Emergency Light Controller with Local Logging Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for conducting functional and service life tests for emergency lights are either time-consuming and manually intensive or require expensive bus systems, often leading to irregular or incomplete documentation.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a storage unit for logging operating states, an interface for direct connection to a reading device, and a method for generating log data at specific intervals, allowing for automatic and cost-effective testing and logging without the need for manual recording or expensive central control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual testing and logging is used, then no expensive infrastructure is required, but the process is time-consuming and often not carried out regularly or documented as required
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency light performs self-testing through integrated control electronics that automatically monitor operating status, battery charge state, and bulb functionality. The system logs all test results and operating data in its own memory, eliminating the need for external testing equipment and manual documentation while ensuring regular, consistent testing without additional infrastructure costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device serves multiple functions: it controls the emergency light operation, performs functional tests, monitors battery status, logs operating data, and communicates with readers. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate testing equipment and manual processes into a single integrated system within the emergency light itself.
2Extent of automation
If automated testing with central controller via bus system is used, then testing is automated and electronically logged, but the system is expensive and only suitable for large lighting systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the testing and logging function into independent segments at the individual emergency light level. Each light contains its own control electronics, memory for logging, and testing capability, making it an autonomous unit. This segmentation eliminates the need for a centralized controller and bus system, achieving automation without the complexity and cost of networked infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
A reader device serves as a simple intermediary that reads logged data from the emergency light's memory and transmits it to external systems. This intermediary approach enables automated data retrieval without requiring complex bidirectional communication systems or centralized controllers, maintaining simplicity while achieving electronic documentation.
3Device complexity
If manual recording in test log is used, then no electronic system is required, but the documentation is often incomplete or not done as required
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically logs all testing results, operating status, error messages, and maintenance data in its own memory without human intervention. This self-service logging ensures complete, accurate, and consistent documentation of all events, eliminating the reliability issues of manual recording while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors its own operating status and automatically records data in response to events such as functional tests, errors, or maintenance activities. This event-driven feedback mechanism ensures that all significant events are captured in the log, providing reliable and complete documentation without requiring complex external monitoring systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a controller of a technical building component (1a..1e). The controller has a storage device which is designed to store log data on the operating state of the controller (1) and/or the technical building component (1a..1e), a control device (6) which is designed to detect data on the operating state of the controller (1) or the technical building component (1a..1e) at specific times and to store said data as log data in the storage device, and an interface (5) which is designed to establish a direct connection with a reading device (2) for reading the log data stored in the storage device.