Distributed Lighting Fixture Sensor Data Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional lighting control systems rely on central controllers to manage lighting fixtures, which limits decentralized control and coordination among fixtures, especially in dynamic lighting applications where local and remote sensor data integration is necessary for optimal lighting management.

Innovation Solution

A distributed lighting network where each fixture includes sensors and circuitry to process local and remote sensor data, allowing for independent operation while coordinating with other fixtures through shared sensor data and control inputs, enabling adaptive lighting based on occupancy, ambient light, and user inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a central controller is used to control lighting fixtures, then control decisions can be made based on system-wide inputs, but decentralized control and coordination among fixtures is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecentralized control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into multiple independent lighting fixtures, each capable of autonomous decision-making. Instead of one centralized controller, each fixture becomes a separate control unit that can process sensor data and make control decisions independently, enabling decentralized control while maintaining system coordination through standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each lighting fixture is equipped with its own control circuitry and sensors, allowing it to autonomously process local sensor data and make control decisions without requiring constant intervention from a central controller. The fixture serves itself by integrating sensor inputs, processing data locally, and adjusting its operation based on environmental conditions and occupancy detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If each lighting fixture processes sensor data independently, then decentralized operation is achieved, but coordination and integration with other fixtures is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting control efficiencyVSAvoidsensor data sharing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where each lighting fixture shares its sensor data and operational status with other fixtures in the network. This allows fixtures to make locally optimized control decisions while being aware of overall environmental conditions, achieving both decentralized efficiency and coordinated information sharing through bidirectional communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Each lighting fixture is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a light source and as a sensor node that detects occupancy, ambient light, and other environmental parameters. The fixtures universally communicate through standardized protocols, allowing any fixture to contribute sensor data to the network while maintaining independent processing capabilities.

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

3Use of energy by moving object

If lighting fixtures use LED technology with control circuitry, then efficiency and natural light output are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidelectronic control circuitry
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuitry is merged directly into the LED lighting fixture assembly, combining the light-emitting components with the control electronics in a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate external controllers and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high energy conversion efficiency and natural light output characteristics of LED technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting fixture integrates multiple functions including LED light emission, occupancy sensing, ambient light detection, and wireless communication capabilities within a single device. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components, reducing system complexity while preserving the energy efficiency and natural light quality benefits of LED technology.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2935988B1Lighting fixture for distributed control
Publication Date: 2019.01.30 WOLFSPEED INC
  • EP2935988B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2935988B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2935988B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lighting network where control of the lighting fixtures in the network may be distributed among the lighting fixtures. The lighting fixtures may be broken into groups that are associated with different lighting zones. Certain lighting fixtures will have or be associated with one or more sensors, such as occupancy sensors, ambient light sensors, and the like. Within the lighting network or the various lighting zones, lighting fixtures may share sensor data. Each lighting fixture may process sensor data provided by its own sensor, a remote standalone sensor, or lighting fixture, and process the sensor data according to the lighting fixture's own internal logic to control operation. The lighting fixtures may also receive control input from other lighting fixtures, control nodes, light switches, and commissioning tools. The control input may be processed along with the sensor data according to the internal logic to further enhance control of the lighting fixture.