Load control device having a visual indication of energy savings and usage information

Abstract

A dimmer switch for controlling the amount of power delivered to and thus the intensity of a lighting load comprises a visual display operable to provide a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information. The visual display may comprise a single visual indicator or a linear array of visual indicators. The visual display is illuminated in a first manner when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to a predetermined eco-level intensity, and is illuminated in a second manner when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the eco-level intensity. For example, the single visual indicator may be illuminated a first color, such as green, when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the eco-level intensity, and illuminated a second different color, such as red, when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the eco-level intensity.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load, and more particularly, to a dimmer switch having a visual display, such as a single visual indicator or a linear array of visual indicators, for providing a visual indication of energy savings or usage information.

2. Description of the Related Art

A conventional wall-mounted load control device is mounted to a standard electrical wall box and is coupled between a source of alternating-current (AC) power (typically 50 or 60 Hz line voltage AC mains) and an electrical load, such as, a lighting load. Standard load control devices (such as dimmer switches) use one or more semiconductor switches, typically bidirectional semiconductor switches, such as triacs or field effect transistors (FETs), to control the current (and ultimately the power) delivered to the load, and thus, the intensity of the light provided by the lighting load between a maximum intensity and a minimum intensity. The semiconductor switch is typically coupled in series between the source and the lighting load. Using a phase-control dimming technique, the dimmer switch renders the semiconductor switch conductive for a portion of each line half-cycle to provide power to the lighting load, and renders the semiconductor switch non-conductive for the other portion of the line half-cycle to prevent current from flowing to the load. The ratio of the on-time, during which the semiconductor switch is conductive, to the off-time, during which the semiconductor switch is non-conductive, determines the intensity of the light produced by the lighting load.

Wall-mounted dimmer switches typically include a user interface having a means for adjusting the lighting intensity of the load, such as a linear slider, a rotary knob, or a rocker switch. Dimmer switches also typically include a button or switch that allows for toggling of the load from off (i.e., no power is conducted to the load) to on (i.e., power is conducted to the load), and vice versa.

When controlled to an intensity below the maximum intensity, the dimmer switch is operable to save energy since less power is being delivered to the lighting load. In fact, if a connected lighting load is controlled to approximately 85% of the maximum possible intensity of the lighting load, the dimmer switch provides an energy savings of approximately 15% of the maximum possible power consumption of the lighting load. In addition, the difference between the maximum possible intensity and 85% of the maximum possible intensity is barely perceptible to the human eye. However, many users of dimmer switches unintentionally control the intensity of the lighting load to a level that is higher than actually needed, i.e., to a level that provides more light than is needed, thus, wasting energy. Therefore, there is a need for a dimmer switch that provides a visual indication of energy savings or usage information, such that the user is able to make a knowledgeable, intentional decision of the desired lighting intensity to energy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dimmer switch for controlling the amount of power delivered from a power source to a lighting load comprises a controllably conductive device, an intensity adjustment actuator, and a visual display for providing an indication of when a present intensity of the lighting load is above or below a predetermined eco-level intensity. The controllably conductive device is adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between the source and the lighting load for controlling the intensity of the lighting load. The intensity adjustment actuator is operatively coupled to the controllably conductive device, such that the controllably conductive device can adjust the intensity of the lighting load between a low-end (or minimum) intensity and a high-end (or maximum) intensity in response to actuations of the intensity adjustment actuator. The visual display is illuminated in a first manner when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the eco-level intensity, and in a second manner when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the eco-level intensity. The predetermined eco-level intensity is greater than approximately 75% of a maximum possible intensity of the lighting load.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the visual display comprises a single visual indicator. The dimmer switch further comprises a timing circuit coupled in parallel electrical connection with the controllably conductive device, and also coupled to a control input of the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive in response to a timing voltage generated by the timing circuit. The single visual indicator is illuminated a first color when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and a second color different than the first color when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the visual display comprises a linear array of visual indicators.

According to an additional embodiment of the present invention, a lighting control system for controlling the amount of power delivered from a power source to a lighting load comprises a lighting control device and a remote control for providing an indication of when a present intensity of the lighting load is above and below a predetermined eco-level intensity. The lighting control device is adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between the source and the lighting load for controlling the intensity of the lighting load. The remote control has an intensity adjustment actuator and a visual display. The lighting control device is operable to adjust the intensity of the lighting load between a low-end intensity and a high-end intensity in response to actuations of the intensity adjustment actuator of the remote control. The remote control illuminates the visual display in a first manner when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to a predetermined eco-level intensity, and in a second manner when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity. The predetermined eco-level intensity is greater than approximately 75% of a maximum possible intensity of the lighting load.

In addition, a method of providing feedback on a dimmer switch for controlling the amount of power delivered from a power source to a lighting load is described herein. The dimmer switch comprises an intensity adjustment actuator and a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between the source and the lighting load and responsive to the intensity adjustment actuator for controlling the intensity of the lighting load. The method comprises the steps of: (1) providing a visual display on the dimmer switch; (2) adjusting the intensity of the lighting load between a low-end intensity and a high-end intensity in response to actuations of the intensity adjustment actuator; (3) illuminating the visual display in a first manner when the amount of power being delivered to the load is less than or equal to a predetermined eco-level intensity; and (4) illuminating the visual display in a second manner when the amount of power being delivered to the load is greater than the eco-level intensity. The predetermined eco-level intensity is greater than approximately 75% of a maximum possible intensity of the lighting load.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention that refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form, which is presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention that refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dimmer switch that provides a visual indication of energy savings and usage information of the dimmer switch and a connected lighting load according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the dimmer switch of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the dimmer switch of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a front exploded perspective view of a slider knob and a rear slider surface of the dimmer switch of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the slider knob and the rear slider surface of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic diagram of the dimmer switch of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6A and 6B show example plots of intensities of a green light-emitting diode and a red light-emitting diode, respectively, with respect to the intensity of the lighting load of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic diagram of a dimmer switch for providing a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a simplified flowchart of a control procedure executed periodically by a controller of the dimmer switch of FIG. 7 according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 9A is a front view of a “slide-to-off” dimmer switch for providing a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a right-side view of the slide-to-off dimmer switch of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a dimmer switch for providing a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a “smart” dimmer switch that provides a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a simplified block diagram of the smart dimmer switch of FIG. 11;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are simplified flowcharts of a control procedure executed periodically by a controller of the dimmer switch of FIG. 11 according to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a front view of a smart dimmer switch that provides a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a front view of a smart dimmer switch that provides a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a front view of a smart dimmer switch that provides a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a simplified schematic diagram of a smart dimmer switch for providing a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are simplified flowcharts of a control procedure executed periodically by a controller of the dimmer switch of FIG. 17 according to the ninth embodiment;

FIG. 19 shows front views of a smart dimmer switch and a remote control of a multiple location dimming system according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a simplified block diagram of the smart dimmer switch and the remote control of the multiple location dimming system of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a simplified block diagram of a lighting control system having a remote control for providing a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a multiple-zone lighting control device for providing a plurality of visual indications representative of energy savings and usage information of a plurality of electrical loads according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment that is presently preferred, in which like numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dimmer switch 100 that provides a visual indication of energy savings and usage information according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a front view of the dimmer switch 100, which is coupled in series electrical connection between an alternating-current (AC) power source 102 and a lighting load 104 for control of the amount of power delivered to the lighting load. The dimmer switch 100 is coupled to the power source 102 via a hot terminal H and to the lighting load 104 via a dimmed hot terminal DH. Accordingly, the dimmer switch 100 is operable to turn the lighting load 104 on and off and to control a present lighting intensity L (i.e., a perceived lighting intensity) of the lighting load across a dimming range between a low-end lighting intensity L_LE (e.g., approximately 5% of a maximum possible intensity L_MAX) and a high-end lighting intensity L_HE (e.g., approximately 92% of the maximum possible intensity L_MAX). The maximum possible intensity L_MAX is the intensity of the lighting load 104 if the lighting load is coupled directly to the power source 102 or if the lighting load is controlled by a standard switch. Due to the internal circuitry, the dimmer switch 100 is not able to control the lighting intensity L of the lighting load 104 above the high-end lighting intensity L_HE or below the low-end lighting intensity L_LE. However, the dimmer switch 100 can turn the lighting load off (i.e., control the lighting intensity L to approximately 0%).

The dimmer switch 100 comprises a user interface having a rocker switch 110 and a slider knob 112 (i.e., an intensity adjustment actuator). The rocker switch 110 allows for turning on and off the connected lighting load 104. The slider actuator 112 allows for adjustment of the lighting intensity L of the lighting load 104 from the low-end lighting intensity L_LE to the high-end lighting intensity L_HE. The slider knob 112 is operable to move in a vertical direction along the length of a slider opening 114 of a bezel 115, which is received in an opening of a faceplate 116. A rear slider surface 118 can be seen through the slider opening 114 and is fixed in relation to the bezel 115. The slider knob 112 translates across the rear slider surface 118 and is attached to the internal circuitry of the dimmer switch 100 around the edges of the rear slide surface as will be described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B. Alternatively, the dimmer switch 100 may comprise a “slide-to-off” dimmer, i.e., the dimmer switch may not include the rocker switch 110 and may only include the slider actuator 112.

The dimmer switch 100 also includes a visual display comprising a single visual indicator 120, which is illuminated to provide the visual indication of energy savings and usage information of the dimmer switch. Specifically, the dimmer switch 100 illuminates the visual indicator 120 in a first manner when the position of the slider knob 112 is adjusted such that the amount of power being delivered to the lighting load 104 is less than or equal to a predetermined eco-level power threshold TH_ECO, which corresponds to an eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO. The dimmer switch 100 illuminates the visual indicator 120 in a second manner when the position of the slider knob 112 is adjusted such that the amount of power being delivered to the lighting load 104 is greater than the predetermined power threshold TH_ECO. For example, the dimmer switch 100 may illuminate the visual indicator 120 a first color (e.g., green) when the amount of power being delivered to the lighting load 104 is less than or equal to the predetermined power threshold TH_ECO, and may illuminate the visual indicator a second color (e.g., red) when the amount of power being delivered to the lighting load 104 is greater than the predetermined power threshold TH_ECO. Accordingly, by illuminating the visual indicator 120 red, the dimmer switch 100 provides a warning that the dimmer switch 100 and the lighting load 104 is consuming more power than may be necessary. Alternatively, the dimmer switch 100 may illuminate the visual indicator 120 a different color (i.e., blue, orange, or yellow) when the amount of power being delivered to the lighting load 104 is greater than the predetermined power threshold TH_ECO.

The present lighting intensity L (i.e., the perceived lighting intensity) of the lighting load 104 is dependent upon the amount of power being delivered to the lighting load 104. Thus, the dimmer switch 100 is operable to save energy by dimming the lighting load 104. For example, the dimmer switch 100 is operable to control the amount of power consumed by the lighting load 104 to be less than a maximum possible amount of power P_MAX that can be delivered by the power source 102 to the lighting load 104 by controlling the intensity of the lighting load as shown in the following table.

TABLE 1
Power consumption at lighting intensity of lighting load
Present lighting intensity L of Power consumed by
the lighting load 104           the lighting load 104
(as a percentage of the maximum (as a percentage of the maximum
lighting intensity LMAX)        possible amount of power PMAX)
90%                             90%
85%                             85%
80%                             82%
75%                             80%
70%                             76%
65%                             72%
60%                             68%
55%                             64%
50%                             60%

The perceived lighting intensity is equal to approximately the square-root of a measured lighting intensity (i.e., in lumens). This relationship is commonly known as “square-law dimming”.

Therefore, the predetermined power threshold TH_ECO of the dimmer switch 100 may comprise an appropriate amount of power that causes the lighting load 104 to save energy (as compared to the maximum possible amount of power P_MAX that can be delivered by the power source 102 to the lighting load 104), while still providing an appropriate amount of illumination to perform normal tasks in the space illuminated by the lighting load. For example, the predetermined power threshold TH_ECO may be approximately 80% of the maximum possible amount of power P_MAX or greater, such that the eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO is greater than approximately 75% of the maximum lighting intensity L_MAX of the lighting load 104. Particularly, the predetermined power threshold TH_ECO may be chosen such that the difference in the illumination provided by the lighting load 104 at the eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO and at the high-end lighting intensity L_HE is imperceptible to most users. This may be achieved when the predetermined power threshold TH_ECO is approximately 85% and the eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO is approximately 85%.

The visual indicator 120 may be located at a position along the length of the slider opening 114 that is representative of the value of the eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the visual indicator 120 may be located adjacent to the position at which the slider knob 112 is located when the lighting intensity L of the lighting load 104 is approximately 85% of the maximum lighting intensity L_MAX. In other words, the slider knob 112 is adjacent the visual indicator 120 when the visual indicator changes colors. In addition, an icon 122 (such as the text “eco”) may be provided on the rear slider surface 118 adjacent to the visual indicator 120 as shown in FIG. 2. Further, the intensity of the visual indicator 120 may be controlled, such that the intensity of the visual indicator increases as the amount of power being delivered to the lighting load 104 decreases. Accordingly, as the lighting load 104 is dimmed, the increase in the intensity of the visual indicator 120 is representative of the increase in the amount of power that is being saved. When the lighting load 104 is off, the dimmer switch 100 illuminates the visual indicator 120 dimly to provide a nightlight feature.

In addition, the dimmer switch 100 may comprise tactile feedback through the slider knob 112 to indicate when the intensity of the lighting load is at the eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO. For example, the dimmer switch 100 may comprise a detent along the length of the slider opening 114, such that the slider knob 112 is temporarily held in place adjacent to the visual indicator 120, but can be moved from the location of the detent by additional force applied to the slider knob.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the dimmer switch 100. The dimmer switch 100 comprises a mounting yoke 130, which allows the dimmer switch to be mounted to a standard electrical wallbox. A tab 132 and a snap 134 of the bezel 115 are received in attachment openings 136 of the yoke 130 to allow the bezel to be connected to the yoke. The circuitry of the dimmer switch 100, which will be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 5, is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 140. Specifically, a green light-emitting diode (LED) 142 and a red light-emitting diode 144 are mounted on the PCB 140 and operate to illuminate the visual indicator 120 on the bezel 115. A light pipe 145 extends through a light pipe slot 146 in the yoke 130 and a light pipe opening 148 in the bezel 115, such that illumination from the LEDs 142, 144 may be conducted to the visual indicator 120.

FIG. 4A is a front exploded perspective view and FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the slider knob 112 and a rear slider structure 138 on which the rear slider surface 118 is provided. The slider knob 112 is mechanically coupled to a shaft 152 of a potentiometer 150, which is mounted to the PCB 140 to provide for adjustment of the amount of power being delivered to the lighting load 104. The slider knob 112 is connected to a coupling member 154 via walls 156. The shaft 152 of the potentiometer 152 extends through a shaft opening 158 of the yoke 130 and is connected to the coupling member 154. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the slider knob 112, the walls 156, and the coupling member 154 form a single piece and define a slider knob opening 160. The rear slider structure 138 is received through the slider knob opening 160, such that the slider knob 112 is able to slide across the rear slider surface 118. The rear slider structure 138 is attached to the rear of the bezel 115 and the slider knob 112 is captured within the slider opening 114. A slider tab 162 of the coupling member 154 is received by guide rails 164 of the rear slider structure 138 to provide for the correct horizontal alignment of the slider knob 112 as the knob moves across the length of the slider opening 114.

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic diagram of the dimmer switch 100. The dimmer switch 100 comprises a triac 170, which is coupled in series between the hot terminal H and the dimmed hot terminal DH for control of the amount of power delivered to the lighting load 104 (FIG. 2). The triac 170 may alternatively be replaced by any suitable bidirectional switch, such as, for example, a field-effect transistor (FET) or an insulated gate bipolar junction transistor (IGBT) in a rectifier bridge, two FETs in anti-series connection, two IGBTs in anti-series connection, or a pair of silicon-controlled rectifiers. A timing circuit 172 is also coupled in series between the hot terminal H and the dimmed hot terminal DH and operates to generate a firing voltage at an output across a capacitor C10 (e.g., having a capacitance of approximately 0.1 μF). The timing circuit 172 also comprises two resistors R12, R14 (e.g., having resistances of approximately 5.6 kΩ and 10 kΩ, respectively) and a capacitor C16 (e.g., having a capacitance of approximately 0.1 μF). The series combination of the resistor R12 and the capacitor C16 is coupled in series between the hot terminal H and the dimmed hot terminal DH.

A diac 174 is coupled in series between the output of the timing circuit 172 and a control input (i.e., a gate) of the triac 170 and is characterized by a break-over voltage of, for example, approximately 32 V. The diac 174 is operable to conduct current through the control input of the triac 170 to render the triac conductive in response to the magnitude of the firing voltage (i.e., when the magnitude of the firing voltage exceeds approximately the break-over voltage of the diac). The dimmer switch 100 also comprises a visual indicator circuit 180, which includes the LEDs 142, 144 and will be described in greater detail below.

The potentiometer 150 comprises a dual potentiometer, which has, for example, two internal potentiometer portions 150A, 150B. The potentiometer portions 150A, 150B have respective wipers, which move together in response to movements of the single shaft 152 of the potentiometer 150. The first potentiometer portion 150A is part of the timing circuit 172 and has a resistive element that extends between two main terminals of the first potentiometer portion and has, for example, a resistance of approximately 300Ω. The wiper of the first potentiometer portion 150A is electrically coupled to the second main terminal, such that the resistance between the first main terminal and the wiper is variable in response to the position of the shaft 152. The firing capacitor C10 is operable to charge through the first potentiometer portion 150A and the two resistors R12, R14. Accordingly, the rate at which the capacitor C10 charges, and thus, the time at which the triac 170 is rendered conductive each half-cycle, is dependent upon the position of the shaft 152 of the potentiometer 150 and the resistance between the first main terminal and the wiper of the first potentiometer portion 150A.

A switch S20 is coupled in series between the hot terminal H and the junction of the triac 170 and the timing circuit 172. The switch S20 is the electrical representation of the rocker switch 110 of the dimmer switch 100. When the switch S20 is closed, the timing circuit 172 operates to fire the triac 170 each half-cycle, such that the lighting load 104 is illuminated. When the switch S20 is open, the lighting load 104 is off. The dimmer switch 100 also comprises an input noise/EMI filter circuit comprising an inductor L22 (e.g., having an inductance of approximately 10 μH) and a capacitor C24 (e.g., having a capacitance of approximately 0.1 μF).

The visual indicator circuit 180 comprises a full-wave rectifier bridge including diodes D30, D32, D34, D36. The rectifier bridge has AC terminals coupled in parallel electrical connection with the triac 170 and DC terminals for providing a rectified direct-current (DC) voltage. A resistor R28 is coupled in series between the DC terminals of the rectifier bridge and has, for example, a resistance of approximately 56 kΩ. A resistor R40 is coupled in series with the green LED 142 and has, for example, a resistance of approximately 100 kΩ. The red LED 144 is coupled in parallel electrical connection with the series combination of the resistor R40 and the green LED 142.

The second potentiometer portion 150B is part of the visual indicator circuit 180 and has a first main terminal coupled to the green LED 142 and a second main terminal coupled to the red LED 144. The wiper of the second potentiometer portion 150B is coupled in series with the DC terminals of the rectifier bridge. The second potentiometer portion 150B has a conductive element, which extends between the two main terminals and has a break 182 near the second main terminal. When the wiper is close to the first main terminal (i.e., to the right of the break 182 as shown in FIG. 5), only the green LED 142 is coupled in series between the DC terminals of the rectifier bridge and is illuminated. When the wiper is close to the second main terminal (i.e., to the left of the break 182 as shown in FIG. 5), only the red LED 144 is coupled in series between the DC terminals of the rectifier bridge and is illuminated. The break 182 is positioned along the length of the conductive element of the second potentiometer portion 150B, such that the green LED 142 is illuminated when the present intensity L of the lighting load 104 is less than or equal to the eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO (i.e., 85%) and the red LED 144 is illuminated when the present intensity L of the lighting load 104 is greater than the eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO.

Since the visual indicator circuit 180 is coupled in parallel with the triac 170, the intensity of the green LED 142 is dependent upon the conduction time of the triac each half-cycle and thus the amount of power presently being delivered to the lighting load 104. The instantaneous voltage across the visual indicator circuit 180 is equal to approximately zero volts when the triac 170 is conductive. Thus, the average voltage across the visual indicator circuit 180 decreases as the conduction time of the triac 170 increases. Accordingly, the intensity of the green LED 142 is inversely proportional to the intensity of the lighting load 104, such that the intensity of the green LED 142 is representative of the amount of power that is being saved (i.e., becomes brighter as more power is being saved). A capacitor C30 (e.g., having a capacitance of 0.01 μF) is coupled across the switch S20, such that the green LED 142 or the red LED 144 (depending upon the position of the potentiometer 150) is operable to conduct a small amount off current to be dimly illuminated to provide the nightlight feature when the switch S20 is open and the lighting load 104 is off.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show example plots of the perceived intensities of the green LED 142 and the red LED 144, respectively, with respect to the present lighting intensity L of the lighting load 104. Both the green LED 142 and the red LED 144 are off when the switch S20 is open and the lighting load 104 is off. At the low-end lighting intensity L_LE of the lighting load 104 (i.e., approximately 5%), the intensity of the green LED 142 is illuminated at a maximum intensity, while the red LED 144 is not illuminated. As the intensity L of the lighting load 104 increases, the intensity of the green LED 142 decreases to approximately 0% at the eco-level threshold intensity L_ECO (i.e., approximately 85%). For simplicity, the intensity of the green LED 142 is shown in FIG. 6A as decreasing linearly as the lighting intensity L of the lighting load 104 increases. However, the intensity of the green LED 142 may actually decrease in a non-linear fashion with respect to the lighting intensity L of the lighting load 104. When the present intensity L of the lighting load 104 is greater than the eco-level threshold intensity L_ECO, the red LED 144 is turned on, while the green LED 146 is turned off. Since the visual indicator circuit 180 is coupled in parallel with the triac 170, the intensity of the red LED 144 decreases slightly as the present intensity L of the lighting load 104 is increased from the eco-level threshold intensity L_ECO to the high-end lighting intensity L_HE. However, this change in the intensity of the red LED 144 is typically imperceptible to the human eye.

Alternatively, the first main terminal of the second potentiometer portion 150B could be electrically coupled directly to the wiper, so that the green LED 142 is always coupled in series between with DC terminals of the rectifier bridge and the red LED 144 is switched in and out of the visual indicator circuit 180 in response to the position of the second potentiometer portion. This allows for a more seamless transition when the visual indicator 120 changes from green to red (and vice versa), and avoids a potential dead point at which both of the LEDs are not illuminated due to the break 182 in the conductive element of the second potentiometer portion 150B. When the present intensity L of the lighting load 104 is less than or equal to the eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO, only the green LED 142 is illuminated. However, when the present intensity L of the lighting load 104 is greater than the eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO, both the green LED 142 and the red LED 144 are illuminated at the same time. Since the voltage drop produced across the red LED 144 is also produced across the series combination of the resistor R40 and the green LED 142, the green LED 142 is illuminated to such a low level that the red LED 144 overpowers the green LED 142 and the visual indicator 120 is only illuminated red. Therefore, as the present intensity L of the lighting load 104 is increased from below to above the eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO, the green LED 142 is illuminated up to the point at which the red LED 144 is switched on and overpowers the green LED.

FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram of a dimmer switch 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The dimmer switch 200 has a user interface identical to that of the dimmer switch 100 of the first embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The dimmer switch 200 comprises a controllably conductive device 230 coupled in series electrical connection between an AC power source 202 and a lighting load 204 for control of the power delivered to the lighting load. The controllably conductive device 230 may comprise any suitable type of bidirectional semiconductor switch, such as, for example, a triac, a field-effect transistor (FET) in a rectifier bridge, or two FETs in anti-series connection. The controllably conductive device 230 includes a control input coupled to a drive circuit 232. The input provided by the drive circuit 232 to the control input will render the controllably conductive device 230 conductive for a portion of each half-cycle, which in turn controls the power supplied to the lighting load 204.

The drive circuit 232 provides control inputs to the controllably conductive device 230 in response to command signals from a controller 234. The controller 234 may be implemented as a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a programmable logic device (PLD), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any suitable processing device. The controller 234 is operable to turn the lighting load 204 off and on in response to an input received from a switch S20, which is the electrical representation of the rocker switch 110. The controller 234 is operable to adjust the intensity of the lighting load 204 in response to a voltage provided by a potentiometer 250, which has a shaft connected to the slider knob 112. A power supply 238 generates a DC supply voltage V_CC (e.g., 5V) for powering the controller 234 and other low-voltage circuitry of the dimmer switch 200.

A zero-crossing detector 240 is coupled to the controller 234 and determines the zero-crossings of the input AC waveform from the AC power supply 202. A zero-crossing is defined as the time at which the AC supply voltage transitions from positive to negative polarity, or from negative to positive polarity, at the beginning of each half-cycle. The controller 234 provides the control inputs to the drive circuit 232 to operate the controllably conductive device 230 (i.e., to provide voltage from the AC power supply 202 to the lighting load 204) at predetermined times relative to the zero-crossing points of the AC waveform.

The dimmer switch 200 comprises a red LED D21 and a green LED D22 that are positioned to illuminate the visual indicator 120. For example, the red LED D21 may comprise part number APTB1612SURKCGKC-F01, manufactured by Kingbright Corp., while the green LED D22 may comprise part number TLMX2100, manufactured by Vishay Semiconductors. The controller 234 is coupled to the LEDs D21, D22 via respective resistors R21, R22 (e.g., both having resistances of approximately 470Ω) and a diode D23. To illuminate one of the LEDs D21, D22, the controller 234 drives a respective pin P21, R22 high (i.e., to approximately the DC supply voltage V_CC) to conduct current through the respective resistor R21, R22 and the LED. The controller 234 is operable to individually illuminate the red and green LEDs D21, D22 to illuminate the visual indicator 120 red and green, respectively. The diode D23 accounts for the difference in the voltage and current characteristics of the red LED D21 as compared to the green LED D22, such that the intensities of the LEDs are comparable when illuminated. Alternatively, the diode D23 could be omitted and the resistor R21 could have a different resistance than the resistor R22 to account for the differences in the voltage and current characteristics of the LEDs D21, D22.

FIG. 8 is a simplified flowchart of a control procedure 2000 executed periodically by the controller 234 of the dimmer switch 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The control procedure 2000 is executed by the controller 234, for example, once every half-cycle of the AC power source 202 when the zero-crossing detector 240 detects a zero-crossing at step 2010. If the controller 234 receives an input from the switch S20 at step 2012 (i.e., the rocker switch 110 was actuated) and the lighting load 104 is presently on at step 2014, the controller 234 controls the lighting intensity L of the lighting load to be off at step 2016. If the lighting load 204 is off at step 2014, the controller 234 sets the present intensity L in response to the voltage provided by the potentiometer 250 (i.e., the position of the slider knob 112) at step 2018. If the rocker switch 110 is not actuated at step 2012, a determination is made as to whether the position of the slider knob 112 has been adjusted at step 2020. If the potentiometer 250 has been adjusted at step 2020 and the lighting load is off at step 2022, the controller 234 does not turn the lighting load 204 on. However, if the potentiometer 250 has been adjusted at step 2020 and the lighting load is on at step 2022, the controller 234 sets the present intensity L of the lighting load 204 in response to the voltage provided by the potentiometer 250 at step 2024. After the controller 234 appropriately determines the lighting intensity L of the lighting load 204 (at steps 2016, 2018, 2024), the controller directs the controllably conductive device 230 accordingly at step 2026.

If the present intensity L is greater than the eco-level intensity L_ECO (i.e., 85%) at step 2028, the controller 234 controls the red LED D21 to illuminate the visual indicator 120 red at step 2030, before the control procedure 2000 exits. If the present intensity L is less than or equal to the eco-level intensity L_ECO at step 2028, the controller 234 controls the intensity of the green LED D22 at step 2032 to illuminate the visual indicator 120 to an appropriate intensity as a function of the present intensity L. In other words, when the present intensity L is less than or equal to the eco-level intensity L_ECO, the intensity of the green LED D22 increases as the present intensity L decreases, and vice versa. The controller 234 is operable to adjust the intensity of the green LED D22 by pulse-width modulating the voltage supplied at the port P22. Additionally, when the lighting load 204 is off, the controller 234 may control the green LED D22 to be illuminated dimly to provide a nightlight feature.

FIG. 9A is a front view and FIG. 9B is a right-side view of a slide-to-off dimmer switch 300 for providing a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The dimmer switch 300 comprises a slider knob 310 adapted to slide along the length of an opening 312 of a faceplate 314. Adjustment of the slider knob 310 causes the dimmer switch 300 to adjust the amount of power delivered to the connected lighting load and thus the intensity of the lighting load. When the slider knob 310 is adjusted to the lowermost position, the dimmer switch 300 turns off the connected lighting load. The dimmer switch 300 further comprises a single visual indicator 320 on the slider knob 310, such that the visual indicator moves as the position of the slider knob is adjusted. The visual indicator 320 is illuminated to provide the visual indication of energy savings and usage information of the dimmer switch 300. Specifically, the dimmer switch 300 illuminates the visual indicator 320 the first color (i.e., green) when the intensity of the connected lighting load is less than or equal to the eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO, and illuminates the visual indicator 320 the second color (i.e., red) when the intensity of the connected lighting load is greater than the eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO. The assembly of the dimmer switch 300 to allow for illumination of the visual indicator 320 on the slider knob 310 is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,054, issued Aug. 7, 1990, entitled SLIDING DIMMER SWITCH, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a dimmer switch 400 for providing a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The dimmer switch 400 comprises a faceplate 410 having a traditional-style opening, a rectangular pushbutton 412 (i.e., a toggle actuator) and a slider knob 414 (i.e., an intensity adjustment actuator). The slider knob 414 is adapted to slide along the length of an elongated slider slot 416 of a frame 418 of the dimmer switch 400. The pushbutton 412 is supported for inward translation with respect to the frame 418 in a sliding manner. Consecutive presses of the pushbutton 412 toggle a connected lighting load on and off. Adjustment of the slider knob 414 causes the dimmer switch 400 to adjust the amount of power delivered to the lighting load.

The dimmer switch 400 includes an internal source of illumination (e.g., an LED) for illuminating the pushbutton 412 and/or the slider slot 416 to provide the visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information. Specifically, the dimmer switch 400 illuminates the pushbutton 412 and the slider slot 416 the first color (i.e., green) when the position of the slider knob 414 is adjusted such that the intensity of the connected lighting load is less than or equal to the eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO. The dimmer switch 400 illuminates the pushbutton 412 and the slider slot 416 the second color (i.e., red) when the position of the slider knob 414 is adjusted such that the intensity of the connected lighting load is greater than the eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO. The assembly of the dimmer switch 400 to allow for illumination of the pushbutton 412 and the slider slot 416 is described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/725,018, filed Mar. 15, 2007, entitled DIMMER SWITCH HAVING AN ILLUMINATED BUTTON AND SLIDER SLOT, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a “smart” dimmer switch 500, which provides a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The dimmer switch 500 is adapted to be wall-mounted in a standard electrical wallbox. Alternatively, the dimmer switch 500 could comprises a tabletop dimmer switch (i.e., connected between an electrical outlet and a tabletop or floor lamp) or a screw-in lamp dimmer switch (i.e., connected between a lamp socket of a tabletop or floor lamp and the actual light bulb). The dimmer switch 500 is operable to be coupled in series electrical connection between an AC power source 502 (FIG. 12) and an electrical lighting load 504 (FIG. 12) for controlling the amount of power delivered to the lighting load. As with the dimmer switch 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the smart dimmer switch 500 of the fifth embodiment is operable to control the present intensity L of the lighting load between the low-end lighting intensity L_LE and the high-end lighting intensity L_HE. An example of a smart dimmer switch is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,919, issued Sep. 29, 1993, entitled LIGHTING CONTROL DEVICE, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The dimmer switch 500 comprises a faceplate 510 and a bezel 512 received in an opening of the faceplate. The dimmer switch 500 comprises a user interface having a control actuator 514 and an intensity adjustment actuator 516 (e.g., a rocker switch). Actuations of the control actuator 514 toggle, i.e., alternately turn off and on, the connected lighting load 504. The dimmer switch 500 may be programmed with a preset lighting intensity L_PRST (i.e., a “favorite” intensity level), such that the dimmer switch is operable to control the present intensity L of the lighting load 504 to the preset intensity when the lighting load is turned on by an actuation of the control actuator 514. Actuations of an upper portion 516A or a lower portion 516B of the intensity adjustment actuator 516 respectively increase or decrease the amount of power delivered to the lighting load 504 and thus increase or decrease the present intensity L of the lighting load.

According to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the dimmer switch 500 includes a visual display comprising a linear array 520 of visual indicators 521-527. For example, the linear array 520 of visual indicators 421-427 are arranged vertically on the left side of the bezel 512. The visual indicators 521-527 are illuminated by respective LEDs D51-D57 (FIG. 12), which are mounted to a printed circuit board (not shown) inside the dimmer switch 500. A light pipe (not shown) conducts the light from the LEDs D51-D57 to the respective visual indicators 521-527 on the bezel 512 of the dimmer switch 500. The dimmer switch 500 illuminates the linear array 520 of visual indicators 521-527 to provide feedback of the present lighting intensity L of the lighting load 504. Specifically, the dimmer switch 500 illuminates one of the LEDs D51-D57 that is representative of the present lighting intensity L of the lighting load 504. For example, if the dimmer switch 500 is controlling the lighting load 504 to a lighting intensity L of 50%, the dimmer switch controls the middle LED D54 to illuminate the middle visual indicator 524, since this status indicator is at the midpoint of the linear array 520. When the lighting load 504 is off, the dimmer switch 500 illuminates all of the visual indicators 521-527 dimly to provide a nightlight feature.

Alternatively, the dimmer switch 500 could illuminate the linear array 520 of visual indicators 521-527 to provide feedback of the present amount of power being consumed by the lighting load 504 as a percentage of the maximum possible amount of power P_MAX that can be consumed by the load. The dimmer switch 500 is operable to determine the present amount of power being consumed by the lighting load 504, for example, by a using a look-up table, such as Table 1 shown above.

The linear array 520 of visual indicators 521-527 are illuminated to represent energy saving information of the dimmer switch 500 and the lighting load 504. The dimmer switch 500 illuminates the visual indicators 521-527 in a first manner when the present intensity L of the lighting load 504 is less than or equal to the eco-level intensity L_ECO (e.g., approximately 85% of the maximum possible intensity L_MAX of the lighting load 504). The dimmer switch 500 illuminates one of the visual indicators (e.g., the top visual indicator 521) in a second manner when the present intensity L of the lighting load 504 is greater than the eco-level intensity L_ECO. According to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the dimmer switch 500 only illuminates one of the visual indicators 522-527 other than the topmost visual indicator 521 in the first manner when the present intensity L of the lighting load 504 is less than or equal to the eco-level intensity L_ECO. For example, the dimmer switch 500 may illuminate the top visual indicator 521 a first color (e.g., red) when the present intensity L of the lighting load 504 is greater than the eco-level intensity L_ECO, and may illuminate one of the other visual indicators 522-527 a second color (e.g., green) when the present intensity L the lighting load 504 is less than or equal to the eco-level intensity L_ECO.

Alternatively, the dimmer switch 500 may illuminate the top visual indicator 521 a different color (i.e., blue, orange, or yellow) when the present intensity L of the lighting load 504 is greater than the eco-level intensity L_ECO. Further, the dimmer switch 500 could alternatively illuminate the visual indicators 521-527 multiple colors to visually express the amount of power presently being consumed by the lighting load 504. For example, the top visual indicator 521 could be red, the second-highest visual indicator 522 could be orange, the third-highest visual indicator 523 could be amber, the next visual indicator 524 could be yellow, and the other visual indicators 525-527 could be green.

In addition, the dimmer switch 500 could cause the top visual indicator 521 to blink when the present intensity L of the lighting load 504 is greater than the eco-level intensity L_ECO, and to constantly illuminate one of the other visual indicators 522-527 (to be non-blinking) when the present intensity L of the lighting load 504 is less than or equal to the eco-level intensity L_ECO. Further, the dimmer switch 500 could optionally generate a sound when the lighting intensity L is equal to or greater than the eco-level intensity L_ECO (or when the lighting intensity L has just been adjusted to be greater than the eco-level intensity L_ECO). Examples of dimmer switches that are able to generate sounds are described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/472,245, filed Jun. 20, 2006, entitled TOUCH SCREEN WITH SENSORY FEEDBACK, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/033,329, filed Feb. 19, 2008, entitled SMART LOAD CONTROL DEVICE HAVING A ROTARY ACTUATOR. The entire disclosures of both applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 12 is a simplified block diagram of the dimmer switch 500. The dimmer switch 500 comprises a controllably conductive device 530 for control of the power delivered from the AC power source 502 to the lighting load 504. A controller 534 is coupled to a control input of the controllably conductive device 530 via a drive circuit 532. The controller 532 is operable to render the controllably conductive device 530 conductive for a portion of each half-cycle, for thus controlling the amount of power delivered to the lighting load 504. The controller 534 may be implemented as a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a programmable logic device (PLD), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any suitable processing device. The controller 534 provides the control inputs to the drive circuit 532 to operate the controllably conductive device 530 in response to the zero-crossing information received from a zero-crossing detector 540. The controller 534 also receives inputs from the control actuator 514 and the intensity adjustment actuator 516. The controller 534 is also coupled to a memory 536 for storage of the preset lighting intensity L_PRST of lighting load 504. The controller 534 may also include an internal volatile memory. A power supply 538 generates a DC supply voltage V_CC (e.g., 5V) for powering the controller 534, the memory 536, and other low-voltage circuitry of the dimmer switch 500.

As previously mentioned, the controller 534 controls the LEDs D51-D57 to illuminate the respective visual indicators 521-527 on the bezel 512, where the top LED D51 is a first color (i.e., red) and the other LEDs D52-D57 are a second color (i.e., green). The LEDs D51-D57 are coupled in series with respective current-limiting resistors R51-R57 (e.g., all having resistances of 470Ω). To illuminate one of the LEDs D51-D57, the controller 534 drives a respective pin P51-P57 high (i.e., to approximately the DC supply voltage V_CC) to conduct current through the respective resistor R51-R57 and the LED. The top LED D51 is also coupled in series with a diode D58, such that less than the DC supply voltage V_CC (e.g., 4.3V) is provided across the series combination of the resistor R51 and the LED D51. The diode D58 accounts for the difference in the voltage and current characteristics of the first LED D51 as compared to the other LEDs D52-D57, such that the intensities of the LEDs are comparable when illuminated. Alternatively, the diode D58 could be omitted and the resistor R51 could have a different resistance than the resistors R52-R57 to account for the differences in the voltage and current characteristics of the LEDs D51-D57.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are simplified flowcharts of a control procedure 5000 executed periodically by the controller 534, e.g., once every half-cycle of the AC power source 502 when the zero-crossing detector 540 detects a zero-crossing at step 5010. If the controller 534 determines that the control actuator 514 has been actuated at step 5012, a determination is made at step 5014 as to whether the lighting load 504 is presently on. If the lighting load 504 is on, the controller 534 stores the present lighting intensity L as a previous lighting intensity L_PREV in the memory 536 (or in the internal memory) at step 5015 (such that the previous lighting intensity L_PREV may be recalled when the lighting load 504 is turned back on). The controller 534 then sets the present lighting intensity L as off (i.e., 0%) in the memory 536 at step 5016, and controls the controllably conductive device 530 appropriately at step 5018 (i.e., does not render the controllably conductive device conductive during the present half-cycle). If the lighting load 504 is off at step 5014, the controller 534 loads the previous lighting intensity L_PREV from the memory 536 as the present lighting intensity L at step 5020, and controls the controllably conductive device 530 to turn on to the appropriate lighting intensity at step 5018 (i.e., renders the controllably conductive device conductive at the appropriate time during the present half-cycle).

If the controller 534 determines that the control actuator 514 has not been actuated at step 5012, a determination is made as to whether the upper portion 516A of the intensity adjustment actuator 516 has been actuated at step 5022. If the upper portion 516A has been actuated at step 5022, the lighting load 504 is on at step 5024, and the present lighting intensity L is not at the high-end intensity L_HE at step 5026, the controller 534 increases the present lighting intensity L by a predetermined increment (e.g., 1%) at step 5028, and controls the controllably conductive device 530 at step 5018. If the present lighting intensity L of the lighting load 504 is at the high-end intensity L_HE at step 5026, the controller 534 does not change the lighting intensity, such that the present lighting intensity L is limited to the high-end intensity L_HE. If the upper portion 516A is being actuated at step 5022 and the lighting load 504 is not on at step 5024, the lighting intensity L of the lighting load 504 is adjusted to the low-end intensity L_LE at step 5030, and the controllably conductive device 530 is controlled appropriately at step 5018 (i.e., the lighting load is turned on to the low-end intensity L_LE).

If the upper portion 516A of the intensity adjustment actuator 516 has not been actuated at step 5022, but the lower portion 516B has been actuated at step 5032, a determination is made at step 5034 as to whether the lighting load 504 is on. If the lighting load 504 is on at step 5034 and the lighting intensity L is not at the low-end intensity L_LE at step 5036, the lighting intensity L is decreased by a predetermined increment (e.g., 1%) at step 5038. If the lighting intensity L is at the low-end intensity L_LE at step 5036, the controller 534 does not change the lighting intensity L, such that the lighting intensity remains at the low-end intensity L_LE. If the lighting load 504 is not on at step 5034, the lighting intensity L is not changed (i.e., the lighting load 504 remains off) and the controllably conductive device 530 is not rendered conductive at step 5018.

If the control actuator 514 has not been actuated at step 5012, the upper portion 516A of the intensity adjustment actuator 516 has not been actuated at step 5022, and the lower portion 516B of the intensity adjustment actuator has not been actuated at step 5032, the controllably conductive device 530 is simply controlled appropriately at step 5018.

Referring to FIG. 13B, the controller 534 now controls the LEDs D51-D57 to appropriately illuminate the visual indicators 521-527 in response to the present intensity L of the lighting load 504 stored in the memory 536. Specifically, if the present lighting intensity L is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity L_ECO (i.e., 85% of the maximum lighting intensity L_MAX) at step 5040, the controller 534 drives the pin P51 high to illuminate only the LED D51 constantly at step 5042 (to thus illuminate the top visual indicator 521 red). If the present intensity L is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO at step 5040, but is greater than a second threshold lighting intensity L_TH2 (e.g., 70%) at step 5044, the controller 534 illuminates only the LED D52 constantly at step 5046 (to thus illuminate the visual indicator 522 green). If the present lighting intensity L is greater than a third threshold lighting intensity L_TH3 (e.g., 55%) at step 5048, a fourth threshold lighting intensity L_TH4 (e.g., 40%) at step 5052, a fifth threshold lighting intensity L_TH5 (e.g., 25%) at step 5056, or a sixth threshold lighting intensity L_TH6 (e.g., 10%) at step 5060, the controller 534 respectively illuminates the LED D53 at step 5050, the LED D54 at step 5054, the LED D55 at step 5058, or the LED D56 at step 5062. If the present lighting intensity L is less than or equal to the sixth threshold lighting intensity L_TH6 at step 5060, but is the lighting load 504 is not off at step 5064, the controller 534 illuminates the LED D57 (to thus illuminate the lowest visual indicator 527 green) at step 5066. If the lighting load 504 is off at step 5064, the controller 534 illuminates all of the green LEDs (i.e., LEDs D52-D57) dimly at step 5068 to provide the nightlight, for example, by providing pulse-width modulated (PWM) voltages on the pins P52-P57. After appropriately controlling the LEDs D51-D57, the control procedure 5000 exits. The control procedure 5000 is executed by the controller 534 once again at the next zero-crossing of the AC line voltage.

Alternatively, the dimmer switch 500 may be operable to “fade” the lighting intensity L of the lighting load 504 to be less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO if the lighting intensity L is controlled to be greater than the eco-level threshold. Fading of the lighting intensity L is defined as dimming or adjusting the lighting intensity L over a predetermined period of time. For example, if a user actuates the upper portion 516A of the intensity adjustment actuator 516 to increase the lighting intensity L above the predetermined eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO, the controller 534 may slowly decrease (i.e., fade) the lighting intensity L to be equal to the predetermined eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO over a period of thirty minutes. Before beginning to fade the lighting intensity L towards the predetermined eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO, the controller 534 could remain at the lighting intensity that is above the eco-level lighting intensity L_ECO for a period of time, e.g., 5 minutes.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a smart dimmer switch 600 for providing a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The dimmer switch 600 includes the same circuitry as the dimmer switch 500 of the fifth embodiment as shown in FIG. 12. The dimmer switch 600 comprises a bezel 612 having a linear array 620 of visual indicators 621-627. The top visual indicator 621 has a larger diameter (e.g., approximately 0.076 inch) than the other visual indicators 622-627 (e.g., having diameters of approximately 0.031 inch). Since the top visual indicator 621 is larger than the other visual indicators 622-627, the top visual indicator 621 allow more light from the internal LED D51 to shine through to the front of the bezel 612. Accordingly, the top visual indicator 621 appears brighter to a user when the top visual indicator is illuminated red (i.e., above the eco-level intensity L_ECO) than when the lower visual indicators 622-627 are illuminated green (i.e., below the eco-level intensity L_ECO).

FIG. 15 is a front view of a smart dimmer switch 700 for providing a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The dimmer switch 700 includes the same circuitry as the dimmer switch 500 of the fifth embodiment as shown in FIG. 12. The dimmer switch 700 comprises a bezel 712 having a linear array 720 of visual indicators 721-727 that each have a different diameter. For example, the diameter of the top visual indicator 721 (e.g., approximately 0.076 inch) is larger than the diameter of the bottom visual indicator 727 (e.g., approximately 0.031 inch), and the diameters of the visual indicators 722-726 between the top and bottom visual indicators 721, 727 vary linearly between the diameter of the top visual indicator and the diameter of the bottom visual indicator. Thus, as the lighting intensity L of the lighting load 504 increases, the illuminated visual indicator 721-727 appears brighter.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a smart dimmer switch 800 for providing a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The dimmer switch 800 includes the same circuitry as the dimmer switch 500 of the fifth embodiment as shown in FIG. 12. As on the smart dimmer switch 700 of the seventh embodiment, the dimmer switch 800 comprises a bezel 812 having a linear array 820 of visual indicators 821-827, which have different diameters that vary linearly between the diameter of the top visual indicator 821 and the diameter of the bottom visual indicator 827. However, the diameter of the top visual indicator 821 (e.g., approximately 0.031 inch) is less than the diameter of the bottom visual indicator 827 (e.g., approximately 0.076 inch). Thus, as the lighting intensity L of the lighting load 504 is dimmed and more power is saved, the illuminated visual indicator 821-827 appears brighter.

FIG. 17 is a simplified schematic diagram of a smart dimmer switch 900 for providing a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The dimmer switch 900 is similar of the dimmer switch 500 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. However, the dimmer switch 900 comprises an additional LED D90 of the second color (i.e., green) for illuminating the topmost visual indicator 521 the second color. Alternatively, the red LED D51 and the green LED D90 may comprise a bi-colored LED. A controller 934 controls the topmost green LED D90 and the topmost red LED D51 to selectively illuminate the topmost visual indicator 521 green and red, respectively. The green LED D90 is coupled to an additional pin P90 of the controller 934 via a resistor R90 (e.g., having a resistance of approximately 470Ω).

The dimmer switch 900 operates normally to adjust the lighting intensity L of the lighting load 504 between the low-end intensity L_LE and the eco-level intensity L_ECO (i.e., the dimming range of the dimmer switch is scaled between the low-end intensity L_LE and the eco-level intensity L_ECO). The dimmer switch 900 turns on the lighting load 504 to at most the eco-level intensity L_ECO in response to actuations of the control actuator 514. However, when the lighting intensity L of the lighting load is presently at the eco-level intensity L_ECO and the upper portion 516A of the intensity adjustment actuator 516 is actuated, the dimmer switch 900 is operable to increase the lighting intensity L of the lighting load 504 above the eco-level intensity L_ECO and up to the high-end intensity L_HE. The dimmer switch 900 controls the topmost green LED D90 to illuminate the topmost visual indicator 521 green when the lighting intensity L of the lighting load 504 is at (or slightly below) the eco-level intensity L_ECO. When the lighting intensity L of the lighting load 504 is above the eco-level intensity L_ECO, the dimmer switch 900 controls the topmost red LED D51 to illuminate the topmost visual indicator 521 red to provide an indication to the user that the dimmer switch 900 and the lighting load 504 may be consuming more power than necessary.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are simplified flowcharts of a control procedure 9000 executed periodically by the controller 934 of the dimmer switch 900 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. For example, the control procedure 9000 is executed once every half-cycle of the AC power source 502 when the zero-crossing detector 540 detects a zero-crossing at step 5010. The control procedure 9000 is very similar to the control procedure 5000 of the fifth embodiment as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. However, if the control actuator 514 is actuated at step 5012 and the lighting load is on at step 5014, the controller 934 determines if the present intensity L is greater than the eco-level threshold L_ECO at step 9010. If not, the controller 934 saves the present intensity L as the previous intensity L_PREV at step 5015 (as in the control procedure 5000 of the fifth embodiment). On the other hand, if the present intensity if greater than the eco-level threshold L_ECO at step 9010, the controller 934 stores the eco-level threshold L_ECO as the previous intensity L_PREV in the memory 516 at step 9012. Accordingly, the next time that the lighting load 504 is turned on in response to an actuation of the control actuator 514, the lighting intensity L of the lighting load 504 will be controlled to at most the eco-level threshold L_ECO.

Referring to FIG. 18B, if the present intensity L is greater than the eco-level threshold L_ECO (i.e., 85%) at step 5040, the controller 934 illuminates the topmost red LED D51 at step 5042 to illuminate the topmost visual indicator 521 red. If the present intensity L is less than the eco-level threshold L_ECO at step 5040, but greater than a first threshold lighting intensity L_TH1 (e.g., 73%) at step 9014, the controller 934 illuminates the topmost green LED D90 at step 9016 to illuminate the topmost visual indicator 521 green. If the present intensity L is less than the first threshold lighting intensity L_TH1 at step 9014, the controller 934 controls the other LEDs D52-D57 as in the control procedure 5000 of the fifth embodiment. According to the ninth embodiment, the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth threshold lighting intensities L_TH2, L_TH3, L_TH4, L_TH5, L_TH6 may comprise, for example, 61%, 49%, 37%, 25%, and 13%, respectively.

FIG. 19 is a simplified diagram of a multiple location dimming system 1000 having a smart dimmer switch 1010 and a remote control 1012 for providing a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. The dimmer switch 1010 and the remote control 1012 are coupled in series electrical connection between an AC power source 1002 and a lighting load 1004. Specifically, the dimmer switch 1010 comprises a hot terminal H connected to the AC power source 1002 and a dimmed hot terminal DH connected to a first hot terminal H1 of the remote control 1012 via a hot wire 1014. The remote control 1012 also has a second hot terminal H2 connected to the lighting load 1004. The dimmer switch 1010 and the remote control 1012 comprise remote terminals RT connected together via a wired control link 1016 (e.g., a single wire), which allows for communication between the dimmer switch and the remote control 1012. As shown in FIG. 19, the remote control 1012 is connected to the “load side” of the multiple location dimming system 1000. Alternatively, the remote control 1012 could be connected to the “line side” of the system 1000.

The dimmer switch 1010 and the remote control 1012 each have a user interface 1038, 1048 (FIG. 20) that is the same as the user interface of the smart dimmer switch 500 of the fifth embodiment as shown in FIG. 11. Alternatively, the dimmer switch 1010 and the remote control 1012 could have user interfaces as shown in FIG. 14-16. The dimmer switch 1010 includes a controllably conductive device (CCD) 1030 (FIG. 20), such as, a triac, and is able to control the amount of power delivered to the lighting load 1004. The remote control 1012 does not include a controllably conductive device and is not able to directly control the amount of power delivered to the lighting load 1004. However, the remote control 1012 is able to control the intensity of the lighting load 1004 in response to actuations of the control actuator 514′ and the intensity adjustment actuator 516′ by transmitting control signals to the dimmer switch 1010 via the wired control link 1016 to cause the dimmer switch to adjust the amount of power delivered to the lighting load. The remote control 1012 may then display the visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information on the linear array 520′ of visual indicators 521′-527′ in a similar fashion as the dimmer switches 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 of the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth embodiments, respectively.

FIG. 20 is a simplified block diagram of the smart dimmer switch 1010 and the remote control 1012 of the multiple location dimming system 1000. The controllably conductive device 1030 is coupled in series electrical connection between the hot terminal H and the dimmed hot terminal DH. The dimmer switch 1010 comprises a controller 1034, which is coupled to a control input of the controllably conductive device 1010 via a gate drive circuit 1032 for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive. A power supply 1035 is coupled across the controllably conductive device 1030 and generates a supply voltage V_CC1 for powering the controller 1034 and other low-voltage circuitry of the dimmer switch 1010. The power supply 1035 also generates a remote power supply voltage V_REM, which is supplied to the remote terminal RT for powering the remote control 1012. The dimmer switch 1010 further comprises a communication circuit 1036 coupled to the remote terminal RT. The controller 1034 is coupled to the communication circuit 1036 to allow for communication between the dimmer switch 1010 and the remote control 1012. The controller 1034 is further coupled to the user interface 1038 for receipt of user inputs from the control actuator 514 and the intensity adjustment actuator 516 and for control of the visual indicators 521-527.

The first and second hot terminals H1, H2 of the remote control 1012 are electrically connected together, such that the remote control 1012 simply conducts the load current through the lighting load 1004 and the controllably conductive device 1030 of the dimmer switch 1010. The remote control 1012 includes a controller 1044 and a power supply 1045, which is coupled between the remote terminal RT and the hot terminals H1, H2. The power supply 1045 of the remote control 1012 draws current from the power supply 1035 of the dimmer switch 1010 in order to generate a supply voltage V_CC2 for powering the controller 1044 and other low-voltage circuitry of the remote control. The remote control 1012 also comprises a communication circuit 1046 coupled to the controller 1044 and the remote terminal RT, such that the controller 1044 is able to transmit digital messages to and receive digital messages from the dimmer switch 1010. The controller 1044 is also coupled to the user interface 1048 for receipt of user inputs from the control actuator 514′ and the intensity adjustment actuator 516′ and for control of the visual indicators 521′-527′. Accordingly, the remote control 1012 is able to control the intensity of the lighting load 1004 in response to actuations of the control actuator 514′ and the intensity adjustment actuator 516′ and to provide the display the visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information on the linear array 520′ of visual indicators 521′-527′. An example of a multiple location dimming system is described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/106,614, filed Apr. 21, 2008, entitled MULTIPLE LOCATION LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Alternatively, the wired control link 1016 may comprise, for example, a two-wire digital communication link, such as a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) communication link, or a four-wire digital communication link, such as a RS-485 communication link. Further, the control link 1016 may alternatively comprise a wireless communication link, such as, for example, radio-frequency (RF) or infrared (IR) communication links. An example of an RF dimming system is described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/713,854, filed Mar. 5, 2007, entitled METHOD OF PROGRAMMING A LIGHTING PRESET FROM A RADIO-FREQUENCY REMOTE CONTROL. An example of an IR lighting control system is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,545,434, issued Apr. 8, 2003, entitled MULTI-SCENE PRESET LIGHTING CONTROLLER, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, the control signals may be transmitted between the remote control 1012 and the dimmer switch 1010 on the hot wire 1014 using, for example, current-carrier communication signals. An example of a lighting control system that uses a current-carrier communication technique is described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/447,431, filed Jun. 6, 2006, entitled SYSTEM FOR CONTROL OF LIGHTS AND MOTORS

FIG. 21 is a simplified block diagram of a lighting control system 1100 having a remote control 1110 (e.g., a keypad device or a wallstation) for providing a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The lighting control system 1100 comprises a power panel 1112 having a plurality of load control modules (LCMs) 1114 (e.g., lighting control devices). Each load control module 1114 may be coupled to a lighting load 1104 for control of the amount of power delivered to, and thus the intensity of, the lighting load. Alternatively, each load control module 1112 may be coupled to more than one lighting load 1104, for example, four lighting loads, for individually controlling the amount of power delivered to each of the lighting loads. The power panel 1112 also comprises a module interface (MI) 1116, which controls the operation of the load control modules 1114 via digital signals transmitted across a power module control link 1118.

The lighting control system 1100 comprises a central processor 1120, which controls the operation of the lighting control system, specifically, the amount of power delivered to each of the lighting loads 1104 by the load control modules 1114. The central processor 1120 is operable to communicate with the module interface 1116 of the power panel 1112 via an MI communication link 1122. The module interface 1116 is operable to cause the load control modules 1114 to turn off and on and to control the intensity of the lighting loads 1104 in response to digital messages received by the module interface 1116 from the central processor 1120. The central processor 1120 may also be coupled to a personal computer (PC) 1124 via a PC communication link 1126. The PC 1124 executes a graphical user interface (GUI) program that allows a user of the lighting control system 1100 to setup and monitor the lighting control system. Typically, the GUI software creates a database defining the operation of the lighting control system 1100 and the database is downloaded to the central processor 1120 via the PC communication link 1126. The central processor 1120 comprises a non-volatile memory for storing the database.

The remote control 1110 is coupled to the central processor 1120 via a control device communication link 1128. The remote control 1110 has a user interface that is the same as the user interface of the smart dimmer switch 500 of the fifth embodiment as shown in FIG. 11. Alternatively, the remote control 1110 could have a user interface as shown in FIG. 14-16. The remote control 1110 is operable to transmit digital messages to the central processor 1120 in response to actuations of the control actuator 514 and the intensity adjustment actuator 516. The central processor 1120 may then transmit digital messages to the module interface 1116 to control the intensities of the lighting loads 1104. The central processor 1120 may transmit digital messages to the remote control 1110 to cause the remote control to display the visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information on the linear array 520 of visual indicators 521-527 in a similar fashion as the smart dimmer switches 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 of the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth embodiments, respectively. An example of a lighting control system is described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/870,783, filed Oct. 11, 2007, entitled METHOD OF BUILDING A DATABASE OF A LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The lighting control system 1100 could additionally comprise a touch screen or a visual display 1130 coupled to, for example, the PC communication link 1126 for providing a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information. An example of a visual display is described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/044,672, filed Mar. 7, 2008, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GRAPHICALLY DISPLAYING ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND SAVINGS, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The communication links of the lighting control system 1100 (i.e., the MI communication link 1122, the PC communication link 1126, and the control device communication link 1128) may comprise, for example, four-wire digital communication links, such as a RS-485 communication links. Alternatively, the communication links may comprise two-wire digital communication links, such as, DALI communication links, or wireless communication links, such as, radio-frequency (RF) or infrared (IR) communication links. An example of an RF lighting control system is described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/033,223, filed Feb. 19, 2008, entitled COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL FOR A RADIO-FREQUENCY LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a multiple-zone lighting control device 1200 for providing a plurality of visual indications representative of energy savings and usage information of a plurality of electrical loads according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. The lighting control device 1200 comprises a plurality of lighting control circuits, e.g., dimmer circuits (not shown), for individual control of a plurality of lighting “zones”, i.e., lighting loads (not shown). The lighting control device 1200 includes display portion 1210 that may be accessed when a cover 1212 is open as shown in FIG. 22. The display portion 1210 includes a plurality of intensity adjustment actuators 1214, specifically, one intensity adjustment actuator for each lighting zone controlled by the lighting control device 1200, e.g., eight zones as shown in FIG. 22. Each intensity adjustment actuator 1214 comprises a raise button and a lower button, which cause the lighting control device 1200 to respectively increase and decrease the intensity of the respective lighting zone.

The lighting control device 1200 further comprises a plurality of linear arrays 1220 of visual indicators located immediately adjacent (i.e., to the left of) the intensity adjustment actuators 1214. Each linear array 1220 of visual indicators provides a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information of the respective lighting zone. The linear arrays 1220 of visual indicators may be controlled and displayed in a similar fashion as the smart dimmer switches 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 of the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth embodiments, respectively. The cover 1212 may be translucent, such that the multiple linear arrays 1220 of visual indicators may be seen through the cover when the cover is closed. Alternatively, the cover 1212 could be opaque, such that the cover conceals the display portion 1210 from view when closed. The lighting control device 1200 also comprises a plurality of preset buttons 1230 for selecting one or more lighting presets (or “scenes”). An example of a multiple zone lighting control device is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,356, issued Jul. 4, 1995, entitled PROGRAMMABLE LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM WITH NORMALIZED DIMMING FOR DIFFERENT LIGHT SOURCES, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The present invention has been described with reference to dimmer switches and lighting control systems for controlling the intensities of lighting loads. It should be noted that the concepts of the present invention could be applied to load control devices and load control systems for any type of lighting load (such as, for example, incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, electronic low-voltage loads, magnetic low-voltage (MLV) loads, and light-emitting diode (LED) loads) or other electrical load (such as, for example, fan motors and AC motorized window treatments).

Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited by the specific disclosure herein.

Claims

1. A dimmer switch for controlling the amount of power delivered from a power source to a lighting load, the dimmer switch comprising: a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between the source and the lighting load for controlling the intensity of the lighting load;an intensity adjustment actuator operatively coupled to the controllably conductive device, such that the controllably conductive device is operable to adjust the intensity of the lighting load between a low-end intensity and a high-end intensity in response to actuations of the intensity adjustment actuator; anda visual display operable to be illuminated in a first manner when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to a predetermined eco-level intensity, and in a second manner when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity, the predetermined eco-level intensity being greater than 75% of a maximum possible intensity of the lighting load.

2. The dimmer switch of claim 1, wherein the visual display comprises a single visual indicator.

3. The dimmer switch of claim 2, wherein the visual indicator is illuminated a first color when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and illuminated a second color different than the first color when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

4. The dimmer switch of claim 3, wherein the controllably conductive device comprises a triac, the dimmer switch further comprising: a timing circuit coupled in parallel electrical connection with the triac, the timing circuit coupled to a gate of the triac, such that the triac is rendered conductive in response to a timing voltage generated by the timing circuit; anda visual indicator circuit coupled in parallel electrical connection with the triac, the visual indicator circuit comprising a first light-emitting diode having the first color, and a second light-emitting diode having the second color, the first and second light-emitting diodes operable to illuminate the visual indicator the respective colors.

5. The dimmer switch of claim 4, further comprising: a dual potentiometer comprising a single shaft and first and second potentiometer portions having respective wipers controlled together by the single shaft, the first potentiometer portion having a variable resistance and coupled to the timing circuit, such that the triac is rendered conductive in response to the variable resistance of the first potentiometer portion;wherein the second potentiometer portion is coupled to the visual indicator circuit, such that the first light-emitting diode is illuminated when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and the second light-emitting diode is illuminated when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

6. The dimmer switch of claim 5, wherein the intensity adjustment actuator comprises a slider knob coupled to the shaft of the potentiometer, such that the triac is rendered conductive in response to actuations of the slider knob.

7. The dimmer switch of claim 5, wherein the intensity of the visual indicator increases as the intensity of the lighting load is decreased from the eco-level intensity to the low-end intensity.

8. The dimmer switch of claim 5, wherein the first light-emitting diode is illuminated to a low level and the second light-emitting diode is illuminated to a second level greater than the low level of the first light-emitting diode when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

9. The dimmer switch of claim 5, wherein only the first light-emitting diode is illuminated when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and only the second light-emitting diode is illuminated when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

10. The dimmer switch of claim 4, wherein the first color comprises green and the second color comprises one of red, orange, yellow, and blue.

11. The dimmer switch of claim 2, further comprising: a controller operatively coupled to the intensity adjustment actuator and a control input of the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive in response to the intensity adjustment actuator.

12. The dimmer switch of claim 11, wherein the visual indicator is illuminated a first color when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and illuminated a second color different than the first color when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

13. The dimmer switch of claim 11, wherein the visual indicator is illuminated constantly when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and the visual indicator blinks when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

14. The dimmer switch of claim 1, wherein the visual display comprises a vertically-arranged linear array of visual indicators.

15. The dimmer switch of claim 14, further comprising: a controller operatively coupled to the intensity adjustment actuator and a control input of the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive in response to the intensity adjustment actuator; anda plurality of light-emitting diodes operatively coupled to the controller for illuminating each of the visual indicators.

16. The dimmer switch of claim 15, wherein one of the visual indicators is illuminated a first color when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and a topmost visual indicator of the linear array is illuminated a second color different than the first color when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

17. The dimmer switch of claim 16, wherein the topmost visual indicator is illuminated the first color when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and is illuminated a second color different than the first color when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

18. The dimmer switch of claim 16, wherein the topmost visual indicator has a first diameter and the other visual indicators each have a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.

19. The dimmer switch of claim 16, wherein the diameter of the top visual indicator is larger than the diameter of the bottom visual indicator, and the diameters of the other visual indicators between the top and bottom visual indicators vary linearly between the diameter of the top visual indicator and the diameter of the bottom visual indicator.

20. The dimmer switch of claim 16, wherein the diameter of the top visual indicator is smaller than the diameter of the bottom visual indicator, and the diameters of the other visual indicators between the top and bottom visual indicators vary linearly between the diameter of the top visual indicator and the diameter of the bottom visual indicator.

21. The dimmer switch of claim 16, wherein one of the visual indicators other than the topmost visual indicator is illuminated the first color when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity.

22. The dimmer switch of claim 15, wherein, if the intensity of the lighting load is controlled to be greater than the eco-level intensity, the controller is operable to fade the intensity of the lighting load to be less than or equal to the eco-level intensity over a predetermined period of time.

23. The dimmer switch of claim 15, wherein the top visual indicator is illuminated red when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity, the second-highest visual indicator is illuminated orange, the third-highest visual indicator is illuminated amber, the fourth-highest visual indicator is illuminated yellow, and the other visual indicators are illuminated green.

24. The dimmer switch of claim 15, wherein one of the visual indicators is illuminated constantly when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and one of the visual indicators blinks when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

25. The dimmer switch of claim 1, wherein the visual display comprises an elongated slot and the intensity adjustment actuator comprises a slider knob adapted to move across the length of the slot, the controllably conductive device responsive to the position of the slider knob, such that the controllably conductive device is rendered conductive in response to actuations of the slider knob, the slot illuminated a first color when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and illuminated a second color different than the first color when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

26. The dimmer switch of claim 1, further comprising: a control actuator operatively coupled to the controllably conductive device, such that the controllably conductive device is operable to turn the lighting load on and off in response to actuations of the control actuator;wherein the visual display comprises the control actuator, the control actuator being illuminated a first color when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and illuminated a second color different than the first color when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

27. The dimmer switch of claim 1, wherein the predetermined eco-level intensity is 85% of the maximum possible intensity of the lighting load.

28. A dimmer switch for controlling the amount of power delivered from a power source to a lighting load, the dimmer switch comprising: a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between the source and the lighting load for controlling the intensity of the lighting load;a timing circuit coupled in parallel electrical connection with the controllably conductive device, the timing circuit coupled to a control input of the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive in response to a timing voltage generated by the timing circuit, such that the intensity of the lighting load is adjusted between a low-end intensity and a high-end intensity; anda visual indicator operable to be illuminated a first color when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to a predetermined eco-level intensity, and a second color different than the first color when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity, the predetermined eco-level intensity being greater than 75% of a maximum possible intensity of the lighting load.

29. The dimmer switch of claim 28, further comprising: a visual indicator circuit coupled in parallel electrical connection with the controllably conductive device, the visual indicator circuit comprising a first light-emitting diode having the first color, and a second light-emitting diode having the second color, the first and second light-emitting diodes operable to illuminate the visual indicator the respective colors.

30. The dimmer switch of claim 29, further comprising: a dual potentiometer comprising a single shaft and first and second potentiometer portions having respective wipers controlled together by the single shaft, the first potentiometer portion having a variable resistance and coupled to the timing circuit, such that the controllably conductive device is rendered conductive in response to the variable resistance of the first potentiometer portion;wherein the second potentiometer portion is coupled to the visual indicator circuit, such that the first light-emitting diode is illuminated when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and the second light-emitting diode is illuminated when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

31. The dimmer switch of claim 28, further comprising: an intensity adjustment actuator operatively coupled to the controllably conductive device, such that the controllably conductive device is operable to adjust the intensity of the lighting load between a low-end intensity and a high-end intensity in response to actuations of the intensity adjustment actuator.

32. The dimmer switch of claim 31, wherein the intensity adjustment actuator comprises a slider knob coupled to the shaft of the potentiometer, such that the controllably conductive device is rendered conductive in response to actuations of the slider knob.

33. The dimmer switch of claim 32, further comprising: a rocker switch for turning the lighting load on and off.

34. The dimmer switch of claim 32, wherein the dimmer switch comprises a slide-to-off dimmer switch.

35. A method of providing feedback on a dimmer switch for controlling the amount of power delivered from a power source to a lighting load, the dimmer switch comprising an intensity adjustment actuator and a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between the source and the lighting load and responsive to the intensity adjustment actuator for controlling the intensity of the lighting load, the method comprising the steps of: providing a visual display on the dimmer switch;adjusting the intensity of the lighting load between a low-end intensity and a high-end intensity in response to actuations of the intensity adjustment actuator;illuminating the visual display in a first manner when the amount of power being delivered to the load is less than or equal to a predetermined eco-level intensity; andilluminating the visual display in a second manner when the amount of power being delivered to the load is greater than the eco-level intensity;wherein the predetermined eco-level intensity is greater than 75% of a maximum possible intensity of the lighting load.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the visual display comprises a single visual indicator.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the step of illuminating the visual display in a first manner comprises illuminating the visual indicator a first color when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and the step of illuminating the visual display in a second manner comprises illuminating the visual indicator a second color different than the first color when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the step of adjusting the intensity of the lighting load comprises moving a slider knob.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein the first color comprises green and the second color comprises one of red, orange, yellow, and blue.

40. The method of claim 36, wherein the step of illuminating the visual display in a first manner comprises illuminating the visual indicator constantly when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and wherein the step of illuminating the visual display in a second manner comprises blinking the visual indicator when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

41. The method of claim 36, further comprising the step of: increasing the intensity of the visual indicator as the intensity of the lighting load is decreased from the eco-level intensity to the low-end intensity.

42. The method of claim 35, wherein the step of providing a visual display on the dimmer switch comprises providing a plurality of visual indicators arranged in a vertical linear array.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of illuminating the visual display in a first manner comprises illuminating one of the visual indicators a first color when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and the step of illuminating the visual display in a second manner comprises illuminating a topmost visual indicator of the linear array a second color different than the first color when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the step of illuminating the visual display in a first manner further comprises illuminating the topmost visual indicator the first color when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and the step of illuminating the visual display in a second manner further comprises illuminating the topmost visual indicator the second color when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

45. The method of claim 43, wherein the step of illuminating the visual display in a first manner further comprises illuminating one of the visual indicators other than the topmost visual indicator the first color when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity.

46. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of illuminating the visual display in a first manner comprises illuminating one of the visual indicators constantly when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and wherein the step of illuminating the visual display in a second manner comprises blinking one of the visual indicators when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the step of illuminating the visual display in a second manner further comprises blinking a topmost visual indicator of the linear array when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity, and the step of illuminating the visual display in a first manner further comprises illuminating one of the visual indicators other than the topmost visual indicator constantly when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity.

48. The method of claim 35, wherein the predetermined eco-level intensity is 85% of the maximum possible intensity of the lighting load.

49. A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered from a power source to an electrical load, the load control device comprising: a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between the source and the load for controlling the amount of power delivered to the load;an adjustment actuator operatively coupled to the controllably conductive device, such that the controllably conductive device is operable to adjust the amount of power delivered to the load between a low-end level and a high-end level in response to actuations of the adjustment actuator; anda visual display operable to be illuminated a first color when the amount of power delivered to the load is less than or equal to a predetermined level, and a second color different than the first color when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined level, the predetermined level intensity being 85% of a maximum possible amount of power that may be delivered by the source to the load.

50. A lighting control system for controlling the amount of power delivered from a power source to a lighting load, the dimmer switch comprising: a lighting control device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between the source and the lighting load for controlling the intensity of the lighting load; anda remote control having an intensity adjustment actuator and a visual display, the lighting control device operable to adjust the intensity of the lighting load between a low-end intensity and a high-end intensity in response to actuations of the intensity adjustment actuator;wherein the remote control illuminates the visual display in a first manner when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to a predetermined eco-level intensity, and in a second manner when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity, the predetermined eco-level intensity being greater than 75% of a maximum possible intensity of the lighting load.

51. The lighting control system of claim 50, wherein the visual display of the remote control comprises a vertically-arranged linear array of visual indicators.

52. The lighting control system of claim 51, wherein one of the visual indicators is illuminated a first color when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the predetermined eco-level intensity, and a topmost visual indicator of the linear array is illuminated a second color different than the first color when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the predetermined eco-level intensity.

53. The lighting control system of claim 52, wherein the lighting control device comprises a dimmer switch coupled to the remote control via a communication link, the remote control operable to transmit digital messages to the dimmer switch in response to actuations of the intensity adjustment actuator.

54. The lighting control system of claim 52, further comprising: a central processor coupled to the remote control device via a communication link;wherein the remote control transmits digital messages to the central processor in response to actuations of the intensity adjustment actuator.