Decentralized LED Fixture Control via Cellular Automata
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Solution Overview
Problem
Previous LED array systems required numerous controllers and extensive wiring for centralized control, leading to high installation costs, complexity, and potential electrical interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A distributed and decentralized control approach using cellular automata, where each LED fixture operates independently, with sensors to sense neighboring lighting elements' status and apply predetermined rules to adjust its own illumination, eliminating the need for extensive wiring and centralized control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If centralized control approach is used with numerous controllers, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into distributed LED fixtures, each with its own controller. Instead of one central controller managing all LEDs, each LED fixture operates as an independent control unit, segmenting the centralized control architecture into multiple autonomous nodes that collectively achieve precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication protocol that enables direct peer-to-peer communication between LED fixtures through existing power lines. This intermediary communication layer eliminates the need for separate data wiring and reduces system complexity while maintaining control precision through coordinated message passing between fixtures.
2Reliability
If extensive wiring is used for control signals, then control reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing power lines serve dual functions: delivering electrical power to LED fixtures and transmitting control data between them. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate data communication wiring, simplifying installation and manufacturing while maintaining reliable control through the same infrastructure that already connects all fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power distribution network and data communication network into a single integrated system. By combining these two separate functions into one infrastructure (the power lines), the system reduces the total amount of wiring required while ensuring that control signals are transmitted through a reliable, already-established connection path.
3Measurement precision
If numerous controllers are deployed, then control precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each LED fixture contains its own controller and autonomously determines its own control state based on received messages from neighboring fixtures. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex centralized control logic and reduces installation time, as each fixture independently implements the control algorithm without requiring external configuration or coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The control algorithm is pre-programmed into each LED fixture's controller during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when fixtures are installed, they are immediately capable of autonomous control operations without requiring on-site programming or configuration, significantly reducing installation and commissioning time.
4Reliability
If extensive wiring is used, then control reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data communication function from the physical wiring infrastructure and implements it through wireless-like message passing over the existing power lines. This extraction eliminates the need for separate data cables, making the system easier to operate and install while maintaining reliable control through the same power distribution network that already serves all fixtures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lighting element is disposed in an array of lighting elements. At the lighting element, a lighting status of at least one neighboring lighting element is sensed. Independent of any other lighting element, a lighting adjustment for the lighting element by applying the sensed lighting status to a predetermined rule is determined. The lighting adjustment is applied to the lighting element to adjust an illumination of the lighting element.