Node Network Auto-Commissioning via Neighbor Location Addressing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for commissioning node devices in networks, such as outdoor lighting systems, require manual location recording which is error-prone and costly, or rely on additional localization hardware that is not always feasible.

Innovation Solution

A method where node devices determine their location addresses automatically by receiving messages from neighboring devices with known locations, using short-range communication interfaces, allowing them to calculate their own addresses based on inter-node distances and geographic directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual location recording is used for commissioning node devices, then location information can be obtained, but the process is error-prone and requires much extra effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidcommissioning effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Node devices automatically determine their own location addresses by receiving messages from neighboring devices and calculating their positions based on inter-node distances, eliminating the need for manual location recording by installers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of recording locations by hand is replaced with an automated electronic message-passing system where devices exchange location information through communication interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If GPS localization devices are equipped in smart poles, then automatic location reporting is achieved, but extra hardware cost is added

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauto-commissioning capabilityVSAvoidhardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The short-range communication interface, originally designed for data exchange between node devices, is made multi-functional by enabling it to also perform location determination through message passing, eliminating the need for dedicated GPS hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using physical GPS hardware to obtain location, the system creates a logical copy of location information by having devices exchange and calculate positions based on messages from neighboring devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If GPS localization devices are prohibited in certain regions, then manual commissioning becomes necessary, but this takes much extra effort and is error prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with regional restrictionsVSAvoidcommissioning process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Node devices autonomously determine their own locations through mutual message exchange with neighbors, eliminating the need for installer intervention and manual location recording in regions where GPS is prohibited

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4401371B1A method of determining location addresses of node devices in a network of node devices and such a node device

Publication Date: 2025.12.10 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

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AI summary

A method of and a node device for determining location addresses of node devices (21, 22...26) of a network (10). The node devices (21, 22...26) are arranged along an elongated track (12) and geographically distanced from each other by an inter-node distance "d". The elongated track is geographically pre-defined. Each node device (21, 22...26) comprises a short range communication interface (20). A node device (22) receives a message (27) from an immediate neighbouring node device (21) having a known location address comprised in the message (27). The receiving node device (21) determines its own location address based on the location address received in the message (27). The receiving node device (22) then may transmit a further message (28) comprising its determined location address to a further node device (23), allowing the further node device (23) to determine its location address as well.