RFID Lighting Control for Fast Multi-Branch Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting control systems for LED-based setups are complex and time-consuming to configure, especially for inexperienced users, and lack uniformity across multiple branches in retail environments, leading to inefficient lighting arrangements and inconsistent lighting effects.
Innovation Solution
A lighting control system utilizing RFID tags to receive data corresponding to lighting settings stored in a remote database, allowing for centralized control of LED lighting units, enabling efficient configuration and uniformity across multiple locations through a data receiver and control unit that maps settings to produce desired lighting effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lighting settings are configured locally by staff at each branch, then local control and flexibility are improved, but configuration time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Lighting settings are pre-configured and stored in a centralized database before deployment. When a lighting system is installed at any branch, the pre-configured settings are automatically retrieved and applied, eliminating the need for staff to configure lighting parameters locally. This preliminary preparation of settings resolves the contradiction by providing both centralized control and immediate local operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized database acts as an intermediary between the central control system and local lighting systems. The database stores lighting settings and automatically provides them to local systems based on RFID tag identification. This intermediary mechanism enables local branches to operate independently while maintaining uniformity with centralized standards, reducing both configuration time and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting parameters are made adjustable, then lighting flexibility and effects are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of configuration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into independent controllable units, each with its own RFID tag and settings. Lighting parameters such as intensity, color temperature, and timing are separated into discrete adjustable components. This segmentation allows complex lighting effects to be achieved through simple combination of individual parameter adjustments, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables easy adjustment of lighting parameters (intensity, color temperature, timing) through predefined settings stored in the database. Users can switch between different parameter sets corresponding to various lighting scenarios without understanding the underlying complexity. This parameter-based control provides lighting flexibility while hiding system complexity from end users.
3Productivity
If lighting settings are stored locally on RFID tags, then configuration speed is improved, but ability to update and harmonize settings across branches is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges local RFID tag storage with centralized database access. RFID tags store lighting settings locally for immediate configuration speed, while the centralized database maintains master copies of all settings that can be updated and distributed to all branches. This combination provides both fast local configuration and centralized update capability, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where lighting settings can be updated centrally and automatically distributed to all branches. When settings are modified in the centralized database, the changes are communicated back to local systems, ensuring all branches remain synchronized. This feedback loop maintains configuration speed while enabling continuous updates and harmonization across the network.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4d
AI summary
The invention relates to a data tag (6, 21, 32) storing at least one setting (13, 43) for controlling one or more lights (4, 18, 29). There is also provided a system and method for controlling a plurality of lights by receiving information (43) indicative of lighting settings for the plurality of lights (18, 29) from a data tag (21, 32) and controlling the plurality of lights (18, 29) in accordance with the lighting settings.