Luminaire Self-Test via Temporally Variable Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for checking the functionality of luminaires are complex, time-intensive, and require specialized personnel and equipment, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire with a control unit that autonomously checks the presence and functionality of its components through a temporally-variable light output, using an internal communications interface like DALI BUS, allowing for self-testing without external devices or trained personnel, and transitioning into a default mode for immediate use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the luminaire is coupled to an operator control device via wireless communications interface for functionality checking, then the functionality of the luminaire and its components can be checked, but the procedure becomes time-intensive and requires specially trained technical personnel and special operator control devices
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire performs self-testing of its own functionality and components autonomously without requiring external operator control devices or trained personnel. The control unit initiates and executes the self-test sequence, checking illuminants, sensors, and communication interfaces internally, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual testing process while maintaining reliable functionality verification
Solution Approach 2:
The luminaire automatically executes functionality checks immediately upon power-up or at scheduled intervals before actual operation begins. This preliminary self-testing ensures that all components are functioning correctly before the luminaire is put into service, preventing potential failures without requiring separate manual testing procedures
2Reliability
If the luminaire is coupled to an operator control device for functionality checking, then the functionality can be verified, but special operator control devices with corresponding software and specially trained technical personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire's control unit contains built-in testing capabilities that allow it to autonomously verify its own functionality without requiring external specialized equipment. The self-test sequence includes automatic checking of illuminants, sensors, and communication interfaces using the luminaire's own resources, eliminating the need for operator control devices and trained personnel while maintaining comprehensive functionality verification
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the illuminants during normal operation and simultaneously performs self-testing of all components. This multi-functionality consolidates what previously required separate specialized equipment into a single integrated system, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable verification capabilities
3Reliability
If manual functionality checking is performed using operator control devices, then the functionality of components can be checked, but the procedure is costly and requires specialized resources
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire performs its own functionality checking using internally generated test sequences and built-in diagnostic capabilities. This self-service approach eliminates the need for expensive operator control devices, specialized software, and trained personnel, significantly reducing the cost of functionality verification while maintaining comprehensive component checking
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that facilitates self-testing by generating test commands, receiving responses from components, and analyzing results. This internal intermediary mechanism replaces the need for external specialized equipment and human expertise, reducing costs while maintaining reliable functionality verification
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
Simplifies the functionality check, eliminating the need for special equipment and trained personnel, enabling quick and cost-effective verification and immediate operation of the luminaire.
Implementation Method 1
illuminants for light generation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a luminaire (10) comprising illuminants (170) for generating light, and a control unit (110) for controlling the illuminants (170), and at least one further element (140), in particular an operator control element (143) or a sensor (142), for generating control information that influences the operation of the luminaire (10), wherein the control unit (110) is configured in such a way that a self-test is carried out after a supply voltage has been applied to the luminaire (10). Said self-test is carried out automatically and independently in an analysis mode of the luminaire (10), wherein the control unit (110) checks the luminaire (10) for the presence and/or the functionality of the at least one further element (140). Depending on the checking result, and the type of further unit (140) checked, the control unit (110) controls the illuminants (170) such that a temporally variable light emission (171) signals the checking result. Measuring devices (200, 210, 220) are additionally specified which detect the checking result by measurement of operating parameters of the luminaire (10) and present this information preferably by way of a display (211, 221) of the measuring device (200, 210, 220). A method is likewise specified which includes checking the at least one further element (140) and controlling the illuminants (170) by means of the control unit (110).