Lighting Node Role Assignment via RSSI Fingerprint Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless-enabled lighting systems, replacing an out-of-service lighting device without light detection capabilities is challenging, as it requires technical expertise and is a costly, time-consuming process, as existing methods rely on light level matching which is not feasible for devices without light detection elements.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating and matching Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) fingerprints among lighting nodes to automatically assign the role of a new lighting node, using machine learning models and normalizing RSSI values to identify and replace out-of-service nodes with minimal human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If light level matching is used to automatically assign roles to replacement devices, then automatic role assignment is achieved, but this method is not feasible for devices without light detection elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for device identification from light level measurements to wireless signal characteristics (RSSI fingerprints). By measuring received signal strength indicators from wireless communications between lighting devices, the system creates unique fingerprints that identify each device's position in the network, enabling automatic role assignment without requiring light detection capabilities.
2Reliability
If a technician with expertise is used to commission and replace lighting devices, then proper device configuration is achieved, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables lighting devices to automatically perform their own commissioning and role assignment without technician intervention. When a device is replaced, the new device automatically determines its role by measuring wireless signal characteristics from neighboring devices and matching these measurements against stored fingerprint data, thereby self-configuring the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-stores RSSI fingerprint data for each lighting device position in the network during initial setup or when devices are first added. This preliminary storage of reference data enables rapid automatic matching and role assignment when devices are replaced, eliminating the need for technicians to perform time-consuming commissioning procedures.
3Extent of automation
If RSSI fingerprints are generated and matched for automatic role assignment, then technician intervention is minimized, but the system complexity increases due to wireless signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing wireless communication transceivers already present in smart lighting devices for their primary function of control and data exchange. These same transceivers are used additionally to measure RSSI values and generate fingerprints, thereby using existing hardware for multiple purposes without adding separate dedicated measurement equipment, thus limiting the increase in system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for assigning a role to a new lighting node in a lighting system based on a received signal strength indicator (“RSSI”) fingerprint of the new lighting node. For example, methods and apparatus described herein are directed to determining RSSI fingerprints for each lighting node in a lighting system, matching one of the RSSI fingerprints to the RSSI fingerprint of a new lighting node, and assigning a role to the new 5 lighting node. The assigned role is the same role as previously assigned to the matching lighting node.