Lighting Device Synchronization via Time Offset Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interference among multiple lighting devices in proximity leads to incorrect sensor readings and flickers due to unsynchronized lighting signals, causing discomfort to users.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for synchronizing lighting devices by identifying potential-interference-neighbor (PIN) devices near a master device, determining time offsets between lighting signals, and adjusting these signals to synchronize them, using pulse width modulation and wireless communication to ensure coordinated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple lighting devices are deployed in proximity to provide adequate illumination coverage, then the illumination coverage area is improved, but interference occurs among the luminaires causing incorrect sensor readings and flickers
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the lighting control by designating one luminaire as master and others as slaves, with each luminaire responsible for its own zone. The master luminaire segments the control signals and distributes them to slave luminaires at different time offsets, allowing multiple luminaires to operate without mutual interference while maintaining accurate sensor readings in each zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing time offsets between master and slave luminaires before operation. The master luminaire pre-calculates and communicates the appropriate time offsets to slave luminaires based on their spatial relationships, ensuring that lighting signals are already synchronized and non-overlapping before the lighting system begins operation, thus preventing interference and flickers from the outset.
2Device complexity
If multiple lighting devices operate simultaneously without synchronization, then the system complexity is reduced, but flickers occur that make users uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by using pulse width modulation (PWM) to control the lighting signals at high frequency switching periods. The master luminaire generates periodic PWM signals and distributes them to slave luminaires with different time offsets, creating a periodic synchronization pattern that eliminates visible flickers while maintaining simple individual luminaire designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The master luminaire acts as an intermediary that receives control commands and translates them into synchronized PWM signals for multiple slave luminaires. It mediates the timing and distribution of lighting signals, adding synchronization functionality without requiring complex communication infrastructure between all luminaires, thus eliminating flickers while keeping system complexity manageable.
3Illumination intensity
If lighting signals from multiple luminaires overlap in time, then the overall light output is improved, but interference causes feedback loops resulting in incorrect sensor readings
Solution Approach 1:
The master luminaire performs preliminary calculation of time offsets based on the spatial distribution and characteristics of slave luminaires before signal distribution. This pre-planned timing arrangement ensures that lighting signals are staggered in time, providing continuous illumination coverage without overlap that would cause sensor interference and feedback loops, thus maintaining both light output and reading accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic time offset adjustment where the master luminaire can modify the timing offsets of slave luminaires based on environmental conditions, sensor feedback, and operational requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain optimal illumination levels while preventing signal overlap that would cause sensor interference, adapting to changing conditions in real-time.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for synchronizing a plurality of lighting devices. One or more potential-interference-neighbor (PIN) lighting devices are identified near a master lighting device. The master lighting device outputs a first lighting signal and the one or more PIN lighting devices output one or more second lighting signals. One or more time offsets between the first lighting signal and the one or more second lighting signals are determined. The one or more second lighting signals are adjusted based at least in part on the one or more time offsets to synchronize the first lighting signal and the one or more second lighting signals.