Wireless Sensor Grouping for Distance-Based Lighting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems require manual configuration of luminaire groups, which is labor-intensive and prone to errors, especially in large systems.
Innovation Solution
A sensor unit that automatically determines luminaire groups based on wireless communication and distance criteria, using predefined grouping templates to control light outputs of luminaires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of luminaire groups is performed, then lighting control can be implemented, but significant effort and time are required and errors are prone
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor units automatically determine their own grouping based on distance criteria through wireless communication with other sensor units. Each sensor unit derives local distance measures from received messages and autonomously assigns other sensor units based on distance criteria, eliminating the need for manual configuration while ensuring accurate spatial grouping.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor units exchange identification messages and derive distance measures in advance before final grouping is determined. This preliminary exchange of information allows the system to pre-calculate optimal groupings based on spatial relationships, so that when grouping is needed, it can be immediately executed without manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If manual configuration of luminaire groups is performed, then lighting control can be implemented, but significant effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor units automatically determine their own grouping based on distance criteria through wireless communication with other sensor units. Each sensor unit derives local distance measures from received messages and autonomously assigns other sensor units based on distance criteria, eliminating the need for manual configuration while ensuring accurate spatial grouping.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical configuration process is replaced with an automated wireless communication system. Sensor units use electronic message exchange and automated distance calculation to determine grouping, substituting the manual mechanical process with an electronic automation system that is both easier and faster to operate.
3Productivity
If automated grouping based on distance criteria is implemented, then configuration effort is reduced, but wireless communication and distance measurement are required
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor units perform multiple functions: they detect environmental characteristics, communicate wirelessly with other sensor units, derive distance measures from communication signals, and automatically determine grouping. By making sensor units multi-functional, the system achieves automated efficient configuration without adding separate dedicated devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines sensing, communication, and grouping determination functions into integrated sensor units. The sensor unit's communication portion and sensor control portion work together with the sensor portion to achieve automated grouping, merging what could be separate systems into a unified device that reduces overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example, a sensor unit (110-k) for controlling respective light outputs of one or more luminaires (110-j, 170-k) arranged for illuminating respective locations of a space is provided, the sensor unit (110-k) comprising a sensor portion (111-k) comprising one or more sensors for observing respective environmental characteristics at a location of the space; a communication portion (113-k) for wireless communication with other devices; and a sensor control portion (114-k) arranged to: obtain a sensor unit grouping template that defines one or more grouping criteria for determining a sensor unit group for the sensor unit (110-k), wherein said one or more grouping criteria comprise at least one distance criterion; derive a respective local distance measure for one or more other sensor units based on one or more messages received therefrom at the communication portion (113-k), wherein each local distance measure is descriptive of a distance between the sensor unit (110-k) and the respective other sensor unit; determine the sensor unit group for the sensor unit (110-k) via assigning thereto, in accordance with the at least one distance criterion, at least one of said one or more other sensor units based on the local distance measure derived therefor; and control the respective light outputs of said one or more luminaires (120-j, 170-k) based on sensor data received from the sensor portion (111-k) and further based on status indications received via the communication portion (113-k) from the at least one other sensor unit assigned to said sensor unit group.