Lighting Device Setup Processor Eliminates NVRAM via External Controller Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connected lighting devices require non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) to maintain configuration information and network connectivity, which is costly and inefficient in terms of power consumption and resources, especially when not powered continuously.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a setup processor that uses identification data stored in non-volatile ROM to retrieve control data via a communication unit upon powering up, eliminating the need for NVRAM by leveraging a more powerful node in the wireless network for persistent storage of control data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NVRAM is used to maintain configuration information over power cycles, then the lighting device can stay connected to the wireless network, but the BOM cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the NVRAM component from the lighting device, removing the expensive non-volatile memory requirement. Instead, configuration data is stored externally in the controller device, allowing the lighting device to function without costly NVRAM while maintaining network connectivity persistence through external data storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller device acts as an intermediary, storing configuration data externally and providing it to the lighting device when needed. This mediator approach allows the lighting device to maintain connectivity without having its own NVRAM, as the controller serves as the external storage intermediary.
2Reliability
If the lighting device is kept powered on continuously to maintain connectivity, then configuration data remains available, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller device performs preliminary action by storing configuration data externally before the lighting device needs it. When the lighting device powers up, it can quickly retrieve pre-stored configuration data from the controller, avoiding the need for continuous power to maintain data availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the data storage function from the lighting device itself and places it in the external controller device. This allows the lighting device to power down completely while configuration data remains safely stored externally, eliminating the trade-off between data availability and power consumption.
3Reliability
If a separate power source is used to keep memory powered, then configuration data is maintained, but resource usage and product lifetime are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts both the memory component and its power source from the lighting device, placing storage functionality entirely in the external controller device. This eliminates the need for separate power sources or backup batteries in the lighting device, reducing complexity while maintaining configuration persistence through external storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller device serves multiple functions: it acts as the central control unit, the configuration data storage device, and the power management point. By consolidating these functions in the controller, the lighting device itself can be simpler with fewer components, including no separate power source requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a controlled device (1, 1'), a system (25, 25') comprising such controlled device (1, 1') and a controller device (21), a method for setting up such controlled device (1, 1') and a software product for a set up processor (3, 3') of such controlled device (1, 1'). In order to allow the controlled device (1, 1') to persistently stay within the framework of the system (25, 25') over its power cycles while avoiding or at least reducing a need for a costly element like a NVRAM on the side of the controlled device (1, 1'). Rather than providing costly NVRAM in the controlled device (1, 1'), the controlled device (1,1') is just provided with fixed information which allows the controlled device (1,1') to receive or obtain the variable control data from the controller device (21) as an outside source.