Luminous Element Arrangement for Dynamic Code Display

Solution Overview

Problem

In lighting and building technology systems, there is a need to read and/or change parameters of the system or its participants efficiently, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A lighting system with a lamp arrangement that includes a converter unit, communication interface, and a central control unit, which allows for the display of machine-readable codes, such as QR codes, to encode and decode operating and configuration parameters, enabling dynamic changes and readings of system parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If machine-readable codes are displayed using traditional display devices, then parameter reading and changing is possible, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter reading and changingVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling luminaires to serve dual purposes: providing illumination and displaying machine-readable codes for parameter communication. Instead of adding separate display devices, the lighting system itself is utilized for information display, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of parameter reading and changing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system performs self-service by using its own luminous elements to display parameter information. The luminaire displays machine-readable codes that encode operating and configuration parameters, allowing the system to communicate its own status and settings without requiring external display hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If machine-readable codes are displayed using traditional display devices, then parameter reading and changing is possible, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter reading and changingVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling luminaires to serve dual purposes: providing illumination and displaying machine-readable codes for parameter communication. Instead of adding separate display devices, the lighting system itself is utilized for information display, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of parameter reading and changing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system performs self-service by using its own luminous elements to display parameter information. The luminaire displays machine-readable codes that encode operating and configuration parameters, allowing the system to communicate its own status and settings without requiring external display hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If parameters are displayed in non-coded form, then readability is high, but information security and error prevention decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter readabilityVSAvoidinformation security and error prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses variations in luminous element states (analogous to color changes) to encode parameter information in machine-readable codes. Different patterns of illuminated elements represent different parameter values, enabling secure and error-resistant transmission of information while maintaining readability through standardized code formats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Device complexity

If static display is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but dynamic parameter updating capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoiddynamic parameter updating capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the luminaire to dynamically update the displayed machine-readable code based on changing operating and configuration parameters. The control unit monitors parameter changes and automatically updates the code display, allowing the system to adapt to dynamic conditions while maintaining relatively simple hardware architecture.

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

The system effectively reads and changes operating and configuration parameters of system participants through machine-readable codes, enhancing the ability to manage and configure lighting systems dynamically.

Implementation Method 1

The luminaire has a lighting arrangement, in particular a lighting array, a plurality of lighting means, in particular a plurality of LEDs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3189515B1Luminous element arrangement for the dynamic display of a machine-readable code

Publication Date: 2025.03.19 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a luminous element arrangement (A), in particular a luminous element field, comprising a plurality of luminous elements, at least one communication interface (5), in particular a bus and/or radio interface, and a converter unit (2), said converter unit (2) activating and/or deactivating the plurality of luminous elements of the luminous element arrangement (A) in response to a signal received via the communication interface (5) such that in top view onto the luminous element arrangement (A) a machine-readable code, in particular a one-dimensional or two-dimensional, machine-readable code is represented.