Lighting Control Device With Scheduled-Time Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems, particularly those using LED technology, lack precise control over dimming profiles due to reliance on virtual midnight calculations and complex communication systems, leading to inaccuracies and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A control device for LED lighting elements that includes an input port, output port, memory element, and real-time counter, allowing precise time synchronization and dimming profile setting without complex remote control systems, using a communication protocol based on power signal sequences and geolocation data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If virtual midnight calculation is used for dimming control, then system complexity is reduced, but time precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses its own scheduled turn-on time as a reference to synchronize the real-time counter, eliminating the need for external time sources or complex communication infrastructure. This self-service approach provides precise timekeeping without adding system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The scheduled turn-on time is pre-configured in the memory element during system setup. This preliminary action allows the device to establish an accurate time reference in advance, enabling precise dimming control without requiring complex real-time synchronization mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If complex remote control systems are used for precise dimming control, then time precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the time reference function from external complex communication systems and implements it locally using the scheduled turn-on time. This extraction eliminates the need for complex remote control infrastructure while maintaining precise time control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs multiple functions using a single integrated approach: it stores scheduled turn-on times, synchronizes the real-time counter, and controls dimming profiles all through one device without requiring separate complex communication systems.
3Ease of operation
If real-time counter is used without synchronization, then operational simplicity is maintained, but time accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses the scheduled turn-on time as a feedback reference to periodically synchronize the real-time counter. This feedback mechanism maintains high time accuracy while keeping the operational approach simple and integrated.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control device for a lighting element comprising: an input port for a power signal of the lighting element or a signal derived from the power signal of the lighting element; an output port for sending control commands to the lighting element, particularly for setting the power of the lighting element; a memory element capable of storing information related to the lighting element to be controlled; a real-time counter element capable of providing date and time information; a control unit interfaced with the input, output, memory element, and counter element. The control unit is configured to read from the memory element the scheduled turn-on time of the lighting element or to calculate this turn-on time based on geolocation information of the lighting element present in the memory unit so that with each turn-on of the lighting element, the control unit is able to synchronize the time provided by the counter element.