Modular Lighting Fixture Distributed Control Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lighting control systems rely on central controllers to manage lighting fixtures, limiting decentralized control and coordination among fixtures, especially in terms of sensor data sharing and user input processing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a distributed lighting control system where each lighting fixture can process sensor data from itself and others, receive control inputs, and adjust its output independently while acting in concert with other fixtures through internal logic, allowing for decentralized control and coordinated operation across zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a central controller is used to manage lighting fixtures, then control decisions can be centralized and coordinated, but decentralized control and coordination among fixtures are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented by distributing intelligence to individual lighting fixtures rather than concentrating it in a central controller. Each fixture contains its own processor that can independently execute control logic and make control decisions based on sensor data and received instructions, enabling decentralized control while maintaining system coordination through standardized communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
Lighting fixtures are designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating local processors that can autonomously process sensor data from their own sensors as well as from other fixtures, execute control logic locally, and adjust their operation without requiring constant central controller intervention. This self-service capability enables each fixture to independently respond to environmental conditions while participating in coordinated group behavior.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor data is shared among lighting fixtures, then coordinated operation across zones can be achieved, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data processing workload is segmented and distributed to individual lighting fixtures rather than centralized in a single processing unit. Each fixture's processor independently receives sensor data from its own sensors and from other fixtures, then locally processes this data according to stored control logic to determine appropriate control actions, eliminating the need for a centralized data processing bottleneck.
Solution Approach 2:
Each lighting fixture performs self-service data processing by executing control logic locally on its processor. The fixture independently analyzes sensor data from itself and other fixtures, makes control decisions based on this analysis, and adjusts its operation without requiring external processing assistance, thereby reducing overall system data processing complexity despite increased coordination capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If each lighting fixture has internal logic for independent operation, then decentralized control is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal control logic framework is implemented that enables each lighting fixture to perform multiple functions independently. The processor in each fixture executes the same standardized control logic that handles sensor data processing, instruction interpretation, and control decision-making, allowing fixtures to operate independently while maintaining consistency across the system through a unified multi-functional approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal logic is designed to be configurable through parameter adjustments rather than requiring different logic structures for different fixtures. By changing operational parameters and control settings within the same logical framework, each fixture can be adapted for independent operation or coordinated group behavior, reducing device complexity through parameterization rather than structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular lighting system comprises: a plurality of LEDs (20); a communication module (32) having at least one first port (82); a driver module (30) adapted to drive the plurality of LEDs; an auxiliary module (86) having at least one third port; and a communication bus (38P). The driver module comprises at least one second port (82) where the driver module drives the plurality of LEDs in response to information received at the at least one second port; and rectifying circuitry (66) and conversion circuitry (68) adapted to convert an AC input signal into a DC power signal that is used to supply the DC power signal to the least one second port. The communication module, the driver module, and the auxiliary module are associated with the communication bus such that the driver module supplies the DC power signal to the communication module, and the auxiliary module over the communication bus and the communications bus provides bidirectional communications between the communication module, the driver module, and the auxiliary module.