Integrated Lighting Fixture with Communication Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building communication systems, including lighting, sound, and security cameras, operate independently and lack integration, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity in installation and management.
Innovation Solution
A unified lighting and communication system integrated into standard lighting fixtures, featuring a housing with LEDs, a controller, microphone, speaker, camera, receiver, and transmitter, which can detect presence and activity to control lighting and communication functions, and communicate with remote sources wirelessly or via hard-wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lighting systems, sound systems, and security cameras operate independently, then each system can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines lighting fixtures with communication apparatus (microphone, speaker, camera) into a single integrated unit. The lighting fixture housing contains both the light source and communication components, allowing them to share power supply infrastructure and installation locations. This merging reduces the number of separate systems to install while maintaining the functional independence of each component through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting fixture is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing illumination through LEDs, capturing audio through a microphone, recording video through a camera, and transmitting data wirelessly. This multi-functional design allows a single installed fixture to replace what would traditionally require separate lighting, audio recording, video recording, and wireless communication systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate communication apparatus are installed in addition to lighting fixtures, then communication functions are added, but installation cost and wiring complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication apparatus (microphone, speaker, camera, wireless transmitter) is integrated within the lighting fixture housing, sharing the same power supply connection and physical installation location. This eliminates the need for separate wiring infrastructure for communication devices, as they utilize the existing electrical infrastructure already required for lighting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system uses the lighting fixture's own power supply to energize the communication components, eliminating the need for separate power wiring. The fixture serves itself by providing both illumination and communication functions through a single power connection and installation infrastructure.
3Reliability
If emergency lighting is included with sound systems, then emergency notification is enhanced, but the lighting is not suitable for normal building illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting fixture incorporates LED technology that can operate in multiple modes: normal illumination mode for everyday lighting, and emergency mode for emergency notification. The same light source serves both purposes, eliminating the need for separate emergency lighting systems while providing appropriate lighting for both normal and emergency conditions.
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
Enables seamless integration of lighting, sound, and security functions within a single system, simplifying installation and operation, enhancing building security and appearance by providing customizable lighting and communication capabilities without additional wiring.
Implementation Method 1
a housing, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted to the circuit board
Implementation Method 2
the camera (28) to capture light waves and convert the light waves to generate the image signal γ
Implementation Method 3
the microphone (24) to capture sound waves and convert the sound waves to generate the audio input signal α
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A lighting and communication system for use in a standardized light fixture is provided. The lighting and communication system includes a light source and a communication apparatus including at least one of an audio device and a camera. At least one electrical connector configured for physical and electrical connection to the standardized light fixture is included, and the at least one electrical connector is electrically connected to the light source and the communication apparatus.