Automated Lighting Fixture Grouping via Pointing Device Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of installing and configuring sophisticated lighting control systems, which require skilled labor and manual commissioning, hinder their widespread adoption despite potential energy savings and enhanced safety and security benefits.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a pointing device, sensors, and a control unit to automate the commissioning of lighting systems, allowing fixtures to be assigned to groups through signal emission and reception, enabling quick and easy configuration by non-expert personnel using gestures and intuitive interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual commissioning and configuration methods are used, then system reliability is maintained through skilled labor, but installation cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting fixtures automatically perform commissioning tasks by detecting signals from the pointing device and self-configuring into logical groups. The system eliminates the need for manual commissioning by skilled workers, allowing the installation system to service itself through automated signal detection and group formation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical commissioning processes with an automated optical signal system. A pointing device emits signals that are detected by sensors in fixtures, substituting the mechanical interaction between workers and equipment with an automated optical detection and processing system.
2Productivity
If sophisticated control systems are implemented, then energy management performance improves, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically performs commissioning tasks including signal detection, fixture identification, and logical group formation without requiring external configuration equipment or expert intervention. This self-service capability reduces the apparent complexity while maintaining sophisticated energy management functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pointing device serves as a simple intermediary that bridges the gap between user intent and system configuration. Instead of requiring complex configuration interfaces or specialized equipment, the pointing device provides an intuitive mediation mechanism that simplifies the user-side complexity while enabling sophisticated control system setup.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual grouping and configuration tasks are performed, then precise system setup is achieved, but labor cost and skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Fixtures automatically detect pointing device signals and self-assign to appropriate logical groups based on the signal pattern and timing. This self-service configuration process achieves precise system setup without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving installation ease while maintaining configuration precision through automated detection algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where fixtures detect signals from the pointing device and provide responses that confirm successful signal reception and group assignment. This feedback loop ensures configuration precision by verifying each step of the automated commissioning process without requiring manual verification.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates rapid and cost-effective commissioning of lighting systems, reducing the need for specialized labor and automating the grouping of fixtures, thereby simplifying the installation process and enhancing the efficiency of lighting control systems.
Implementation Method 1
The pointing device may emit light signals, for example, using a visible light source or an infrared (IR) source. Each fixture in the lighting system may include a sensor, such as a photodetector, capable of receiving the light signal from the pointing device.
Data Source
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AI summary
Commissioning a lighting system is disclosed. A user can be provided with a pointing device capable of emitting or returning a signal which can be received by detectors co-located with each fixture in the lighting system. The user can add a fixture to a group by aiming the pointing device at the fixture when the fixture is not assigned to the group, and the user can remove a fixture from a group in the same way when the fixture was previously assigned to the group. Additional user gestures are also disclosed.