Luminaire Antenna Array for Automatic Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lighting systems in open-plan offices require manual updates of lighting maps whenever lamps are repositioned or new lamps are added, making position-based control inefficient and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an antenna array in lamps and floor lamps that use angle of incidence and radiation measurement methods to determine their own position and the position of external devices, allowing for automatic updates and improved position-based control of lighting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual updates of lighting maps are used when lamps are repositioned or new lamps are added, then the system can maintain position-based control, but the process is inefficient and inconvenient requiring repeated manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic positioningVSAvoidtime for manual mapping updates
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lamp system performs self-positioning by automatically detecting its location and the locations of other lamps using antenna arrays and signal processing, eliminating the need for manual mapping updates. The system serves itself by autonomously maintaining position information without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses antenna arrays to continuously detect signal information from external devices and other lamps, processing this feedback to automatically determine and update position data. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time position tracking without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If antenna arrays with angle of incidence measurement are implemented, then automatic position determination is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic position determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of antenna array system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna arrays serve multiple functions: they detect the positions of other lamps, identify external devices, and enable automatic positioning. By making the system multi-functional, the patent justifies the added complexity through enhanced capability and automation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical mapping updates with an electromagnetic field-based automatic detection system using antenna arrays. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with electromagnetic sensing enables automation while accepting the inherent complexity of the sensing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If position-based control of lighting is implemented, then energy savings and user comfort are improved, but the system requires continuous updates when lamps are repositioned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidease of repositioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects position changes and updates lighting control parameters without requiring user intervention. When lamps are repositioned, the antenna arrays detect the new positions and the system autonomously adjusts the lighting map, maintaining energy efficiency while simplifying user operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting control system is made dynamic by continuously monitoring position information through antenna arrays and automatically adapting the lighting map in real-time. This dynamic adjustment ensures energy efficiency is maintained regardless of lamp positions, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient and automatic positioning of lamps, enhancing energy savings and user comfort by allowing for precise control of lighting based on occupancy and area usage without the need for manual mapping updates.

Implementation Method 1

the antenna array is set up to receive wireless signals from an external device through the light-emitting surface for a determination of the direction of the external device in relation to the lamp based on an angle of incidence measurement method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAngle of incidence measurement:

Implementation Method 2

the antenna array is set up to transmit wireless signals through the light-emitting surface to an external device for a determination of the position of the external device based on a measurement method of radiation angle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeam angle measurement:

Implementation Method 3

a circuit board inside the housing for the electrical supply of at least one light source, wherein the at least one light source can be arranged on a surface of the circuit board facing the light-emitting surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3927121A1Luminaire with antenna array for determining the direction and / or position determination by means of an angle of incidence and / or beam angle measuring method
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP3927121A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3927121A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3927121A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A luminaire (1) comprises a housing (2) with a light-emitting surface (8). A circuit board (3) for supplying electrical power to a light source (5) is provided within the housing (2). The light source (5) is arranged on the side of the circuit board facing the light-emitting surface (8). An antenna array (6) with at least two antennas (6a) is arranged in the area of ​​the light-emitting surface (8). The antenna array (6) can be used to determine the direction of an external device transmitting wireless signals by means of an angle-of-incidence measurement method or a beam-angle measurement method. The present disclosure also relates to a floor lamp with a head and a mast, wherein the antenna array is arranged within or on the surface of the mast, and the direction determination described above can also be carried out with it.Furthermore, a system is described that includes at least one lamp or floor lamp and another lamp or floor lamp with the ability to perform position or direction determination as specified above.