RFID Luminaire Network Setup Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The setup of wireless communication networks for luminaires is time-consuming and error-prone due to varying deployment scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A method using radio frequency identification (RFID) to detect luminaire response signals, determine unique identifiers, and retrieve device information for network addition, including authentication and positioning, to facilitate efficient luminaire provisioning and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual setup methods are used for wireless luminaire networks, then flexibility in deployment is maintained, but the setup process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup speedVSAvoidsetup accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The luminaire performs self-identification by automatically transmitting its unique identifier through RFID when queried by the setup entity. This eliminates manual identification processes and reduces human error in the setup procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical setup procedures with automated RFID-based identification and wireless communication. The setup entity uses RFID signals to automatically detect and identify luminaires, substituting manual configuration with automated electronic processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual identification and configuration of luminaires is performed, then device information can be entered, but the process requires significant time and human intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup simplicityVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The luminaire's unique identifier is pre-provisioned in an RFID tag during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual identification during setup, as the identifier is already prepared and can be automatically read by the setup entity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The setup entity creates a digital copy of the luminaire's identifier by reading it from the RFID tag. This copied information is then used for network configuration, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing setup time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If RFID-based automatic identification is implemented, then setup time is reduced, but additional hardware components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprovisioning efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The setup entity integrates multiple functions into a single device: it serves as an RFID reader for identification, a communication interface for network setup, and a configuration tool. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized tools and minimizes overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID tag acts as an intermediary that stores and transmits the luminaire's unique identifier. This simple intermediary component enables automatic identification without requiring complex processing in either the luminaire or the setup entity, maintaining system simplicity while improving provisioning efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method streamlines the setup process by ensuring accurate identification and authentication of luminaires, reducing errors and time consumption, while enabling precise positioning and control within the network.

Implementation Method 1

detecting, using radio frequency identification, a radio frequency response signal from at least one luminaire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification (RFID):

Data Source

PatentEP4475632A1Luminaire network setup
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 TRIDONIC PORTUGAL UNIPESSOAL LDA
  • EP4475632A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4475632A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4475632A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The application relates to a method for setting up a network of luminaires, comprising at a set up entity the step of detecting, using radio frequency identification, a radio frequency, RF, response signal from at least one luminaire, and determining a luminaire identifier uniquely identifying the at least one luminaire present in the RF response signal. Furthermore, device information for the at least one luminaire is retrieved based on the determined luminaire identifier, and the at least one luminaire is added to the network of luminaires based on the determined device information.