Transceiver Emulating Input Device for DALI-2 Lighting Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems face compatibility issues when trying to integrate new local lighting systems into global systems, as they may use different communication methods, such as bus communication versus wireless communication, leading to incompatibility.
Innovation Solution
A transceiver that converts wireless signals from a global lighting system into bus signals for a local lighting system, allowing the local system to be seamlessly integrated without requiring adaptation of its communication methods, by emulating an input device on the local system's bus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a local lighting system uses bus communication while the global lighting system uses wireless communication, then the local system maintains its existing communication infrastructure, but compatibility and integration with the global system deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transceiver as an intermediary device that bridges the bus communication network and wireless communication network. The transceiver includes a bus interface for connecting to the local lighting system via bus communication and a wireless interface for communicating with the global lighting system wirelessly. This mediator converts and forwards messages between the two different communication protocols, enabling integration without requiring changes to either the local bus-based system or the global wireless-based system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the local lighting system is integrated into the global lighting system, then system versatility and control capability improve, but the complexity of communication protocol conversion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver is divided into distinct functional segments: a bus interface unit for handling bus communication protocols, a wireless interface unit for handling wireless communication protocols, and a message conversion unit for translating between the two. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall conversion process by breaking it down into discrete, manageable steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver creates a virtual representation of the local lighting system's input devices in the global wireless lighting system. By copying the functionality and interface characteristics of physical input devices (such as dimmers or switches connected to the bus) into the wireless domain, the transceiver enables the global system to control and monitor local devices without direct physical connection, thereby reducing integration complexity.
3Ease of operation
If wireless signals are converted into bus signals, then seamless integration without modifying local communication methods is achieved, but signal processing and conversion overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver is pre-configured with knowledge of the local lighting system's bus communication protocol, device addresses, and message formats. During system setup, the transceiver learns and stores the specific communication patterns used by local input devices. This preliminary configuration allows the transceiver to perform signal conversion using pre-computed lookup tables and predefined conversion rules, significantly reducing real-time processing delays.
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
Enables the incorporation of local lighting systems into global systems without modifying the local system's communication infrastructure, allowing for seamless participation and control within the global lighting network.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter, preferably an infrared transmitter, configured to transmit wireless signals to a global lighting system
Implementation Method 2
a receiver, preferably an infrared receiver, configured to receive wireless signals from the global lighting system
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a transceiver (1) for a local lighting system (L1), preferably a local lighting system based on the DALI-2 industry standard, comprising a bus (2) and a control unit (3) electrically connected to the bus (2) for controlling communication via the bus (2). The transceiver (1) comprises a transmitter (1a) configured to transmit wireless signals to a global lighting system (14) comprising one or more luminaires (L2 . . . LN), a receiver (1b) configured to receive wireless signals from the global lighting system (14), and a processing unit (1c) configured to process the received wireless signals from the global lighting system (14). The processing unit (1c) of the transceiver (1) is configured to convert the received wireless signals into bus signals such that the transceiver (1) behaves as an input device of the local lighting system (L1) when electrically connected to the bus (2).