Lighting Actuator Dynamic Light Channel Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visible light communication (VLC) systems face scalability issues due to increased traffic in channel negotiation as network density increases, limiting bandwidth and efficiency in data transmission to multiple mobile receivers.
Innovation Solution
A lighting actuator system that dynamically assigns light channels to end node units using a network interface and configuration module, leveraging application control plans to manage light channel configurations and ensure efficient data communication, allowing for unique or shared light channels based on receiver capabilities and positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous light channel negotiation is implemented at each light injection unit, then channel allocation flexibility is improved, but system complexity and coordination difficulty increase in dense networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central controller as an intermediary that manages light channel assignments for multiple lighting actuators. The controller receives data path definitions, determines appropriate light channels based on receiver positions and capabilities, and distributes assignments to actuators. This centralized coordination mechanism reduces the complexity of autonomous negotiation between distributed units while maintaining flexible channel allocation.
2Quantity of substance
If VLC systems use line-of-sight light waves for data transmission, then bandwidth availability is improved compared to RF, but connection reliability deteriorates due to obstruction by obstacles such as walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic light channel assignment where the system continuously monitors receiver positions and capabilities, then adaptively assigns appropriate light channels and actuators. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain reliable connections by selecting optimal line-of-sight paths as receivers move or environmental conditions change, while preserving the high bandwidth benefits of VLC technology.
3Ease of manufacture
If ambient lighting VLC devices are used for data transmission, then ease of deployment is improved, but data transmission rate deteriorates because these devices are optimized for lighting quality rather than high-speed communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables ambient lighting VLC devices to perform dual functions: providing quality ambient lighting and enabling high-speed data transmission. The system achieves this by dynamically assigning dedicated light channels for data communication while maintaining the lighting function, effectively making these devices multi-functional without requiring separate infrastructure for communication and lighting.
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
The system effectively scales with increased network density by optimizing light channel allocation, ensuring reliable and efficient data transmission to multiple mobile receivers, even in dense environments, while minimizing bandwidth occupation.
Implementation Method 1
communicating data from a source node unit communicatively coupled with the lighting actuator to a data end node unit wirelessly via light waves
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for communicating data from a source node unit communicatively coupled with the lighting actuator to a data end node unit wirelessly via light waves. The lighting actuator comprises a network interface to receive a temporary data path definition assigning the lighting actuator as selected data injection unit for embedding data from the source node unit into light waves for emission to 5 the data end node unit and a light channel configuration to be applied, and a configuration module configured to assign a light channel to the data end node unit according to a light channel configuration stored on the lighting actuator, wherein data communication addressed to the data end node unit and received in accordance with the temporary data path definition is forwarded to the data end node unit using the assigned light channel.