Extractable Lighting Control Interface for Fixture Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems lack the ability to control lighting fixtures connected in a network through a handheld detached control panel for remote operation, cannot share a unique DMX profile, and do not allow grouping of fixtures to behave as separate entities within the same network, limiting configuration and operation flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The method involves an extractable hardware user interface that can be used to control lighting fixtures and arrays, allowing for remote operation and configuration via a DMX communication protocol, with color-coded cables for automatic connection order recognition, enabling grouping of fixtures as single units or independent entities, and supporting modular configuration within a lighting fixture housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional lighting systems use individual onboard interfaces for each fixture, then each fixture can be controlled independently, but the system complexity increases and remote control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is extracted from individual fixtures and consolidated into a single handheld detached control panel. This allows remote operation of the entire lighting system through one centralized interface, eliminating the need for multiple onboard interfaces while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld control panel serves as a universal interface that can control multiple lighting fixtures and arrays simultaneously. It supports both detached remote operation and integrated bay mounting modes, providing multi-functional control capabilities across different operational scenarios.
2Productivity
If lighting fixtures are grouped into arrays, then control efficiency improves, but the ability to control fixtures as independent entities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between array mode and individual fixture mode based on operational needs. The handheld control panel can treat multiple fixtures as a single controllable unit for efficient bulk operations, or address individual fixtures within the array when specific adjustments are required, providing adaptive control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is segmented into controllable arrays while maintaining the ability to individually address each fixture within those arrays. This segmentation allows the system to function as unified groups for overall control while preserving individual fixture independence when needed.
3Ease of operation
If each lighting fixture has its own onboard user interface, then individual control is possible, but the need for multiple interfaces increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual onboard user interfaces are merged into a single handheld detached control panel. This consolidation reduces the total number of interfaces in the system while maintaining the ability to control individual fixtures, as the unified panel can address specific fixtures within arrays or control them collectively.
4Adaptability or versatility
If lighting fixtures are configured as separate entities in the network, then individual control is maintained, but configuration flexibility for grouped operation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The network configuration is dynamic, allowing fixtures to be reassigned between individual and array modes as needed. The handheld control panel enables flexible reconfiguration of the lighting network, permitting users to create, modify, or dissolve arrays based on operational requirements without being constrained by fixed configuration settings.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A method and apparatus for operating a lighting arrangement comprising lighting fixtures (1) and lighting fixture arrays (6)composed of lighting fixtures (1), wherein the lighting fixtures (1) or lighting fixture arrays 6) of the lighting arrangement are controlled by means of an extractable hardware user interface (3).