PLC Lighting Control via Master-Slave Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems using power line communication (PLC) face challenges in reducing equipment costs while maintaining effective control over lighting elements.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system configuration where a master lighting apparatus communicates through power line communications with a controller and uses a different communication system, such as Bluetooth, to communicate with slave apparatuses, allowing for reduced equipment costs and fine lighting control without all apparatuses needing to use power line communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all lighting apparatuses use power line communication capabilities, then communication reliability is improved, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into master apparatuses with full PLC capability and slave apparatuses with limited PLC capability. The master apparatus communicates with the controller through PLC, while slave apparatuses communicate with the master through a different communication system (such as Bluetooth or infrared). This segmentation allows only the master apparatus to require complete PLC functionality, thereby reducing overall equipment costs while maintaining communication reliability through the master's ability to coordinate with the controller.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power line communication is used for all apparatuses, then system integration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master apparatus acts as an intermediary between the controller and slave apparatuses. It receives control instructions from the controller via power line communication and relays them to slave apparatuses through a different communication system. This intermediary role allows the system to maintain integration through the master while reducing complexity for slave apparatuses, which do not need full PLC capabilities.
3Loss of information
If all apparatuses communicate through power line communications, then communication coverage is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic communication cycles where the master apparatus periodically communicates with both the controller via power line communication and slave apparatuses via alternative communication systems. This periodic action allows efficient coordination without requiring all apparatuses to continuously monitor power line communications, thereby reducing communication time while maintaining adequate coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a lighting system that can control lighting using a PLC communications while reducing an increase in cost for equipment. The lighting system includes a controller configured to communicate through a PLC communications, and a lighting apparatus group having a plurality of lighting apparatuses. The plurality of lighting apparatuses includes a master configured to communicate through the PLC communications, and a slave capable of communicating with the master. The master communicates with the slave through a communications that is different from the PLC communications.