BASIC MODULE OF A NETWORK BUILDING AS WELL AS NETWORK BUILDING AND METHOD FOR CONFIGURING AN EXTENSION MODULE OF THE NETWORK BUILDING

Description

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to network assemblies. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to electronic network assemblies with expandable functionality.

[0002] Electronic devices and operating devices are becoming increasingly complex and feature an increasing number of functionalities, which are generally implemented by corresponding functional units, such as sensors, communication interfaces, and intelligent electronics. Network devices are also known that can participate in device networks or IoT (Internet of Things), such as luminaires or lighting devices in a light management system or LMS (Light Management System). In particular, connecting a luminaire to an IoT network or LMS can be implemented using additional, network-specific hardware and software units, which can fundamentally be different for each network, as shown by way of example in WO 2018 / 029518 A1. Furthermore, network devices and luminaires are constantly being upgraded to meet modern requirements for controllability and network capability.The existing additional units cannot easily be used for other networks or other purposes, which can lead to high costs and high environmental impacts.

[0003] An object of the embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a network structure for network devices which can be equipped with additional functionalities in a flexible and cost-effective manner.

[0004] To solve this problem, according to a first aspect, a basic module according to claim 1 is provided.

[0005] The communication bus can be configured, in particular, to transmit data or signals between the logic unit and the expansion modules. In some embodiments, the communication bus is configured to supply one or more expansion modules with electrical power. The communication bus can, in particular, comprise signal lines for serial communication or transmission of messages and / or supply lines for supplying power to the expansion modules or peripherals. In some embodiments, the communication bus is configured as part of the base module. In particular, the communication bus can be configured to be connected to a plurality of functional devices and / or communication modules as expansion modules in order to provide desired functionalities.

[0006] The logic unit represents, in particular, the central component or node through which, in particular, all network communication can take place. The logic or logic unit therefore plays a central role in such a modular network structure. The logic unit can forward, process, and / or modify information according to the intended operating scenarios. The logic unit can, in particular, comprise a microcontroller with a processor for data processing, with a memory unit for storing data and machine-readable code for the processor, and with an interface for connecting the logic unit to the communication bus. The logic unit or microcontroller can further comprise one or more further interfaces, in particular for configuring digital inputs and outputs and / or for translating measurement signals.In this context, configuring the logic unit to perform specific actions means that corresponding machine-readable instructions for the processor are stored in the memory unit of the logic unit to perform these actions.

[0007] The logic unit can be configured such that communication via the communication bus between the logic unit and the expansion modules can take place, in particular exclusively, via a system-internal or proprietary communication protocol. The system-internal communication protocol can, in particular, make unauthorized access to the network's communication bus more difficult or impossible. In particular, the use of the system-internal or proprietary communication protocol can make it more difficult or impossible to connect unauthorized expansion modules to the base module. Thus, the communication bus can serve as a protected, proprietary interface or ILB (Intra Luminaire Bus) for exchanging data or messages between the logic unit and the expansion modules or peripherals.

[0008] The functional devices or peripherals can in particular comprise sensors or various sensors, drivers, in particular LED drivers, push buttons and / or other devices. In the case of a luminaire, a functional device can be designed to detect or control the amount of light generated by the luminaire. A luminaire can in particular have one or more light sources. In particular, a luminaire can comprise a light source for generating indirect light, such as in the case of a diffusely lit lighting device, and a light source for generating direct light, such as in a spotlight. The amount of light can be controlled directly via the logic unit or via the LMS in which the luminaire is integrated. The functional devices can also be used to record and / or transmit data to the LMS. For example, the functional devices can comprise CO2 and / or temperature sensors that measure the current CO2 concentration orRecord or monitor the temperature value and provide the recorded data, for example, for the purpose of building maintenance. This information can also be used to optimize energy consumption or increase the efficiency of operational processes.

[0009] The one or more communication modules can comprise a module designed for wireless communication. The extension module can in particular comprise a ZigBee, Bluetooth or DALI interface. ZigBee ®< is a registered trademark of the ZigBee Alliance. Bluetooth ®< is a registered trademark of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. DALI ®< (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is a registered trademark of the international standardization consortium for lighting and building automation networks. By using standardized interfaces, functional devices connected to the communication module can be remotely controlled or integrated into an LMS using standard protocols. The communication module can in particular be designed to act as an interpreter between the logic unit and the LMS by communicating with the LMS using a standard protocol and via the internal or external LMS.A proprietary communication bus protocol communicates with the logic unit. An LMS enables customers to control different luminaires individually or in groups and define lighting scenes from simple to complex. An extension module can also be both a communication module and a functional device, for example, a ZigBee module with an integrated PIR (passive infrared) sensor.

[0010] Because the logic unit can be connected to one or more expansion modules via the communication bus, the network structure around the logic unit as a central unit or "core module" can be modularly and flexibly constructed or expanded. Thus, the base module can be used to create an interconnect system that allows the customer to determine the functionality, complexity, and cost of control gear or luminaires and adapt them to their own needs. In particular, the base module represents a design platform that enables free and flexible use of functional devices, if necessary, in compliance with any norms, standards, and requirements in the desired device network or lighting management system.

[0011] The logic unit can be configured to search for an expansion module connected to the communication bus via the communication bus. This search function enables the logic unit to determine whether one or another expansion module has been connected to the communication module and to respond accordingly if necessary. The logic unit can be configured to configure an expansion module for the communication bus if the search reveals that the expansion module is connected to the communication bus. In particular, the logic unit can automatically configure a communication module connected to the communication bus as intended, so that, for example, configuring a communication module automatically initializes the network structure for an LMS.

[0012] In some embodiments, the logic unit has a further interface, in particular a plug-and-play interface, for connecting a plug-and-play functional unit or a functional device that can be directly controlled by the logic unit via control signals. For example, an LED driver without microcontroller-based intelligence can be connected to the plug-and-play interface and directly controlled by the logic unit. In such a case, the LED driver's factory-set variables can be stored directly in the logic unit. Intelligent LED drivers with their own microcontrollers can be connected to the communication bus or ILB interface.

[0013] According to a second aspect, a network structure with a base module according to the first aspect is provided. The network structure comprises at least one expansion module, in particular one or more functional devices and / or communication modules, for expanding the functions or providing the functions of the network structure, and a communication bus for providing communication between the logic unit of the base module and the one or more expansion modules.

[0014] The modular design of the network structure makes it easy to expand or retrofit the network structure with expansion modules.

[0015] The network structure can comprise at least one light source, in particular at least one LED light source, and at least one driver, in particular an LED driver, for driving the at least one light source. The at least one driver can be designed as a functional device connectable to the communication bus. In particular, the network structure can be designed as a light. Such a light can be easily equipped with additional functions by connecting additional expansion modules, such as additional functional devices and / or communication modules, to the communication bus.

[0016] In some versions, the network setup includes a plug-and-play LED driver connected to the logic unit's plug-and-play interface and can be controlled directly by the logic unit. This allows simple LED drivers that are unable to communicate with the logic unit via the system's internal communication bus to be controlled directly via the plug-and-play interface.

[0017] The at least one expansion module can comprise at least one communication module for connecting the network structure, in particular via a standardized protocol, to a network system or LMS. In particular, the at least one communication module can be designed as a communication module for wireless communication with a network system or LMS.

[0018] According to a third aspect, a method for configuring an expansion module of a network structure according to claim 6 is provided.

[0019] The method may include querying whether the expansion module found during the search is a communication module. The expansion module may be designated to represent a functional device present in the network structure by the communication module in a network if the query indicates that the expansion module found during the search is a communication module. A communication module connected to the communication bus may thus be automatically configured, if necessary, to connect the network structure to the network, in particular the LMS.

[0020] Representing may include notifying the communication module of the type of functional device present. Thus, if necessary, the information about the type of functional device can be automatically forwarded via the communication module to the network, in particular the LMS.

[0021] The method may further include sending network-relevant or network-required factory settings of the functional device to the communication module. Thus, if necessary, information about the factory settings of the functional device can be automatically forwarded to the network, in particular the LMS, via the communication module.

[0022] The network structure described above allows for retrofitting the luminaires, particularly after proper installation, in cases where the network structure includes an extension module configured as a luminaire. In particular, the calibration data can be recorded on a luminaire of the same type and transmitted to the network structure via an extension module configured as a communication module, particularly one with online capability. This allows retrofitting such luminaires regardless of the installation or manufacturer.

[0023] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The same reference numerals are used throughout the figures for identical or equivalent parts. Fig. 1 schematically shows a network structure according to one embodiment, Fig. 2 schematically shows a network structure according to a further embodiment, Fig. 3 schematically shows a network structure according to another embodiment, Fig. 4 schematically shows a network structure according to a further embodiment, Fig. 5 schematically shows a network structure according to another embodiment, Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for configuring an expansion module according to one embodiment, and Fig. 7 shows a flowchart of a method for calibrating a luminaire.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a network structure or interconnect according to an embodiment. The network structure 1 comprises a base module 2 with a logic unit 3, a communication bus 4 and expansion modules 5, which are in a functional connection with the logic unit 3. In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 There are three expansion modules 5 connected to the logic unit 3. One expansion module 5 in the form of a Zigbee module 6 and one expansion module 5 in the form of a sensor module 7 are connected to the logic unit 3 via the communication bus 4. One expansion module 5 in the form of an LED driver 8 is connected to the logic unit 3 via an interface 9. Fig. 1 also shows a light source 10, which is electrically connected to the LED driver 8 and can be controlled by the LED driver 8. The Zigbee module 6 is designed to be connected to an LMS 20 (in Fig. 1 symbolically represented).

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a network structure according to a further embodiment. The network structure 1 or interconnect of the Fig. 2 comprises a base module 2 with a logic unit 3 and expansion modules 5, which are functionally connected to the logic unit 3. The functional connection between the logic unit 3 and the expansion modules 5 is schematically represented by double-sided arrows. The expansion modules 5 can be both functional devices and communication modules. In this exemplary embodiment, the network structure 1 represents a standalone luminaire, with one of the expansion modules 5 being designed as an LED driver for controlling the luminaire's lighting.

[0026] The extension modules 5 are similar to Fig. 1 via a communication bus or ILB (in Fig. 2 not shown) is connected to the logic unit 3. The logic unit 3 can in particular be configured such that the functional connection or communication via the communication bus between the logic unit 3 and the expansion modules 5 can take place via a system-internal or proprietary communication protocol. In some embodiments, all expansion modules 5 are connected to the logic unit 3 exclusively via a proprietary ILB. In some embodiments, the logic unit 3 has an additional interface, in particular a plug-and-play interface, to which in particular an LED driver can be directly connected. The plug-and-play interface can be designed as a protected proprietary interface, so that the use of unauthorized or unqualified LED drivers or other expansion modules can be prevented.In particular, the logic unit 3 can be configured such that an LED driver that does not have its own microcontroller-based intelligence can be connected directly to the plug-and-play interface. In such a case, any factory-set variables of the LED driver can be stored directly in the logic unit, so that the LED driver can be directly controlled by the logic unit 3. For the LED drivers or for further expansion modules 5 that have their own intelligence or their own microcontroller, connection to the logic unit 3 is possible via the communication bus 4 or ILB. The logic unit 3 can be designed to search for expansion modules 5 or peripherals via the ILB and, in a standalone mode, in particular without integrating the network structure 1 into an LMS, to receive, process, and send messages to peripherals via the ILB.

[0027] Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a network structure according to another embodiment. The network structure 1 of Fig. 3 essentially corresponds to the network structure 1 of the Fig. 2 and additionally has an expansion module in the form of a communication module 30, via which the network structure 1 can be connected to an LMS 20 (symbolically shown). The further expansion modules 5, which are designed as functional devices, are connected to the communication module 30 via the logic unit 3. The connection between the functional devices and the communication module 30 can be flexibly designed via the logic unit 3. In particular, the functional devices can be assigned to the communication module 30 via the logic unit 3 individually, in groups, or not at all. The logic unit 3 can in particular be configured, after detecting a communication module 30 connected to the communication bus 4, to configure it accordingly and to initialize it for participation in a corresponding LMS 20. The flowchart of the Fig. 6 below shows the corresponding process flow.

[0028] Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a network structure according to a further embodiment. The network structure 1 of Fig. 4 essentially corresponds to the network structure 1 of the Fig. 3 and additionally has a further communication module 30'. Thus, the network structure 1 of the Fig. 4 In addition to a first communication module 30, a second communication module 30' has been provided, whereby the network structure 1 can be connected to an LMS 20 (symbolically shown) via the first communication module 30 and the second communication module 30'. Fig. 4 The exemplary embodiment shown corresponds in particular to the case when the number of functional devices reaches the limit of a communication module for flawless operation in an LMS, after which a further communication module of the same type is attached to the logic. The logic unit 3 can in particular be configured to be connected to a multiplicity of communication modules 30, 30' via the communication bus 4 or ILB, so that flawless operation of several functional devices in an LMS can be ensured. The logic unit 3 can in particular be configured to assign functional devices to the individual communication modules 30, 30', so that the network structure 1 can be easily scaled by incorporating further functional devices. For example, some expansion modules 5 or functional devices can be assigned to the first communication module 30 and other expansion modules 5' or functional devices can be assigned to the second communication module 30'.

[0029] Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a network structure according to another embodiment. The network structure 1 of Fig. 5 essentially corresponds to the network structure 1 of the Fig. 4 . This refers to Fig. 5 to an application case where the customer is given the option of representing the expansion modules 5, 5' or functional devices connected to the logic unit 3 alternatively or simultaneously in two LMS 20, 20'. For this purpose, according to the illustrated embodiment, two different communication modules 30, 30' are used, which can be configured by the logic unit 3. In this case, the logic unit 3 switches to multi-master mode operation, due to the simultaneous existence of two different LMS 20, 20'.

[0030] The Figuren 1 , 3 , 4 and 5The network setups described above can be configured to retrofit a luminaire for more precise color control and optimized maintenance. For example, measurements can be performed on luminaires of the same type, and the calibration data can be made available to the existing installation as an online update. For this option, an extension module or peripheral is installed in the setup, or used if necessary, which has an "online update" capability (e.g., ZigBee peripheral). This calibration data can include, in particular, information about the warmest and coldest color temperature, the nominal luminous flux and power of the luminaire, and / or a Color Rendering Index (CRI), as well as information about the manufacturer, etc. An implementation example of such a retrofit calibration is described in Fig. 7 shown as a flow chart.

[0031] Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for configuring an expansion module according to an embodiment. Fig. 6 The method 100 shown for configuring an expansion module or peripheral can be used in particular in one of the network structures according to Figuren 1 , 3 , 4 , and 5 According to the Fig. 6 In the exemplary embodiment of the method 100 shown, after a start 105 of the method 100, a search is carried out in method step 110 for a peripheral or an expansion module 5 connected to the base module 2, in particular via the communication bus 4 or ILB. In the subsequent step 115, the found peripheral or expansion module 5 is configured for the communication bus or ILB. By configuring the expansion module in method step 115, the expansion module 5 or peripheral is enabled to participate in communication via the communication bus 4. In a query step 120, a query is made as to whether the found expansion module or peripheral is a communication module.

[0032] If the query in step 120 indicates that the found expansion module 5 is a communication module, the communication module can be designated in method step 125 to represent a functional device already present in the network structure 1 in an LMS. In method step 130, the peripheral or communication module 30 is then notified of the type of functional device to be represented. In method step 135, the factory settings of the functional device required for participation in the LMS are then sent to the communication module 30. In method step 140, the peripheral or the found communication module is activated for participation in the LMS. The method 100 for configuring the expansion module is then terminated with method step 145.

[0033] If query step 120 reveals that the expansion module is not a communication module, the expansion module is identified as a functional device in method step 150. In the subsequent method step 155, the functional device is initialized, and the method is terminated with method step 145.

[0034] Fig. 7 shows a flowchart of a procedure for calibrating a luminaire. The Fig. 7 The method 200 shown can be carried out in particular for calibrating a luminaire having an internal architecture according to one of the Figuren 1 bis 5 According to the network structure shown in Fig. 7In the exemplary embodiment of the method 200 shown, after a start 205 of the method 200, a query 210 is carried out by the logic unit 3 as to whether a luminaire is present or connected to the ILB. If the query 210 results in the presence of a luminaire, then in method step 215 a luminaire, in particular of the same luminaire type, is measured for calibration. In method step 220, data for calibration are acquired, and in method step 225 the acquired data are transmitted to an online-capable peripheral or communication module of the network structure for calibration. In the subsequent step 230, the logic unit 3 is informed of the received data, and the control, in particular the color control of the luminaire, is adjusted accordingly. In method step 235, the luminaire data is made available to the LMS, and the method is terminated with method step 240.If the query in step 120 shows that no luminaire, in particular no luminaire with the required luminaire type, is available, a luminaire is requested for measurement in method step 245.

[0035] This calibration option allows customers to minimize the logistical effort associated with commissioning an LMS. Typically, luminaires are calibrated individually with an LED driver at the factory. With the luminaires described here, the luminaires can be purchased flexibly, particularly from desired manufacturers, and calibrated subsequently, particularly according to the calibration procedure described above.

[0036] In addition to the possibility of subsequent, factory-independent calibration, the platform-based network structures described above offer a number of advantages. Such network structures or systems can, for example, be easily scaled up by connecting additional expansion modules, in particular functional devices and / or communication modules, to the communication bus or ILB. Furthermore, functional devices can be flexibly deployed, as required, in different networks or LMSs or in a standalone device or luminaire. Furthermore, due to the flexibility of the communication modules, different functional devices can be integrated into an LMS both individually and simultaneously. The modularity of the network structure simplifies the transition from one, for example, outdated, LMS to another, particularly future-proof, LMS, without having to discard the existing functional devices.In addition to immediate economic benefits, this can be of crucial importance for both luminaire manufacturers and customers, especially with regard to the circular economy and increasingly stringent environmental regulations. The ability to subsequently calibrate luminaires enables precise light color control and high-quality Human Centric Lighting (HCL), for example, by realistically simulating daylight. List of reference symbols

[0037] 1Network structure 2Base module 3Logic unit 4Communication bus 5, 5'Extension module 6Zigbee module 7Sensor module 8LED driver 9Interface 10Light source 20, 20'LMS 30, 30'communication module 100Procedure for configuring an expansion module 105Procedure step 110Procedure step 115Procedure step 120Procedure step 125Procedure step 130Procedure step 135Procedure step 140Procedure step 145Procedure step 150Procedure step 155Procedure step 160Procedure step 200Procedure for calibrating a luminaire 205Procedure step 210Procedure step 215Procedure step 220Procedure step 225Procedure step 230Procedure step 235Procedure step 240Procedure step 245Procedure step

Claims

1. A base module of a network assembly (1), the base module (2) comprising a logic unit (3) configured to be connected to a communication bus (4) for providing communication between the logic unit (3) and one or more extension modules (5), in particular one or more functional devices and / or communication modules, for function extension or function provision of the network assembly (1), wherein the logic unit (3) is configured to search via the communication bus (4) for an extension module connected to the communication bus (4) ), wherein the logic unit (3) is further configured to configure an extension module (5) for the communication bus (4) if the search results in the extension module (5) being connected to the communication bus (4), and wherein the logic unit (3) is configured such that communication via the communication bus (4) between the logic unit (3) and the expansion modules (5) can take place via a system-internal communication protocol, characterised in that the logic unit (3) has a plug & play interface (9) for connecting a plug-and-play functional unit which can be directly controlled by the logic unit (3) via control signals.

2. The network structure with a base module (2) according to claim 1, comprising: a. at least one extension module (5), in particular one or more functional devices and / or communication modules, for extending the function or providing the function of the network structure, and b. a communication bus (4) for providing communication between the logic unit (3) of the base module (2) and the one or more extension modules (5).

3. The network structure according to claim 2, wherein the network structure (1) comprises at least one light source (10) and at least one driver (8) for driving the at least one light source (10), and wherein the at least one driver (8) is designed as a functional device which can be connected to the communication bus (4).

4. The network structure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one extension module (5) comprises at least one communication module (30, 30') for connecting the network structure to a network system.

5. The network structure according to claim 4, wherein the at least one communication module (30, 30') comprises at least one communication module for wireless communication with a network system.

6. Method for configuring an extension module (5) of a network structure (1), wherein the network structure (1) comprises a base module (2) with a logic unit (3), and a communication bus (4) for providing communication between the logic unit (3) and one or more extension modules (5), in particular one or more functional devices and / or communication modules, for function extension or function provision of the network structure (1), and wherein the method comprises: a. Search for an expansion module (5) connected to the communication bus (4), and b. Configuring an extension module (5) for the communication bus (4) if the search shows that the extension module (5) is connected to the communication bus (4), wherein the communication via the communication bus (4) between the logic unit (3) and the expansion modules (5) takes place via a system-internal communication protocol, characterised in that the logic unit (3) has a plug & play interface (9) for connecting a plug & play functional unit which can be directly controlled by the logic unit (3) via control signals.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: a. Querying whether the extension module (5) found during the search is a communication module, and b. determine the extension module to represent a functional device present in the network structure (1) by the communication module in a network if the query shows that the extension module (5) found during the search is a communication module.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the representing comprises notifying the communication module of the type of functional device to be represented.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the representing comprises sending factory settings of the functional device to be represented to the communication module.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the network structure comprises an extension module in the form of a luminaire, and wherein the method further comprises installing the luminaire as intended and subsequently calibrating the luminaire.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the subsequent calibration of the luminaire comprises a transmission of calibration data for calibrating the luminaire to the network structure via an extension module designed as a communication module.