Patent ID: 12204301

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there is shown in the drawings various embodiments that may be implemented, in which like numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, it being understood, however, that the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed are non-limiting.

FIG.1is a simple diagram of an example load control system100(e.g., a lighting control, HVAC control, and/or window treatment control system) for controlling an amount of power delivered from an alternating-current (AC) power source102to one or more electrical loads. The load control system100may comprise various electrical devices. The electrical devices may include the electrical loads or the load control devices for controlling the amount of power provided to the electrical loads. For example, the load control system100may include a load control device for controlling a lighting load, such as a wall-mounted dimmer switch110, coupled in series electrical connection between the AC power source102and the lighting load, e.g., a lamp112installed in a ceiling mounted downlight fixture114. Alternatively, the lamp112may be installed in a wall-mounted lighting fixture or other lighting fixture mounted to another surface. The dimmer switch110may be adapted to be wall-mounted in an electrical wallbox.

The dimmer switch110may comprise a plurality of actuators116(e.g., buttons) for controlling the lamp112. In response to actuation of the actuators116, the dimmer switch110may be configured to turn the lamp112on and off, and to increase or decrease the amount of power delivered to the lamp and thus increase or decrease the intensity of the lamp from a minimum intensity (e.g., approximately 1%) to a maximum intensity (e.g., approximately 100%). The dimmer switch110may comprise a plurality of visual indicators118, e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which may be arranged in a linear array and may be illuminated to provide feedback of the intensity of the lamp112. The dimmer switch110may include a control circuit (e.g., a microprocessor or other suitable processing device) that may respond to commands (e.g., from a user-operated device) that may be received via wired and/or wireless communications. For example, the dimmer switch110may include a radio frequency (RF) receiver that may receive the commands via an RF signal. Examples of wall-mounted dimmer switches are described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,919, issued Sep. 28, 1993, entitled LIGHTING CONTROL DEVICE; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0132475, published May 15, 2014, entitled WIRELESS LOAD CONTROL DEVICE, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The load control system100may comprise other load control devices for controlling lighting loads, such as a plug-in load control device120for example. The plug-in load control device120may be coupled in series electrical connection between the AC power source102and a lighting load, e.g., a lamp122installed in a lamp (e.g., a table lamp124). Specifically, the plug-in load control device120may be plugged into an electrical receptacle126that is powered by the AC power source102and the table lamp124may be plugged into the plug-in load control device120. Alternatively, the second lamp122may be installed in a table lamp or other lamp that may be plugged into the plug-in load control device120. The plug-in load control device120may be implemented as a table-top load control device or a remotely-mounted load control device. Though the table lamp124may be plugged into the plug-in load control device120, other loads (e.g., appliances, electronic devices, etc.) may be similarly plugged into and/or controlled by the plug-in load control device120. The plug-in load control device120may include a control circuit (e.g., a microprocessor or other suitable processing device) that may respond to commands (e.g., from a user-operated device) that may be received via wired and/or wireless communications. For example, the plug-in load control device120may include an RF receiver that may receive the commands via an RF signal.

The load control system100may comprise one or more load control devices that may control electrical loads other than lighting loads. For example, the load control system100may include one or more motorized window treatments, e.g., a motorized window treatment180for controlling the position of a covering material182. The motorized window treatment180may include an electrical motor that may be battery-powered, or may receive power from the AC power source102or an external DC power source. The motorized window treatment180may raise or lower the covering material182between a fully-open position and a fully-closed position to prevent natural light from entering, or allow natural light to enter, the space in which the load control system100may be installed. The motorized window treatment180may also, or alternatively, raise or lower the covering material182to control the temperature in the space in which the load control system100may be installed. The covering material182may include a cellular shade fabric, a plurality of horizontally-extending slats (e.g., a Venetian or Persian blind system), pleated blinds, a roller shade fabric, or a Roman shade fabric, for example. The motorized window treatment180may include a control circuit (e.g., a microprocessor or other suitable processing device) that may respond to commands (e.g., from a user-operated device) that may cause the electric motor to raise and lower the covering material182. The covering material182may be raised and lowered a predetermined distance, or to a predetermined location, between the fully-open position and the fully-closed position. The commands may be received via wired and/or wireless communications. For example, the motorized window treatment may include an RF receiver that may receive the commands via an RF signal. Examples of motorized window treatments are described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,839,109, issued Nov. 23, 2010, entitled METHOD OF CONTROLLING A MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,950,461, issued Feb. 10, 2015, entitled MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The load control system100may comprise load control devices, e.g., a temperature control device190, for controlling heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems or other heating and/or cooling systems for heating and/or cooling the space in which the load control system100may be installed. The temperature control device190may measure a temperature in the space in which the load control system100may be installed and may transmit digital messages to the HVAC system to control the temperature in the space towards a setpoint temperature. The temperature control device190may be a thermostat for example. The temperature control device190may be battery-powered, or may receive power from the AC power source102or an external DC power source. The temperature control device190may control power provided to the HVAC system from the AC power source102. The temperature control device190may comprise a visual display for displaying the present temperature in the space and/or the setpoint temperature. The temperature control device190may comprise raise and lower temperature buttons for respectively raising and lowering the setpoint temperature to a desired temperature as specified by a user. The temperature control device190may be operable to adjust the setpoint temperature in response to digital messages received via wired and/or wireless communications. For example, the temperature control device190may include an RF receiver that may receive the commands via an RF signal. The temperature control device190may include an RF transmitter that may send instructions to the HVAC system via an RF signal. Examples of temperature control devices are described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0091213, published Apr. 19, 2012, entitled WALL-MOUNTABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL DEVICE FOR A LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING AN ENERGY SAVINGS MODE, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The electrical devices in the load control system100may further comprise input devices for transmitting digital messages via an input signal to one or more of the load control devices. The digital messages may include commands for controlling the load control devices and/or an identification of the load that may be controlled by the load control device. The input devices may include RF transmitters for transmitting the digital messages. The input devices may include a battery-powered remote control device130, an occupancy sensor140, a daylight sensor150, and/or a shadow sensor152. The digital messages may be broadcast messages or may include device identifiers for the device or device type the digital messages are intended to control. As the input devices may send digital messages that include commands for controlling the load control devices, the input devices may be load control devices that may indirectly control an electrical load.

The load control devices may each be configured to receive digital messages via wireless signals, e.g., RF signals106, transmitted by the input devices. In response to the received digital messages, the dimmer switch110and the plug-in load control device120may each be configured to turn the respective lamp112,122on and off. The dimmer switch110and the plug-in load control device120may each be configured to increase and decrease the intensity of the respective lamp112,122, or set the intensity of the lamp112,122to a predetermined intensity, in response to the received digital messages. In response to the received digital messages, the motorized window treatment180may move the position of the covering material182up and down a predetermined distance, or to a predetermined location. The temperature control device190may increase and decrease a setpoint temperature for the HVAC system a predetermined amount, or change the setpoint temperature to a predetermined temperature, based on the received digital messages.

The remote control device130may comprise one or more actuators132(e.g., one or more of an on button, an off button, a raise button, a lower button, and a preset button). The remote control device130may be a handheld remote control. The remote control device130may be mounted vertically to a wall or supported on a pedestal to be mounted on a tabletop. Examples of battery-powered remote control devices are described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 8,330,638, issued Dec. 11, 2012, entitled WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED REMOTE CONTROL HAVING MULTIPLE MOUNTING MEANS; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0286940, published Nov. 15, 2012, entitled CONTROL DEVICE HAVING A NIGHT LIGHT, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The remote control device130may transmit digital messages via RF signals106in response to actuations of one or more of the actuators132. For example, the RF signals106may be transmitted using a proprietary RF protocol, such as the ClearConnect® protocol for example, or any other RF protocol. The digital messages transmitted by the remote control device130may include a command and/or identifying information, for example, a unique identifier (e.g., a serial number) associated with the remote control device130. The remote control device130may be assigned to one or more load control devices for controlling one or more electrical loads. For example, the remote control device130may be assigned to the dimmer switch110for controlling the lamp112, the plug-in load control device120for controlling the lamp122, the motorized window treatment180for controlling the position of the covering material182, the temperature control device190(e.g., thermostat) for controlling the HVAC system, and/or another load control device during a configuration procedure of the load control system100. After the remote control device130is assigned to one or more load control devices, each associated device may be responsive to digital messages transmitted by the remote control device130via the RF signals106. Examples of methods of associating wireless control devices are described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0111491, published May 15, 2008, entitled RADIO-FREQUENCY LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0214609, published Aug. 22, 2013, entitled TWO-PART LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM MOUNTABLE TO A SINGLE ELECTRICAL WALLBOX, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The occupancy sensor140may be configured to detect occupancy and/or vacancy conditions in the space in which the load control system100may be installed. The occupancy sensor140may transmit digital messages to a load control device, such as the dimmer switch110, the plug-in load control device120, the motorized window treatment180, and/or the temperature control device190, via the RF signals106in response to detecting the occupancy and/or vacancy conditions. The dimmer switch110and/or the plug-in load control device120may each be configured to turn on the respective lamp112,122in response to receiving an occupied command, and/or to turn off the respective lamp112,122in response to receiving a vacant command. The motorized window treatment180may be configured to move the covering material a predefined distance, or set the covering material182to a predefined location, in response to the occupied command or the vacancy command. The temperature control device190may be configured to control an HVAC system to set a setpoint temperature in response to detecting the occupied command or the vacancy command. Examples of RF load control systems having occupancy and vacancy sensors are described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 8,009,042, issued Aug. 30, 2011, entitled RADIO-FREQUENCY LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM WITH OCCUPANCY SENSING; U.S. Pat. No. 8,199,010, issued Jun. 12, 2012, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING A WIRELESS SENSOR; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,228,184, issued Jul. 24, 2012, entitled BATTERY-POWERED OCCUPANCY SENSOR, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The daylight sensor150may be configured to measure a total light intensity in the space in which the load control system100may be installed. The daylight sensor150may transmit digital messages including the measured light intensity to a load control device, such as the dimmer switch110, the plug-in load control device120, the motorized window treatment180, and/or the temperature control device190, via the RF signals106. The digital messages may be used by the dimmer switch110and/or the plug-in load control device120for controlling the intensities of the respective lamps112,122in response to the measured light intensity. The digital messages may be used by the motorized window treatment180to control the position of the covering material182in response to the measured light intensity. The digital messages may be used by the temperature control device190to control the setpoint temperature in response to the measured light intensity. Examples of RF load control systems having daylight sensors are described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 8,410,706, issued Apr. 2, 2013, entitled METHOD OF CALIBRATING A DAYLIGHT SENSOR; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,451,116, issued May 28, 2013, entitled WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED DAYLIGHT SENSOR, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The shadow sensor152may be configured to measure an exterior light intensity coming from outside the space in which the load control system100may be installed. The shadow sensor152may be mounted on the different facades of a building, such as the exterior or interior of a window, to measure the exterior light intensity depending upon the location of the sun in sky. The shadow sensor152may detect when direct sunlight is directly shining into the shadow sensor152, is reflected onto the shadow sensor152, or is blocked by external means, such as clouds or a building, and may send digital messages indicating the measured light intensity. The shadow sensor152may transmit the digital messages including the measured light intensity to a load control device, such as the dimmer switch110, the plug-in load control device120, the motorized window treatment180, and/or the temperature control device190, via the RF signals106. The digital messages may be used by the dimmer switch110and/or the plug-in load control device120for controlling the intensities of the respective lamps112,122in response to the measured light intensity. The digital messages may be used by the motorized window treatment180to control the position of the covering material182in response to the measured light intensity. The digital messages may be used by the temperature control device190to control the setpoint temperature in response to the measured light intensity. The shadow sensor152may also be referred to as a window sensor, a cloudy-day sensor, and/or a sun sensor. An example of a load control system having shadow sensors is described in greater detail in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0156079, published Jun. 5, 2014, entitled METHOD OF CONTROLLING A MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The load control system100may further comprise a system controller device160(e.g., a load controller device or a central controller device). The system controller device160may collect load control information about the load control system100. The system controller device160may operate as a master controller or a gateway device (e.g., a bridge) for enabling communications between the load control system100and a network162. The network162may be a wired and/or wireless network. The network162may include any public or private network, such as a local area network (LAN), a cloud-based network, or the Internet, for example. The system controller device160may be connected to a router (not shown) via a wired digital communication link164(e.g., an Ethernet communication link) and/or a wireless communication link. The router may allow for communication with the network162, e.g., for access to the Internet. The system controller device160may be connected to the network162via a wired or wireless communication medium, e.g., using Wi-Fi technology.

The system controller device160may be configured to transmit RF signals106to load control devices (e.g., using the proprietary protocol) in response to digital messages received from external devices via the network162. For example, the system controller device160may transmit RF signals106to the dimmer switch110and/or the plug-in load control device120for controlling the respective lamps112,122in response to digital messages received via the network162. The system controller device160may transmit RF signals106to the motorized window treatment180for controlling the level of the covering material182. The system controller device160may transmit RF signals106to the temperature control device190for controlling a temperature of the space within which the load control system100may be installed. The system controller160may be configured to receive RF signals106that include digital message from load control devices and/or input devices. The system controller160may transmit the digital messages via the network162for providing load control information (e.g., usage information, status information, etc.) about the load control system to external devices. The system controller device160may operate as a central controller for the load control system100to relay digital messages between the input devices, the load control devices, and/or the network162.

The load control system100may further comprise a network device170, such as, a smart phone (e.g., an iPhone® smart phone, an Android® smart phone, or a Blackberry® smart phone), a personal computer, a laptop, a wireless-capable media device (e.g., MP3 player, gaming device, or television), a tablet device, (e.g., an iPad® hand-held computing device), a Wi-Fi or wireless-communication-capable television, or any other suitable computing device. The network device170may be operable to transmit digital messages in one or more Internet Protocol packets to the system controller device160via RF signals108either directly or via the network162. For example, the network device170may transmit the RF signals108to the system controller device160via a Wi-Fi communication link, a Wi-MAX communications link, a Bluetooth® communications link, a near field communication (NFC) link, a cellular communications link, a television white space (TVWS) communication link, or any combination thereof. The network device170may be operable to transmit and/or receive the digital messages106, such that the network device170may be able to communicate directly with the input devices and/or the load control devices, for example. Examples of load control systems operable to communicate with network devices on a network are described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0030589, published Jan. 31, 2013, entitled LOAD CONTROL DEVICE HAVING INTERNET CONNECTIVITY, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The network device170may have a visual display172, which may comprise a touch screen having, for example, a capacitive touch pad displaced overtop the visual display172, such that the visual display172may display soft buttons that may be actuated by a user. The network device170may comprise one or more hard buttons, e.g., physical buttons (not shown), in addition to the visual display172. The network device170may download a product control application for allowing a user of the network device170to control the lighting control system100. In response to actuations of the displayed soft buttons and/or hard buttons, the network device170may transmit digital messages to the system controller device160, or other devices in the load control system100, through wired or wireless communications, such as the wireless communications described herein, for example.

The network device170may transmit digital messages to the system controller device160via the RF signals108for controlling the load control devices. For example, the network device170may transmit the digital messages to the system controller device160for controlling the dimmer switch110, the plug-in load control device120, the motorized window treatment180, and/or the temperature control device190. The system controller device160may be configured to transmit RF signals108to the network device170in response to digital messages received from load control devices and/or input devices, such as the dimmer switch110, the plug-in load control device120, the remote control device130, the occupancy sensor140, the daylight sensor150, and/or the shadow sensor152, for example. The digital messages may be transmitted using the proprietary protocol. The network device170may display information (e.g., load control information, usage information, status information, etc.) on the visual display172in response to the digital messages.

The operation of the load control system100may be programmed and/or configured using, for example, a graphical user interface (GUI) software (e.g., a control and/or configuration application software) running on the network device170. An example of a configuration procedure for a wireless load control system is described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0265568, published Sep. 18, 2014, entitled COMMISSIONING LOAD CONTROL SYSTEMS, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The system controller device160may store load control information (e.g., a load control database) that comprises information about the load control system100. For example, the load control information may include information regarding the operation of the load control system100, such as the devices in the load control system100and/or association information indicating associated devices for performing communications for controlling an electrical load. In response to inputs received via the GUI software, the network device170may build and/or edit the load control information stored in the system controller device160. The user may enter load control information and/or the load control information may be received or obtained from another external source, such as via the network162, for example.

The load control information may include a load schedule having information regarding the different load control devices of the load control system100(e.g., the dimmer switch110, the plug-in load control device120, the motorized window treatment180, and/or the temperature control device190) and/or the respective loads that may be controlled by each load control device. The load schedule information may include identification information (e.g., unique identifiers, device type, etc.), association information (e.g., addresses and/or identification information regarding associated devices for communication), configuration information (e.g., device communication protocols, device settings that may be enabled, etc.), and/or other information about the load control devices and/or loads in the load control system100. The load control information may include information about the electrical load and/or load control devices, such as lighting information for the lamps112,122, HVAC information for the HVAC that may be controlled by the temperature control device190, and/or motorized window treatment information for the motorized window treatment180. The lighting information may include the number of lumens produced by each lighting load of the load control system100, or a portion thereof (e.g., a room, a floor, a group of floors, etc.). The lighting information may include a number, type, and/or a power rating (e.g., wattage) of lamps that may be controlled by a respective load control device located in the load control system100or located in a portion of the load control system100(e.g., a room, a floor, a group of floors, etc.). The HVAC information may include an HVAC efficiency, a cooling capacity (e.g., in BTUs), a number of HVAC units, an HVAC unit type, and/or a power rating (e.g., a voltage, amps, etc.) for one or more HVAC units that may be controlled by a respective load control device located in the load control system100or located in a portion of the load control system100(e.g., a room, a floor, a group of floors, etc.). The motorized window treatment information may include a number of electrical motors or motorized window treatments, a type of electrical motor for one or more motorized window treatment, shade and/or window dimensions for one or more motorized window treatment, and/or a power rating (e.g., a voltage, amps, etc.) of an electrical motor for one or more motorized window treatments that may be controlled by a respective load control device located in the load control system100or located in a portion of the load control system100(e.g., a room, a floor, a group of floors, etc.).

The load control information (e.g., the load control database) may include information regarding how the load control devices respond to inputs received from the input devices (e.g., the battery-powered remote control device130, the occupancy sensor140, the daylight sensor150, and/or the shadow sensor152). For example, the load control information may indicate an adjusted dimming level (e.g., increase/decrease ten percent, increase/decrease twenty percent, turn on/off, go to a preset level, etc.) for the dimmer switch110and/or the plug-in load control device120in response to commands from the input devices. The load control information may indicate an amount to adjust the covering material182(e.g., raise/lower ten percent, raise/lower twenty percent, fully raise/lower, go to a preset position, etc.) for the motorized window treatment180in response to commands from the input devices. The load control information may indicate an amount to adjust the setpoint temperature (e.g., raise/lower one degree, raise/lower five degrees, go to a preset temperature, etc.) for the temperature control device190in response to commands from the input devices. The load control information may indicate a similar or a different response to commands from different input devices. For example, the load control information may indicate that the dimmer switch110may adjust a dimming level of the lamp112by ten percent for each command from the battery-powered remote control device130, but turn on or off the lamp112for a respective occupancy or vacancy command from the occupancy sensor140.

The system controller device160may be configured to transmit query messages to the load control devices (e.g., the dimmer switch110, the plug-in load control device120, the motorized window treatment180, and/or the temperature control device190) to receive corresponding feedback information from the load control devices. The feedback information from the dimmer switch110or the plug-in load control device120may include the corresponding intensity level at which the dimmer switch110or the plug-in load control device120are controlling power to the respective lamps112,122and/or the measured power from the load control device. The feedback information from the motorized window treatment180may indicate a level or setting at which the covering material182is set. The feedback information from the temperature control device190may indicate the setpoint temperature at which the temperature control device190is set for controlling the HVAC system and/or a current room temperature.

The system controller device160may be configured to calculate the amount of energy consumed by and/or saved by the use of each electrical device in the load control system100. The system controller device160may measure the length of time that each load control device is providing power to an electrical load. For lighting control devices, the system controller device160may also know the intensity level at which the power is provided for the measured period of time. The system controller device160may be configured to store a historical record of the power usage, which may include a historical record of power provided to one or more electrical loads by load control devices over a period of time. For lighting control devices, the historical record of power usage may include the intensity level at which power may be provided to the load control devices and may include the corresponding time that the load control device was operating one or more electrical loads at that intensity level in memory. The system controller device160may be configured to determine the average power consumed by the loads controlled by each of the load control devices over a period of time, for example, using the historical record of power usage, the number, the type, and/or the power (e.g., watts, volts, amps, etc.) of the electrical load (e.g., lamp112, lamp122, HVAC unit, electrical motor of the motorized window treatment180, etc.) controlled by the respective load control device (e.g., the dimmer switch110, the plug-in load control device120, the motorized window treatment180, the temperature control device190, etc.).

The system controller device160may be configured to predict the amount of energy that may be saved by the use of a recommended electrical device. In addition, the system controller device160may be configured to measure the amount of energy that may be saved by the use of the recommended electrical device after installation. The recommended electrical device may include any electrical load and/or electrical load control device.

The predicted amount of energy savings may be based on the replacement or addition of an electrical load, such as the replacement of a lighting load or the addition of an electrical motor in a motorized window treatment, for example. The system controller device160may be configured to measure the amount of energy that may be saved by using higher-efficiency light sources for the lamps112,122that may consume less power. Before the higher-efficiency lamps112,122are installed, the system controller device160may be configured to calculate a projected energy savings if the higher-efficiency lamps112,122are installed in the load control system as compared to lower-efficiency light sources that may consume more power. The projected energy savings may be based on a current consumption of power by lower-efficiency light sources in the load control system100and a projected reduction in usage after installing the higher-efficiency lamps112,122that may consume less power. The system controller device160may also, or alternatively, calculate the actual energy savings based on the use of the higher-efficiency lamps112,122after being installed in the load control system100. The savings after installation may be based on the consumption of power by the lower-efficiency lamps in the load control system100before installing the higher-efficiency lamps112,122and the consumption of power by the higher-efficiency lamps112,122after installation.

The predicted amount of energy savings may be based on the replacement or addition of a load control device, such as the replacement or addition of a temperature control device or a motorized window treatment, for example. The system controller device160may be configured to measure the amount of energy that may be saved by the use of the motorized window treatment180before the motorized window treatment180is installed. The motorized window treatment180may raise the covering material182to allow natural light or external heat into the space in which the load control system100may be installed. The motorized window treatment180may lower the covering material182to prevent natural light from entering, or prevent heat from entering or escaping from, the space in which the load control system100may be installed. The raising or lowering of the covering material182may allow a load control device (e.g., the dimmer switch110, the plug-in load control device120, the temperature control device190, etc.) to reduce the amount of energy used for controlling the respective loads (e.g., the lamp112, the lamp122, the HVAC system, etc.). For example, the raising of the covering material182may allow the dimmer switch110to reduce the intensity level of the power provided to the lamp112due to the natural light, and/or allow the temperature control device190to provide power to the HVAC system less often due to the heat from the natural light.

The system controller device160may be configured to measure the amount of energy that may be saved by using the motorized window treatment180. Before the motorized window treatment180is installed, the system controller device160may be configured to calculate a projected energy savings if the motorized window treatment is installed in the load control system as compared to when the motorized window treatment is not installed. The projected energy savings may be based on a current consumption of power by electrical loads in the load control system100and a projected reduction in usage after installing the motorized window treatment180. The system controller device160may also, or alternatively, calculate the actual energy savings based on the use of the motorized window treatment180after being installed in the load control system100. The savings after installation may be based on the consumption of power by the electrical loads in the load control system100before installing the motorized window treatment180and the consumption of power by the electrical loads after installing the motorized window treatment180.

The load control device may be an input device, such as the occupancy sensor140or other sensing device, for example. The system controller device160may be configured to measure the amount of energy that may be saved by the use of the occupancy sensor140before the occupancy sensor140is installed. The occupancy sensor140may detect the occupancy or vacancy of a space in the load control environment and may send instructions to the load control devices for controlling an electrical load. The control of the electrical loads based on occupancy may save on the energy consumed by the load control system, as the electrical loads (e.g., lighting loads, HVAC systems, etc.) may consume less power when a room is unoccupied. Other input devices (e.g., the battery-powered remote control device130, the daylight sensor150, the shadow sensor152, etc.) may similarly be used to save on the amount of energy consumed by the load control system. The battery powered remote control device130may save on the amount of energy consumed, as the remote control device130may make the amount of power consumed by an electrical load (e.g., lighting loads, HVAC systems, etc.) easier to change. The daylight sensor150and/or the shadow sensor152may save on the amount of energy consumed, as electrical loads (e.g., lighting loads, HVAC systems, etc.) in the load control system may consume less power when more natural light is being received in a space.

Before an input device is installed, the system controller device160may be configured to calculate a projected energy savings if the input device is installed in the load control system as compared to when the input device is not installed. The projected energy savings may be based on a current consumption of power by electrical loads in the load control system100and a projected reduction in usage after installing the input device. The system controller device160may also, or alternatively, calculate the actual energy savings based on the use of the input device after being installed in the load control system100. The savings after installation may be based on the consumption of power by the electrical loads in the load control system100before installing the input device and the consumption of power by the electrical loads after installing the input device. Though the examples described herein may calculate the energy savings for use of a lighting load, a motorized window treatment, and various input devices, energy savings may be similarly calculated based on the addition or replacement of any other electrical device, such as any electrical load or any load control device.

The projected energy savings for an electrical device may be calculated based on the historical record of power usage for other load control systems. For example, the system controller device160may compare the historical record of power usage for the load control system100against a historical record of power usage for similar load control systems that include recommended electrical devices. A similar load control system may include a similar number of loads and/or load control devices, similar types of loads and/or load control devices, and/or a similar configuration of the load control system. The number of loads and/or load control devices in a similar load control system may vary by a predetermined number.

The system controller device160may perform the comparison locally or send, via the network162for example, the historical record of power usage to an external computing device and may receive, via the network162, comparable power usage information for a load control system that also includes the recommended electrical devices to determine the savings when the recommended or installed electrical devices are implemented. The system controller device160may send, via the network162, the average power consumed by the loads of each of the load control devices over a period of time, the average amount of time each of the loads is energized over a period of time, the types of loads and/or load control devices in the load control system, and/or the historical record of the load control devices to an external computing entity and may receive, via the network162, the projected savings. The system controller device160may store the projected energy savings and may provide them to the user via the network device170. The projected energy savings may be used to recommend electrical devices that may be installed.

After an electrical device is installed, the system controller device160may store the power consumed by the loads controlled by each of the load control devices. The system controller device160may keep a historical record of power usage after the electrical device is implemented. The system controller device160may perform a comparison of power usage information that was tracked before the implementation of the electrical device with the power usage information tracked after implementation to determine the savings after implementation of the electrical device. The system controller device160may also send the power usage information to an external device, via the network162for example, which may perform the comparison and send the savings information back to the system controller device160. The savings after implementation may be provided to the network device170for display to a user. The user may also receive savings information within a defined time period after installation (e.g., each month, each year, etc.), which may be stored at the system controller device160, and/or determined (e.g., by the system controller device160, the network device170, or another device) from the power usage information stored at the system controller device160.

The GUI software running on the network device170, or otherwise provided to the network device170via the network162, may provide an interface for an energy savings selector tool to display information to the user on the network device170. The energy savings selector tool may include options that may assist the user in determining electrical devices of the load control system that may be added or replaced to save energy. For example, the energy savings selector tool may indicate which of the low-efficiency light sources (e.g., the lamps112,122) of the load control system may be replaced with high-efficiency light sources (e.g., screw-in LED lamps). The energy savings selector tool may also, or alternatively, indicate that the load control system may save on energy usage with the replacement of one or more loads (e.g., high-efficiency lamps), the replacement of one or more load control devices (e.g., improved dimmer switches), the addition of one or more loads, and/or the addition of one or more load control devices (e.g., motorized window treatment180and/or the occupancy sensor140).

The energy savings selector tool may provide savings information that may indicate the amount of savings that may be accrued or that has accrued as a result of using a recommended electrical device. The savings information may include cost savings information and/or payback information for the electrical device options that are provided. For example, the energy savings selector tool may indicate the lamp options that may result in the greatest cost savings and/or shortest payback time period. The energy savings selector tool may access the load control information (e.g., the number, type, and/or power rating of the electrical loads controlled by the respective load control devices) stored by the system controller device160. The load control information may include the usage information for the electrical devices in the load control system100. The usage information may indicate the average power consumed by each of the loads controlled by the load control devices, an average amount of time each of the loads is energized, and/or the historical record of power usage over a period of time. The usage information may be determined based on the number, type, and/or power rating of the electrical loads controlled by a load control device. When the electrical load is a lighting load, the load control information may include the number, type, wattage, and/or lumen output of the lighting load.

The energy savings selector tool may be configured to access electrical device information for electrical devices, such as electrical loads and/or load control devices, that may be purchased to increase the energy efficiency and/or decrease the energy costs of the load control system100. For example, the energy savings selector tool may be configured to access and/or display lamp information (e.g., a lamp database) regarding one or more high-efficiency light sources that may be available for purchase from one or more manufacturers. The energy savings selector tool may be configured to access and/or display motorized window treatment information and/or covering material information (e.g., a motorized window treatment and/or covering material database) regarding one or more window treatments and/or covering materials that may be available for purchase from one or more manufacturers. The energy savings selector tool may be configured to access and/or display input device information (e.g., a sensor database) regarding one or more input devices that may be available for purchase from one or more manufacturers. The electrical device information may be stored on the network device170, the system controller device160, and/or an external computing device that may be accessed via the network162.

The energy savings selector tool may have access to energy and/or weather information at the location in which the load control system100may be installed. For example, the energy savings selector tool may access local energy rates at the location in which the load control system100may be installed. The energy savings selector tool may be configured to receive peak and/or off-peak energy rates that correspond to different time periods of a day. The energy savings selector tool may access weather information at the location in which the load control system100may be installed to assist in determining a current or expected amount of sunlight, an amount of cloud cover, and/or an outside temperature. The local energy rates and/or weather information may be entered into the energy savings selector tool manually by a user or may be accessed automatically (e.g., using a GPS location of the network device170or the load control system100). The energy savings selector tool may retrieve the local energy rates and/or weather information via the network162. For example, the local energy rates may be retrieved from an electrical utility company and/or the local weather information may be retrieved from a weather provider.

The energy savings selector tool may use the load control information (e.g., the usage information) in the system controller device160, the electrical device information, the local energy rates, the local weather information, GPS information, time of day information, time of year information, and/or information from the input devices (e.g., daylight sensor150, shadow sensor152, etc.) to determine one or more electrical devices that may be implemented in the load control system100to provide a cost savings and/or a payback time period for the cost of the items that may be purchased. For example, the energy savings selector tool may use the usage information stored in the load control information (e.g., load control database), lamp information, and/or the local energy rates to determine one or more high-efficiency light sources that may replace low-efficiency light sources (e.g., presently-installed low-efficiency light sources) to provide the cost savings and/or payback time period. The energy savings selector tool may use the lumen output of the low-efficiency light sources (e.g., previously-installed low-efficiency light sources) to choose high-efficiency light sources having equivalent or similar outputs. The energy savings selector tool may use the usage information stored in the load control information (e.g., load control database), motorized window treatment information, local weather information, and/or time of year information to determine the cost savings and/or payback time period if, for example, a motorized window treatment is installed.

The energy savings selector tool may use the usage information of the dimmer switch110and the plug-in load control device120for controlling respective lamps112,122, the usage information of the temperature control device190for controlling the HVAC system and/or the local energy rates to determine an electrical cost for the load control environment. The energy savings selector tool may project a savings, such as an energy savings or a cost savings, that may indicate an amount a user may save if the user installed and/or implemented a recommended electrical device, such as high-efficiency light sources (e.g., the lamps112,122), the motorized window treatment180, an input device (e.g., the remote control device130, the occupancy sensor140, the daylight sensor150, the shadow sensor152, etc.), or another electrical device.

The projected savings may be based on the amount of power saved by using the recommended electrical device. For example, the amount of savings may include the difference in power consumed by the low-efficiency lamps and the high-efficiency lamps. When a motorized window treatment is recommended or installed, the amount of savings may include the reduced amount of power that may be provided to the lamps112,122and/or the amount of power provided to the HVAC system as a result of the implementation of the motorized window treatment180. When a sensing device (e.g., the occupancy sensor140, the daylight sensor150, the shadow sensor152, etc.) is recommended or installed, the amount of savings may include the reduced amount of power that may be provided to the lamps112,122and/or the amount of power provided to the HVAC system as a result of the implementation of the sensing device. Though the examples described herein may calculate the savings for use of a lighting load, a motorized window treatment, and a sensing device, the savings may be similarly calculated for any other electrical device that may be used in a load control system, such as any electrical load or any load control device.

The anticipated savings, such as energy savings or cost savings, may be based on similar load control environments that have similar electrical devices installed therein. The projected savings may take into account the local energy rates, the local weather information, time of day and/or time of year information, information collected from the daylight sensor150regarding the average amount of light in the load control environment100, information collected from the shadow sensor152regarding the average amount of direct sunlight received from outside the load control environment, and/or information regarding any currently installed electrical devices. The energy savings selector tool may provide the cost information and/or the projected savings for one or more electrical devices to give the user purchasing options. For example, the energy savings selector tool may provide the cost information and/or the projected savings if a motorized window treatment is installed, or for one or more types of high-efficiency lamps that may replace one or more low-efficiency lamps in a load control environment.

The energy savings selector tool may provide the cost information and/or projected savings for materials or devices associated with the electrical devices as well. For example, the energy savings selector tool may provide cost information and/or projected savings information for one or more covering materials that may be installed in a motorized window treatment. Different materials may allow different amounts of light into the load control environment and may have a different effect on the amount of savings that may result from using the covering material. Based on the amount of savings that may result from using an electrical device or materials associated with an electrical device, the energy savings selector tool may provide the projected payback time period for paying back the cost of the electrical device or materials associated with an electrical device.

The energy savings selector tool may inform the user if another item is needed or used with the recommended electrical device. For example, when the energy savings selector tool recommends a high-efficiency lamp that may replace a low-efficiency lamp, the energy savings selector tool may also recommend another dimmer switch and/or lighting ballast that may be designed to work with high-efficiency lamps. The energy savings selector tool may inform the user if another load control device is needed or used to control the recommended loads for purchase. The energy savings selector tool may inform the user if another load is used with the recommended load control device. The energy savings selector tool may use the cost of the additional items when determining the payback time period.

The energy savings selector tool may be executed by the system controller device160, the network device170, and/or a remote computing device or server (e.g., on the cloud). The system controller device160may be located in the load control system100, or may be located remotely and may send information to devices in the load control system100. The energy savings selector tool may be executed at the system controller device160or another remote computing device and may provide information to a user interface on the network device170. In another example, the energy savings selector tool may be executed at the network device170and may access information, such as load control information for example, at the system controller device160, another remote computing device, and/or another source. The energy savings selector tool may be executed at the system controller device160, the remote computing device, or the network device170individually, or the energy savings selector tool may be distributed across one or more of these and/or other devices.

The load control system100may comprise one or more other types of load control devices, such as, for example, a dimming ballast for driving a gas-discharge lamp; a light-emitting diode (LED) driver for driving an LED light source; a dimming circuit for controlling the intensity of a lighting load; a screw-in luminaire including a dimmer circuit and an incandescent or halogen lamp; a screw-in luminaire including a ballast and a compact fluorescent lamp; a screw-in luminaire including an LED driver and an LED light source; an electronic switch, a controllable circuit breaker, or other switching device for turning an appliance on and off; a controllable electrical receptacle or controllable power strip for controlling one or more plug-in loads; a motor control unit for controlling a motor load, such as a ceiling fan or an exhaust fan; a drive unit for controlling a motorized window treatment or a projection screen; motorized interior or exterior shutters; an air conditioner; a compressor; an electric baseboard heater controller; a controllable damper; a variable air volume controller; a fresh air intake controller; a ventilation controller; hydraulic valves for use radiators and radiant heating system; a humidity control unit; a humidifier; a dehumidifier; a water heater; a boiler controller; a pool pump; an electrical appliance, such as a refrigerator, a freezer, or the like; a television or computer monitor; a video camera; an audio system or amplifier; an elevator; a power supply; a generator; an electric charger, such as an electric vehicle charger; an alternative energy controller; or any combination of load control devices.

The load control system100may comprise one or more other types of input devices, such as, for example, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, radiometers, pressure sensors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, air-quality sensors, motion sensors, security sensors, proximity sensors, fixture sensors, partition sensors, keypads, kinetic or solar-powered remote controls, key fobs, cell phones, smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants, personal computers, laptops, timeclocks, audio-visual controls, safety devices, power monitoring devices (e.g., power meters, energy meters, utility submeters, utility rate meters, etc.), central control transmitters, residential controllers, commercial controllers, industrial controllers, or any combination of these input devices and/or other input devices.

FIG.2is an example screenshot of a user interface200that may be displayed by the energy savings selector tool on the visual display172of the network device170. The user interface200may be provided in the form of a load selector table, as shown inFIG.2, or other format to provide the information to the user of the network device170. The user interface200may include electrical device information202. The electrical device information202may include identifiers of electrical devices, such as electrical loads and/or load control devices that may control a load. The identifiers may identify types of loads and/or load control devices. The identifiers may identify the various zones in which the loads and/or load control devices may be located in the load control system100(e.g., as may be stored in the control information in the system controller device160). As shown inFIG.2, the electrical device information202includes a porch light, kitchen downlights, a living room lamp, a hallway downlight, a kitchen window treatment, and a living room occupancy sensor, though other types of electrical devices may be identified.

The user interface200may include usage information204that may indicate the amount of time that each of the identified electrical devices is used. The usage information204may also, or alternatively, indicate the amount of power consumed by the electrical devices (not shown). For example, the usage information204may indicate an amount of time that an electrical load is energized or an amount of power consumed by the electrical load. The usage information204may be determined from the usage information that may be stored by the system controller device160or other device.

The user interface200may include savings information. The savings information may include energy savings information (not shown), cost savings information206, and/or payback information208. The cost savings information206may indicate the respective cost savings for each of the identified electrical devices. The cost savings information206may be indicated in any increment of time, such as per week savings, per month savings, or per year savings, for example. The payback information208may indicate the respective payback time period for each of the identified electrical devices. The payback information208may indicate the amount of time left to pay back the cost of one or more electrical devices, as shown inFIG.2. The payback information208may also, or alternatively, indicate the amount of time it took to payback the cost of the electrical devices and/or the number of times the electrical devices have been paid back. The savings information may also, or alternatively, include energy savings information that may indicate the amount of energy (e.g., in units) that may be saved or that is being saved by an electrical device.

The payback information208may be based on the cost savings information206and/or the usage information204. For example, the payback information208may indicate the respective payback time period for one or more low-efficiency light sources (e.g., presently-installed low-efficiency light sources) when they are replaced with selected high-efficiency light sources (e.g., as determined by the energy savings selector tool). Different cost savings information206and/or payback information208may be provided for different replacement electrical devices or the cost savings information206and/or payback information may be based on a predetermined electrical device (e.g., the device with the greatest savings and/or fastest payback).

The payback information208may take into account the number of electrical devices that may be purchased. The payback information may also assume a similar usage of the identified electrical devices (e.g., when a load or load control device may be replaced), or anticipate a reduced usage of electrical devices in the system by the implementation of the purchased item (e.g., when a motorized window treatment180is implemented in the load control system100). The anticipated reduced usage may be based on a reduced usage in similar load control systems that include the identified electrical device.

The cost savings information206and/or the payback information208may display notifications212that may indicate a request for more information. The notifications212may be displayed if the energy savings selector tool is unable to determine the respective cost savings information206and/or payback information208for the identified electrical devices. For example, the energy savings selector tool may display the notifications212if the load control information does not include one or more of the number, type, and/or power rating (e.g., watts, volts, amps, etc.) of the identified electrical devices. The user may select one of the notifications212to link to a screen where the missing information may be entered.

The user interface200may include save information210. The save information210may provide information for the user to purchase the identified electrical devices to save on energy usage and/or costs. The save information210may identify one or more replacement devices or additional devices to implement on the load control system for saving energy and/or cost. For example, the save information210may include one or more high-efficiency light sources (e.g., as determined by the energy savings selector tool) that may replace one or more low-efficiency light sources identified in the electrical device information202. The save information210may also, or alternatively, indicate electrical devices that may be added to the system to save on energy usage and/or cost, such as a motorized window treatment, an occupancy sensor, or other electrical device, for example. The save information210may include one or more buttons214that may be selected by the user to purchase the identified electrical device. For example, the buttons214may link to a screen where the identified electrical devices may be purchased. If additional items are recommended for use with the electrical devices, the buttons214may provide purchase information for those items.

FIG.3is another example screenshot of a user interface300that may be displayed by the energy savings selector tool on the visual display172of the network device170. The user interface300may be provided in the form of a load selector table, as shown inFIG.3, or other format to provide energy savings and/or cost savings options to the user of the network device170. The user interface300may include zone information302, current electrical device information304, quantity information306, and/or usage information308. The zone information302may include an identifier of the zone or area in which an energy savings option may be located. The current electrical device information304may identify a currently installed or currently identified electrical device. The current electrical device information304may identify a load type and/or load control device type (e.g., incandescent lamp, LED lamp, motorized window treatment, etc.), a power rating associated with the load (e.g., watts, volts, amps, etc.), and/or other identifying information (e.g., number of lumens for a lighting load, type of covering material for a motorized window treatment, etc.). The quantity information306may indicate the quantity of the identified electrical devices in the identified zone, or a subset thereof. For example, the quantity information306may identify the quantity of electrical devices in the identified zone that the user would like to replace. The usage information308may indicate the amount that each of the identified electrical devices are used in the load control system. The usage information308may indicate the amount of time that each of the identified electrical devices are used and/or the amount of power consumed by the electrical devices over a period of time (not shown). The usage information308may indicate an amount of time that an electrical load is energized or an amount of power consumed by the electrical load. The usage information308may be determined from the usage information that may be stored by the system controller device160or another device.

The user interface300may include replacement options310and/or other savings options312that may identify energy saving options that may be installed in the load control system100. The replacement options310may identify loads that may replace the electrical devices identified in the current electrical device information304. The replacement options310may be based on a filter that may be provided to the user for selecting user preferences. For example, the replacement options310may be based on a predefined minimum and/or maximum cost, a minimum and/or maximum savings, an electrical device type, a manufacturer, an available quantity, an amount of time for payback of the cost, an amount of power associated with the load (e.g., watts, volts, amps, etc.), and/or a rating associated with the replacement options310.

The other savings options312may identify energy saving options that may be added to the load control system100or that may replace an electrical device in the load control system100other than the identified electrical device in the current electrical device information304. The other savings options312may be determined based on the usage information of one or more electrical devices other than those identified in the current electrical device information304. For example, the other savings options312may be provided for loads that may not have usage information stored in the load control information (e.g., may not be implemented in the load control system100) and that may provide energy savings to the load control system100. The other savings options312may be provided for electrical devices that may have usage information, but may be unidentified in the current electrical device information304. The other savings options312may be based on a filter that may be provided to the user for selecting user preferences, such as the user preferences described herein, for example.

The user interface300may include information about the replacement options310and/or the other savings options312. For example, the user interface300may include electrical device information314, cost savings information316, payback information318, and/or save information320. The user interface300may include other information, such as the amount of energy (e.g., in units) that may be saved or that is being saved by an electrical device.

The electrical device information314may identify loads that may be added to (e.g., indicated by the other savings options312), or replace other loads (e.g., indicated by the replacement options310) in, the load control system100. The cost savings information316may indicate the respective cost savings or total cost savings for each of the identified loads in the replacement options310and/or the other savings options312. The cost savings may be indicated in any increment of time, such as per week savings, per month savings, or per year savings, for example. The payback information318may indicate the respective payback time period or total payback time period for each of the identified loads in the replacement options and/or the other savings options312.

The payback information318may be based on the savings information316and/or the usage information308. For example, the payback information318may indicate the respective payback time period for one or more low-efficiency light sources (e.g., presently-installed low-efficiency light sources) that may be installed in the zone302when they are replaced with identified high-efficiency light sources, which may be identified by replacement options310. The payback information318may take into account the number of electrical devices that may be purchased and/or the usage information associated therewith, which may be stored in the load control information.

The savings information316and/or the payback information318may display notifications322that may indicate a request for more information. For example, the notifications322may be displayed if the energy savings selector tool is unable to determine the respective cost savings information316and/or the payback information318for the identified electrical devices. The energy savings selector tool may display the notifications322if the load control information does not include one or more of the number, type, and/or power rating (e.g., watts, volts, amps, etc.) of the identified electrical devices. The user may select one of the notifications322to link to a screen where the missing information may be entered.

The user interface300may include save information320. The save information320may provide information for the user to purchase the identified electrical devices to save on energy usage and/or costs. The save information320may include one or more buttons324that may be selected by the user to purchase the identified electrical device. For example, the buttons324may link to a screen where the identified electrical devices may be purchased. If additional items are recommended for use with the electrical devices, the buttons324may provide purchase information for those items.

FIG.4is a simplified block diagram of an example wireless control device400, which may be deployed as, for example, the system controller device160of the load control system100shown inFIG.1. The wireless control device400may comprise a control circuit410, which may include one or more of a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitable processing device. The control circuit410may perform signal coding, data processing, power control, input/output processing, and/or any other functionality that enables the wireless control device400to perform as described herein.

The wireless control device400may comprise a network communication circuit412that may be coupled to a network connector414(e.g., an Ethernet jack), which may be adapted to be connected to a wired digital communication link (e.g., an Ethernet communication link) for allowing the control circuit410to communicate with network devices on a network (e.g., the network162shown inFIG.1). The network communication circuit412may be configured to be wirelessly connected to the network, e.g., using Wi-Fi technology to transmit and/or receive RF signals (e.g., the RF signals108shown inFIG.1).

The wireless control device400may comprise a wireless communication circuit416, for example, including an RF transceiver coupled to an antenna for transmitting and/or receiving RF signals (e.g., the RF signals106shown inFIG.1). The wireless communication circuit416may communicate using a proprietary protocol (e.g., the ClearConnect® protocol). The control circuit410may be coupled to the wireless communication circuit416for transmitting digital messages via the RF signals106, for example, to control the load control devices (e.g., the dimmer switch110, the plug-in load control device120, the motorized window treatment180, and/or the temperature control device190) in the load control system100in response to digital messages received via the network communication circuit412. The control circuit410may be configured to receive digital messages, for example, from the load control devices and/or the input devices (e.g., the dimmer switch110, the plug-in load control device120, the remote control device130, the occupancy sensor140, the daylight sensor150, the shadow sensor152, the motorized window treatment180, and/or the temperature control device190). For example, the control circuit410may be operable to receive a digital message including the intensity of a lighting load (e.g., one of the lamps112,122of the load control system100shown inFIG.1), and to transmit, via the wireless communication circuit416or the network communication circuit412, a digital message including the intensity of the lighting load to the network device170for displaying the intensity on the visual display172.

The control circuit410may be responsive to an actuator420for receiving a user input. For example, the control circuit410may be operable to associate the wireless control device400with one or more control devices of the load control system100in response to actuations of the actuator420during a configuration procedure of the load control system100. The wireless control device400may comprise additional actuators to which the control circuit410may be responsive.

The control circuit410may store information in and/or retrieve information from the memory418. The memory418may include a non-removable memory and/or a removable memory for storing computer-readable media. The non-removable memory may include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, and/or any other type of non-removable memory storage. The removable memory may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a memory card (e.g., a digital camera memory card), and/or any other type of removable memory. The control circuit410may access the memory418for executable instructions and/or other information that may be used by the wireless control device400. The control circuit410may store the unique identifiers (e.g., serial numbers) of the control devices to which the wireless control device400is associated in the memory418. The control circuit410may access instructions in the memory418for executing the energy savings selector tool, or portions thereof. The control circuit410may store the load control information, electrical device information, and/or other information that may be used by the energy savings selector tool in the memory418.

The control circuit410may illuminate a visual indicator422to provide feedback to a user of the load control system100. For example, the control circuit410may blink or strobe the visual indicator422to indicate a fault condition. The control circuit410may be operable to illuminate the visual indicator422different colors to indicator different conditions or states of the wireless control device400. The visual indicator422may be illuminated by, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The wireless control device400may comprise more than one visual indicator.

The wireless control device400may comprise a power supply424for generating a DC supply voltage VCCor powering the control circuit410, the network communication circuit412, the wireless communication circuit416, the memory418, the visual indicator422, and/or other circuitry of the wireless control device400. The power supply424may be coupled to a power supply connector426(e.g., a USB port) for receiving a supply voltage (e.g., a DC voltage) and/or for drawing current from an external power source.

FIG.5is a block diagram illustrating an example network device, e.g., a network device500, which may be deployed as, for example, the network device170of the load control system100shown inFIG.1. The network device500may comprise a control circuit502, which may include one or more of a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitable processing device. The control circuit502may perform signal coding, data processing, power control, image processing, input/output processing, and/or any other functionality that enables the network device500to perform as described herein.

The control circuit502may store information in and/or retrieve information from the memory508. The memory508may include a non-removable memory and/or a removable memory for storing computer-readable media. The non-removable memory may include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, and/or any other type of non-removable memory storage. The removable memory may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a memory card (e.g., a digital camera memory card), and/or any other type of removable memory. The control circuit502may access the memory508for executable instructions and/or other information that may be used by the network device500. The control circuit502may store the unique identifiers (e.g., serial numbers) of the control devices to which the network device500is associated in the memory508. The control circuit502may access instructions in the memory508for executing the energy savings selector tool, or portions thereof. The control circuit502may store the load control information, electrical device information, and/or other information that may be used by the energy savings selector tool in the memory508.

The network device500may comprise a communication circuit504, which may be adapted to perform wired and/or wireless communications (e.g., with a system controller device160or another device over a network, such as the network162shown inFIG.1) on behalf of the network device500. The communication circuit504may be a wireless communication circuit, for example, including an RF transceiver coupled to an antenna512for transmitting and/or receiving RF signals (e.g., the RF signals108shown inFIG.1). The communication circuit504may communicate using Wi-Fi, a proprietary protocol (e.g., the ClearConnect® protocol), Bluetooth®, and/or any other RF communications. The control circuit502may be coupled to the communication circuit504for transmitting digital messages via the RF signals108, for example, to send and/or receive information regarding the electrical devices in the load control system100. The control circuit502may be configured to receive digital messages, for example, from the system controller device160that may include information regarding the electrical devices in the load control system100. The control circuit502may transmit digital messages via the communication circuit504.

The network device500may comprise an actuator506. The control circuit502may be responsive to the actuator506for receiving a user input. For example, the control circuit502may be operable to receive a button press from a user on the network device500for making a selection or performing other functionality on the network device500.

The network device may comprise a display510. The control circuit502may be in communication with a display510for displaying information to a user. The control circuit502may display information associated with the energy savings selector tool on the display510. The communication between the display510and the control circuit502may be a two way communication, as the display510may include a touch screen module capable of receiving information from a user and providing such information to the control circuit502.

The network device500may comprise a power supply514for generating a DC supply voltage VCCfor powering the control circuit502, the communication circuit504, the memory508, the display510, and/or other circuitry of the network device500. The power supply514may be a battery or another source of power for the network device500.

FIG.6is a block diagram depicting an example load control device600. As shown inFIG.6, the load control device600may include a control circuit606, which may include one or more of a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitable processing device. The control circuit606may perform signal coding, data processing, power control, input/output processing, and/or any other functionality that enables the load control device600to perform as described herein.

The control circuit606may store information in and/or retrieve information from the memory608. The memory608may include a non-removable memory and/or a removable memory for storing computer-readable media. The non-removable memory may include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, and/or any other type of non-removable memory storage. The removable memory may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a memory card (e.g., a digital camera memory card), and/or any other type of removable memory. The control circuit606may access the memory608for executable instructions and/or other information that may be used by the load control device600. The control circuit606may store the unique identifiers (e.g., serial numbers) of the control devices to which the load control device600is associated in the memory608. The control circuit606may access instructions in the memory608for executing load control instructions and/or communications in the load control system.

The load control device600may comprise a communication circuit604, which may be adapted to perform wired and/or wireless communications on behalf of the load control device600. The communication circuit604may be a wireless communication circuit, for example, including an RF transceiver coupled to an antenna for transmitting and/or receiving RF signals (e.g., the RF signals106shown inFIG.1). The communication circuit604may communicate using Wi-Fi, a proprietary protocol (e.g., the ClearConnect® protocol), Bluetooth®, and/or any other RF communications. The control circuit606may be coupled to the communication circuit604for transmitting and/or receiving digital messages via the RF signals106.

The control circuit606may be in communication with a load control circuit602for controlling an electrical load614. The load control circuit602may receive instructions from the control circuit606and may control the electrical load614(e.g., by controlling the amount of power provided to the load) based on the received instructions. The load control circuit602may receive power via a hot connection610and a neutral connection612. While the load control device600includes four terminals as shown inFIG.6, the load control device600may include one load terminal connected to the electrical load614, which may be connected in series between the load control device600and a neutral of the AC power source supplying power to the hot connection610and the neutral connection612. In other words, the load control device600may be a “three-wire” device. The load control device600may have one connection to the AC power source (e.g., hot connection610) and may not comprise a connection to the neutral of the AC power source (e.g., may not comprise neutral connection612). In other words, the load control device600may be a “two-wire” device. The electrical load614may include any type of electrical load (e.g., a lighting load, an electrical motor, a plug-in electrical load, etc.).

Although features and elements are described above in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone or in any combination with the other features and elements. The methods described herein may be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmware incorporated in a computer-readable medium for execution by a computer or processor. Examples of computer-readable media include electronic signals (transmitted over wired or wireless connections) and computer-readable storage media. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), removable disks, and optical media such as CD-ROM disks, and digital versatile disks (DVDs).

Although features and elements have been described in relation to particular embodiments, many other variations, modifications, and other uses are apparent from the description provided herein. For example, while various types of hardware and/or software may be described for performing various features, other hardware and/or software modules may be implemented. The disclosure herein may not be limited by the examples provided.