Automated Luminaire Identification via Barcode Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lighting control systems require time-consuming manual processes for luminaire identification, configuration, and maintenance, lacking automated dynamic capabilities to efficiently integrate and manage lighting devices within networks, especially in large spaces.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system using low-resolution sensors with constant lenses to read barcodes on luminaires, which are programmed with identifying information, allowing for automated dynamic identification, configuration, and maintenance by adjusting light intensity and using a gateway to control dimming levels and communicate with a cloud server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual identification and configuration processes are used for luminaires, then system setup can be completed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveluminaire identification and configuration speedVSAvoidtime required for manual luminaire identification and configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (physically reading barcodes, manually entering data, hand-copying luminaire information) with an automated optical-electronic system. A sensor subsystem with barcode reading capability automatically captures luminaire identifiers, and a processor automatically configures the luminaire by communicating with the control system, eliminating the need for manual intervention in identification and configuration tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The luminaire itself provides the identification information through its integrated barcode, and the system performs self-configuration by automatically processing the barcode data and establishing communication parameters. The luminaire's own identifier becomes the key to its automatic setup, reducing reliance on external manual configuration processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If automated barcode reading is implemented, then luminaire identification becomes faster, but light from the luminaire may interfere with the sensor's ability to read the barcode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated luminaire identification capabilityVSAvoidlight interference from luminaire on barcode reading

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic or pulsed illumination control, where the luminaire is dimmed or turned off during the barcode reading phase and then activated for normal operation. This temporal separation allows the sensor to read the barcode without interference from the luminaire's light output, enabling both automated identification and proper lighting function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The barcode reading operation is performed before the luminaire is fully activated or at a stage when its light output is minimized. By conducting the identification process in advance of full operational mode, the system avoids light interference during the critical measurement phase while still achieving automated luminaire identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If high-resolution sensors with zoom capabilities are used to read barcodes, then barcode reading accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarcode reading accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a sensor with fixed focal length that provides sufficient (but not excessive) resolution for barcode reading at the specific mounting distance. Rather than employing a high-resolution sensor with zoom capability, the system accepts the partial action of a fixed-focus sensor positioned at an optimized distance, achieving adequate barcode reading precision without the added complexity of variable focal length mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor subsystem is designed with a fixed focal length lens that serves multiple functions: it provides sufficient resolution for barcode reading, maintains a compact form factor, and simplifies the overall system design. The universal fixed-focus design eliminates the need for complex zoom mechanisms while still achieving the necessary measurement precision for luminaire identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10113911B2Automated dynamic luminaire identification using barcodes

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 GOOEE LTD

AI summary

Automated dynamic devices, systems, and methods for identifying and commissioning lighting systems are disclosed. In particular, sensor systems are configured to read barcodes for identifying luminaires in a lighting system, and lumen levels of the luminaires are adjustable to provide appropriate lighting for the sensors to read the barcodes. The sensors may also be attached to sensor clips that allow sensors to be positioned in a variety of locations and orientations on different luminaires.