Networked Lighting Device Wireless Presence Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Retrofitting existing lighting systems with sensors and controllers is cumbersome due to the need for additional hardware and wiring, and networked lighting systems often require a central controller, limiting flexibility and energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A control module for lighting devices that includes a detector for presence detection, a wireless communication module for decentralized communication, and a multi-spectral light sensor, allowing for autonomous operation and dynamic lighting adjustments based on presence and ambient light, with no central controller required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If lighting devices are retrofitted with sensors and controllers, then automation and energy efficiency are improved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveautomationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sensor, controller, and lighting device into a single integrated unit. The control module is built into the lighting device housing, eliminating the need for separate wall-mounted controllers and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting device performs multiple functions: it provides illumination, detects motion through integrated sensors, and communicates wirelessly with other devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated controller devices and reduces wiring requirements.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If a central controller is used to control lighting devices, then system coordination is improved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem coordinationVSAvoidwiring requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/wired control system with a wireless communication system. Lighting devices communicate presence and status information through wireless signals, eliminating the need for complex wiring infrastructure while maintaining system coordination.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into autonomous individual units, each capable of independent decision-making based on local sensor data. Each lighting device acts as an independent node that can autonomously determine when to illuminate based on detected presence, without requiring centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If lighting devices are fixedly assigned to groups, then control simplicity is improved, but adaptability and lighting scenario flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidlighting scenario flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic group formation where lighting devices can join or leave groups based on real-time presence detection. When a person is detected, nearby devices dynamically form a group to provide coordinated illumination. When no one is present, devices exit groups to conserve energy, creating adaptive lighting scenarios without manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting devices automatically determine their own group membership based on detected presence and wireless communication with neighboring devices. The system self-organizes into appropriate groups without requiring manual commissioning or configuration, adapting to changing spatial usage patterns autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 energy use and personalized lighting scenarios by allowing individual lighting devices to adjust their output based on presence and ambient conditions, reducing the need for extensive wiring and central control systems.

Implementation Method 1

a detector configured to detect a person in a vicinity of the lighting device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a wireless communication module configured to transmit a detection message to one or more control modules of one or more further lighting devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a multi-spectral light sensor configured to receive light generated by the lighting module of the lighting device, and to generate a light sensor signal indicative of a light output level and a color temperature of the lighting module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4336971A1Networked lighting device
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 LEDCITY AG
  • EP4336971A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4336971A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4336971A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A control module (22) for a lighting device includes a detector (221) configured to detect a person (3) in a vicinity of the lighting device, a wireless communication module (222) configured to transmit a detection message to a control module of a further lighting device, and to receive a further detection message from a control module of the further lighting device, the further detection message generated by the control module of the further lighting device upon detection of a further person, wherein the control module (22) is configured to: determine, using the further detection message, a distance between the particular further lighting device and the control module by comparing the stored location information with a location indicator contained in the further detection message, the location indicator indicative of an installed location of the further lighting device, determine whether the distance is below a pre-defined distance threshold, and generate one or more control signals for the lighting device configured to set the lighting module to a pre-determined light output level for a pre-determined duration, either upon detection of the presence of the person in the vicinity of the lighting device or upon determining that the distance is below the pre-defined distance threshold.