button code, and at each of the predetermined ones of the remote-controlled remotely-controlled devices that are in learning mode, receiving the signal and storing the identifying string in a memory, thereby pairing the remote-controlled remotely-controlled devices that are in learning mode to the programmable transmitter. 
         [0042]    These and other features of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying figures, in which: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0043]      FIG. 1  is a representation of a bit sequence in a button code that is to be transmitted by radio or infrared and that has two parts: a security code, and a button-function code; 
           [0044]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a remote-control system in which a receiving light-fixture can be programmed to respond to a button code configured with a user-created security code; 
           [0045]      FIG. 3  is a representation of a remote-controller that allows input of a security code via a keypad; 
           [0046]      FIG. 4  is a simple remote-controller having laser-selection capability; 
           [0047]      FIG. 5  illustrates how to implement a dip switch in the battery compartment of the remote control of  FIG. 4  in a way that permits a user to set the security code; 
           [0048]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of a laser-selection system in which a light-fixture responds to radio commands only after it as sensed a laser signal directed towards it; 
           [0049]      FIG. 7A  is a representation of two adjacent stores in which one store&#39;s light-fixtures are responding to the other store&#39;s remote-controller; 
           [0050]      FIG. 7B  is a representation of a method of programming the security code of the light-fixtures of a store during a short pairing interval that begins when power is turned back on after having been turned off; 
           [0051]      FIG. 7C  is a representation of how different security codes permit light-fixtures in one store from being inadvertently controlled by the wrong remote-controller; 
           [0052]      FIG. 8A  is a representation of a store in which light-fixtures in first and second areas are on the same electrical circuit, and light-fixtures in the first area are being selected by a laser beam emitted by a remote-controller; 
           [0053]      FIG. 8B  shows some light-fixtures that have been selected by the laser being paired during a short pairing interval after restoration of power; 
           [0054]      FIG. 8C  is a representation of the light-fixtures in a second area that are not responding to radio signals in another area, even when they have been selected by a laser; 
           [0055]      FIG. 9  is an alternate method to selectively program light-fixtures on the same circuit by disconnecting light-fixtures so that they will not pair with the new security code; and 
           [0056]      FIG. 10  is a representation of two stores where laser selected light-fixtures are being adjusted at the same time, but will only respond to the remote control that was paired in that store. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a typical button code for a radio or infrared remote-controller includes bit sequence  1 . The number of bits in the bit sequence  1  varies according to implementation. In some embodiments, there are as many as many as twenty-nine bits. The bit sequence  1  include a security code  2  for remotely-controlled devices, such as remote locks, garage door openers, or light-fixtures, and a permanent set of function-control codes  3 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 2  shows a remote-controller  4  and a light-fixture  20  to be controlled. The remote-controller  4  has a transmitter  8  and the light-fixture  20  has a receiver  10 . 
         [0059]    In operation, the transmitter  8  converts the bit sequence  1  into a modulated signal. It then sends that signal over a wireless link using a suitable carrier wave  9 . In some embodiments, the carrier wave  9  is a radio wave, whereas in others, it is infrared light. In either case, the receiver  10  then demodulates the signal and recovers the bit sequence  1 . 
         [0060]    The user sets the security code  2  using the remote-controller  4 . To do so, the user sets a dip switch to place the security code  2  into a remote-controller&#39;s memory  5 . 
         [0061]    With the security code  2  now in the remote-controller&#39;s memory  5 , the user then presses a control button  6 . Doing so causes the remote-controller&#39;s processor  7  to combine the security code  2  with the permanently stored function-control code  3  for that button, thus creating the bit sequence  1  that is ultimately to be sent by the transmitter  8 . 
         [0062]    On the light-fixture  20 , the light-fixture&#39;s processor  11  splits the bit sequence  1  and compares the security code  2  with the security code stored in the light-fixture&#39;s memory  12 . If the security code  2  matches it, the light-fixture  20  performs a control function  19  that matched the function-control code  3 . Examples of a control function  19  include sending a signal  13  to a power circuit  8  to dim the light-fixture. Other examples of a control function  19  include adjusting the color of light emitted by the light-fixture  20 , the angle in which the beam is directed, the angle of the beam itself, which can be varied from a small angle that yields a small area of illumination to a large angle that yields a larger area of illumination. Other examples include a signal that moves the light-fixture  20 . This includes rotating the light-fixture  20  so that the emitted beam points to another location. It also includes translating the light-fixture  20 . In either case, this movement is carried out by running one or more motors. 
         [0063]    In those cases in which the device being controlled is something other than a light-fixture  20 . For example, the device can be a window blind, in which case an example of a control function is operating a motor to open or close the window blind. Or, in cases in which the remotely-controlled device is a ceiling fan, an example of a control function  19  is that of turning the fan on or off, or adjusting its speed. 
         [0064]    In some cases, the light-fixture  20  has a dip switch that is set to the security code  2 . In other cases, the light-fixture  20  has a button that, when pressed, initiates a learning mode. The learning mode defines a time-period during which the light-fixture  20  is made susceptible to being paired. Pairing, in this case, occurs when the light-fixture  20  receives a signal that contains the security code. This is practical for products in which there is one remote-controller for each remotely-controlled device. 
         [0065]    However, in those cases in which a single unidirectional transmitter will control a plurality of light-fixtures  20 , these solutions are impractical, especially when there many light-fixtures  20  and/or when some are out of reach. 
         [0066]    Another approach is to have the owner use a switch  15  to disconnect power  14  from the light-fixture  20  and to then restore power  14  to the light-fixture  20 . This switch  15  is intended to be inaccessible to all but the owner. Doing so initiates a pairing period  16  during which the light-fixture  20  accepts any transmitted bit sequence  1  and stores the security code  2  of that bit sequence  1  in the light-fixture&#39;s memory  12 . This procedure is referred to herein as “pairing.” 
         [0067]    After this pairing period is over, the light-fixture  20  will only respond to transmitted sequences that carry a security code  2  that matches that stored in the light-fixture&#39;s memory  12 . Optionally, after receiving the bit sequence  1  and storing the security code  2 , the light-fixture  20  performs the function identified by the function code  3 . In an alternative embodiment, the remote-controller  4  has a special pairing button that is used only for pairing. 
         [0068]    In some cases, it may be desirable to pair some but not all of the light-fixtures  20  on the same circuit. In such cases, the procedure is to turn off power to the light-fixtures  20 , to then disconnect those light-fixtures  20  that are not to be paired, and then to restore power. Pairing can then proceed as described above. Once the light-fixtures  20  have been paired, those that were disconnected can be reconnected. 
         [0069]    Another embodiment avoids the inconvenience of having to disconnect light-fixtures  20  by relying on a laser-selection system. In this embodiment, the user points the remote control  4  toward an optical receiver  24  on the light-fixture  20  and presses a select button  21  that activities a laser  22 . A resulting laser beam  23  illuminates the optical receiver  24  on the light-fixture  20 . This causes the light-fixture&#39;s processor  11  to enable the receiver  10  to receive signals. In some embodiments, the light-fixture&#39;s processor  11  activates a visual indicator  25  to show that the light-fixture  20  has been activated and is ready to receive a signal. Otherwise, the light-fixture  20  would be dormant and not respond to transmitted signals. This conserves power because the receiver  10  could be turned off, and the light-fixture&#39;s processor  11  can be placed into a low-power mode. 
         [0070]    The laser-selection system allows light-fixtures  20  that are on the same power circuit to be paired as a group to a unique transmitter or as a zone on a single transmitter. This is particularly useful for dimming regions of a room. The laser-selection system also makes it possible to pair some but not all light-fixtures  20  that are on the same power circuit. 
         [0071]    The use of a targeted visual signal is preferable because one can more easily aim it. A laser is particularly preferable because the beam does not fan out with distance. This permits targeting of light-fixtures  20  that are far away, such as light-fixtures  20  mounted on a high ceiling. However, for short distances, it may be practical to have use an incoherent light source instead of a laser. 
         [0072]    In the laser-selection system described above, targeting a light-fixture  20  means that that light-fixture  20  will be able to pair with a remote-controller. However, what is important is actually using the laser to partition a set of lighting-fixtures  20  into two subsets, one of which is prevented from pairing. In an alternative operating mode, this could equivalently be carried out by targeting, with a laser, those light-fixtures  20  that are not to be paired with a remote-controller instead of the other way around. 
         [0073]      FIG. 3  shows an enhanced remote-controller  29  that has a keypad. Such a keypad can be used to enter a unique security code and to set a zone for dimming. This zone could be recalled and then controlled as a group. 
         [0074]      FIG. 4  shows a simplified remote-controller  30  that lacks the keypad shown in  FIG. 3 . The simplified remote-controller  30  has a selection button  31  that, when pressed causes a laser  22  to emit a laser beam  23 . Control buttons  32  move a light-fixture up and down or left and right. The simplified remote-controller  30  also features dimming buttons  34 . A cancel button  33  transmits a button code that will de-activate any light-fixture  20  that has been activated. Alternatively, the laser beam  23  can be used to de-activate a light-fixture  20 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 5  shows the battery compartment  36  of the remote-controller  30  shown in  FIG. 4  with its cover removed, thus exposing a dip switch  37  on the floor of the battery compartment  36 . From a close-up view  38  of the dip switch  37 , it is apparent that the user can slide any number of switches  39  from an “off” position to an “on” position  40 . The n th  switch controls the state of the n th  bit in the security code  2 . In the example shown the dip switch  37  has been set to the security code “00000000,” which could be a factory default setting. An owner can easily open the battery compartment  36 , set this dip switch  37  to a new setting, and pair a set of light-fixtures  20  to that remote-controller  30 , thus preventing others with a similar remote-controller from controlling those light-fixtures  20 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 6  illustrates a particular embodiment of a laser-selection system in which different light-fixtures  52  respond to a laser beam  23  sent by the remote-controller  30 . These can be identical light-fixtures or different kinds of light-fixtures that have been configured to be controlled together as a group. 
         [0077]    Pointing a laser beam  23  at a dome  53  on a light-fixture activates an indicator  54  on the dome  53 . The indicator  54  indicates that the light-fixture  50  is susceptible to responding to a carrier wave  9 . Other light-fixtures  51 , whose domes  53  have not been targeted by a laser beam  23 , will not respond to this carrier wave  9 . This is particularly useful when an individual light-fixture  50  needs to be rotated along a rotation direction  57 . However, it is also possible to have the laser beam  23  illuminate several domes  53  of different light-fixtures  50 . The corresponding light-fixtures will then operate as a unit. This is useful when one wishes to dim several but not all light-fixtures at once. 
         [0078]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a case in which a first store  70 A and a second store  70 B either has identical light-fixtures or a set of different light-fixtures with identical control hardware. The use of a store is only for example. It is understood that similar difficulties can arise in any pair of neighboring spaces. 
         [0079]    In  FIG. 7A , the light-fixtures and the transmitter  73  do not use a laser-selection system. If all light-fixtures in the first store  70 A have a security code  78  that matches the security code  77  of all the light-fixtures in the second store  70 B, then a carrier wave  9  from a remote-controller  73  in the first store  70 A would find itself controlling the light-fixtures in both stores at once. The only way to prevent this interference would be to turn off the power  79  to the light-fixtures in the second store  70 B. 
         [0080]      FIG. 7B  illustrates how the pairing function overcomes this difficulty. As shown in  FIG. 7B , a first store has first light-fixtures  83  and a second store has second light-fixtures  84 . 
         [0081]    The process begins with setting a new security code  86  in the remote-controller  73 . Then, one uses a switch  72  to turn off power to the first light-fixtures  83  and to turn it back on again. This begins a short pairing time period  16  during which the first light-fixtures  83  will pair with a new security code  86  that has been set in the remote-controller  73 . This causes storage of a copy  85  of the new security code  86  in the memories of the first light-fixtures  83 . The second light-fixtures  84  will not have been power cycled. Therefore, they will not store the new security code  86 . As shown in  FIG. 7B , the second light-fixtures  84  still have the factory default security code. 
         [0082]    Referring now to  FIG. 7C , when the remote-controller  73  transmits a carrier wave  9 , only the first light-fixtures  83  will respond. The second light-fixtures  84  will ignore the carrier wave  9 . 
         [0083]    Although  FIGS. 7A-7C  depict two separate stores  70 A,  70 B, they could also represent spaces within a single store that are on separate power circuits. This would be useful in those cases in which the remote-controller  73  is preferred over a wall dimmer. 
         [0084]      FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B  illustrate pairing of light-fixtures using a laser-selection system. 
         [0085]      FIG. 8A  shows a store  90  with first light-fixtures  93  in a first region  90 A and second light-fixtures  94  in a second region  90 B. There is only one power switch  91  for all the light-fixtures  93 ,  94  in the store  90 . A first security code  95  for the first light-fixtures  93  is initially the same as a second security code  96  for the second light-fixtures  94 . 
         [0086]    The owner then uses the sole power switch  91  to cycle power off. This initiates a short pairing period  16 . During this pairing period, the user selects the first light-fixtures  93  using the laser signal  23  on the remote-controller  30 . This procedure renders the first light-fixtures  93  susceptible to pairing. Meanwhile, the second light-fixtures  94  remain dormant. 
         [0087]    In the second step, as shown in  FIG. 8B , the remote-controller  30 , which has been programmed with a new security code  97 , transmits a carrier wave  9  that carries this new security code  97 . As a result, the first light-fixtures  93  will pair with the remote-controller  30  and store the new security code  99 . In some embodiments, in addition to storing the new security code  99 , the first light-fixtures  93  will also execute a function as specified in function code  3  carried by the carrier wave  9 . Meanwhile, the second light-fixtures  94  remain dormant and retain their stored codes. 
         [0088]      FIG. 8C  shows first light-fixtures  100  in a first region and second light-fixtures  104  in a second region. The first light-fixtures  100  have been programmed to have a new security code whereas the second light-fixtures  104  retain the factory default security code. As a result, the first light-fixtures  100  will respond to the remote-controller  4  and the second light-fixtures  104  will not. This feature is particularly helpful for situations where lighting designers are working all at once in a store adjusting light-fixtures. 
         [0089]      FIG. 9  illustrates how the pairing system could be used to create dimming zones on a single light power track  110  having first light-fixtures  111  and second light-fixtures  112  using a single programmable remote-controller  29  instead of multiple remote-controllers with different dip switch settings. 
         [0090]    The process begins with disconnecting the first light-fixtures  111 . Then, the power switch  91  disconnects and reconnects the second light-fixtures  112 . During a short pairing period  16  that follows, the remote-controller  29  will transmit a new security code  97 . The second light-fixtures  112 , having been placed into a state in which they are susceptible to pairing, will store a copy  99  of the security code  97  in the light-fixture&#39;s memory. When the first light-fixtures  111 , they can be programmed to a different zone using the old security code  96 . The first and second light-fixtures  111 ,  112  can then be dimmed separately without the need for separate dimming circuits. 
         [0091]      FIG. 10  illustrates how first light-fixtures  100  in a first store  120 A can be controlled by a remote-controller  30  without affecting second light-fixtures  104  in an adjacent second store  120 B. 
         [0092]    When the security code  99  of all the first light-fixtures matches a transmitted code  97  from the remote-controller  30 , and when the laser-selection system is available, there is no need for separate zones within the first store  120 A. The laser can be used to select a set of light-fixtures to be dimmed. Or, the laser can be used to select one light-fixture at a time. This is useful for moving the light-fixture to redirect its beam. None of this activity will affect the second light-fixtures  104  in the nearby second store  120 B even though they are well within range of the transmitted carrier wave  9  and have been activated by a laser in the unlikely case that someone is adjusting light-fixtures at the same time. This is because the security code  96  for all the light-fixtures in the store does not match. 
         [0093]    The foregoing description describes in detail the the case in which the remotely-controlled devices are light-fixtures. However, it should be understood that the techniques described herein are applicable to other kinds of remotely-controlled devices. In addition to the foregoing examples, such remotely-controlled devices can include, without limitation, ceiling fans, window blinds, and remotely-controlled controllers that themselves control other devices. In addition, the remotely-controlled device can be a lamp, a light, a track for holding lamps or lights, a string for holding lamps or lights, a string that contains both lamps and lights, a track that contains both lamps and lights, and a remotely-controlled motor.