Smart Lighting Commissioning via Optical Pattern Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart home lighting systems require complex programming and expertise for commissioning, making the process time-consuming and expensive, especially when installed in early stages of building construction without internet connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation of unique patterns for each lighting device, activation through a sequence of powering pulses, and identification using optical sensors, allowing for intuitive assignment and storage of localization identifiers, enabling commissioning without pre-stored information or programming knowledge, and allowing remote configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex programming and configuration methods are used for commissioning lighting systems, then the system can be fully configured and controlled, but the commissioning process becomes time-consuming and requires high expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting devices automatically generate unique light patterns and emit them through their light output. The system self-identifies by modulating the light at specific frequencies that are detected by optical sensors, eliminating the need for manual programming or configuration input during commissioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual programming operations with optical detection. Instead of requiring technicians to input device identifiers and locations through software interfaces, the system uses optical sensors to detect modulated light patterns emitted by the lighting devices themselves, automatically capturing device identity and location information
2Reliability
If expert installers are required for system commissioning and technical support, then proper configuration and troubleshooting can be achieved, but the process becomes expensive and requires physical presence on-site
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically generating and emitting unique light patterns that encode device identity information. The optical sensors automatically detect these patterns and the system autonomously maps device locations, eliminating the need for expert technicians to perform manual configuration tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light modulation as an intermediary carrier for device identification information. Instead of requiring direct human intervention to input device data, the lighting devices modulate their light output to encode unique identifiers, which are then detected by optical sensors, serving as an automatic information transfer medium
3Reliability
If the lighting system is commissioned early during building construction, then functionality can be tested and issues can be identified, but the system requires complex setup before other building systems are ready
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting devices automatically generate unique light patterns and emit them through their light output during commissioning. The system self-identifies by modulating the light at specific frequencies that are detected by optical sensors, eliminating the need for manual programming or configuration input during commissioning
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting devices serve dual functions: they provide their primary illumination function while simultaneously serving as identification sources by modulating their light output with unique patterns. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to be used for both lighting and device identification without requiring additional specialized equipment
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
Facilitates fast, easy, and cost-effective commissioning of lighting systems in automated buildings, ensuring early functionality and reducing the need for on-site technical expertise, with the ability to remotely configure and support the lighting system.
Implementation Method 1
sensing modulation of light generated by a lighting device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B~5
AI summary
A method of commissioning and mapping a lighting system including a plurality of lighting devices comprises: - generating a set of patterns with at least as many different patterns as the number of lighting devices, - detecting the plurality of lighting devices, - assigning each pattern of the set to a unique lighting device, - activating each lighting device, in accordance with its assigned pattern, the pattern comprising a sequence of powering pulses, - sensing modulation of light generated by a lighting device, - assigning an identifier of the localization of the lighting device to the lighting device of which the modulation of light is sensed, - storing the assigned identifier as a localization identification of the lighting device of which the modulation of light is sensed, - repeating the steps of sensing, assigning and storing for each lighting device - linking each lighting device with at least one of a plurality of peripheral interfaces in an electrical network, by replicating the pattern of a particular lighting device by actuating a peripheral interface to be linked with that lighting device and, upon detecting that actuation in accordance with a pattern of the set of patterns, linking the actuated peripheral interface with the lighting device with that pattern assigned.