Circadian Lighting Control via Power-Line Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart lighting systems for larger environments, such as hospitals and offices, are complex and costly to install, requiring additional networking equipment and infrastructure, and often have user interfaces that are unfamiliar and difficult to use, which can hinder the benefits of circadian lighting adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A lighting control system that uses existing infrastructure, including power-line communication, to transmit control data to lighting apparatuses, allowing for easy installation and operation through regular light switches, with microcontrollers determining light source output settings based on received signals and timing schedules aligned with natural daylight cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wired systems with extra networking equipment are used for circadian lighting, then lighting control functionality is achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing light switch is made multi-functional by integrating circadian lighting control capabilities into it. The system detects operation patterns from the light switch and uses this information to control both the lighting output and circadian timing, eliminating the need for separate control devices and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing electrical infrastructure and light switch operations to provide circadian lighting control automatically. By monitoring when users naturally operate light switches, the system self-configures timing schedules without requiring manual programming or additional control interfaces.
2Device complexity
If wireless systems are used for circadian lighting, then installation complexity is reduced, but signal transmission reliability deteriorates due to obstacles and bandwidth limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses power-line communication as an intermediary medium to transmit control signals and timing data. By utilizing the existing electrical wiring infrastructure as the communication channel, the system avoids wireless signal transmission issues while maintaining ease of installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized control interfaces are used for smart lighting, then lighting control functionality is enhanced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to unfamiliar interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The light switch serves multiple functions: it provides standard on/off control, dimming control, and automatically triggers circadian lighting schedules. Users interact with the familiar light switch interface while the system provides advanced circadian functionality in the background without requiring users to learn new controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically configures itself by monitoring light switch operation patterns. Users simply use the light switch as normal, and the system learns their routines to automatically adjust lighting timing and intensity, eliminating the need for manual programming or complex interface interactions.
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a lighting control system comprising: a data communication module operable to transmit data to a data communication module of a lighting apparatus; one or more microcontrollers configured to: determine an operation pattern or dimmer setting of a light switch based upon received electrical signals; determine a light source output setting for the lighting apparatus based upon the determined operation pattern or dimmer setting of the light switch; and transmit control data based upon the light source output setting using the data communication module to the lighting apparatus.