Automatic Address Allocation for Serial DMX Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DMX systems face challenges in flexible address allocation, particularly in media facade and edge lighting applications, where a higher or lower number of DMX channels are needed for high-resolution image display and simple dynamic lighting effects, respectively, due to the fixed address range of 1 to 512.
Innovation Solution
An automatic address allocation system that sets a predetermined data pattern in the digital data stream to determine addresses for serially connected devices, allowing them to allocate internal addresses sequentially upon receiving an address sorting command, enabling flexible and adaptive control configurations without requiring hardware modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed address range of 1 to 512 is used for DMX receivers, then the system maintains simplicity and compatibility with standard DMX protocols, but the system lacks flexibility to accommodate varying numbers of devices in different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic address allocation where DMX receivers autonomously determine their own addresses by detecting predetermined data patterns in the serial data stream. Each receiver counts the number of predetermined patterns detected and assigns itself an address based on this count, eliminating the need for manual address configuration and enabling flexible adaptation to different numbers of devices without increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of address assignment from fixed/manual to dynamic/automatic. By introducing a training phase with predetermined data patterns, the system allows addresses to be automatically assigned based on the receiver's position in the daisy-chain connection, enabling the same system to adapt to varying numbers of devices across different applications
2Productivity
If manual address configuration is required for each DMX receiver, then address allocation is precise and controlled, but installation time and configuration effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a training phase during the installation process where predetermined data patterns are sent through the DMX network to enable automatic address assignment. This preliminary action of sending training patterns allows receivers to self-configure their addresses automatically, significantly reducing installation and configuration time compared to manual address assignment while maintaining precise address allocation
Solution Approach 2:
Each DMX receiver autonomously determines its own address by detecting predetermined data patterns in the serial data stream during the training phase. The receiver counts the number of patterns detected and assigns itself an address based on this count, eliminating the need for manual configuration and dramatically reducing installation time and effort
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and system for automatic address allocation in serially connected controlled devices (e.g. luminaires) to achieve a changed control configuration. A signal adapter is modified to send an address sorting command, so that each of the controlled devices will automatically allocate an address to itself in sequence one by one upon receiving the address sorting command from the signal adapter.