Bus Subscriber Address Identification via Optical Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining bus addresses in lighting bus systems are time-consuming and laborious, especially in large or distributed installations, as they require physical verification at each device, which is particularly cumbersome for emergency lighting systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating optical and/or acoustic signal generators, such as multicolored light-emitting diodes, in bus subscribers to encode and display bus addresses in response to a command from a control center, allowing for quick identification via coded visual or auditory signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical verification at each device is performed to determine bus addresses, then address assignment accuracy is ensured, but installation time and labor cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical verification process with an optical signaling system. Bus subscribers use optical signal generators (LEDs) to transmit their bus addresses visually to the installer, eliminating the need for physical inspection of each device while maintaining accurate address identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical signaling system between the bus subscriber and the installer. The optical signal generator acts as a mediator that converts the abstract bus address into visible light signals, allowing remote reading of address information without direct physical contact with the device.
2Measurement precision
If physical verification at each device is performed to determine bus addresses, then correct address identification is achieved, but installer mobility requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical process of physically moving to and inspecting each device with an optical signaling system. The installer can read bus addresses from a distance through optical signals, eliminating the need to physically access each device and reducing mobility constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus subscriber performs self-identification by automatically generating and transmitting its own bus address through optical signals. This eliminates the need for the installer to manually verify addresses at each device, allowing the system to serve itself in the address identification process.
3Ease of operation
If manufacturer-specified addresses are used, then device identification is simplified, but system flexibility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic address identification system where bus addresses can be assigned and changed during installation and operation. The optical signaling system displays the current operational bus address, which can be modified through the bus system, providing both simplicity in reading and flexibility in reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal address identification system that works regardless of how the address was assigned (manufacturer-default or dynamically assigned). The optical signal generator universally displays any bus address format, making the system adaptable to different addressing schemes and installation scenarios.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and efficient determination of bus addresses without the need for physical verification at each device, significantly reducing installation time and improving efficiency, especially in scenarios like emergency lighting where speed is critical.
Implementation Method 1
the signal transmitters can be light-emitting diodes
Implementation Method 2
In particular, the signal transmitters can be light-emitting diodes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The method involves illuminating of operating device (1), which comprises a data bus interface. The operating device comprises additional optical and acoustic signal emitters in addition to the illuminating means (4) which are to be operated and which reproduce the bus address in a coded form. Independent claims are also included for the following: (A) Electronic control unit; (B) Bus subscriber; and (C) Use of light diodes of a bus subscriber.