Intelligent Light Bulb Wireless Firmware Update via Passive Memory
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for configuring and updating firmware in intelligent light bulbs are complex, costly, and inconvenient, requiring electrical power and physical connection, making it difficult to reconfigure or update light bulbs after manufacturing and limiting the ability to change light colors or features.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent light bulb with a programmable controller featuring a passive memory component that can be updated wirelessly over a communication link, allowing firmware updates without electrical power, using NFC or RF signals to activate and modify the firmware, enabling configuration and reconfiguration without physical access or power connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional methods are used to install firmware on electronic controllers, then the firmware can be installed, but the process requires electrical power and physical connection, increasing device complexity and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based system. The passive memory component can be programmed through wireless signals (NFC, RF, or other electromagnetic fields) without requiring physical connection or power supply to the electronic controller, thereby eliminating the complexity of power outlets and connectors in the assembly line
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a passive memory component as an intermediary between the wireless signal source and the electronic controller. This passive memory component can be programmed wirelessly and then transfers the firmware to the controller, enabling firmware installation without direct power connection to the controller itself
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical power is required for firmware installation, then the firmware can be updated, but the process cannot be performed on packaged or shipped devices, limiting adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary programming of the passive memory component before the electronic controller is activated or packaged. This allows firmware to be installed in advance during manufacturing or even after packaging, and the controller can then retrieve the firmware from the passive memory component when activated, providing flexibility for last-minute configuration changes
Solution Approach 2:
The passive memory component serves as a bridge that stores firmware independently of the controller's power state. It can be programmed wirelessly at any time and then provides the firmware to the controller when needed, enabling firmware updates both before and after packaging without requiring the controller to be powered on during the programming process
3Productivity
If physical connection and power activation are required for firmware updates, then the controller can be reconfigured, but the process becomes cumbersome and costly, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection and power supply system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based programming system. This eliminates the need for power outlets, connectors, and physical handling during firmware installation, allowing for faster, automated programming processes on assembly lines and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs
Solution Approach 2:
The passive memory component can be programmed wirelessly without requiring the electronic controller to be powered or connected to any external system. The controller simply retrieves the firmware from the passive memory component when activated, allowing the programming process to be completely independent of the controller's power state and reducing assembly line complexity
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
Facilitates convenient, cost-effective configuration and updating of light bulb firmware, allowing for changes in light colors and features post-manufacturing, reducing manufacturing complexity and enabling remote updates, thus improving efficiency and user flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the passive memory component being configured to be responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from a device external to the intelligent light bulb
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent light bulb is provided as well as a method, devices and computer program product of configuring such an intelligent light bulb. The intelligent light bulb comprises an LED lighting element and a programmable controller. The programmable controller comprises a memory module having stored therein firmware including instructions for controlling operations of the LED lighting element, where the memory module including a passive memory on which at least a portion of the firmware is stored. The passive memory component of the memory module is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from a device external to the intelligent light bulb for causing a firmware update process to be performed to modify the instructions of the firmware based on the update information carried by the signal. The programmable controller also includes a processing unit in communication with the memory module for operating the LED lighting element at least in part in accordance with the instructions of the firmware. Advantageously, the proposed intelligent light bulb can be configured using the signal carrying the firmware update information. In some embodiments, this may allow modifications of certain operating characteristic of the intelligent light bulb to be performed after manufacturing, including modifications pertaining to light color emitted and/or manner of operating the light bulb.