Automated Components List Generation for Code-Compliant Lighting Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively generate a bill of materials (BOM) that ensures code compliance for complex lighting systems, particularly in dynamic environments where components may change or be incompatible, and lack automation for generating code-compliant sequences of operations.
Innovation Solution
A software tool that automatically generates a components list based on a dynamic, code-compliant sequence of operations table, providing multiple configuration options for installers to select from, including stand-alone control devices and embedded controls within fixtures, allowing for customization and compatibility with existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated generation of components list is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the components list generation process into distinct modules: input data reception module, processing module that applies selection rules, and output generation module. This segmentation allows automated generation (improving productivity) while managing complexity through modular design, where each module handles a specific aspect of the generation process independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives installation requirements and component data, applies selection rules and logic, and produces the components list. This intermediary module acts as a mediator between raw input data and the final output, automating the generation process while encapsulating the complexity within the intermediary layer rather than requiring complex user-side processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple configuration options are provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically generates multiple configuration options based on input requirements and selection rules. Rather than providing a fixed set of configurations, the software adapts the available options based on the specific installation context, component availability, and compatibility constraints. This dynamic approach improves adaptability while the automated rule-based generation manages the complexity of presenting multiple valid configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes to generate different configuration options by varying selection criteria, component specifications, and installation parameters. The system can adjust parameters such as component types, quantities, and configurations based on input requirements, allowing multiple valid solutions to be generated automatically without requiring manual complexity management.
3Reliability
If code compliance is ensured through automated generation, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that validate input data against code requirements and selection rules. When input data is received, the processing module checks for compliance with building codes, accessibility standards, and other regulatory requirements, providing feedback on what is needed to achieve code-compliant configurations. This feedback loop ensures reliability through automated compliance verification while guiding users to provide sufficiently precise input data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary actions by pre-configuring selection rules, compatibility matrices, and code requirement databases before the actual components list generation. These preliminary preparations include pre-validating component data, pre-establishing selection criteria, and pre-organizing component catalogs according to code requirements. This preliminary action reduces the precision burden during actual generation by having validation and organization done in advance.
Data Source
AI summary
A software tool automatically generates a components list (also known as a “solution”, “recipe”, or “bill of materials”) to be used in completing an installation. This components list may include, for example, fixtures and control devices for use in implementing lighting solutions for a building. The system takes as input a sequence of operations table, and identifies components to satisfy the requirements specified in the sequence of operations table. A number of different solutions may be presented, offering different configurations, cost levels, product lines, and/or the like; the different solutions may also indicate different degrees to which controls are embedded in fixtures. The user can then select among the presented solutions, and/or can perform other operations to change the configuration and/or parameters so as to generate new options.