Lamp Control Unit Reducing DALI Address Volume

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lighting systems with multiple controllable sub-units face inefficiencies in data transmission and address allocation due to the need for individual brightness control commands for each module, limiting the number of integratable lights within a DALI system.

Innovation Solution

A method where a control unit receives first control information for only some sub-units, determines second control information for all sub-units, and transmits it, allowing for reduced data transmission and address usage, enabling efficient control of multiple sub-units with a smaller number of commands and addresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If individual control commands are transmitted for each sub-unit to achieve different brightness levels, then individual brightness control is improved, but data transmission volume and address requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual brightness controlVSAvoiddata transmission volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges control of multiple sub-units by transmitting a single control command that applies to a group of sub-units rather than individual commands for each sub-unit. The control unit receives first control information for only some sub-units, determines second control information for all sub-units based on this partial information, and transmits the second control information to all sub-units, thereby reducing data transmission volume while maintaining individual brightness control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it receives control information for subset of sub-units, processes this information to generate control commands for all sub-units, and distributes these commands appropriately. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve comprehensive control with reduced communication overhead

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

2Measurement precision

If individual DALI operating addresses are assigned to each sub-unit for precise control, then control precision is improved, but the number of available addresses and integratable lights is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidsystem scalability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sub-units under a single control address by transmitting control information that applies to groups of sub-units. Instead of requiring separate DALI addresses for each sub-unit, the system uses a single address to control multiple sub-units collectively, significantly increasing the number of lights that can be integrated into the DALI system while maintaining precise control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit creates control information for all sub-units based on control information received for only some sub-units. By copying and adapting the received control parameters to generate appropriate control commands for remaining sub-units, the system achieves comprehensive control without requiring proportional increase in address resources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2984904B1Method for controlling a lamp having a plurality of sub-units
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP2984904B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2984904B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for controlling a lamp, which has a plurality of controllable sub-units is disclosed. First control information concerning the light output of only some of the controllable sub-units is fed to a control unit of the lamp on the input side, wherein the control unit determines a second control information concerning the light output of all sub-units on the basis of the first control information and transmits the second control information to the sub-units connected on the output side.