Outdoor Lighting Controller Using Public Wireless Networks for Automated Commissioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and maintenance of outdoor lighting networks require complex local last-mile networks, which are labor-intensive and prone to errors, necessitating skilled engineers and manual configuration steps, especially for auto-discovery of lighting device locations and configurations.
Innovation Solution
An outdoor lighting controller with a wireless interface using pre-existing public wireless networks, such as cellular or Wi-Fi, for automated commissioning, allowing devices to automatically discover their location and configuration, eliminating the need for manual barcode scanning and specific installation order, and enabling remote management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated local last-mile network is created for lighting devices, then remote management capability is achieved, but installation complexity and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing public network infrastructure (cellular networks, Wi-Fi) as an intermediary to enable communication between lighting devices and the remote management system, eliminating the need to create dedicated local networks. This allows remote management capability while significantly reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting devices are equipped with multi-functional communication capabilities, allowing them to connect to various existing public networks (cellular, Wi-Fi, powerline) depending on availability. This universal approach enables remote management without requiring specialized dedicated network infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If manual configuration steps are performed during installation, then device identification and network setup are completed, but human error increases and requires skilled engineers
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting devices automatically perform self-identification, self-location determination via GPS, and self-registration with the remote management system. This eliminates manual configuration steps, reducing both the skill level required and the potential for human error during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
Devices pre-stored configuration data and identification information before installation. Upon activation, they automatically retrieve location data and register themselves, performing configuration actions in advance or automatically without requiring manual intervention during the critical installation phase.
3Measurement precision
If barcode scanning and manual matching is used for device identification, then device location tracking is achieved, but installation time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical barcode scanning process with electronic GPS-based location determination. The devices automatically determine their location through GPS satellites and transmit this data to the remote management system, eliminating the need for manual barcode scanning and matching while improving both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The devices automatically perform location determination and identification without requiring manual barcode scanning. The self-service approach allows devices to independently identify and register their locations, dramatically reducing installation time and labor requirements while maintaining precise location tracking.
4Reliability
If a specific installation order is enforced based on network topology, then network connectivity is ensured, but installation flexibility is reduced and planning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each lighting device independently performs self-registration and network joining procedures. Devices can be installed in any order and will automatically connect to the network and register themselves with the remote management system, eliminating the need for enforced installation sequences while ensuring reliable network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network topology is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, allowing devices to join and connect automatically regardless of installation sequence. The system dynamically adjusts to different installation scenarios, providing flexibility in installation planning while maintaining network reliability through automated connection protocols.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An apparatus, method and computer program for performing an at least partially automated commissioning of a lighting device at installation. The apparatus comprises: a wireless interface for communicating over a pre-existing public wireless network, pre-existing at said installation; a positioning module for determining a location of the lighting device; and a local control module. As part of said commissioning, the local control module determines the location of the lighting device using the positioning module, and transmits commissioning information to a register of a lighting management system by transmitting the commissioning information over the pre-existing public wireless network via the wireless interface. The commissioning information comprises an identifier of the apparatus along with the location of the lighting device as determined using the positioning system.