Dual Function Light Controller Stand-Alone Peripheral Mode
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current light controllers are limited in their ability to facilitate remote programming and adjustments across different locations, require extensive setup, and lack scalability and redundancy, especially in large and varying lighting systems, and simplified controllers cannot reprogram light shows.
Innovation Solution
A dual-function light controller that can operate standalone or as a peripheral device, allowing for programming and execution of light shows, with user-switchable modes, internal and external processing capabilities, and memory backup, enabling flexible and scalable control of lighting systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a central light controller is used to control large lighting systems, then the ability to create complex light shows is improved, but the ability to program and adjust from different physical locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the centralized controller into multiple distributed wireless controllers, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows programmers to access and control lighting fixtures from different physical locations while maintaining the ability to create complex light shows through coordinated operation of multiple controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
Each wireless controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a standalone programming device and a remote control unit. The controllers can operate independently or in coordination, providing universal access points for programming and controlling lighting systems from various locations throughout the venue.
2Ease of operation
If portable devices are provided for remote communication with the central light controller, then remote programming capability is improved, but the setup time and complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless controllers automatically discover available lighting fixtures and establish communication connections without requiring manual configuration. The system performs self-service setup by automatically registering controllers with the lighting network, eliminating the need for complex manual pairing or configuration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The controllers are pre-configured with default communication parameters and programming interfaces before deployment. This preliminary setup allows them to immediately connect to lighting systems upon activation, reducing on-site configuration time and complexity while maintaining full remote programming functionality.
3Reliability
If the entire light show is properly setup and connected to the main light controller before arrival, then the light show execution is improved, but the time for adjustments at new destinations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies of the light show program and configuration data that can be rapidly distributed to multiple wireless controllers. These copies can be instantly transferred to new destinations, allowing the light show to be executed immediately upon arrival while enabling simultaneous local adjustments without affecting the overall execution reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting control system is designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing the light show program to be executed in its finalized form while simultaneously permitting real-time modifications through the wireless controllers. This dynamic capability enables rapid adaptation to new venues without compromising the reliability of the core light show execution.
4Reliability
If multiple desks and equipment are provided for different purposes, then redundancy and backup capability are improved, but the device complexity and cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple controller functions including primary control, backup operation, and programming capabilities are merged into single wireless controller units. Each controller can assume multiple roles depending on system configuration, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment for each function while maintaining full redundancy and backup capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless controllers are designed as universal devices that can serve as primary controllers, backup controllers, or programming stations depending on operational needs. This multi-functionality provides system redundancy without requiring multiple specialized desks or equipment sets, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dual function light controller for a lighting system comprising a number of light emitting devices. The dual function light controller acts in a stand-alone mode of operation as an independent light controller controlling the lighting system and acts in a peripheral mode of operation act as a peripheral device which at least partially is controlled by a main controller controlling the lighting system. The dual function light controller comprises user switching means enabling a user to switch between the stand-alone mode of operation and the peripheral mode of operation. The present invention relates also to a lighting system comprising such dual function light control device.