Networked Lighting Management via Conflict Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing networked lighting systems lack efficient management techniques for controlling and querying lighting attributes in networked light fixtures, leading to inefficiencies in energy usage and conflict resolution between multiple user requests.

Innovation Solution

A networked lighting system with a lighting management system that includes a switch and light fixtures equipped with processors and communication interfaces, allowing for intelligent control and query of lighting attributes through control and query messages, access control mechanisms, and conflict resolution, using Power-over-Ethernet switches and visible light communication methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple users can control light fixtures independently, then user convenience and accessibility are improved, but conflicts between competing control requests arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control accessibilityVSAvoidcontrol request conflict resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where control requests from multiple users are received, evaluated against priority levels, and resolved through a centralized process that provides feedback to all users about which request is being executed. This ensures that while multiple users can initiate control actions, conflicts are systematically resolved based on predefined priority levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

A centralized control system acts as an intermediary between multiple users and the light fixtures. This intermediary receives control requests from various users, determines priority levels, and mediates conflicts by selecting which request to execute, thereby preventing direct conflicts at the fixture level while maintaining user accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If traditional lighting control systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency and operational control are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting energy efficiencyVSAvoidlighting system architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical lighting control systems with a networked digital control system. Light fixtures are connected via communication networks (such as Power-over-Ethernet), allowing for intelligent control, monitoring, and optimization of energy usage through electronic means rather than manual mechanical switches and dimmers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The networked light fixtures serve multiple functions beyond simple illumination, including energy monitoring, communication capabilities, and integration with building management systems. This multi-functionality enables improved energy efficiency while the standardized network protocol keeps the overall system architecture manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If centralized control is implemented, then energy efficiency and policy enforcement are improved, but system complexity and installation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting management efficiencyVSAvoidsystem installation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into distributed intelligence at the fixture level and centralized management at the server level. Each light fixture contains its own processor and can execute control commands independently, while the centralized server provides high-level coordination and policy enforcement. This segmentation allows efficient management without requiring complex point-to-point connections between all components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A network switch serves as an intermediary device that simplifies installation by providing a standardized communication backbone. Rather than requiring direct connections between the centralized control system and each light fixture, the switch mediates communication using standard protocols like Power-over-Ethernet, reducing installation complexity while maintaining centralized control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9560728B2Networked lighting management

Publication Date: 2017.01.31 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Techniques presented herein are directed to lighting management techniques supporting lighting functions of networked light fixtures. In accordance with one example, a light fixture in networked lighting system accepts a lighting request transmitted by a computing device. The light fixture determines whether the lighting request is a control message or a query message and performs one or more operations in response to the lighting request depending on whether the lighting request is a control message or a query message.