Automated Addressing for Tree-Structured Lighting Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Determining the addresses of each light node in a complex lighting arrangement is challenging and error-prone, especially with the use of splitters, as existing methods lack automated solutions, leading to inefficiencies and potential failures in creating desired light displays.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a bus configuration with a controller device that transmits signals and receives responses to assign addresses to light nodes, including those connected through splitters, using a daisy chained address line and splitter signals to dynamically determine the addresses of light nodes in an automated manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual methods are used to determine light node addresses, then the process can be completed with simple equipment, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddress determination accuracyVSAvoidaddress determination time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated self-addressing of light nodes through a controller that automatically detects and assigns addresses to light nodes in a daisy-chained network, eliminating the need for manual address configuration and reducing both time and human error in the addressing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller receives feedback signals from light nodes to automatically determine their positions in the network, using the presence or absence of responses to establish addressing sequences without manual intervention, thereby improving accuracy while reducing time consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If splitters are used to create complex lighting arrangements, then the system becomes more versatile and adaptable, but the addressing process becomes more complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting arrangement flexibilityVSAvoidaddressing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the lighting network into multiple branches through splitters, with each branch independently addressable through automated detection, allowing complex tree-structured arrangements to be managed systematically without increasing addressing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The addressing system transitions from linear sequencing to multi-dimensional addressing by detecting light node positions in a tree structure with multiple branches, enabling the controller to assign addresses based on hierarchical position rather than simple sequential order

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If automated addressing is implemented, then the process becomes more efficient and accurate, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddress determination efficiencyVSAvoidcontrolling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically performs address assignment by detecting light node responses and generating addresses based on detection sequences, eliminating manual configuration and significantly improving efficiency without requiring complex external addressing equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller integrates multiple functions including signal transmission, response detection, address generation, and network configuration into a single device, improving productivity while minimizing the need for additional specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3593597B1Device, system, and method for determining an address of a component arranged in a structure
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3593597B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3593597B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3593597B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device, system, and method determine addresses of nodes for an arrangement including strings that have nodes and a splitter. The system includes a controller device connected to a first string, the first string also connected to the splitter. The system includes a bus configuration connecting the nodes to one another and to the controller device. The controller device transmits first signals to the nodes of the first string and sequentially receives first responses. The controller device assigns addresses to the nodes of the first string. The controller device generates a second signal that defines a path to a splitter output. The controller device sequentially receives second responses from nodes of a second string on the splitter output and then assigns addresses to the nodes of the second string.