Programmable Luminaire System via Docking Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current luminaires with variable lighting characteristics are costly due to additional electronic components, making them less appealing to consumers, and retailers face challenges in managing inventory and shelf space for the diverse range of options.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a luminaire with a controller that can be programmed once via a computerized device to emit specific light characteristics, reducing the need for re-programmability and additional features, thus lowering costs while allowing for customizable lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If luminaires are equipped with additional electronic components to enable variable lighting characteristics and networked operation, then the lighting functionality and adaptability are improved, but the cost of the luminaire increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the programming functionality from the luminaire itself and places it in an external computerized device. The luminaire contains only essential lighting components while the programming capability is removed to a separate device that communicates with the luminaire via docking member, reducing the electronic component count and cost within the luminaire while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The controller in the luminaire is designed to be programmable through a docking member that interfaces with a computerized device. This universal interface allows the same luminaire hardware to be programmed for different lighting characteristics without requiring additional electronic components or specialized programming hardware, achieving multi-functionality through software configuration rather than hardware variation
2Adaptability or versatility
If luminaires are designed with re-programmable controllers to provide customizable lighting characteristics, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-configured with the capability to be programmed through a standardized docking member interface. Rather than requiring complex re-programming circuits or specialized hardware, the controller is preliminarily prepared to receive programming instructions from an external computerized device, simplifying the electronic architecture while maintaining customizability
Solution Approach 2:
The docking member serves as an intermediary between the luminaire and the computerized device. This mediator component enables programming functionality without requiring direct integration of complex communication protocols or additional electronic components within the luminaire, reducing device complexity while preserving adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If retailers stock multiple varieties of luminaires with different fixed characteristics to meet consumer demands, then customer choice is improved, but inventory requirements and shelf space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal luminaire platform that can be programmed to provide different lighting characteristics through software configuration rather than hardware variation. A single luminaire model can be adapted to meet various customer requirements by programming the controller with different parameters, eliminating the need for retailers to stock multiple physical varieties while maintaining full product diversity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables customization of lighting characteristics by changing software parameters in the controller rather than requiring different physical luminaire models. Retailers can program luminaires with different lighting characteristics on-demand, transforming inventory from physical variety to digital configuration, thereby reducing stock requirements while maintaining customer choice
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a luminaire, a computerized device, and a docking member establishing electrical communication between the luminaire and the computerized device is disclosed. The luminaire may include an optic, a light source, a controller operably coupled to the light source, and an electrical connector configured to couple with the dock. The light source may be operable to emit light having a variety of characteristics, such as luminous intensity, color, color temperature, and any other characteristics of light. The controller may be programmable by a signal received from the computerized device via the dock.