Distributed Lighting Fixture Control for Synchronized Light Shows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems face challenges with synchronization issues due to the need for numerous wires and central processing units, clock drift among lights, and user interface limitations that make it difficult to create customized and synchronized light shows.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system with distributed programming that includes synchronized lighting fixtures with processors, memory, and communication interfaces, allowing for customized light shows to be uploaded and executed locally, synchronized through timing commands, and featuring a user interface that uses graphical representations of fixture locations for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central processing unit is used to control multiple lights, then synchronized light shows can be achieved, but the system complexity and wiring requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting control system into independent distributed units, where each lighting fixture contains its own processor and control logic. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex centralized wiring while maintaining synchronization through local decision-making and peer-to-peer communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
Each lighting fixture operates autonomously with embedded processors that independently execute control algorithms. The fixtures self-synchronize using distributed timing protocols and internal clocks, eliminating dependence on external centralized control infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If preset patterns are used in lighting systems, then easy control is achieved, but the ability to create customized and linked light shows is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic control where lighting patterns can be configured in multiple layers - simple preset patterns for immediate use, and customizable sequenced patterns for advanced applications. The control architecture dynamically adapts between these modes, allowing users to progress from simple to complex operations as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting control system serves multiple functions through a unified platform: it executes simple preset patterns, creates customized multi-scene sequences, enables inter-fixture coordination, and supports both manual and automated operation modes, making it universally applicable to diverse lighting control needs.
3Extent of automation
If internal clocks are used in each light for timing, then independent operation is achieved, but clock drift causes patterns to become out of sync over time
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed control system implements feedback mechanisms where lighting fixtures continuously monitor and exchange timing information with neighboring fixtures. This feedback loop allows for real-time synchronization correction, compensating for clock drift while maintaining independent local operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic synchronization events where fixtures exchange timing data at regular intervals. This periodic action allows internal clocks to run independently between sync events while periodically correcting drift, balancing autonomous operation with long-term synchronization accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If commands are sent to individual lights or groups from a central controller, then control flexibility is achieved, but timing sequence issues occur when commands are received at different times
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-coordinates timing sequences through distributed consensus protocols before executing lighting changes. By preliminarily establishing synchronized timing references across fixtures, the system eliminates sequence errors that would otherwise occur during command execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The control architecture employs asymmetric communication patterns where timing-critical commands use synchronized broadcast protocols while non-time-critical control functions use flexible unicast communication. This asymmetric approach optimizes timing precision for synchronization-sensitive operations while maintaining control flexibility for other functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system is provided that includes: a plurality of lighting fixtures, each lighting fixture including a processor, a memory, a communication interface and one or more light sources; and a computerized controller, including a communication interface for communicating with the plurality of light fixtures. The system is configured such that the computerized controller uploads light show programs to each lighting fixture via the communication interfaces. Each lighting fixture stores its respective uploaded light show program in the memory and the processor operates the one or more light sources according to the light show program stored in memory. The controller is further configured to send timing/clock signals to the lighting fixtures periodically so that each fixture's internal clocks are synchronized together.