Web Browser DALI Interface Module for Lighting Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lighting technology systems require dedicated software and drivers on computing devices to communicate with DALI bus-connected devices, leading to increased costs and accessibility issues when these devices are not available.

Innovation Solution

A method using a web browser app on a computing device to access a predefined web browser address, sending data through an interface module connected to the DALI bus, eliminating the need for dedicated software or drivers by translating data onto the DALI bus for communication with lighting technology devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated software and drivers are installed on the computing device to communicate with DALI bus devices, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsoftware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A web server is introduced as an intermediary component that runs on the computing device and handles DALI bus communication. The web server translates web protocols into DALI bus commands, eliminating the need for dedicated communication software and drivers while maintaining reliable communication through a standardized web interface layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If dedicated software is installed on the computing device, then communication functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidsoftware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The computing device's existing web browser is utilized for DALI bus communication instead of requiring dedicated software. The web server provides universal access to lighting control through standard web protocols that work across different operating systems and devices, eliminating software installation requirements and improving accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated drivers are installed on the computing device, then communication capability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating system compatibilityVSAvoiddriver installation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional driver-based communication mechanism is replaced with a web-based protocol system. Instead of installing OS-specific drivers, the solution uses standard HTTP/WebSocket protocols that can be accessed through any modern web browser, providing cross-platform compatibility without requiring system-level software installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3860315B1Method for communicating data from a computing device to a lighting technology device

Publication Date: 2025.01.01 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) for communicating data, such as commissioning data, from a computing device (301) to a lighting technology device (303) with a DALI interface (305), comprising: opening (101) a web browser app on the computing device (301); accessing (103) a predefined web browser address; sending (105) data from that web browser address to an interface module (309) connected to the computing device (301), the interface module (309) being designed for translating the data onto a DALI bus (307); and sending (107) the data over the DALI bus (307) to the DALI interface (305) of the lighting technology device (303).