Wireless Lamp Grouping via Constrained Signalling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high number of wireless nodes in connected TLED systems results in a labor-intensive commissioning process, requiring skilled technicians to identify and join each lamp individually to a control network, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method where each luminaire includes a constrained signalling medium, such as a power supply circuit, allowing lamps to detect and identify other lamps within the same luminaire through signal modulation, enabling automatic grouping and commissioning as a single unit, reducing the need for individual lamp commissioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each lamp is equipped with an individual wireless interface for remote control, then lighting control functionality is improved, but the commissioning process complexity increases due to the high number of wireless nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lamps within the same luminaire into a single commissioning unit by utilizing the constrained signalling medium (power supply circuit). Lamps communicate with each other through this shared medium, allowing them to automatically form groups and be commissioned collectively rather than individually, thus reducing commissioning complexity while maintaining individual wireless control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the constrained signalling medium (power supply circuit) as an intermediary communication channel between lamps. This intermediary enables automatic identification and grouping of lamps within the same luminaire, allowing commissioning tools to interact with groups rather than individual nodes, thereby simplifying the commissioning process
2Reliability
If skilled technicians perform individual lamp commissioning to ensure reliable network integration, then network integration reliability is improved, but the loss of time and productivity decrease due to labor-intensive processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables lamps to perform self-service by automatically detecting and identifying other lamps through the constrained signalling medium. Lamps autonomously form groups and establish network connections without requiring manual intervention for each device, thereby maintaining reliable network integration while dramatically increasing commissioning speed and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary grouping action where lamps automatically form logical groups based on their physical location in the same luminaire before actual network commissioning. This preliminary organization ensures reliable network integration while reducing the time required for the commissioning process, as groups are pre-established rather than configured individually
3Measurement precision
If individual lamp identification methods are used during commissioning, then measurement precision of lamp location is improved, but the device complexity and time required for commissioning increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the constrained signalling medium (power supply circuit) serve multiple functions: it simultaneously provides electrical power to the lamps and acts as a communication channel for identification and grouping. This multi-functionality enables precise location identification without requiring separate identification hardware or increasing commissioning time, as the same existing infrastructure is utilized for both purposes
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 approach significantly reduces the commissioning burden, allowing low-cost employees to perform the installation and enabling easy migration to wireless lighting control, with the ability to automatically replace lamps without requiring a commissioning expert, thus streamlining the process and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting circuit arranged to perform signalling to other, second lamps via the power supply circuit of the luminaire
Implementation Method 2
a receiving circuit arranged to detect signals from other, second lamps via the power supply circuit of the luminaire
Data Source
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AI summary
A first lamp for use in a luminaire, the first lamp comprising: a transmitting circuit configured to transmit, and/or a receiving circuit configured to receive, one or more signals via a constrained signalling channel whereby propagation of the signals is constrained by a physical characteristic of the luminaire; and a controller configured to detect, based on the transmission and/or reception of these one or more signals via the constrained signalling channel, that one or more other, second components (e.g. other lamps) are present in the same luminaire as the first lamp, and to identify the one or more second components based on the transmission and/or reception of the one or more signals.