Lighting Control Device Dynamic Transmission Range Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting systems lack the ability to adapt the transmission range of control signals to atypical environments, such as those with dampening ceiling materials, high ceilings, or large distances between lights, limiting flexibility in configuring the 'cloud of light' size.

Innovation Solution

A control device with a transmission device that adjusts parameters influencing the signal range in response to signals from a switch or sensor, allowing for dynamic adjustment of signal strength, modulation, and direction via a data bus, enabling easy configuration without additional operating elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the transmission range is fixed by the manufacturer, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the adaptability to different environments (atypical ceiling materials, high ceilings, large distances) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different environmentsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustability of transmission parameters by allowing the control device to modify transmission power and range settings in response to environmental conditions. The system transitions from fixed manufacturer settings to user-configurable parameters that adapt to atypical ceiling materials, high ceilings, and large distances between luminaires.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables changing of transmission parameters (power, range, signal strength) to adapt to different environmental conditions. The control device can adjust these parameters based on feedback from switches or sensors, allowing optimization for specific installation scenarios without redesigning the hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional operating elements are added for configuring range, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidease of configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service configuration where the control device automatically detects environmental conditions and adjusts transmission parameters without requiring complex manual configuration. The existing switch or sensor infrastructure is repurposed for configuration, eliminating the need for additional dedicated operating elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes existing components (switch or sensor) serve dual purposes: their original function plus configuration of transmission range. This multi-functionality approach avoids adding dedicated configuration elements while maintaining ease of operation through familiar interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Length of stationary object

If the transmission power is increased to cover large distances, then the transmission range is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission rangeVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts transmission power based on actual range requirements and environmental conditions. Instead of operating at fixed high power to ensure coverage, the control device modulates power levels to match the minimum necessary for reliable communication, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate transmission range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables adjustment of transmission parameters to optimize the balance between range and energy consumption. Users can configure power levels according to specific installation conditions, allowing lower power settings for typical environments and higher power only when necessary for atypical conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4156869A1Swarm controlled lighting system with configurable transmission power
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP4156869A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4156869A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4156869A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a control device (1) for at least one component (2) of a lighting system. The control device (1) comprises a transmitter (8) for wirelessly transmitting a control signal to the at least one component (2), a switch (18) and/or a sensor (12), a data bus (4) to which the transmitter (8) and the switch (18) or the sensor (12) are connected, and a control device (5) configured to control the data traffic on the data bus (4), wherein the transmitter (8) is configured to change at least one parameter that influences the range of the control signal in response to a signal transmitted by the switch (18) or the sensor (12) via the data bus (4).