Light Unit Binning-Class Control via Address Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circuit arrangements for light units struggle to efficiently identify and control light modules with varying binning classes without additional pins or connectors, leading to logistical inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A circuit arrangement that utilizes the existing address interface to determine binning classes by reading the indexation interface of light controllers, comparing non-indexation addresses with a lookup table, and determining operation modes based on this comparison, allowing cost-effective recognition of binning classes without requiring additional pins or connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional pins or connectors are added to detect binning classes, then binning class identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinning class identification accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The address interface, originally designed solely for addressing light controllers, is made multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously convey binning class information. The microcontroller interprets the address assigned to each light controller to determine the binning class of connected light modules, eliminating the need for separate detection pins while maintaining identification accuracy.

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

2Measurement precision

If additional pins or connectors are added to detect binning classes, then binning class identification accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinning class identification accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The existing address interface is made multi-functional to simultaneously perform addressing and binning class detection functions. This eliminates the need for additional pins or connectors, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to accurately identify binning classes of light modules.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the address space is fully utilized for light controller designation, then light controller addressing capacity is improved, but binning class information transmission is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight controller addressing capacityVSAvoidbinning class information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The address space is divided into different functional zones: some addresses are designated for light controllers while other addresses within the same space convey binning class information. This local differentiation allows the system to simultaneously maintain full addressing capacity and transmit binning class information without requiring additional address bits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If light modules with different binning classes are supported, then system adaptability is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically identifies the binning class of each light module through the address interface and configures appropriate control parameters without requiring manual intervention. The microcontroller retrieves binning class information from the address assignment and autonomously adjusts operating parameters, thereby supporting multiple binning classes while minimizing control complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4686323A1Circuit arrangement for identifying the binning-class of at least one light unit and for controlling the at least one light unit
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 ZKW GRP GMBH
  • EP4686323A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4686323A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP4686323A1 patent drawingFigure 3c~3d

AI summary

Circuit arrangement (1) for identifying the binning-class/es of at least one light unit (2) and for controlling the at least one light unit (2) in dependence of its binning class, wherein the circuit arrangement (1) comprises at least one microcontroller (6), and at least one light unit (2), the light unit (2) comprises at least one light module (3a, 3b), wherein each light module (3a, 3b) is classified by a binning class, said binning class representing radiation characteristics of its light sources (4), at least one light controller (5a, 5b), the microcontroller (6) being configured to select a specific operation mode (A, B, C, D,...) and to configure the light controller (5a, 5b) accordingly to adjust the light emission radiated by the at least one light module (3a, 3b) in dependence of its binning class.