Lighting Module Automatic Address Allocation via Touch Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
In lighting systems using the DMX512-A standard, manually setting unique addresses for multiple lighting modules is cumbersome and prone to errors, especially when installed in a tiling configuration where access to the modules is limited, making it difficult to establish clear correspondence between module positions and addresses.
Innovation Solution
A lighting module with an external input detection sensor that requests and receives an address assignment command from a master device, allowing for automatic address allocation through a touch-based interface, enabling clear address assignment and reassignment without manual switch adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual address setting using dip switch or rotary switch is used, then each lighting module can be assigned a unique address, but the operation becomes cumbersome and error-prone when the number of lighting modules is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical dip switch or rotary switch system with an electronic touch sensor system. The external input detection sensor detects touch inputs on the light-emitting surface, transmitting address setting commands wirelessly or through communication lines to the master device, eliminating the need for manual mechanical switch operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting module itself provides the address setting functionality through its light-emitting surface. By touching the light-emitting surface, users can directly interact with the module to set addresses, making the module self-configurable without requiring external mechanical switches or complex manual procedures.
2Ease of operation
If address setting is performed before installation using dip switch or rotary switch, then addresses can be assigned, but it becomes difficult to set or change addresses after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inaccessible mechanical switches with a touch-sensitive light-emitting surface that remains accessible after installation. The external input detection sensor on the light-emitting surface allows users to touch and configure addresses even when modules are mounted in ceilings or walls, providing post-installation reconfiguration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-emitting surface serves dual functions: it emits light for illumination and acts as a touch-sensitive interface for address setting. This multi-functionality allows the same surface to be used for both lighting purposes and configuration operations, regardless of installation position.
3Loss of information
If manual address setting is used, then addresses can be assigned to lighting modules, but establishing clear correspondence between module positions and addresses becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The master device receives touch input information including position data from the external input detection sensor, assigns addresses based on this position information, and provides feedback to the user. This feedback mechanism ensures that the address assignment corresponds clearly to the physical position of each module, eliminating confusion between addresses and locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system includes a master device for transmitting a light emission control command, and a plurality of lighting modules. Each of the plurality of lighting modules has a surface light source, receives the light emission control command, and drives and controls the surface light source in accordance with control data for its own, the control data being included in the received light emission control command.