Improvements in building automation systems

摘要

Battery-powered control panels may be unable to listen for incoming signals but still require reprogramming. A battery-powered user interface controller (UIC) 10 for a building automation system is described, comprising a plurality of user-actuatable inputs 22, a memory 30 containing a look-up table containing transmittable signals associated/mapped with the inputs/buttons, a transmitter 32 for sending the signals via a wireless transmission protocol, a battery 28 for powering the memory and transmitter, and a transceiver 34 for receiving Radio Frequency (RF) signals, at least partially powered by the RF signals, and arranged to update the look-up table with data received via the RF signals. The UIC may be passively re-programmed via Near-Field Communication (NFC) signals to e.g. re-program the functions associated with its plural buttons/inputs or install/update its firmware etc. The re-programming may be performed by e.g. a suitable app installed on a users NFC-enabled smartphone. The transceiver preferably receives the RF signals via a loop antenna, which can be formed by tracks on a printed circuit-board also carrying at least one of the memory, the transmitter and the battery. The tracks can form a loop around the perimeter of the printed circuit-board (Figures 4 & 5). Numerous embodiments are contemplated but the UIC may control a lighting dimmer switch (Figure 1).