Bluetooth Mesh Lighting Pairing via Power Interrupt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for forming wireless networks in lighting systems often inadvertently include unintended devices, requiring user intervention and complex setup procedures, which can lead to errors and increased installation time.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where lighting fixtures receive power through a control device, scan for a unique identifier message, and initiate a power interrupt to join a mesh network, using Bluetooth Low Energy advertisements to form a secure network without external software applications, preventing unintended device inclusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional wireless network formation methods are used, then devices can join the network automatically, but unintended devices from adjacent rooms may be included in the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary between the wireless network and lighting fixtures. This control device acts as a gateway that manages network formation by transmitting unique identifiers and coordinating the pairing process, ensuring that only authorized fixtures can join the network while preventing unauthorized devices from adjacent rooms from being included
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by having the control device transmit a unique identifier message to lighting fixtures before network formation occurs. The fixtures must store this identifier and use it during the network formation process, ensuring that only fixtures that have received the preliminary identifier can successfully join the network, thus preventing unintended device inclusion
2Reliability
If user intervention methods are used for network commissioning, then network security is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by allowing lighting fixtures to automatically perform network commissioning tasks. The fixtures autonomously scan for control device messages, store unique identifiers, sense power interrupts, and transmit provisioning mode messages without requiring technician intervention for each step, thereby maintaining security while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where lighting fixtures automatically detect and respond to control device transmissions. The fixtures monitor for unique identifier messages, detect power interrupt events, and provide feedback by transmitting provisioning mode messages with their identifiers, creating an automated feedback loop that secures network formation without increasing procedural complexity
3Ease of operation
If technician familiarity requirements are reduced, then ease of installation is improved, but setup errors may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-identification and self-provisioning automatically. Lighting fixtures autonomously scan for control device messages, store unique identifiers, detect power interrupts, and transmit their identifiers in provisioning mode without requiring technician knowledge or manual configuration, thereby simplifying installation while ensuring accuracy through automated processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual technician actions with automated electronic mechanisms. Instead of requiring technicians to manually identify and configure fixtures, the system uses automated message scanning, identifier storage, power interrupt sensing, and electronic transmission of provisioning information, eliminating human error while maintaining ease of installation
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a control device and a plurality of lighting fixtures configured to receive power through the control device. Each lighting fixture includes a receiver and a memory, and is configured to: scan for a first message transmitted by the control device, the first message containing a unique identifier of the control device; receive the first message and store the unique identifier of the control device in the memory; sense a power interrupt to the lighting fixture initiated by the control device within a specified period of time after receipt of the first message from the control device; and transmit a second message including the unique identifier of the control device, the second message indicating that the lighting fixture is in a provisioning mode.