Hierarchical Lighting Control System for Fixture-Level Precision
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 photocell control mechanisms and lack of differential scheduling.
Innovation Solution
An automated hierarchical lighting-control system using a network-control center, regional routers, and light-management units for centralized control of millions of lighting fixtures through public communications networks, radio-frequency, and power-line communications, enabling scheduled and flexible operation of lighting elements down to individual fixtures and groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If photocell control mechanisms are used to control lighting fixtures, then the system is simple to operate, but the lighting intensity cannot be adapted to specific needs and schedules, resulting in inefficient energy use and reduced operational lifetimes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting control system into hierarchical segments: central control system, regional control units, and individual fixture controllers. This segmentation allows precise control of lighting intensity at each level while maintaining overall system simplicity through automated scheduling and remote management capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If photocell control mechanisms are used to control lighting fixtures, then the system is simple to operate, but the operational lifetime of lighting elements is reduced due to inability to adapt to specific needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic control of lighting intensity based on predefined schedules, environmental conditions, and operational requirements. Lighting fixtures can automatically adjust their output levels throughout the day, providing full intensity when needed and reduced intensity during periods of lower demand, thereby extending the operational lifetime of lighting elements.
3Measurement precision
If a hierarchical control system with network-control center, regional routers, and light-management units is implemented, then precise control and monitoring of lighting systems is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into hierarchical levels (central control, regional routers, fixture controllers) that can operate independently yet coordinate together. This segmentation enables precise local control at each level while the central system provides overall coordination, managing complexity through distributed intelligence rather than centralized processing of all decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-management units and regional routers are designed as multi-functional devices that can perform multiple roles: controlling lighting intensity, monitoring fixture status, collecting operational data, and communicating with multiple levels of the hierarchy. This universality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining precise control capabilities.
4Loss of energy
If tailored lighting schedules and real-time adjustments are implemented, then energy consumption is reduced, but the extent of automation increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor environmental conditions (ambient light levels, occupancy detection) and operational status of fixtures. This feedback is processed by the control system to automatically adjust lighting schedules and intensity in real-time, optimizing energy consumption based on actual conditions rather than following rigid pre-programmed schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is designed to automatically manage its own operation through embedded controllers at each fixture that can independently execute scheduling algorithms, process sensor data, and adjust output without requiring constant manual intervention. This self-service capability reduces the operational burden while maintaining high levels of automation for energy optimization.
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 system provides precise control and monitoring of lighting systems, reducing energy consumption, extending the operational life of lighting elements, and allowing for tailored lighting needs across various areas, thereby lowering administrative and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
lighting elements, associated ballasts, sensors, and other devices
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to automated 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, associated ballasts, sensors, and other devices.