Lighting Network Site Controller Automated Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual verification process of large lighting networks is time-consuming and prone to missed operational problems, requiring significant effort and delaying the network's operational readiness due to the need for manual inspection and potential re-visits by electricians for installation issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a site controller that automatically verifies the installation and operation of lighting networks by collecting data from nodes and sensors, detecting misconfigurations, communication problems, and operational issues, thereby reducing the necessity for manual verification and shortening the commissioning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual verification of lighting network components is performed, then installation problems can be detected, but the process is time-consuming and requires multiple revisits by electricians
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting network nodes automatically perform self-verification by comparing their installation state against stored expected configuration data. Each node autonomously detects misconfigurations, communication issues, and operational problems without requiring manual inspection, thereby eliminating the need for repeated electrician visits while maintaining high detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback loops where nodes continuously monitor their own operational parameters and communication status, comparing actual states against expected configurations. This self-diagnosis capability provides immediate feedback on installation problems, enabling rapid detection without time-consuming manual verification processes
2Measurement precision
If manual inspection of each lighting network component is performed, then operational problems can be verified, but significant effort and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with automated electronic verification. Nodes use digital communication to report their operational status, configuration data, and sensor readings to the site controller, which automatically compares these against expected parameters. This substitution of mechanical inspection with electronic self-diagnosis maintains high verification accuracy while dramatically increasing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of the expected network configuration and node operational states. By comparing these digital representations against actual system behavior through automated data collection and analysis, the system achieves precise verification of operational problems without requiring physical inspection of each component, thereby maintaining accuracy while improving verification speed
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive verification of all nodes and sensors is performed manually, then configuration errors can be detected, but the commissioning process is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration validation during the installation phase itself. Nodes automatically verify their configuration data against expected parameters before full system operation begins. This preliminary self-verification detects configuration errors early in the commissioning process, ensuring high configuration accuracy while minimizing the overall commissioning duration by avoiding later corrective visits
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for verifying operation and configuration of a lighting network. In some embodiments, a site controller is configured to receive sensor data from a plurality of sensors and to transmit commands to nodes of a lighting network for controlling light sources based on the sensor data. The site controller is also configured to store a site plan including a listing of the nodes and, for each of the nodes, indicating a number of sensors to be coupled to the respective node. The site controller is further configured to detect the sensors coupled to the nodes based on the sensor data and to compare the detected sensors to the site plan for determining whether the detect sensors is consistent with the site plan. If not, the site controller is configured to provide an alert.