Smart ANSI Microcontroller for Lighting Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current outdoor street light fixtures lack the ability to adapt to varying control standards and power input sources, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of power control in lighting systems.
Innovation Solution
A Smart ANSI Microcontroller that can switch between different control lines, including wired and wireless options, and detect the standard used by an accessory light controller, allowing it to automatically adjust the driver's DC power output to match the connected control standard, supporting multiple digital and analog control methods through the same physical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a photocontrol device with relay is used to control power to the light driver, then the fixture can be controlled to turn on at dusk and off at dawn, but the system cannot adapt to varying control standards or power input sources
Solution Approach 1:
The Smart ANSI Microcontroller is designed to support multiple control standards (0-10V analog dimming, PWM digital control, DALI, DALI2, D4i) and power input sources through a single unified interface. The controller automatically detects the control standard used by the accessory light controller and switches between different control modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated controllers for each control type.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller dynamically switches between different control modes based on the detected accessory controller type. The system transitions from static relay control to dynamic digital control, adjusting its operation in real-time according to the connected device's requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the same hardware to handle various control protocols without manual reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control interfaces are provided for different control standards, then the system can support various control methods, but the device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single ANSI connector interface is designed to handle multiple control standards simultaneously. The microcontroller internally routes different control signals (analog 0-10V, digital PWM, DALI, DALI2, D4i) through the same physical connection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated connectors for each control type and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The Smart ANSI Microcontroller automatically detects the control standard used by the connected accessory light controller and configures itself accordingly. The system performs self-identification and self-configuration upon connection, eliminating the need for manual setup or reconfiguration by the installer. The controller prompts the installer to approve recognition or automatically switches control modes based on the detected device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wired control lines are used for control signals, then reliable control can be achieved, but wireless control options are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges wired and wireless control capabilities into a single integrated microcontroller system. The Smart ANSI Microcontroller can accept control signals through the traditional wired ANSI connector while simultaneously supporting wireless communication protocols (such as Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee) for control. This consolidation allows the system to provide both wired and wireless control options without requiring separate dedicated controllers, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A Smart ANSI Microcontroller is provided to retrofit preexisting light fixtures. The preexisting light fixtures are configured with 5 pin or 7 pin ANSI receptacles. The Smart ANSI Microcontroller is configured to accept a variety of control signals and to control the power output of the driver of the preexisting driver of the luminaire in order to control the light output of the luminaire. The Smart ANSI Microcontroller is configured with a 5 pin or 7 pin ANSI male connector that is configured for mating engagement with the 5 pin or 7 pin female ANSI connector found in typical prior art luminaires, such as street lamps. The Smart ANSI Microcontroller allows for contemporary accessory light controllers to be utilized with the preexisting luminaires. The contemporary light controllers can be configured to connect to the Smart ANSI Microcontroller via wireless and/or wired connection.