Lighting Module Power Bus Communication Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems face challenges in internal communication and anomaly detection within lighting modules, which can lead to difficulties in maintaining and correcting malfunctions, especially when external measures are required.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lighting apparatus with an internal network for bidirectional communication between a controller and light sources, and a transceiver for external network communication, allowing for detection and correction of anomalies, as well as communication with other modules and devices over a scalable network architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple buses are used for power distribution and communication, then communication reliability is improved, but system cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power bus and command bus into a single shared bus system. The controller and light sources communicate both power and data over the same physical bus, eliminating the need for separate communication cables. This merging approach maintains communication reliability while significantly reducing system complexity and installation cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - it distributes power to light sources and carries bidirectional communication signals for commands and status information. This multi-functional design allows a single bus infrastructure to replace what would traditionally require separate power and data distribution systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If the power bus is used as a command bus, then system cost is reduced, but communication precision and reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic communication cycles where the controller alternates between sending commands and receiving status information from light sources. This structured periodic communication protocol ensures that data signals are transmitted during designated time windows, preventing interference with power distribution while maintaining communication precision over the shared bus.
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional communication capability allows light sources to send status information and anomaly detections back to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to monitor bus communication quality and adjust communication parameters as needed, maintaining precision even when sharing the bus with power distribution.
3Reliability
If internal communication circuitry is present in light sources, then local anomaly detection is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources include built-in communication circuitry and anomaly detection capabilities that are pre-configured during manufacturing. This preliminary integration allows the light sources to immediately detect and report anomalies without requiring additional external monitoring equipment, enabling reliable local detection while keeping the added complexity minimal through integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems and methods facilitate internal communication within a lighting module as well as intercommunication among lighting modules over an external network. The network may be a conventional network managed by a central network controller or may be an ad hoc or “mesh” network—i.e., a scalable network architecture in which any lighting module is a node that can communicate with any other module or network-connected device.