Fiber Optic Appliance Control System for Interference Immunity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home and office automation systems face challenges such as incompatibility among electrical and A/V appliances due to unique IR addresses and non-compatible function codes, limited control distance and line of sight for IR remote controls, and the complexity of integrating wireless RF control and AC line control, which hinder efficient energy management and automation.
Innovation Solution
The use of lightguide or fiber optic cables to propagate control and command signals directly through electrical systems, including AC switches, outlets, and plugs, allowing for simplified addressing and coding of appliances and immunity to electromagnetic interference, enabling efficient communication and remote operation of AC or DC powered devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IR remote control signals with unique manufacturer addresses are used, then appliance control compatibility is improved, but system complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by replacing manufacturer-specific IR addresses with a standardized addressing system that works across all appliances. The system uses a common control protocol where appliances are identified by their physical location and connection to the automation system rather than proprietary codes, allowing a single controller to manage diverse appliances from different manufacturers without custom integration for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary addressing and identification system that mediates between the controller and appliances. Instead of direct manufacturer-specific IR communication, the system uses standardized optical signals combined with a centralized addressing mechanism that translates control commands into appliance-specific actions without requiring proprietary protocols at the appliance level.
2Ease of operation
If IR remote control is used for appliance operation, then control simplicity is improved, but control distance and line of sight limitations reduce operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical line-of-sight IR remote control system with an electrical/optical fiber-based communication system. Instead of using infrared light that requires direct line of sight and is limited to short distances, the system uses optical fibers to transmit control signals through walls and ceilings, eliminating line-of-sight constraints while maintaining simple control operation through the same optical signal medium.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless RF control is introduced for automation, then control flexibility is improved, but integration complexity and reliability issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wireless RF control aspect and replaces it with a wired optical fiber-based system. By removing the wireless component, the system eliminates the integration complexity and reliability issues associated with RF protocols, authentication mechanisms, and interference management, while maintaining control flexibility through the optical fiber network that can be routed throughout the building infrastructure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If AC line control is used for appliance operation, then power integration is improved, but control reliability and future-proofing deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical fiber communication system that runs parallel to but is separate from the AC power lines. This intermediary system carries control signals independently of the power transmission, preventing electromagnetic interference and ensuring reliable control communication. The optical fiber network serves as a dedicated control channel that is not affected by power line noise or voltage fluctuations, while still being integrated with the AC appliance infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides reliable, long-distance control of electrical appliances with reduced electromagnetic interference, simplifies integration, and enables real-time energy management by allowing optical signals to be used for on/off commands and status monitoring, overcoming previous limitations in automation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The use of lightguide or fiber optic cables to propagate control and command signals directly through electrical systems
Implementation Method 2
an optical receiver that receives the optical signal and is configured to execute the control command
Implementation Method 3
an optical transmitter that transmits an optical signal representing the status information
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A coding method and apparatus for linking electrical appliances for control and status reporting by arbitrarily appending the appliances remote control protocol with the premise's room/zone code for identifying the appliance location and ID-code to operate on the basis of the appliance type and function, sub header code define the command nature, a blank header identifies the signal and a checksum trailer ends the five byte command for operating a range of appliances, lights and LED illuminators, locally and in the different rooms, bathrooms, kitchen and laundry including provision for extending the commands when needed. Current sensors for power outlets and power cables linked via lightguides or fiber optic use same codes for reporting statuses of and current consumption by the appliances and lights to the video interphone or the shopping terminal. LED bulbs are coded through an optical transceiver accessed through the rear of the bulb socket.