NFC Tag Location Mapping in Smart Lighting Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart lighting control systems face inefficiencies in mapping light fixture locations, as existing methods such as GPS modules and barcode labeling are costly, labor-intensive, and prone to errors, especially when dealing with a large number of static fixtures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag within light fixtures, accessible by a commissioning device with GPS capabilities, to write and store location coordinates, allowing for efficient mapping without manual plotting or costly GPS modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a GPS module is included in each light fixture to obtain location points, then mapping accuracy is improved, but device cost and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the GPS functionality from the light fixture itself and places it in a separate commissioning device. The commissioning device temporarily assumes the role of GPS unit during installation, records coordinates, and then transfers the location data to the fixture's memory or database, allowing the fixture to remain simple while still achieving accurate mapping
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs GPS coordinate acquisition as a preliminary action during the commissioning phase before the fixture enters normal operation. The location data is captured in advance using the commissioning device's GPS capabilities and stored in the fixture, eliminating the need for continuous GPS operation during normal use
2Device complexity
If manual plotting of fixture locations is used to create a map, then device cost is reduced, but labor time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of plotting locations on a map with an automated electronic system. The commissioning device automatically captures GPS coordinates and transfers them to the fixture database, substituting manual drawing and coordinate entry with automated digital data capture and storage
Solution Approach 2:
The commissioning device performs the location recording function autonomously by automatically capturing GPS coordinates and writing them to the fixture database without requiring manual intervention for each individual fixture location entry, enabling rapid commissioning of multiple fixtures
3Device complexity
If barcode labels are used to represent fixture locations, then mapping cost is reduced, but reliability and measurement precision deteriorate due to label degradation and misplacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the location data directly in the fixture's database or memory, eliminating the need for physical barcode labels. The commissioning device writes the GPS coordinates directly into the fixture, creating a reliable digital record that is not subject to physical degradation, misplacement, or misapplication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital database or memory system as an intermediary between the physical fixture and the mapping system. Instead of relying on external barcode labels that can degrade or be misplaced, the location data is stored within the fixture itself, creating a direct and reliable connection between the fixture and its location information
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
This solution reduces costs and labor by enabling scalable and accurate mapping of light fixtures, eliminating errors associated with manual methods and environmental degradation of barcode labels, while allowing for convenient data transfer and maintenance tracking.
Implementation Method 1
Near field communication uses magnetic induction between two loop antennas located within each other's near field, effectively forming an air-core transformer.
Data Source
AI summary
A Near Field Communication (NFC) tag placed inside a light fixture is provided with information by using a commissioning device such as a smartphone or other dedicated tool. For example, in one implementation, a light fixture in a smart lighting control system can be provided with a microcontroller that has access to the memory of a NFC tag. A commissioning device or tool with GPS and NFC capabilities obtains and writes GPS coordinates to the memory of the NFC tag. After the fixture is connected to the network, the smart system can then access the written GPS coordinates from the memory in the NFC tag. Based on this information, a user with access to the microcontroller (e.g., via computer network) can view the map of fixtures based on the obtained coordinates.