Intelligent Lighting Control With Anchor-Based Node Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intelligent lighting systems face issues with luminaires not reporting accurate locations due to GPS drift or communication failures, leading to missing or mislocated devices, which complicates device management and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A central controller communicates with network controllers to identify missing or position-drifting nodes by analyzing ID and position information, using anchor points for precise location estimation and triggering alerts for on-site service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based location tracking is used for luminaires, then location information can be obtained, but GPS drift or communication failures cause inaccurate or missing location reports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces neighboring luminaires as intermediary reference points to verify and correct GPS location data. Instead of relying solely on direct GPS reporting from each luminaire, the system uses mutual visibility and signal exchange between neighboring luminaires to establish a network-based verification mechanism that identifies and corrects location drift or missing reports
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where each luminaire reports not only its own GPS location but also the list of neighboring luminaires it can communicate with. The central controller uses this feedback information to cross-validate location data, identify discrepancies, and trigger alerts when location accuracy cannot be verified through neighboring references
2Measurement precision
If manual commissioning and location verification is performed, then accurate device locations can be confirmed, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service commissioning by automatically utilizing the GPS coordinates and neighboring luminaire lists that each luminaire already reports during normal operation. The central controller autonomously processes this data to identify location discrepancies and generate alerts, eliminating the need for manual commissioning teams to physically verify each luminaire's location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual verification process with an automated electronic system that uses communication networks and data processing. Instead of sending physical commissioning teams to verify locations, the system substitutes this with automated algorithms that analyze GPS data and communication patterns to identify and alert about location issues
3Reliability
If a centralized system monitors all luminaire locations, then missing or drifting nodes can be identified, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is segmented into distributed components where each luminaire independently reports its own GPS location and neighboring luminaire list to the central controller. This segmentation allows the complex monitoring task to be distributed across multiple simple reporting units rather than requiring a single complex centralized monitoring system
Solution Approach 2:
The central controller performs multiple functions using the same data input: it processes GPS coordinates for location tracking, validates neighboring luminaire lists for network topology verification, identifies missing or drifted nodes, and generates alerts. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple monitoring capabilities into a single versatile controller
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to central controller (3) for remote communication with a plurality of network controllers, NC, (20) the plurality of NCs (20) being provided in communication nodes (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and being configured for near field communication with each other, the central controller (3) being configured to be in communicative connection with each NC of the plurality of NCs. The central controller (3) comprises a data processing device (32) configured to receive ID and position information and a list of communicable neighboring NCs from each NC (20), based on the received ID information, position information and lists of communicable neighboring NCs identify at least one NC of the plurality of NCs as providing accurate position information and use the thus identified NC as an anchor point NC (20a), and identify missing and/or position drifting NCs by analyzing the received ID and position information and lists of communicable neighboring NCs. The invention further relates to a lighting control system (1) comprising such a central controller (3).