Hierarchical Lighting Control System for Fixture-Level Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting systems lack flexibility and precision in controlling individual lighting fixtures and groups, leading to inefficient energy use and reduced operational lifetimes due to crude control mechanisms like photocells, which fail to adapt lighting needs and intensities according to specific requirements.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical automated lighting control system utilizing a network-control center, regional routers, and light-management units for precise control and monitoring of lighting fixtures through public communications networks, radio-frequency communications, and power-line communications, allowing for scheduled and flexible operation of individual lighting elements across large geographical areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional photocell control mechanisms are used, then lighting systems are simple to operate, but they lack precision and flexibility in controlling individual lighting fixtures and groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting control system into hierarchical segments: network control centers, regional routers, and individual light management units. Each segment manages specific functions and geographic areas, enabling precise control of individual fixtures while distributing system complexity across multiple manageable components rather than requiring a single centralized complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimensional structure to the control system, adding layers of control (network control center → regional router → light management unit) that enable precise control at multiple levels. This dimensional approach allows simultaneous management of individual fixtures and large groups across geographical areas without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional lighting control systems are used, then system structure is simple, but energy consumption is high due to inability to adapt lighting needs and intensities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control capabilities where lighting intensity and operation schedules can be adjusted in real-time based on specific needs. The light management units receive and execute control signals that dynamically modify lighting parameters, enabling the system to adapt to varying requirements throughout the day and across different locations, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables changes in lighting parameters (intensity, timing, duration) through the hierarchical control system. The network control centers and regional routers can modify operational parameters of individual fixtures or groups, allowing the system to optimize energy consumption by adjusting lighting levels according to actual needs rather than operating at fixed high levels.
3Extent of automation
If automated hierarchical control system is implemented, then control precision and monitoring capability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automated control system into distinct functional modules (network control centers, regional routers, light management units) that can be independently configured and managed. This segmentation allows automation to be implemented at appropriate levels without requiring complete system redesign, thereby increasing automation capability while keeping individual component complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the hierarchical control components to perform multiple functions: the network control centers handle high-level scheduling and monitoring, regional routers manage local distribution and control, and light management units execute specific fixture control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, increasing automation capability while controlling overall system complexity through versatile components.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to control of lighting systems at individual-light-fixture, local, regional, and larger-geographical-area levels. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a hierarchical lighting-control system including an automated network-control center that may control up to many millions of individual lighting fixtures and lighting elements, regional routers interconnected to the network-control center or network-control centers by public communications networks, each of which controls hundreds to thousands of individual light fixtures, and light-management units, interconnected to regional routers by radio-frequency communications and/or power-line communications, each of which controls components within a lighting fixture, including lighting elements, LED-luminaire drivers, sensors, and other devices.