Floor Lighting Tile With RFID Receiver Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices that react to the presence of objects lack the ability to receive and respond to data from nearby wireless communication devices, limiting their functionality in guiding pedestrians or identifying specific objects.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a control unit that includes a sensor module for detecting nearby objects and a receiver module for wireless communication, enabling bi-directional communication with RFID-tags or NFC-based devices, allowing for object identification and initiation of specific procedures such as guiding pedestrians or marking areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lighting device only uses a sensor module to detect nearby objects, then the device structure remains simple, but the functionality is limited and cannot identify specific objects or provide object-specific responses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a sensor module and a receiver module into a single control unit within the lighting device. The sensor module detects the presence of nearby objects, while the receiver module receives wireless signals containing identification data. By merging these two modules, the lighting device achieves both object detection and specific object identification capabilities, resolving the contradiction between enhanced functionality and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the light emitting unit, detects nearby objects via the sensor module, and receives wireless identification signals via the receiver module. This multi-functional design allows the lighting device to adapt to different scenarios (guidance, security, identification) without requiring separate devices, thus improving versatility while managing complexity through integration.
2Reliability
If the receiver module is continuously active to receive wireless signals, then object identification is always possible, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver module operates intermittently rather than continuously. It is activated at specific intervals or triggered by events (such as when the sensor module detects an object), allowing the lighting device to maintain object identification capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module provides feedback to the control unit about the presence of nearby objects. When an object is detected, this feedback triggers the activation of the receiver module to attempt identification. This feedback-based activation ensures the receiver module operates only when necessary, balancing reliability with energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device, particularly a lighting tile (100, 100′) for paving e.g. a floor area (1), comprising a light emitting unit and an associated control unit. The control unit is adapted to detect the presence of a first nearby object (3) and to receive wireless signals from a second nearby object, for example from an RFID-tag (2) and/or an NFC-based device, carried by the first object (3). The lighting device may for instance be used in a method for guiding passengers through a public space like an airport.