Lighting Fixture Commissioning Using Camera-Based VLC Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the identity and address of lighting control devices in a lighting control system during commissioning is time-consuming and expensive, as existing methods such as turning on individual devices or RF signal strength detection are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device is used to identify lighting control devices by capturing unique identifiers via visible light communication (VLC) or RF signals, associating them with floor plan identifiers using a camera, and orienting itself within a space to facilitate automatic or semi-automatic commissioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional commissioning methods (turning on individual devices or RF signal strength detection) are used to identify lighting control devices, then device identification can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual commissioning methods (mechanical/physical identification processes) with optical communication. The lighting control devices transmit their identities through light signals that can be captured by a camera, substituting the mechanical process of turning devices on/off or using RF detection with an optical field-based identification system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device between the lighting control devices and the commissioning process. The camera captures light signals emitted by the devices to retrieve their identities, serving as a mediator that enables automatic identification without requiring manual intervention or complex RF signal analysis.
2Ease of operation
If manual identification methods are used during commissioning, then device addresses can be assigned, but installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting control devices perform self-identification by automatically emitting light signals containing their device identities. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual commissioning efforts, reducing labor costs and making the commissioning process more economical while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces costly manual commissioning operations with an automated optical identification system. By using light-based communication and camera capture, the system eliminates expensive manual labor and complex RF detection equipment, significantly reducing installation costs while improving operational ease.
3Productivity
If RF signal strength detection is used to identify lighting control devices, then approximate location can be determined, but precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light signals (electromagnetic oscillations) emitted by the lighting control devices as a form of vibration/detection mechanism. The camera captures these optical vibrations to precisely determine device identities and locations, replacing the imprecise RF signal strength detection with a more accurate optical detection method that provides both high productivity and measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient and cost-effective commissioning of lighting control systems by accurately associating lighting control devices with their physical locations, reducing installation time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the lighting control device may transmit the unique identifier by blinking, such that the unique identifier is detectable by a camera of the mobile device
Implementation Method 2
the unique identifier is detectable by a camera of the mobile device
Implementation Method 3
The mobile device may orient itself within a space using sensor data
Data Source
AI summary
Lighting control systems may be commissioned for programming and/or control with the aid of a mobile device. Design software may be used to create a floor plan of how the lighting control system may be designed. The design software may generate floor plan identifiers for each lighting fixture, or group of lighting fixtures. During commissioning of the lighting control system, the mobile device may be used to help identify the lighting devices that have been installed in the physical space. The mobile device may receive a communication from each lighting control device that indicates a unique identifier of the lighting control device. The unique identifier may be communicated by visible light communication (VLC) or RF communication. The unique identifier may be associated with the floor plan identifier for communication of digital messages to lighting fixtures installed in the locations indicated in the floor plan identifier.