Lighting Control Gateway Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems face challenges in compatibility due to different communication standards and protocols used by various lighting and control devices from different manufacturers, limiting customers' options for upgrading or replacing components without requiring a complete system change or returning to the original manufacturer.
Innovation Solution
A central controller with a processor, multiple communication interfaces, and a communication link that can multiplex and translate signals between lighting devices, allowing for the use of disparate devices and protocols, and includes a ring topology with routers for fault detection and rerouting commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different lighting and control devices from different manufacturers use different communication standards and protocols, then each manufacturer can optimize their devices for specific performance requirements, but system compatibility and the ability to mix devices from different sources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between lighting devices using different communication protocols. The gateway translates messages between DMX512-A protocol and other protocols (such as sACN, Art-Net, or proprietary protocols), enabling devices from different manufacturers to communicate without requiring direct protocol compatibility. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining protocol diversity while achieving functional compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway dynamically changes communication parameters based on the target device. It adjusts message formatting, data rates, and protocol-specific parameters to match the requirements of different lighting devices. This parameter adaptation allows the system to work with diverse devices while maintaining a unified control interface, thus improving adaptability without requiring all devices to use the same protocol.
2Ease of operation
If a lighting system uses a centralized control architecture with one or more central controllers, then control functionality and system management are improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to single points of failure and requires complex controller integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control architecture into multiple distributed controller units, each capable of independent operation. Instead of relying on a single central controller, the system divides control functions across multiple nodes that can each manage portions of the lighting system. This segmentation eliminates single points of failure while maintaining centralized control capabilities through coordinated operation of the distributed units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements redundant communication paths and backup controller assignments before failures occur. If a central controller or communication link fails, pre-configured alternative paths and standby controllers automatically take over, cushioning against the impact of failures. This prior cushioning approach maintains system reliability while preserving the benefits of centralized control architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lighting systems require complete system replacement or return to original manufacturer for component upgrades, then system reliability and compatibility are maintained, but customer options and upgrade flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device provides universal communication capability, supporting multiple protocols and serving as a multi-functional interface between different device ecosystems. This universality allows customers to upgrade or replace individual lighting devices from different manufacturers without requiring complete system replacement, as the gateway can translate between various protocols. The single gateway unit performs multiple translation functions, reducing the need for multiple specialized controllers.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of networked lighting devices includes a group of lighting device fixture controllers connected in a communication chain. The communication chain provides for transfer of data packets between the lighting device fixture controllers and a central controller. Each fixture controller includes a first power input that receives power from a primary power source, and a priority switch that is configured to switch the fixture controller from the primary power source to a source of DC power upon detecting failure of the primary power source. The source of DC power is sufficient to power the fixture controller and enable the fixture controller to continue to pass a stream of data to other controllers in the communication chain, but it is not sufficient to power the fixture controller's associated lighting device.