Orphaned Light Source Identification via Visible Light Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In managed lighting systems, orphaned nodes (lights that cannot receive or respond to control messages due to configuration errors or misconfiguration) lead to network inefficiency and potential hazardous conditions, as they cannot be automatically corrected and may remain stuck in unintended states, causing areas of low illumination.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device with a photosensor can collect configuration data from a light source by recognizing modulation of its output, determining the current network identifier, and sending a request to the lighting controller to change its settings, allowing for easy correction of configuration errors and reintegration into the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light source becomes orphaned due to configuration errors, then the light source cannot receive or respond to control messages, but the lighting management device cannot automatically detect or correct the orphaned state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary that bridges the communication gap between the orphaned light source and the lighting management device. The mobile device captures visible light signals from the orphaned light source, extracts configuration data, and transmits this information to the lighting management device, enabling automatic detection and correction without complex manual procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration procedures with optical communication. Instead of requiring physical access to device settings or complex wired connections, the system uses visible light signals that can be captured by a mobile device's camera, automatically extracting network identifiers and configuration data to restore connectivity
2Measurement precision
If configuration data is collected during commissioning, then network identifier can be determined, but orphaned nodes after installation cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the light source transmit its configuration data and network identifier via visible light signals during the commissioning phase. This pre-established optical communication capability enables the mobile device to later capture and verify the light source's configuration status, quickly identifying orphaned nodes without time-consuming manual investigation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring light sources for orphaned status. When a light source becomes orphaned, the mobile device captures the visible light signal, extracts the network identifier, compares it with the expected network identifier, and provides feedback to both the user and the lighting management device, enabling rapid detection and correction
3Illumination intensity
If a light source is stuck in an unintended state, then illumination problems occur, but automatic restoration to normal configuration is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the orphaned light source to autonomously transmit its configuration data through visible light signals. The mobile device captures these signals and automatically sends the extracted network identifier and configuration information to the lighting management device, which then automatically restores the light source to its correct configuration, eliminating the need for manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication parameter from traditional wireless radio frequency to visible light frequency. By modulating the visible light output of the orphaned light source to encode configuration data, the system enables the light source to actively participate in its own diagnostic and restoration process, transforming it from a passive failed component to an active self-diagnosing device
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 method quickly identifies and corrects orphaned nodes, reducing network inefficiency and ensuring proper lighting functionality, thereby preventing hazardous conditions and simplifying the installation process by avoiding complex manual corrections.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (131) in a lighting system (130) transmits a visible light signal (300) that conveys data
Implementation Method 2
a mobile device (150) that is located within a fixed area illuminated by the light source (131) receives, from the visible light signal (300), the data
Data Source
AI summary
Lights may be misconfigured during installation or after they are installed in a facility, such that these lights, also known as orphaned nodes, cannot receive control messages sent by a lighting control system. After installation, a mobile device can be used to identify the network a particular light source is communicating on, by use of a photodetector that detects, in the visible light signal emitted by a light source, data representing the network ID used by the light source. The mobile device can determine from that data whether or not the light source is communicating over the wrong network. If it is determined that a light source is on the wrong network, and therefore orphaned, the mobile device can switch its own configuration so as to be able to communicate to the orphaned light source, and provide instructions to reconfigure the light source to use a corrected network ID.