Network Router Timing Control for Synchronized Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting control systems face challenges in achieving precise timing control due to long network latencies and unpredictable delays caused by heterogeneous control networks, which can result in unsynchronized luminaire operations, especially when the control device is far from the luminaires.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves generating a control message combining command and timing information, where the network router, positioned closer to the luminaires, decodes and forwards the commands at specific times, effectively relocating the timing control from the control device to the network router, thereby reducing the impact of network latencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the control device is positioned far from the luminaires to enable flexible system architecture, then the system adaptability is improved, but the network latency and timing precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network router as an intermediary device that receives control messages from the control device and forwards them to the luminaires. This intermediary enables the control device to be positioned far from the luminaires while maintaining timing precision, as the router can buffer and forward messages at the appropriate times, decoupling the physical distance from the timing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The network router performs preliminary actions by receiving and buffering control messages before the actual execution time. The router stores messages in its message buffer and forwards them to the luminaires at the precise times specified in the messages, rather than forwarding them immediately. This preliminary buffering action allows the system to tolerate variable network latencies while maintaining precise timing control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a heterogeneous control network with multiple hops is used to connect the control device and luminaires, then the system versatility is improved, but the timing predictability and synchronization precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The network router acts as a mediator that absorbs the variability introduced by heterogeneous network paths. By buffering messages and forwarding them at precisely controlled times based on the timing information in the messages, the router isolates the luminaires from the unpredictable latencies of the heterogeneous network, maintaining synchronization precision despite network complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The router performs preliminary processing of control messages, extracting timing information and buffering the messages until the appropriate forward time. This preliminary action separates the timing control function from the network transmission function, allowing the system to use versatile heterogeneous networks while maintaining precise timing synchronization at the luminaire level.
3Measurement precision
If the control device directly controls the luminaires with a simple physical link, then the timing precision is improved, but the system complexity and scalability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The network router performs multiple functions: it acts as a message buffer, a timing controller, and a network bridge between different protocol domains. By consolidating these functions in a single device, the system achieves precise timing control without requiring complex direct connections between the control device and each luminaire, thus maintaining timing precision while reducing overall system complexity and improving scalability.
4Ease of operation
If timing control is implemented at the control device, then the control simplicity is improved, but the network latency impact on timing accuracy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network router serves as a timing-aware intermediary that receives control messages with timing information from the control device and forwards them at the specified times. This approach maintains the simplicity of control device operation while correcting for network latency effects, as the router handles the timing adjustment based on the embedded timing information rather than requiring the control device to compensate for unknown network delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs preliminary action by embedding timing information in the control messages before transmission. The network router then uses this pre-specified timing information to forward messages at the correct times, effectively decoupling the control device's timing intent from the actual network transmission delays. This preliminary embedding of timing data maintains control simplicity while achieving timing accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention defines a HTTP or CoAP request message that combines one or more HTTP or CoAP requests along with timing information (432-1). The message is sent by a control device (132) to a network proxy (i.e. a network router (112)) via a control network (120). The network proxy decodes the message and subsequently controls destination devices, in particular luminaires (L1, L2, L3, L4), in a timed manner using the HTTP or CoAP requests. The network proxy is application-independent and also enables control of third party HTTP-or CoAP-based devices that are not aware of timed requests. Improved timing performance is obtained by choosing the network proxy location "close by", in terms of network hops and/or latency, to the destination devices to be controlled.