Lighting Network Device Configuration via Wireless Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for commissioning lighting control systems are time-consuming and error-prone, requiring significant on-site effort to match physical devices with virtual devices and update their locations within the network.

Innovation Solution

A method that automatically associates physical devices with virtual devices by using unique IDs and network addresses, allowing for quick and accurate configuration of functional requirements through a graphical user interface and architectural drawings, enabling easy reconfiguration when device locations change.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional commissioning methods using barcodes and manual matching are used, then devices can be configured to work according to functional requirements, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommissioning accuracyVSAvoidcommissioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of barcode scanning and physical matching with an automatic wireless communication system. The commissioning apparatus uses wireless signals to automatically detect, identify, and associate physical devices with virtual devices, eliminating the need for manual barcode reading and reducing both time and errors in the commissioning process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service commissioning where the commissioning apparatus automatically performs device detection, identification, and configuration without requiring manual intervention. The physical devices automatically communicate their identities and locations through wireless signals, and the system autonomously matches them with corresponding virtual devices and applies functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual matching of physical devices with virtual devices is performed, then functional requirements can be assigned, but significant on-site effort and time are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice configuration easeVSAvoidon-site commissioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual device matching operations with automated wireless detection and identification. The commissioning apparatus automatically discovers physical devices through wireless signals, retrieves their unique identifiers, and matches them with virtual devices in the system, dramatically reducing on-site commissioning time while improving operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary automatic device detection and identification before the commissioning process begins. By pre-establishing the mapping between physical and virtual devices through automated wireless communication, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming manual matching during on-site commissioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If device locations need to be updated after installation, then the system can adapt to changes, but someone must manually update locations and functional requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service reconfiguration where physical devices automatically report their current locations and identities through wireless communication. The commissioning apparatus automatically detects location changes, updates the mapping between physical and virtual devices, and reassigns functional requirements without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining high adaptability with minimal operational effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback through wireless communication between physical devices and the commissioning apparatus. Devices automatically report their status and location, and the system uses this feedback to automatically update configurations and maintain accuracy, enabling easy reconfiguration when devices are moved or when system requirements change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP1897332B1An apparatus and method of configuring a device in a network
Publication Date: 2015.10.14 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP1897332B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1897332B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP1897332B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention provides a method, apparatus and computer program product for ensuring that a device (26) operable in a network (1) is configured to operate according to documented functional requirements for the network. Positional information comprising the coordinates of each device (26, 9, 50) in the network (1 ) is received via a gateway (9, 50) at a data processing apparatus (10) storing the documented functional requirements. The coordinates of each device (26, 9) in the network (1 ) are used to deduce the required functionality of the device based on the stored functional requirements, instructions for implementing the functionality are generated and the instructions are sent via the gateway (9, 50) to the network. The invention has particular relevance in the commissioning stage of a lighting control network.