Wireless Handheld Luminaire Configuration via Optical Code Reading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for configuring building technology devices, such as luminaires, using laptops are cumbersome and unsafe for use at construction sites due to their robustness and the need for physical connections, making them difficult to operate on ladders and prone to accidents.

Innovation Solution

A handheld device with wireless communication and optical detection capabilities is used to read configuration information from codes, allowing safe and efficient configuration of building technology devices without physical connections, enabling single-handed operation and reducing the risk of accidents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a laptop is used for configuring building technology devices, then configuration capability is provided, but robustness and safety are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverobustnessVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (wired data bus connecting laptop to building technology device) with a wireless communication system. The handheld device uses wireless communication means to transmit configuration information to the building technology device, eliminating the need for physical connections and making the device suitable for use in difficult-to-reach locations while maintaining configuration capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the configuration functionality from the laptop and implements it in a compact handheld device specifically designed for field use. This extracted handheld device combines optical detecting means for reading codes with wireless communication means, creating a specialized tool that is both robust and easy to operate in construction environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If wired connection is used for configuration, then stable data transmission is achieved, but safety and mobility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission stabilityVSAvoidsafety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection with a wireless communication system. The handheld device transmits configuration information wirelessly to the building technology device, eliminating physical cables that could cause tripping hazards or damage in construction environments while maintaining reliable data transmission through wireless protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If laptop is used for configuration, then configuration information can be provided, but portability and ease of use in field conditions are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential configuration functionality from the complex laptop system and implements it in a simplified handheld device. This device contains only the necessary components: optical detecting means for reading codes and wireless communication means for transmitting data, making it highly portable and easy to operate in field conditions while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld device is designed to autonomously read configuration information from codes using its optical detecting means and automatically transmit this information to the building technology device via wireless communication. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual configuration procedures, making the device easy to use despite its advanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The handheld device facilitates safe and efficient configuration of building technology devices by eliminating the need for physical connections, improving safety and ease of use, especially in construction environments.

Implementation Method 1

optical detecting means configured to detect a code comprising configuration information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

wireless communication means configured to wirelessly communicate with the building technology device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4304302B1Handheld device, entity and system for configuring building technology device
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4304302B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4304302B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4304302B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a handheld device for configuring a building technology device is provided. Optionally, the building technology device is a luminaire or an entity of a luminaire. The handheld device comprises wireless communication means configured to wirelessly communicate with the building technology device. Further, the handheld device comprises optical detecting means configured to detect a code comprising configuration information for configuring the building technology device. The handheld device is configured to obtain the configuration information of the code detected by the optical detecting means. The handheld device is configured to configure the building technology device by wirelessly transmitting, using the wireless communication means, the obtained configuration information to the building technology device.