Light Fixture Integrated Input Output Module Security Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light fixtures lack integrated solutions for wireless video security and monitoring of human interaction and utilization in large areas, which are essential for enhanced security and hygiene practices.

Innovation Solution

A light fixture incorporating an input/output module with a high-resolution camera, light sensor, infrared emitter, microphone, and speaker, enabling wireless communication, data encryption, and secure data transmission, along with compatibility with mobile and web-based applications and tiered cloud services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional separate security cameras and lighting systems are used, then security monitoring function is provided, but device complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrated security and lighting functionVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a camera module with LED lighting elements into a single integrated fixture housing. The camera is positioned to capture images of the illuminated area, while the LED driver circuitry powers both the lights and the camera sensor, merging security monitoring and lighting functions into one device that reduces installation complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light fixture serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides illumination through LED elements, captures images through an integrated camera sensor, and can be controlled via a unified interface. The single fixture replaces what would traditionally require separate lighting and security camera installations, making the system more versatile.

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

2Measurement precision

If high-resolution camera and multiple sensors are integrated into light fixture, then monitoring precision and security effectiveness improve, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage capture resolutionVSAvoidintegration manufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is designed as a separate, pre-assembled unit with the sensor, lens, and associated electronics already integrated. This modular camera module can be manufactured independently and then installed into the light fixture housing, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining high image capture resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A shared power management circuit acts as an intermediary between the LED driver and the camera sensor. This intermediary circuitry efficiently distributes power from a single source to both the lighting elements and the camera, reducing the number of separate power supplies needed and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If wireless communication and data encryption capabilities are added, then data security and transmission reliability improve, but energy consumption and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission securityVSAvoidpower consumption for wireless communication
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication transmits data in periodic bursts rather than continuously. Images are captured and transmitted at scheduled intervals or triggered by motion detection, allowing the system to maintain secure communication while minimizing power consumption during transmission periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The camera and processing electronics are powered directly from the LED driver's power supply without requiring a separate power source. The system uses the existing power infrastructure to serve multiple functions, reducing overall energy requirements while maintaining encrypted wireless communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3977009B1Light fixture with integrated input/output module
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 HUBBELL INC
  • EP3977009B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3977009B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3977009B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system includes a luminaire and an input/output device. The luminaire includes a housing and a light emitting element supported on the housing, and the light emitting element is in electrical communication with a power source. The input/output device is supported on the housing and is configured to detect activity in an area proximate the luminaire. The input/output device includes a camera having a lens.