Dual-Network Light Fixture Control via Mesh and Hub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart lighting systems require a hub for efficient and reliable control, which increases cost and complexity, and do not allow for direct communication among light fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A control system that enables light fixtures to be controlled via dual networks: a hub-based network and a direct communication network using peer-to-peer communication techniques like Bluetooth or NFC, allowing light fixtures to communicate directly with each other and external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hub-based network is used for smart lighting control, then reliability and efficiency of control are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into two independent communication paths: a hub-based network for reliable centralized control and a peer-to-peer network for direct device communication. This segmentation allows the system to utilize the strengths of both architectures without requiring a single complex hub infrastructure, thereby maintaining control reliability while reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The light fixtures are designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both hub-based network mode and peer-to-peer network mode. This universality allows the system to adapt to different control scenarios without requiring separate hardware infrastructures, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable control through the hub when needed.
2Productivity
If a hub is required for smart lighting control, then control efficiency is improved, but cost and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication infrastructure into two segments: the hub-based network for efficient centralized control operations and the peer-to-peer network for direct device-to-device communication. This segmentation eliminates the mandatory requirement for a hub in all scenarios, reducing hardware requirements and cost while preserving control efficiency for operations that benefit from centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
The peer-to-peer network enables light fixtures to communicate directly with each other and with external devices without requiring intermediary hub hardware. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain control efficiency for local operations while eliminating the cost and hardware complexity associated with mandatory hub infrastructure.
3Device complexity
If direct communication among light fixtures is enabled, then device complexity is reduced, but communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two communication networks with different range characteristics: the peer-to-peer network for simple direct communication and the hub-based network for extended range coverage. By combining these networks, the system achieves both reduced device complexity for local operations and extended communication range through the hub infrastructure when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The light fixtures are designed with universal communication capability, supporting both peer-to-peer direct communication and hub-based network communication. This multi-functionality allows the system to operate with simplified direct communication for nearby devices while extending communication range through the hub for distant devices, without increasing base device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An example control system includes a set of light fixtures connected to a hub, where each light fixture includes a hub-communication device configured to communicate with the hub and a direct communication device configured to communicate directly with other light fixtures. Together, the light fixtures form a mesh network facilitated by the use of their direct communication devices. An external device communicates an instruction to a light fixture, and the instruction is propagated throughout the mesh network through communications among the light fixtures using their respective direct communication devices. As a result, each light fixture to which the instruction applies receives and complies with the instructions. The light fixtures are also configured to receive instructions from the hub, such that a light fixture is configured to receive instructions over dual networks.