Systems and methods for lighting control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing environmental conditions in large physical structures, such as office buildings, face challenges in coordinating concurrent control requests from multiple users, communicating between diverse lighting and HVAC devices, accommodating new technologies, managing large amounts of usage data, and ensuring privacy and security, particularly in complex and dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a network of IP luminaires, an environment manager module, a commissioning module, and a gateway module that uses Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Coded Light (CL) technologies to manage environmental conditions by integrating occupancy sensors, communication interfaces, and memory to prioritize and coordinate control requests, facilitate device communication, and manage data effectively while ensuring security and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a network of PoE components and IP luminaires is deployed to enable fine-grained control and communication, then adaptability and device communication capability are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of detecting and measuring increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent PoE components including IP luminaires, occupancy sensors, area controllers, and a central controller. Each component operates autonomously with its own processing capabilities, allowing the system to scale and adapt without requiring complete system redesign. This segmentation enables incremental adoption of new technologies while managing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The PoE infrastructure provides universal power and data communication capabilities across diverse device types. The system uses standardized PoE protocols and IP-based communication that can accommodate multiple device functions (lighting, sensing, control) through a single network infrastructure, enhancing adaptability while reducing the need for separate wiring systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple occupancy sensors are deployed to detect occupancy in large spaces, then measurement precision and user satisfaction are improved, but false detections increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives occupancy detection signals from multiple sensors and implements a feedback mechanism that processes these signals through logical operations. The system compares inputs from multiple sensors, validates detections against established criteria, and adjusts control decisions based on the consistency and legitimacy of detected occupancy, thereby maintaining reliability while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The central controller acts as an intermediary between occupancy sensors and lighting/HVAC devices. It processes raw sensor data, applies validation logic to filter false detections, and coordinates control decisions based on aggregated sensor information. This intermediary layer reconciles the conflicting needs of multiple sensors, improving overall detection reliability while preserving measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If concurrent control requests from multiple users are allowed, then ease of operation and user satisfaction are improved, but coordination difficulty and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes predetermined rules and priorities for handling control requests before conflicts occur. Users can pre-configure preferences, schedules, and priority levels for different zones and devices. When multiple requests occur concurrently, the controller applies these pre-established criteria to automatically resolve conflicts without requiring complex real-time negotiation, thus maintaining ease of operation while managing coordination complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages concurrent requests through autonomous decision-making algorithms. The controller independently evaluates incoming requests against system state, user preferences, and priority rules, then resolves conflicts without human intervention. This self-service capability allows multiple users to operate the system freely while the system handles coordination complexity internally.
4Ease of manufacture
If PoE technology is used to deliver power and data over single cable, then ease of manufacture and installation are improved, but power delivery limitations and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines power delivery and data communication functions into a single PoE infrastructure. Ethernet cables simultaneously carry both electrical power and digital signals to IP-addressable devices, eliminating the need for separate power wiring and simplifying installation. This merging reduces manufacturing and installation complexity while the system manages power allocation through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The PoE network infrastructure acts as an intermediary that manages power distribution to multiple devices. The system uses PoE switches and power injectors to regulate, monitor, and allocate power to connected devices, mediating between the power source and various loads. This intermediary layer handles power management complexity centrally, allowing individual devices to remain relatively simple while maintaining overall system sophistication.
Data Source
AI summary
Lighting units, systems, and methods are described herein for determining whether occupancy detections are legitimate or not. Methods and systems are further described herein for powering down a network of power over ethernet (PoE) components.