Lighting Modules Theme Control via Power Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lighting systems require separate power and data signals for each lighting module, leading to increased wiring costs and complexity, and lack the ability to efficiently manage lighting themes across multiple modules without significant delays.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system that uses a two-wire path to transmit both power and data, allowing for unique addressability of lighting modules and the application of programmable lighting themes, including ON/OFF times, color, and intensity, through a data encoded power signal, eliminating the need for additional data wires and enabling cost-effective installation and flexible control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power and data signals are used for each lighting module, then reliable control of lighting modules is achieved, but wiring costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power and data transmission into a single two-wire path that carries both electrical power and encoded control signals to lighting modules. This merging eliminates the need for separate data wiring infrastructure while maintaining reliable bidirectional communication and power delivery to each addressable module in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-wire path serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power delivery, bidirectional data communication, and module addressing. This multi-functional approach replaces traditional separate wiring systems for power and control, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable operation of addressable lighting modules.
2Ease of operation
If traditional timer boxes are used to control lighting, then simple on/off control is achieved, but the ability to independently control individual lighting modules is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into independently addressable modules, each with its own control capabilities. The two-wire network enables individual addressing and control of each module while maintaining simple centralized control through the controller, allowing both simplicity and individual control to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-wire communication system acts as an intermediary between the simple timer box interface and the complex individual module control requirements. It translates simple control commands into individualized control signals for specific addressable modules, bridging the gap between operational simplicity and control versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lighting themes are applied to multiple groups of lighting modules, then comprehensive lighting control is achieved, but significant delays occur in theme application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary action mechanism where the controller sends a first command to all lighting modules to prepare for theme application, followed by a second command with specific theme parameters. This two-stage approach allows modules to pre-prepare their systems, reducing the actual theme application delay when the final command is received.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic polling or command sequences over the two-wire network to efficiently distribute theme information to multiple lighting groups. By organizing theme application as a structured sequence of commands rather than individual module addressing, the system reduces overall theme application time while maintaining comprehensive control across all groups.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lighting system includes lighting fixtures and a lighting controller that sends commands and data over an AC power line to power and control the lighting fixtures. Lighting themes are uniquely programmable color and intensity that are applied to a collection of lighting groups to achieve different lighting modes instantly, without the delay that programming each lighting fixture individually incurs. The groups of lighting modules receive theme lighting information over the power line and store the theme information in memory. The lighting controller sends a single command to the collections of the lighting groups to apply the theme. Each lighting module retrieves and applies the theme information.