Automatic Localization of Wireless Light Emitting Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for assembling wireless light emitting elements in lighting systems are labor-intensive and prone to errors due to the need for manual identification and mapping of elements, which increases costs and maintenance efforts.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that uses a calibration system with photosensitive devices to automatically identify and locate wireless light emitting elements by instructing them to emit specific light characteristics and detecting these characteristics, thereby associating their locations with unique IDs and storing this information for programming the controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual identification and mapping of light emitting elements is performed, then the mapping between element IDs and positions can be recorded, but the process becomes labor-intensive and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemapping accuracyVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The light emitting elements automatically provide their identification information through optical signals that are detectable by the photosensitive device, eliminating the need for manual identification and mapping by workers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of recording and programming element positions is replaced by an automated optical detection system that captures element locations and transmits position information to the controller

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

2Ease of manufacture

If wireless light emitting elements are used, then wiring costs are reduced and acoustic transparency is improved, but automatic identification and localization becomes necessary to eliminate manual mapping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring complexityVSAvoididentification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each wireless light emitting element automatically emits an optical signal containing its identification information, enabling self-identification without external intervention or complex manual mapping procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The optical signal serves multiple functions: it provides visual output for the light show and simultaneously carries identification information for automatic localization and controller programming

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

3Productivity

If light emitting elements are placed randomly during assembly, then assembly speed increases, but the mapping between element IDs and positions requires manual recording and programming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidmapping programming time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic identification and localization of light emitting elements during the assembly process itself, capturing position information before the elements are fully installed, thereby eliminating subsequent programming time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The photosensitive device detects the optical signals from light emitting elements and provides feedback information about their positions, which is then used to automatically update the controller's position database

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach reduces labor costs by automating the identification and localization of light emitting elements, leading to lower total product costs and simplified maintenance, allowing for more efficient deployment and replacement of elements.

Implementation Method 1

detecting, via a photosensitive device, a first location of the first light emitting element within the lighting system based on the first characteristic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3104670B1Automatic identification and localization of wireless light emitting elements
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP3104670B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3104670B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3104670B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

One or more embodiments set forth techniques for identifying and locating wireless light emitting elements within a lighting system. An identification and location module executing on calibration system transmits a message to instruct a first light emitting element included in a plurality of light emitting elements within the lighting system to emit light having a first characteristic. The identification and location module detects, via a photosensitive device, a first location of the first light emitting element within the lighting system based on the first characteristic. The identification and location module stores a data entry in a memory that associates the first location with the first light emitting element. At least one advantage of the approach described herein is that wireless light emitting elements are automatically identified and located during post assembly testing, thereby reducing labor costs associated with manually presorting or recording IDs of the light emitting elements.