Luminous Module Addressing via Optical Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for addressing light modules in matrix arrangements are either prone to errors due to incorrect assembly or require significant manual effort, leading to incorrect control and display issues in video sequences or optical effects.

Innovation Solution

Light modules equipped with sensors to detect light from adjacent modules, allowing for automatic determination of position and address assignment without the need for direct communication between modules or multiple communication units, using a coordinated light switching process to identify positions and assign addresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If addresses are assigned directly before installation or during production, then address assignment is predetermined, but each light module must be attached exactly to the predetermined position, increasing installation complexity and risk of incorrect assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddress assignment accuracyVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The light module automatically determines its own position and assigns its own address by detecting light from neighboring modules. The control unit receives this self-determined position information and automatically assigns the address, eliminating the need for manual position determination or predetermined address assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual address assignment is performed after installation, then installation flexibility is maintained, but considerable effort and time are required, and operating errors can occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidaddress assignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The light module automatically determines its own position and assigns its own address by detecting light from neighboring modules. The control unit receives this self-determined position information and automatically assigns the address, eliminating the need for manual position determination or predetermined address assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of determining position and assigning addresses is replaced by an optical detection system. Sensors detect light from neighboring modules to automatically determine position, and the control unit automatically assigns addresses based on this information.

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

3Ease of operation

If manual address assignment is performed, then installation flexibility is maintained, but operating errors can occur leading to incorrect activation of light modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidaddress assignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The light module automatically determines its own position and assigns its own address by detecting light from neighboring modules. The control unit receives this self-determined position information and automatically assigns the address, eliminating the need for manual position determination or predetermined address assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from light sensors detecting neighboring module light to automatically determine position and assign addresses. This closed-loop approach ensures that the address assignment accurately reflects the actual physical arrangement of modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If communication units are added to each side of light modules for automatic addressing, then address assignment accuracy improves, but device complexity increases due to additional communication units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddress assignment accuracyVSAvoidcommunication unit quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical process of determining position and assigning addresses is replaced by an optical detection system. Sensors detect light from neighboring modules to automatically determine position, and the control unit automatically assigns addresses based on this information.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The existing light emission function of the modules serves a dual purpose: both for displaying video sequences and for position determination during address assignment. The sensors use this existing light function to detect neighboring modules, eliminating the need for separate communication units.

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

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

Ensures error-free address assignment for light modules, reducing the risk of incorrect activation and minimizing manual effort, especially in larger arrangements, by using sensors to determine positions and assign addresses based on light emission detection.

Implementation Method 1

lighting modules, for example video modules (10), are provided which have sensors (1) for detecting light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2661946B1Luminous module, arrangement of luminous modules and method for address allocation for luminous modules
Publication Date: 2018.03.14 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP2661946B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2661946B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

Luminous module (A-H), arrangement of luminous modules (A-H) and a method for address allocation for luminous modules (A-H) arranged alongside one another and one below another, wherein in each luminous module (A-H) sensors (1) are used to determine whether light is emitted by adjacent luminous modules (A-H) and the position of the respective luminous module (A-H) within the arrangement is determined with the aid of this information and an address is then allocated to each luminous module (A-H) in a manner dependent on the position.