Distributed Lighting Control Subsystems for Scalable Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrally controlled lighting systems are limited in scalability, require a central controller for decision-making, and can become inoperative if the controller fails or connections are severed, leading to manual operation failures and difficulties in overriding system settings during emergencies, such as fires.
Innovation Solution
A distributed lighting control system with independently controllable lighting sub-systems, each equipped with a controller, actuator, and sensors, allowing for local decision-making and communication with external devices, enabling autonomous operation and coordination with other sub-systems or a central controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centrally controlled lighting system is used, then all lighting devices can be controlled from one location and energy costs are reduced, but the system becomes inoperative if the controller fails or connections are severed, and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized lighting control system into multiple independent distributed control units, each capable of autonomous decision-making. Each control unit is associated with specific lighting devices and can operate independently, eliminating the single point of failure in centralized systems while maintaining centralized control capabilities through networked communication between units.
2Ease of operation
If a centrally controlled lighting system is used, then all lighting devices can be controlled from one location, but the system cannot be easily scaled by adding new lighting devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent modular control units that can be freely added, removed, or reconfigured. Each unit manages a subset of lighting devices and communicates with other units and central controllers through standardized protocols, enabling seamless system expansion without requiring system-wide reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed control units are designed with universal communication capabilities that allow them to interface with multiple types of lighting devices, sensors, and control interfaces. This multi-functionality enables the system to accommodate diverse lighting technologies and configurations while maintaining consistent control mechanisms.
3Extent of automation
If a centrally controlled lighting system is used, then automated lighting control is achieved, but partial or system-wide functional changes cannot be made from anywhere but the controller location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces networked communication as an intermediary between control units and end users. Control units can receive and execute control commands from remote locations through the network, while also serving as intermediaries that process local sensor data and automate lighting decisions. This eliminates the requirement for physical presence at the central controller location.
4Reliability
If distributed control units are implemented, then system scalability and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each distributed control unit is designed to be self-configuring and self-managing. Upon installation, units automatically discover their environment, identify connected lighting devices, and establish communication with other units and central controllers without requiring manual configuration. This self-service capability reduces installation and maintenance complexity despite the distributed architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatuses, methods and systems for controlling a luminaire are disclosed. One embodiment includes a lighting control sub-system. The lighting control sub-system includes a luminaire, a controller coupled to the luminaire, and a sensor coupled to the controller. The sensor generates a sensed input. The lighting control sub-system further includes a communication interface, wherein the communication interface couples the controller to an external device. The controller is operative to control a light output of the luminaire based at least in part on the sensed input, and to communicate at least one of state or sensed information to the external device.