Multi-Antenna Building Device Configuration System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for configuring building technology devices, such as lighting systems, are inefficient in configuring multiple devices simultaneously due to weak signal transmission and lack of verification for successful configuration.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a control means for acquiring and transmitting configuration data using multiple antennas, which changes position and/or direction to ensure all devices receive sufficient signal strength, and a method to verify successful configuration by receiving responses from each device, adjusting antenna positions or orientations as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single antenna is used to transmit configuration data to multiple devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of configuration delivery is insufficient because signal strength varies with device position and orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna configurationVSAvoidconfiguration data reception reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the antenna function into multiple physical antennas arranged in a matrix, where each antenna transmits configuration data to devices within its specific coverage area. This segmentation allows the system to maintain low complexity per antenna while achieving high overall reliability through coordinated multi-antenna operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by arranging antennas in a matrix configuration (multiple positions and orientations) rather than using a single antenna. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous coverage of devices at various positions and orientations, ensuring reliable configuration delivery without increasing individual antenna complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the antenna position is changed frequently during configuration, then all devices can receive sufficient signal strength, but the loss of time increases due to multiple transmission cycles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration data receptionVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-arranging multiple antennas in optimal positions and orientations before the configuration process begins. This preliminary spatial configuration allows simultaneous transmission to multiple devices without requiring frequent position changes during operation, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining reliable reception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous useful action through parallel transmission capability, where multiple antennas transmit configuration data simultaneously to different devices. This eliminates the need for sequential position changes and transmission cycles, maintaining continuous configuration progress while ensuring all devices receive sufficient signal strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If configuration data are transmitted to all devices simultaneously, then the productivity increases, but the measurement precision of configuration status verification becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration speedVSAvoidconfiguration success verification
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where each device transmits a response signal after receiving configuration data. The control unit processes these responses to verify successful configuration of each individual device. This feedback loop enables precise verification of configuration status while maintaining high productivity through simultaneous transmission to multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables efficient configuration of multiple building technology devices in large volumes by ensuring all devices receive configuration data with sufficient signal strength and verifies successful configuration, allowing for automated detection and display of unconfigured devices.

Implementation Method 1

at least one antenna (2..9) for transmitting the configuration data to the building technology devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3799358A1Bulk configuration of building technology devices
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3799358A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3799358A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3799358A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus for configuring building technology devices. The apparatus comprises a control means (14) for acquiring configuration data and for controlling a transmission of the configuration data to the building technology devices, at least one antenna (2..9) for transmitting the configuration data to the building technology devices and changing means (10, 11, 20) for changing the direction, from which the configuration data are received by the building technology devices.