Lighting Control Adapter Template Matching for Automated Commissioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of configuring and parameterizing lighting systems, especially those with multiple rooms or halls, is time-consuming and cumbersome due to the need for manual setup and management of numerous lighting devices connected via digital control buses like DALI, which lacks efficient automation.

Innovation Solution

A control system with a radio network terminal and control adapter that scans bus participants, matches them with predefined lighting system templates, and allows for automated configuration and parameterization, using a smartphone or tablet for easy setup and operation, enabling partial automation of complex lighting systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration and parameterization of lighting devices is used, then system flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but configuration time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores multiple pre-defined lighting system templates that have been prepared in advance. These templates contain pre-configured parameters, device groupings, and control settings for various lighting scenarios. During commissioning, the appropriate template is automatically selected and applied based on the detected lighting system configuration, eliminating the need for manual step-by-step configuration and dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining system flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If the number of lighting devices connected via digital control bus increases, then system coverage and functionality improve, but configuration complexity and time required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of lighting devicesVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the lighting devices into logical groups based on the pre-defined templates. Each template defines specific groupings of devices (e.g., by room, by function, by control zone) that can be independently managed. This segmentation allows the control system to handle large numbers of devices by organizing them into manageable units, reducing configuration complexity while supporting extensive system coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If automated template matching is implemented, then configuration speed and ease of operation improve, but system adaptability to unique configurations may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration easeVSAvoidcustomization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic template selection and adaptive configuration. Multiple templates are available, and the system automatically selects the most appropriate template based on the detected lighting system characteristics. The template matching process is dynamic, allowing the system to adapt to different lighting configurations by selecting from various pre-defined templates. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation through automation while preserving adaptability through template variety and automatic selection based on system specifics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3175679B1Controlsystem for a lightsystem and its method for configuration of it and bringing it in service
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 TRILUX GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3175679B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3175679B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3175679B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a control installation for a lighting system, comprising at least one control adapter having a digital interface for connecting to an associated digital control bus, to which a plurality of lighting operating components such as operating devices, ballasts, sensor devices, and/or switch devices can be connected as bus subscribers by means of respective digital interfaces, wherein the at least one control adapter also comprises a controller and comprises a radio interface for the data coupling of the control adapter to a radio network terminal. The control installation according to the invention is characterized in that, for at least one lighting system template, the comprised lighting operating components and at least some configurations and/or parameterizations associated with the operating components are stored in a memory, which can be read out by the radio network terminal, wherein the bus subscribers connected to the digital control bus are detected in order to configure and put into service the lighting system. The invention further relates to a method for configuring and putting into service such an installation.