Universal Lighting Control Interface for Motion-Activated Dimming

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting control systems for gas discharge lamps and LEDs lack efficient methods to dynamically adjust light output based on motion detection and ambient light conditions without requiring complex digital interfaces or additional control units.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a motion detector and daylight sensor to control electronically controlled lamp operating devices, allowing for predefined dimming levels and automatic adjustment of light output based on motion detection and ambient light, using either digital or mains voltage signals, enabling energy-saving features like reduced light output during daylight or when no motion is detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If digital bus control (DALI standard) is used to control electronic ballasts, then precise dimming control is achieved, but device complexity and requirement for additional control units increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimming control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control input of the electronic ballast is designed to accept multiple signal types (digital bus signals per DALI standard and direct mains voltage signals) through a universal interface. This allows the same device to function with both complex digital control systems and simple mains-voltage-controlled motion detectors, eliminating the need for separate control units while maintaining dimming precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic ballast acts as an intermediary device that can process both digital bus control signals and simple mains voltage signals. By designing the control input to evaluate both signal types, the ballast mediates between complex digital control systems and simple motion detectors, providing precise dimming control without requiring additional control units

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If motion detector with mains voltage signal is connected to digital control input, then additional control units are eliminated, but signal compatibility and interface design complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol unit quantityVSAvoidsignal interface compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control input interface is designed with universal compatibility to accept both digital bus signals (per DALI standard) and direct mains voltage signals from motion detectors. This multi-functional interface eliminates the need for separate control units while maintaining signal compatibility through appropriate evaluation logic for different signal types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control input interface is designed to accept multiple signal types by evaluating different voltage levels and signal characteristics. The interface can distinguish between digital bus signals and mains voltage signals, and process them appropriately, demonstrating parameter-based signal recognition and adaptation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If light output is continuously maintained at high level, then illumination quality is ensured, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight output levelVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system dynamically adjusts light output based on real-time detection of motion and ambient light conditions. The electronic ballast receives signals from motion detectors and daylight sensors, automatically adjusting dimming levels to maintain adequate illumination while minimizing energy consumption when full light is not required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from motion detectors and daylight sensors to automatically adjust light output. When no motion is detected or ambient light is sufficient, the system reduces illumination levels. When motion is detected, the system increases light output to appropriate levels, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy consumption while maintaining illumination quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2177089B1Dimming of lighting control devices to a predefined level
Publication Date: 2011.10.26 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2177089B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2177089B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling electronically controlled lighting control devices or parts thereof as a function of the detection of a movement in a defined space, said method comprising the following steps: Evaluating an output signal of a motion detector connected to a supply voltage that outputs the supply voltage as an output signal as a function of the detection of motion, and actuating the electronically controlled lighting control device to one of a plurality of predefined dimming levels as a function of the output signal of the motion detector.