Lighting Fixture Arrangement via Virtual Model and Guide Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for arranging and controlling lighting fixtures, such as LEDs, do not adequately address the initial setup step, which is crucial for achieving aesthetically valuable light effects, as they lack guidance for users to arrange fixtures accurately in various patterns and installations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize guide devices and virtual models to help users arrange lighting fixtures by generating actuation sequences for guide lighting fixtures, allowing for precise placement and distribution based on virtual arrangements, with optional image acquisition and geometric shape selection for automatic virtual model generation and real-time feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If users arrange lighting fixtures manually without guidance, then the arrangement process is simple, but the positioning accuracy and aesthetic quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual model that copies the physical arrangement space (room or object), allowing users to plan lighting fixture positions virtually before actual installation. This virtual copy enables precise positioning planning without immediately implementing the physical arrangement, resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the user and the lighting fixtures. This intermediary manages the complex tasks of generating actuation sequences, identifying guide fixtures, and coordinating the arrangement process, thereby maintaining simplicity for the user while achieving high positioning accuracy through systematic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If guide lighting fixtures are used to guide arrangement, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearrangement precisionVSAvoidsetup ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically generates actuation sequences that cause lighting fixtures to self-identify as guide fixtures through distinctive lighting patterns. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual identification or configuration of guide fixtures by users, maintaining ease of operation while achieving precise arrangement through automated guide fixture identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by having guide lighting fixtures emit distinctive actuation patterns that provide visual feedback to users during the arrangement process. This feedback mechanism guides users on where to place fixtures without requiring complex user input, balancing arrangement precision with operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If virtual models are generated automatically with image acquisition, then the setup time is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup timeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and mapping processes with automated image acquisition and virtual model generation. Instead of physically measuring rooms or objects to create arrangement plans, the system uses camera images and automated processing to generate virtual models, significantly reducing setup time while managing complexity through software-based solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If each lighting fixture is independently controllable, then the lighting effect quality improves, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting effect qualityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control of lighting fixtures by introducing guide fixtures that are controlled differently from regular fixtures. Guide fixtures receive specific actuation sequences that enable them to perform guidance functions, while other fixtures follow standard control patterns. This segmentation simplifies the overall control complexity while maintaining high lighting effect quality through coordinated individual control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3707968B1Method and system for disposing a plurality of lighting devices
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 LEDWORKS SRL
  • EP3707968B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3707968B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP3707968B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method of arranging a plurality of lighting fixtures (1a-1q) in a room or on an object (4). The method comprises the steps of : a) producing a virtual model (41) of the room or the object (4) in or on which said lighting fixtures (1a-1q) are to be placed, b) virtually arranging said lighting fixtures (1a- 1q) on said virtual model (41), c) identifying one or more guide lighting fixtures (1d, 1g, 1h, 1k, 11, 1n, 1o, 1p) in said virtual arrangement, based on one or more predetermined positions, d) generating a sequence of actuation of said lighting fixtures (1a-1q), said actuation sequence actuating at least said guide lighting fixtures (1d, 1g, 1h, 1k, 11, 1n, 1o, 1p), e) arranging said lighting fixtures (1a-1q) such that at least the position of said guide lighting fixtures (1d, 1g, 1h, 1k, 11, 1n, 1o, 1p) will coincide with the position thereof at the steps b) and c).