Camera-Based Lighting Commissioning for Accurate Fixture Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commissioning lighting control systems is challenging due to the difficulty in identifying and assigning unique identifiers to specific lighting control devices within a space, making it time-consuming and expensive to properly program and control the devices.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device is used to identify lighting control devices by receiving unique identifiers through visible light communication or RF signals, allowing the device to associate these identifiers with their physical locations on a floor plan, enabling efficient programming and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional commissioning methods are used (manual identification and association of lighting control devices with floor plan locations), then the system can be configured, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification methods with optical communication. The lighting control devices transmit their unique identifiers and location information through light signals that can be detected by a camera on a mobile device, eliminating the need for manual device-by-device identification and association.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting control devices automatically transmit their identification and location information through visible light communication when activated. This self-service mechanism allows the mobile device to automatically capture and associate device information with floor plan locations without requiring manual intervention for each device.
2Ease of operation
If manual device identification methods are used (turning on individual devices or using RF signal strength), then device locations can be determined, but the process is complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual identification procedures and RF signal strength measurements with a simplified optical communication system. The camera-based approach uses visible light to directly transmit device identification and location information, making the commissioning process easier to operate and less complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visible light as an intermediary communication medium between the lighting control devices and the mobile device. This intermediary enables direct information transfer without requiring complex RF signal analysis or manual device manipulation, simplifying the overall commissioning process.
3Measurement precision
If RF signal strength detection is used to identify device locations, then approximate positioning can be achieved, but precision is insufficient for accurate floor plan association
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imprecise RF signal strength detection with optical communication that provides direct and accurate transmission of device identification and location information. The camera can capture light signals with high precision, enabling accurate association of devices with their specific floor plan locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic light signals from the lighting control devices to convey information. When devices are activated, they emit visible light that dynamically transmits their unique identifiers and location data, allowing the mobile device to capture precise information about each device's position and identity.
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
This method simplifies the commissioning process by automatically or semi-automatically identifying and associating lighting control devices with their corresponding locations, reducing time and costs associated with system setup.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting control device may transmit the unique identifier by causing the lighting load to blink
Implementation Method 2
A mobile device may be used to help identify the lighting devices that have been installed in the physical space. The mobile device may receive a communication from each lighting control device that indicates a unique identifier
Data Source
AI summary
Lighting control systems may be commissioned for programming and/or control with the aid of a mobile device. Design software may be used to create a floor plan of how the lighting control system may be designed. The design software may generate floor plan identifiers for each lighting fixture, or group of lighting fixtures. During commissioning of the lighting control system, the mobile device may be used to help identify the lighting devices that have been installed in the physical space. The mobile device may receive a communication from each lighting control device that indicates a unique identifier of the lighting control device. The unique identifier may be communicated by visible light communication (VLC) or RF communication. The unique identifier may be associated with the floor plan identifier for communication of digital messages to lighting fixtures installed in the locations indicated in the floor plan identifier.