Lighting Control Bus Device Association via Topological Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting control systems, such as DALI-based systems, require manual commissioning for localizing and associating devices, which is inefficient and requires significant manual effort, especially for devices without direct outside access, and necessitates a separate association step after localization.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that identify and associate topologically related devices on a lighting control bus by sending triggers and sensing responses, allowing for automatic identification and grouping of devices within disconnectable continuous substructures, reducing the need for manual localization and association.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual commissioning procedures are used for localizing and associating devices, then devices can be properly positioned and grouped, but significant manual effort and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to automatically identify and associate with topologically related devices through self-service mechanisms. Devices autonomously determine their position on the bus and automatically group with related devices without requiring manual commissioning, thereby eliminating manual effort and reducing commissioning time while achieving proper device localization and association
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having devices automatically determine their topological position and associate with related devices before any manual intervention is required. The system pre-establishes device relationships through automated identification procedures, eliminating the need for subsequent manual commissioning steps and significantly reducing overall commissioning time
2Loss of information
If devices are assigned random abstract addresses, then addressing is simplified, but no information about device position or relative location is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the addressing system from random abstract addresses to topologically meaningful addresses. Devices derive their addresses from their physical position on the bus, changing the addressing parameter from arbitrary to position-based. This provides complete position information while maintaining addressing simplicity through automated derivation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating an addressing system that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides unique device identification, indicates physical position on the bus, and enables automatic association with topologically related devices. This multi-functional address system eliminates the need for separate positioning information while maintaining addressing efficiency
3Ease of operation
If separate localization and association steps are performed, then devices can be properly positioned and grouped, but commissioning procedures become multi-step and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate localization and association steps into a single integrated automated process. Devices simultaneously determine their position and associate with topologically related devices in one operation, eliminating the need for multiple commissioning steps and significantly simplifying the commissioning procedure while reducing process complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method (1) of associating a plurality of topologically related devices (6) on a lighting control bus (4). The method (1) comprises: identifying (101) a disconnectable continuous substructure (5) of the lighting control bus (4) strictly by communication on the lighting control bus (4); and identifying (102) the plurality of topologically related devices (6) on the disconnectable continuous substructure (5) of the lighting control bus (4). This simplifies a commissioning of lighting systems.