Distributed Lighting Control via Light-Based Communication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Advanced lighting control systems are costly and complex due to the need for network communication and central control, making them unfeasible for widespread commercial adoption, and they are not flexible enough to handle varying lighting needs without hard-wiring.

Innovation Solution

A distributed lighting control system that uses sensors to detect changes in light intensity and performs a discovery operation to determine if a light is within a corridor or non-corridor area, activating lights at different intensities based on presence and motion detection, eliminating the need for central control and physical wiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If network communication is used for lighting control, then lighting control flexibility is improved, but system complexity and susceptibility to interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting control flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces network communication (electromagnetic field-based) with light-based communication between fixtures. Each lighting fixture uses its light output to communicate presence and status to adjacent fixtures, eliminating the need for complex wiring or wireless networks while maintaining distributed control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium for communication between lighting fixtures. Instead of direct electrical or wireless communication, fixtures use modulated light signals to exchange information, creating a simple yet effective communication channel that leverages the existing light infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If central control is used for intelligent lighting, then system coordination is improved, but system flexibility and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem coordinationVSAvoidsystem flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the lighting control system into independent, autonomous segments where each lighting fixture operates as a self-contained unit. Fixtures make local decisions based on ambient light levels and communicated status from neighbors, eliminating the need for centralized control while maintaining coordinated behavior through distributed interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each lighting fixture autonomously determines its own operational state based on local sensor input and communication with adjacent fixtures. The system is self-organizing, with no central controller required, allowing each unit to adapt independently to local conditions while contributing to overall system coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If hard-wired switches and sensors are used, then reliability is improved, but adaptability to different areas deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation reliabilityVSAvoidarea adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs lighting fixtures that perform multiple functions: providing illumination, sensing ambient light levels, communicating with adjacent fixtures, and autonomously controlling their own operation. This multi-functionality allows the same fixture design to be deployed universally across different areas without requiring area-specific hard-wired control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution provides flexible, intelligent lighting control that reduces energy consumption and eliminates interference issues, allowing lights to propagate intensity along corridors while attenuating in non-corridor areas, achieving efficient and adaptive lighting without the need for network communication.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor associated with the light for sensing a change of light intensity per unit of time greater than a sense threshold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight intensity sensing: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8816851B2Distributed lighting control of an area

Publication Date: 2014.08.26 SIEMENS INDUSTRY INC

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses of distributed lighting control are disclosed. One embodiment includes a lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus includes a light, a sensor associated with the light for sensing a change of light intensity per unit of time greater than a sense threshold, and a controller. The controller is operative to determine if the light is within an area, activate the light at a preselected area light intensity if a light associated with the sensor is within the area and the sensed change of light intensity per unit of time is greater than the sense threshold, and if the light is not within the area, then the light only activates if motion is additionally detected, thereby increasing light intensity over a target area.