LED-Based Optical Transceiver for Wireless Building Control Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building control systems, such as HVAC and lighting, often operate independently and require extensive wiring, making them inefficient and difficult to install or reconfigure, especially in existing buildings with unique architectural features or sensitive environments.
Innovation Solution
The integration of LED-based lighting systems with optical transceivers and controllers that enable communication over infrared and broadband optical transmission, allowing for wireless control and monitoring of environmental conditions, compatible with standard fixtures and suitable for smart building applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LED-based lighting systems with optical transceivers are integrated, then communication capability and smart building functionality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines lighting and communication functions into a single LED-based system. The LED array serves dual purposes: providing illumination and transmitting optical signals for communication. This merging eliminates the need for separate communication infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity despite adding communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED components are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - they act as both light sources for illumination and as optical transmitters for data communication. The controller manages both lighting control and communication protocols through a single device, making the system universal and multi-functional.
2Ease of manufacture
If wireless optical communication is implemented, then ease of installation and reconfiguration are improved, but reliability of transmission may worsen due to line-of-sight requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple LED elements distributed across the lighting fixture, each capable of independent optical transmission. This local distribution creates multiple potential transmission paths, allowing the system to maintain reliability by selecting optimal local transmitters based on line-of-sight conditions while keeping installation simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically selects and switches between different LED transmitters based on real-time communication conditions and line-of-sight availability. This dynamic adaptation maintains transmission reliability without requiring complex fixed infrastructure, preserving ease of installation.
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 solution transforms standard building fixtures into smart systems, reducing waste, enabling efficient energy management, and allowing for flexible reconfiguration without invasive installations, suitable for various architectural settings and sensitive environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one LED with a first mode to communicate using infrared (IR) light and a second mode to communicate using broadband optical transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed with one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) with at least one optical transmitter and receiver optically coupled to an optical network over 1 Mbps using at least one LED with a first mode to using broadband optical transmission; and a controller coupled to the LEDs, the controller communicating with the optical network using the optical transmitter and receiver.