Lamp Parameter Transfer for Rapid Lighting System Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing method of replacing lamps in lighting systems is time-consuming and costly, particularly in large installations, as it requires the central control unit to recognize and reconfigure each lamp individually, which can take days and involves significant costs due to the need for repeated recognition and reconfiguration processes.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves disconnecting the old lamp, acquiring its functioning parameters using a data acquisition and transfer device, transferring these parameters to a new lamp's local control unit, and reconnecting the new lamp without requiring central control unit intervention, ensuring seamless operation and rapid replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the central control unit recognizes and reconfigures each lamp individually using broadcast messages and random address generation, then the lighting system ensures proper identification and configuration of each lamp, but the process takes significant time (days) and incurs high costs in large installations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelamp identification accuracyVSAvoidlamp replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the replacement lamp with the same functioning parameters (address, table of units, table of levels, minimum and maximum illumination levels, speed of variation, initial light intensity level, and luminosity level) before it is installed in the lighting system. This is achieved through a configuration transfer device that copies parameters from the old lamp's local control unit to the new lamp's local control unit, eliminating the need for time-consuming centralized recognition and reconfiguration processes after installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies copying by creating a duplicate of the configuration data from the old lamp's local control unit and transferring it to the new lamp's local control unit. The configuration transfer device reads the functioning parameters from the old lamp and writes them to the new lamp, effectively copying the operational identity of the replaced lamp to the replacement lamp, thus avoiding the need for the central control unit to re-recognize and reconfigure the new lamp individually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If the central control unit performs individual recognition and configuration of each lamp through systematic addressing and scenario assignment, then the lighting system achieves proper functional organization, but the process becomes significantly expensive when repeated for programmed lamp replacements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelamp configuration flexibilityVSAvoidlamp replacement cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by creating a duplicate of the configuration data from the old lamp's local control unit and transferring it to the new lamp's local control unit. The configuration transfer device reads the functioning parameters from the old lamp and writes them to the new lamp, effectively copying the operational identity of the replaced lamp to the replacement lamp, thus avoiding the need for the central control unit to re-recognize and reconfigure the new lamp individually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the replacement lamp to autonomously acquire its configuration parameters through the configuration transfer device connected to its local control unit, without requiring intervention from the central control unit. The new lamp independently receives its addressing, scenario assignments, and functional parameters directly from the transferred configuration data, making the replacement process self-contained and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If the lighting system uses a centralized configuration download process from the central control unit to each lamp's local control unit, then the system maintains centralized management control, but the process requires significant time and resources for large numbers of lamps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized control managementVSAvoidlamp replacement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the replacement lamp with the same functioning parameters (address, table of units, table of levels, minimum and maximum illumination levels, speed of variation, initial light intensity level, and luminosity level) before it is installed in the lighting system. This is achieved through a configuration transfer device that copies parameters from the old lamp's local control unit to the new lamp's local control unit, eliminating the need for time-consuming centralized recognition and reconfiguration processes after installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies taking out by extracting the configuration transfer operation from the centralized control process. Instead of the central control unit managing the configuration download to each lamp, the configuration transfer device independently extracts and transfers configuration data directly between lamps, removing the bottleneck of centralized management from the replacement process while maintaining system integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4426070A1A method for replacing a lamp in a lighting system which is controlled by a central control unit
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 LUX ITAL SRL
  • EP4426070A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4426070A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3B
  • EP4426070A1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

A method for replacing a lamp (10A) in a lighting system (1) which is controlled by a central control unit (20), in which the lighting system (1) comprises a plurality of lamps (10, 10A), in which each lamp comprises a first local control unit (15A) for communicating with the central control unit (20) and in which functioning parameters are memorised; the method comprising steps of: a) electrically disconnecting a lamp to be replaced (10A) from the lighting system; b) acquiring the functioning parameters of the lamp to be replaced (10A) which are memorised in the first local control unit (15A); c) providing a new lamp (10B) which comprises a second local control unit (15B); d) transferring the functioning parameters which have been acquired into the second local control unit (15B); e) electrically connecting the new lamp (10B) to the lighting system.