Virtual Lamp Control for Multi-Function Lighting Scenes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems are limited in their ability to create complex lighting scenes and visual alerts, cannot utilize lighting devices for multiple functions simultaneously, and fail to maintain lighting scenarios after communication link loss.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that define virtual lamps on light components, allowing simultaneous use for general lighting and visual alerting, with priority-based command execution and synchronization of control modules, enabling flexible and robust control of lighting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lighting device is assigned to a single lighting scene, then the control system is simple, but the lighting device cannot serve multiple functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by allowing a single lighting device to be assigned to multiple virtual lamps, where each virtual lamp represents a different lighting scene or function. The lighting device can simultaneously participate in general lighting, visual alerting, and other functions through its assignment to multiple virtual lamps, eliminating the need for separate physical devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual lamps as an intermediary layer between the control system and physical lighting devices. Virtual lamps act as logical containers that can be assigned to multiple functions and scenarios, mediating the control signals from the control system to the lighting devices. This intermediary layer enables flexible multi-function assignment without directly complicating the physical device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light intensity and color are adjusted throughout the day, then the lighting system is simple, but complex lighting scenes and visual alerting cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting control into multiple virtual lamps, where each virtual lamp represents a specific lighting scene or function (e.g., general lighting, visual alert, accent lighting). This segmentation allows complex lighting scenarios to be broken down into manageable, independently controllable units, each with its own parameters and behavior, while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic lighting control by allowing virtual lamps to be configured with time-varying parameters and by enabling lighting devices to dynamically switch between different virtual lamp assignments. The system can adapt lighting scenes in real-time based on occupancy, time of day, or emergency conditions, providing dynamic functionality without requiring complex hardware changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a lighting device is used for one lighting scene at a time, then the control logic is simple, but the device cannot simultaneously serve as general lighting and visual alert
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a logical dimension to lighting control by introducing virtual lamps as an intermediate layer between physical devices and control functions. This dimensional shift from direct one-to-one device-function mapping to many-to-many device-virtual lamp-function mapping enables simultaneous multi-function operation. The virtual lamp layer abstracts the complexity of managing multiple assignments, allowing devices to participate in multiple lighting scenes concurrently without direct complex control logic at the device level.
4Reliability
If the last selected lighting scene is retained after communication link loss, then the system is stable, but the lighting scene cannot be updated or changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements prior cushioning by configuring virtual lamps and their associated lighting devices with pre-defined parameters and fallback behaviors before communication failures occur. The system stores configuration data locally at lighting devices, enabling them to maintain their assigned virtual lamp configurations and continue operating according to the last known good state even when communication with the control system is lost. This pre-prepared configuration acts as a cushion against communication failures.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling virtual lamps comprising the steps of providing a central management system for managing light components, wherein a light component comprises one or more light elements and a control module for controlling light elements, placing one or more light components, establishing a communicative link between the one or more light components and the central management system, the method comprising the additional steps of defining at least one virtual lamp in the central management system, wherein at least one light element of a light component is assigned to a virtual lamp, and sending messages from the central management system to control modules of the light components, wherein the messages comprise at least one command for controlling light elements of virtual lamps, wherein the light elements of a light component can be controlled individually or in groups by the control module. The invention also relates to a lighting system.