Self-Commissioning Lighting System Using Optical Data Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The commissioning process for large lighting or energy management systems with numerous digital, addressable devices is time-consuming and complex, requiring manual association of digital addresses with physical locations using methods like visual signals or RF ID tags.
Innovation Solution
A self-commissioning lighting system that uses optical data signals emitted by light fixtures, detected by ambient light sensors and processors, and a mobile device with GPS capabilities to automatically identify and group light fixtures based on location and usage patterns, allowing for dynamic and adaptive control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual commissioning methods (visual signals, RF ID tags) are used to associate digital addresses with physical locations, then the system can be properly programmed and controlled, but the commissioning process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting fixtures automatically perform commissioning functions by emitting optical data signals that contain their digital address information. Ambient light sensors in the system detect these signals and automatically associate the digital addresses with physical locations, eliminating the need for manual commissioning operations and dramatically reducing commissioning time while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical commissioning methods (physical button pressing, visual inspection, RF ID scanning) with an optical communication system. Lighting fixtures emit encoded optical data signals containing their address information, which are detected by ambient light sensors, automatically completing the address-association process without human intervention
2Area of stationary object
If the number of digital addressable devices in the lighting system is increased to cover large buildings, then the system coverage and capability are improved, but the commissioning complexity and difficulty increase dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
Each lighting fixture in the expanded system automatically performs self-identification by emitting optical data signals with its digital address. The system automatically detects and records these signals, enabling scalable commissioning where adding more fixtures does not proportionally increase commissioning complexity, as each device commissions itself rather than requiring manual attention
Solution Approach 2:
The optical communication system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides lighting, enables address association, and facilitates system commissioning. The same optical signals used for normal operation also carry commissioning information, eliminating the need for separate commissioning hardware or procedures even as system size grows
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 approach significantly reduces commissioning time and complexity by enabling automatic association and grouping of light fixtures, enhancing control efficiency and adaptability to usage changes over time.
Implementation Method 1
a first ambient light sensor coupled to the first processor and configured to detect a second optical data signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present disclosure provides techniques for a self-commissioning and locating lighting system. The system includes a group of light fixtures, each emitting a unique optical data signal. A remote control device detects the unique optical data signal from the light fixtures when the light fixture is within a visual field of the remote control device. A central controller receives a signal from the remote control device, wherein the signal comprises data regarding the GPS location of the remote control device and the digital identities of the light fixture within the visual field of the remote control, wherein the signal further comprises a control command for operation of the light fixtures, and wherein the central controller sends a control signal to the light fixture implementing the control command.