Automated Lighting Module Configuration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle treatment systems, such as illuminated wheel guide rails in car washes, face challenges in accurately determining the configuration and operating status of light modules, leading to increased maintenance efforts and downtimes due to manual detection and adjustment of lighting control parameters.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically detect the configuration and operating status of light modules by applying test samples and measuring electrical variables, allowing for synchronous operation and adaptive control of lighting modules, eliminating the need for manual parameter input and enabling flexible software use across different configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual detection and parameter input methods are used to determine lighting module configuration, then the system can accurately identify the total number and operating state of lighting modules, but this results in increased maintenance effort and downtime during service periods
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting control system automatically detects the configuration of lighting modules by analyzing electrical quantities during normal operation, eliminating the need for manual detection and parameter input. The system self-identifies the total number of lighting modules and their operating states through automated evaluation of measurement results from test patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical detection methods with automated electrical measurement and evaluation. By applying test patterns and measuring electrical quantities at the circuit, the system automatically determines lighting module configuration without human intervention, substituting physical manual processes with electrical automation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lighting control parameters are manually adjusted to adapt to configuration changes, then the system can maintain correct light patterns, but this increases service effort and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors electrical quantities from lighting modules and automatically adjusts control parameters based on the detected configuration. The evaluation unit processes measurement results and provides feedback to the control unit, which adapts the lighting control without manual intervention, enabling automatic adaptation to configuration changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated detection system enables a single lighting control software to handle multiple lighting module configurations universally. By automatically identifying the specific configuration through electrical measurements, the system adapts to different scenarios without requiring separate manual setup procedures for each configuration type.
3Reliability
If compile-time definition of lighting elements is used to generate control software, then the system can ensure correct operation for specific configurations, but this significantly increases maintenance effort for future software changes and reduces flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static compile-time configuration definitions to dynamic runtime detection. The lighting control system automatically determines the actual configuration through electrical measurements during operation, allowing the control software to adapt dynamically to any configuration without recompilation or manual reconfiguration, ensuring both reliability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from fixed compile-time parameters to dynamic parameters determined by electrical measurements. By measuring electrical quantities and evaluating results during operation, the system identifies configuration parameters automatically, allowing the same control software to work with varying configurations through parameter changes detected at runtime rather than fixed at compile time.
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
This approach reduces maintenance time and costs by automatically capturing lighting strip configurations, allowing the same lighting control software to be used for various configurations without additional adjustments, and facilitates easier detection and management of gaps or defects in light modules.
Implementation Method 1
Successive application of a number Nmax ≥ N of different test patterns to the light modules for the first string and Nmax ≥ N' of different test patterns for the second string; measurement of an electrical quantity at the circuit in response to each test pattern
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for automatically detecting the total number and the operating status of lamp modules provided with lamp elements and arranged in a strand of individually controllable lamp modules arranged in series. In the method, lamp modules (10, 12) are successively applied with a number Nmax ≥ N of different test patterns, an electrical measurement variable is measured at the circuit in response to each test pattern, and the measurement results of each test pattern is evaluated and the total number N of lamp modules and their respective operating status is determined therefrom. The invention also relates to a method for operating an illumination device of a vehicle treatment system, and a vehicle treatment system.