Methods and Systems for Controlling Devices via Power Lines
First Claim
1. A method for controlling a device, comprising:
- varying a power voltage level on a power line coupled to the device; and
controlling the device coupled to the power line based on the varying power voltage level.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and systems are provided that control devices using signals transmitted over power lines in many different applications and configurations. They provide a lower cost approach for controlling devices via signals transmitted over power lines. The methods and systems may control intensity, spectral, and other characteristics of lighting devices, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or assemblies thereof, via power lines. They may also control other types of loads, such as motors, relays, valves or the like. Additionally, techniques for independently controlling intensity and spectral content of selected high efficiency lighting devices are also described. For example, the brightness and color of an LED may be controlled via the power lines that supply power to the LED.
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Citations
39 Claims
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1. A method for controlling a device, comprising:
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varying a power voltage level on a power line coupled to the device; and controlling the device coupled to the power line based on the varying power voltage level. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for sending information over a power line, comprising:
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modulating a power voltage on the power line based on the information; and recovering the information from the modulation of the power voltage.
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22. A system for sending information over a power line, comprising:
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means for modulating a power voltage on the power line based on the information; and means for recovering the information from the modulation of the power voltage.
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23. A system for controlling a device via a power line, comprising:
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a first microcontroller configured to receive a control signal and encode the control signal to a varying power voltage level; the power line configured to transmit the varying power voltage level from the first microcontroller to a second microcontroller; and the second microcontroller configured to; decode the varying power voltage level to interpret the control signal; and control the device based on the decoded varying power voltage level. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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Specification