LED Lamp Integrating Radio Interface for Wireless Mesh Access Point

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and space requirements of installing dedicated communication devices as access points for wireless networks, particularly in IoT applications, necessitate a more efficient and cost-effective solution for enabling communication between end devices and networks.

Innovation Solution

Repurposing LED modules or lamps to function as access points for wireless networks by integrating a communication device with a radio interface and semiconductor circuitry, allowing them to act as nodes in a wireless mesh network, thereby leveraging existing artificial lighting infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated communication devices are installed as access points for wireless networks, then communication infrastructure is provided, but cost and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication infrastructureVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling light sources to perform both their primary function of illumination and a secondary function of serving as wireless communication access points. The light source includes both light-emitting components and communication components (antenna, processor) that work together, allowing a single device to provide both lighting and network connectivity, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication devices

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the illumination function and communication function into a single integrated device. The light source system combines the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with wireless communication components including antenna and processing units, creating a unified access point that delivers both lighting and network services simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If dedicated communication devices are installed as access points, then wireless network coverage is achieved, but installation and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless network coverageVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The light source is designed with dual functionality as an illumination device and wireless access point, allowing existing lighting infrastructure to be leveraged for communication purposes. This eliminates the need to deploy separate communication devices, thereby reducing installation and maintenance costs while maintaining network coverage

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

Data Source

PatentEP3222064B1Illuminating means, system and communication method
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3222064B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3222064B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3222064B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to an illuminating means, a system and a communication method. An illuminating means (1) comprises at least one light-emitting diode (2) and a communication device (5), which has a radio interface for wireless communication with a terminal, in order to form an access point of a wireless network.