Modular Lamp Communication Module Protocol Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lamp operating devices are limited to a single input-side interface protocol, such as ESI, and lack the ability to independently collect and control output-side interfaces, restricting their versatility and compatibility with protocols like DALI, DSI, or BLE, especially in the context of IoT-based networked lighting systems.

Innovation Solution

A modular communication module with multiple wired and wireless interfaces that supports various protocols, including ESI, DALI, DSI, BLE, and IoT protocols, allowing for serial information processing and transmission across different interfaces, enabling flexible and versatile network and protocol-based control of lamp operating devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If lighting control gear is designed with a single input interface for one protocol (e.g., ESI), then the device structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the protocol compatibility and control versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidinterface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting control system is segmented into separate functional modules: a basic lighting control unit and independent communication interface modules. Each interface module (ESI, DALI, DSI, BLE) is a self-contained unit that can be individually selected and connected to the basic unit, allowing protocol compatibility to be improved without increasing the core device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The basic lighting control unit is designed with universal input capabilities that can accept control information from any protocol through appropriately connected interface modules. This multi-functional design allows a single device to support multiple protocols (ESI, DALI, DSI, BLE) while maintaining a relatively simple core structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication interfaces and protocols are integrated into lighting control gear, then control versatility and IoT compatibility improve, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Communication functionality is segmented into separate interface modules that can be independently manufactured and tested. Each module handles a specific protocol (ESI, DALI, DSI, BLE), allowing for specialized production processes and simplified quality control, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite supporting multiple protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple communication interface modules are merged with a single basic lighting control unit through standardized connection interfaces. This combining approach allows the system to achieve control versatility across multiple protocols while maintaining a unified control logic and reducing the need for multiple separate device variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If lighting control gear lacks independent information acquisition capability, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to autonomously control output interfaces is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication interface modules are equipped with independent information acquisition capabilities, allowing them to autonomously receive and process control information from their respective protocols. The modules can independently parse incoming data, identify control commands, and forward relevant information to the basic control unit without requiring external intervention, thereby enhancing autonomous control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3769589B1Communication module for a lamp operating unit
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3769589B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3769589B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3769589B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a communication module (100) for a lamp operating unit, the communication module (100) having: a first wired interface (101), mechanically and functionally connectable to the lamp operating unit or a further communication module; a second wired interface (102), mechanically and functionally connectable to a network element or a further communication module; preferably a third interface (103); and a control unit (104), connected to the first interface (101), the second interface (102) and optionally the third interface (103). The control unit (104) is designed to receive series information in accordance with a first protocol via the first and/or the second interface (101, 102), to process said information, and to transmit said information in the form of processed series information via at least one of the three interfaces (101, 102, 103).