Networked Lighting Controller Adapting Light Sequences to Bandwidth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lighting control network systems face limitations in transferring all lighting control commands due to network bandwidth constraints, leading to delayed or incomplete application of dynamic light effects, which can result in suboptimal user experience.

Innovation Solution

A controller that receives a first sequence of light settings defining a dynamic light effect and adjusts it based on network capacity indications to create a second sequence, optimizing transmission and ensuring timely and effective application without exceeding network capacity, using a processor to convert and transmit light settings via various communication protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all light settings of a dynamic light effect are transmitted over the network, then the complete light effect can be applied, but network bandwidth limitations cause delays and incomplete transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete transmission of light settingsVSAvoiddelay in applying light effect
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The controller transmits only a subset of light settings from the original sequence rather than all settings. The processor determines which light settings to transmit based on network capacity, sending enough settings to achieve the desired light effect without overwhelming the network bandwidth, thus balancing completeness with transmission speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The sequence of light settings is divided into multiple groups or segments. The controller transmits these segments in batches over time rather than all at once, allowing the network to handle the data flow more efficiently and reducing the overall transmission delay while still achieving the complete light effect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If the number of light settings is reduced to fit network capacity, then transmission delay is reduced, but the quality and fidelity of the dynamic light effect may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission delayVSAvoidfidelity of light effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The processor dynamically adjusts parameters of the light settings sequence based on network capacity indicators. When network capacity is limited, it modifies the sequence by removing or consolidating certain light settings while preserving the essential characteristics of the dynamic light effect, thus maintaining fidelity despite reduced data volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses network capacity indicators as feedback to dynamically adjust the light settings sequence. The processor continuously monitors network conditions and adapts the transmission strategy accordingly, ensuring optimal balance between transmission speed and light effect quality based on real-time network status

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If a constant data stream is used to control lighting devices, then dynamic light effects can be achieved, but network bandwidth is overwhelmed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic light effect controlVSAvoidnetwork traffic volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of transmitting a constant continuous data stream, the controller uses periodic transmission of light settings batches. The processor sends groups of light settings at regular intervals or based on network conditions, reducing the overall network traffic volume while still achieving dynamic light effects through the sequential application of these periodic updates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3079447B1Controlling networked lighting devices
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3079447B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3079447B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3079447B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

A controller 100 for controlling a lighting device 110 via a network 108 is disclosed. The controller 100 comprises a receiver 102 arranged for receiving a first sequence of light settings distributed over a first plurality of points in time, which first sequence defines a dynamic light effect. The controller 100 further comprises a processor 104 arranged for converting the first sequence of light settings into a second sequence of light settings distributed over a second plurality of points in time. The controller 100 further comprises a transmitter 106 arranged for transmitting light settings to the lighting device 110. The processor 104 of the controller 100 is further arranged for receiving an indication of a network capacity of the network 108, and the processor 104 is further arranged for converting the first sequence of light settings into the second sequence of light settings based on the indication of the network capacity.