Ad-hoc Lighting Network Deployment via Peer-to-Peer Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lighting networks require an internet connection for communication, are not scalable, and are susceptible to interference from outside units, limiting their deployment flexibility and scalability.
Innovation Solution
An ad-hoc lighting network comprising light units with a manual input component, memory for unique identifiers and reserved commands, and a processing unit that can execute commands based on the nature, reception method, and operating mode, allowing for easy deployment and control without a master controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lighting networks require an internet connection for communication, then inter-unit communication can be facilitated, but network placement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dependency on external internet infrastructure by implementing a standalone mesh network where light units communicate directly with each other through wireless peer-to-peer connections. This eliminates the need for internet connection while maintaining communication reliability, thereby resolving the contradiction between communication reliability and placement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication protocol as an intermediary mechanism that enables direct communication between light units without requiring internet infrastructure. This intermediary layer allows the network to operate independently while maintaining reliable inter-unit communication, solving the placement flexibility issue.
2Reliability
If lighting networks are configured for a fixed set of light units during manufacturing, then initial network functionality is established, but network scalability is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network configuration where the system transitions from a static manufacturing-configured state to a dynamic state that allows units to join and leave the network autonomously. Each light unit maintains a list of network members that can be updated in real-time, enabling scalability while maintaining configuration stability through standardized join/leave protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each light unit universally compatible with the network by implementing standardized communication protocols and identification mechanisms. Any light unit with the appropriate protocol implementation can join the network without reconfiguration, making the network scalable while maintaining stable operation through universal interoperability.
3Ease of operation
If light units execute commands from any source, then network control flexibility is improved, but susceptibility to accidental interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where each light unit verifies the identity and authorization of command sources before execution. The network maintains identification lists and uses authentication protocols to provide feedback on whether a command should be executed, thereby maintaining control flexibility while preventing unauthorized interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing pre-authentication and identification verification before commands are executed. Each light unit checks whether the commanding unit is authorized before acting, preventing harmful interference in advance while maintaining the flexibility to execute legitimate commands from any network member.
4Reliability
If a master controller is required for network control, then centralized control is achieved, but device complexity and operational convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function from a centralized master controller and distributes it to all light units. Each unit can independently initiate and execute commands, eliminating the need for a dedicated master controller while maintaining coordinated network control through standardized communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables each light unit to serve itself as a controller, allowing any unit to initiate and execute commands autonomously. This self-service capability eliminates the need for a separate master controller, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable coordination through peer-to-peer communication and standardized protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
An ad-hoc lighting network comprised of a plurality of light units, each of the light units including a light source, a manual input component, memory, a transmitter, a receiver, and a processing unit. A method of deploying the lighting network may include steps of providing a plurality of light units, placing each of the light units within a communication range, causing each of the light units to enter PAIRING MODE, causing each of the light units to add, into its network list, other unique identifiers of other light units; and causing each of the light units to enter PAIRED MODE. Light units function identically with respect to received reserved commands. Any light unit can broadcast commands, causing all light units in the network, or a subset thereof, to execute the command. Such commands may cause the desired lighting configuration.