Smart Fixture Memory for Automatic Bulb Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring smart light bulbs upon replacement is time-consuming and costly due to the need for reprogramming device settings, especially in large installations where numerous bulbs require individual reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a memory chip or wireless memory tag in smart light fixtures that allows smart bulbs to read and write configuration settings, enabling seamless transfer of device address, location, and other settings to new bulbs upon installation, using low-power RF or NFC for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smart light bulbs are replaced in large installations, then lighting functionality is restored, but time-consuming and costly reprogramming of device settings is required
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration information is stored in the smart fixture in advance, so that when a new light bulb is installed, it can automatically retrieve the pre-stored configuration data without requiring manual reprogramming. This preliminary storage of configuration data resolves the technical contradiction by eliminating the time-consuming reprogramming step while ensuring lighting functionality is immediately restored.
Solution Approach 2:
The new light bulb reads and copies the configuration information from the smart fixture's memory, creating an exact replica of the previous bulb's settings including device address, location, and operational parameters. This copying mechanism allows the replacement bulb to inherit all necessary settings automatically, resolving the contradiction between restoring functionality and avoiding time-consuming reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If smart light bulbs are replaced in large installations, then lighting functionality is restored, but costly manual reconfiguration effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement light bulb performs self-configuration by automatically reading configuration information from the smart fixture's memory and loading it into its own memory. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual reprogramming by a technician, thereby reducing configuration effort and cost while ensuring lighting functionality is restored. The system serves itself by automatically transferring configuration data without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration information is prepared and stored in the smart fixture in advance, before the light bulb replacement occurs. When the new bulb is installed, it simply retrieves this pre-prepared configuration data, eliminating the need for costly manual reconfiguration work. This preliminary preparation of configuration data resolves the contradiction between restoring functionality and reducing configuration effort.
3Ease of operation
If configuration information is stored in the smart fixture memory, then new bulbs can automatically inherit settings, but the system requires additional memory components
Solution Approach 1:
The smart fixture's existing memory component, originally designed for other functions, is utilized to store configuration information for light bulb replacement. By making the memory multi-functional—serving both its original purpose and configuration storage—the system achieves configuration automation without adding separate dedicated memory hardware, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration storage function is merged with the existing smart fixture memory infrastructure. Instead of adding a separate memory component, the system combines the configuration storage role with the fixture's existing memory resources, achieving automation of configuration while avoiding increased device complexity. This merging approach eliminates the need for additional standalone memory components.
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
Streamlines the replacement process by automating configuration, reducing the total cost of ownership and effort required for configuring multiple light bulbs in a building by allowing new bulbs to inherit settings from the smart fixture, maintaining individual settings and reducing the need for manual reprogramming.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless memory tag may be affixed to the smart socket or light fixture that can be read by the light bulb (e.g., an RFID tag reader in the light bulb and an RFID tag in the fixture or socket)
Implementation Method 2
A configuration electronics 14 may incorporate a low power RF transmitter, memory, receiver and a processor
Data Source
AI summary
An internet of things system having a smart light bulb and a smart fixture. The smart light bulb may be inserted into and connect with the smart fixture for power to the smart light bulb. The smart light bulb may be configured by reading configuration information from a memory in the smart fixture. As a whole, the system may have two or more smart light bulbs inserted in two or more smart fixtures, respectively. The two or more smart light bulbs may be interconnected with one another with communication links to make up a mesh network. Non-bulb devices may be connected to the mesh network.