Network Switch Port Grouping for Lighting System Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for setting up and commissioning lighting systems are time-consuming and require specific controllers, making it difficult to verify the functionality of installed lighting systems without complete commissioning, and often necessitate additional work from electricians during the commissioning process.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a network switch with pre-defined port groups that allows for autonomous forwarding of sensor output signals to pre-selected luminaires, enabling out-of-the-box commissioning and verification without the need for designated lighting control logic or separate controllers, using intelligent addressing and VLANs to manage communication within the lighting system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate controller with designated lighting control logic is used, then the lighting system can be controlled, but the commissioning process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lighting control logic from a separate dedicated controller and relocates it to the network switch. This allows the network switch to handle broadcast/multicast messages from sensors and forward them to appropriate luminaires, eliminating the need for a separate controller during commissioning and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch is given multiple functions: it not only performs standard network switching but also executes lighting control logic by receiving sensor output signals, determining recipient luminaires through intelligent addressing, and forwarding control signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated lighting controllers.
2Reliability
If complete commissioning is performed before verification, then the system is fully configured, but verification of installed systems becomes difficult without complete commissioning
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch is pre-configured with port groups and intelligent addressing capabilities before installation. This preliminary configuration allows the switch to immediately perform lighting control functions upon connection, enabling verification of basic functionality without requiring complete commissioning of the entire system first.
3Productivity
If a designated lighting controller is used, then control signals can be generated and forwarded, but additional work from electricians during commissioning is necessitated
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch performs self-configuration and self commissioning by automatically receiving sensor output signals, using intelligent addressing to determine recipient luminaires, and forwarding control signals without requiring manual configuration by electricians. This self-service capability eliminates the need for additional specialized work during commissioning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate circuits are used for sensor information, then photo sensor information can be provided, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor information transmission circuit with the existing control network. Instead of using a separate circuit for photo sensor information, the sensor output signals are transmitted through the same network switch and control network infrastructure used for other lighting control communications, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is related to verifying an installed lighting system (300), in particular an Ethernet-based lighting system (300), without it being necessary to employ a designated lighting controller and without it being necessary to completely commission the installed lighting system (300). According to an aspect of the invention, this is achieved by providing a network switch (200) that comprises a plurality of ports for coupling luminaires (312A, 312B, 312C, 312D) and sensors and/or actuators (314A, 314B) of the lighting system (300) to the network switch (200); and by setting the network switch (200) such that a signal received at a first port (e.g. port 4) of the plurality of ports is only forwarded to pre-selected ports (e.g. ports 2,3,5,6 and 7) of the plurality of ports.