Distributed LED Dimming Control With Daisy-Chain Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting control systems for professional and commercial settings are expensive, complicated to install, and require proprietary wiring architectures, with no comprehensive solution for high-density dimming of various self-ballasted LED loads at line voltage without issues like 'pop on', 'flicker', and 'dead zones'.

Innovation Solution

A distributed lighting control system featuring central-control devices and local light-control devices connected in daisy-chain form, with touch-sensitive screens and sensors, allowing for intuitive control and compatibility with multiple LED types, using standard communication protocols like DMX512 for efficient and stable dimming across multiple channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional lighting control systems are used, then lighting control functionality is provided, but installation cost and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting control functionalityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into multiple independent control modules (master control module and slave control modules) that can be distributed throughout the lighting system. Each module handles specific control functions locally, eliminating the need for complex centralized control wiring and reducing installation complexity while maintaining full lighting control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control modules are designed to perform multiple functions including dimming control, fault detection, and communication within a single integrated unit. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying installation while providing comprehensive lighting control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If proprietary wiring architectures are used, then lighting control is achieved, but installation cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting control capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the communication parameter from proprietary specialized wiring to standard digital communication protocols that can traverse existing infrastructure. This allows the lighting control system to utilize already-installed wiring and communication networks, dramatically reducing installation time and cost while maintaining full control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If high-density dimming of various LED loads is implemented, then lighting control precision is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimming precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each slave control module autonomously manages its connected LED loads, performing local dimming calculations and adjustments without requiring complex centralized processing. This self-service capability allows high-density dimming precision to be achieved through distributed intelligence, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise control of multiple LED loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3854180B1Lighting system and method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 JOHNSON SYST INC
  • EP3854180B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3854180B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3
  • EP3854180B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A lighting system has a plurality of central-control devices and a plurality of groups of local light-control devices. The central-control devices are electrically connected in a first daisy- chain form. Each group of local light-control devices are electrically connected in a second daisy- chain form. Each group of local light-control devices are connected to one of the plurality of central-control devices.