Photo Controller LAN WAN Interface Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network-based lighting control systems require a special communications bridge or gateway device to bridge between local and wide area networks, which poses challenges such as difficulty in finding deployment space, high installation and maintenance costs, and interference with existing structures, due to their need for a separate LAN and WAN interface.
Innovation Solution
A photo controller equipped with both LAN and WAN interfaces, allowing direct communication between lighting devices and the wide area network without the need for a special communications bridge or gateway, providing a plug-and-play solution that eliminates the need for additional equipment and reduces installation complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a special communications bridge or gateway device is deployed to bridge between LAN and WAN, then WAN communication capability is achieved, but deployment space requirements and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the LAN interface and WAN interface into a single lighting controller device. The controller integrates both communication capabilities, eliminating the need for separate gateway equipment. This merging of functions directly resolves the technical contradiction by achieving WAN communication capability while reducing system complexity and eliminating additional deployment space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a local control device with LAN capability and as a WAN-connected device. By incorporating both LAN and WAN interfaces in one device, the controller becomes a universal communication node that can perform multiple functions without requiring specialized gateway equipment, thus reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If a separate communications bridge is installed near lighting devices, then network connectivity is improved, but real estate availability and installation costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communications bridge functionality directly into the lighting controller housing. By integrating the WAN interface and communication capabilities within the existing lighting controller, the system eliminates the need for separate gateway设备安装, thereby reducing installation costs and eliminating real estate availability constraints while maintaining reliable network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting controller serves itself by providing both LAN and WAN communication capabilities within the same device. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external gateway equipment and reduces installation complexity, making the system easier to deploy without requiring additional real estate or specialized installation procedures.
3Speed
If pole-mounted gateway equipment is attached to existing structures, then communication range is extended, but structural integrity and safety worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication gateway functionality from external pole-mounted equipment and relocates it within the lighting controller itself. This extraction eliminates the need to attach additional equipment to existing structures, thereby removing the structural hazards and safety concerns associated with pole-mounted gateways while maintaining the required communication range through integrated wireless interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the gateway communication functions within the existing lighting controller housing, the patent eliminates the need for separate pole-mounted equipment. This integration approach removes all structural hazards associated with attaching additional equipment to existing poles or structures, while the wireless communication interfaces maintain the necessary communication range.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a photo controller. In one embodiment, the photo controller includes a central processing unit (CPU), a local area connection (LAN) interface in communication with the CPU, a wide area network (WAN) interface in communication with the CPU and an electrical power control component in communication with the CPU to control a lighting device.