Camera-Based Lighting Commissioning Using VLC Fixture Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the identity and/or address of specific lighting control devices in a lighting control system during commissioning is time-consuming and expensive, as existing methods such as turning on individual devices or RF signal strength detection are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device is used to identify lighting control devices by capturing unique identifiers via visible light communication (VLC) or RF signals, associating these identifiers with floor plan locations using a camera, and orienting itself within the space to automatically or semi-automatically commission the lighting control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional commissioning methods (turning on individual devices or RF signal strength detection) are used to identify lighting control devices, then device identification can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual commissioning methods (mechanical/systematic approach of turning on devices one by one or using RF detection) with vision-based optical recognition. The system uses image capture devices to photograph lighting fixtures and automatically identifies them through image processing, substituting the mechanical commissioning process with an optical-mechanical system that is both faster and more accurate.
2Reliability
If manual commissioning methods are used to associate device identifiers with floor plan locations, then proper system control can be established, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service commissioning by automatically capturing images of lighting fixtures, processing these images to identify the fixtures, and associating them with floor plan locations without requiring manual intervention. The commissioning process serves itself through automated image recognition and data association, eliminating the need for complex manual procedures while maintaining reliable system control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system that mediates between the physical lighting fixtures and the digital floor plan database. Instead of directly mapping devices to locations through complex manual procedures, the system uses captured images as an intermediary to automatically identify fixtures and associate them with their corresponding floor plan locations, simplifying the overall commissioning process.
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
Facilitates efficient and cost-effective commissioning of lighting control systems by accurately associating unique device identifiers with physical locations, reducing installation time and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile device is used to identify lighting control devices by capturing unique identifiers via visible light communication (VLC) or RF signals
Implementation Method 2
The lighting control device may cause the lighting load to blink the unique identifier of the lighting control device such that it may be identified by images taken by the camera of the mobile device
Data Source
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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.