Wireless Lighting Node Grouping by Room Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
The commissioning process for wireless lighting nodes in buildings is time-consuming and requires skilled labor, as existing methods lack efficient automated methods for assigning lighting nodes to switching control nodes, often resulting in incomplete lighting in other areas of the building.
Innovation Solution
The method employs Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) values to determine the relative spatial positions of lighting nodes and switching control nodes, grouping them by room boundaries, allowing for automatic allocation without the need for precise physical location determination, using RSSI values to infer the presence of walls and partitions, and optionally combining with Time of Flight (ToF) measurements for accurate topology mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual commissioning methods are used to assign lighting nodes to switching control nodes, then the assignment can be completed with existing technology, but the commissioning process becomes time-consuming and requires skilled labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical commissioning processes with automated electronic systems. The system uses wireless communication protocols and automated algorithms to perform node discovery, grouping, and assignment tasks that previously required skilled electricians to manually test and configure each lighting node and switching control node connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The commissioning system performs self-configuration by automatically discovering lighting nodes, determining their spatial relationships through grouping algorithms, and assigning them to appropriate switching control nodes without human intervention. The system autonomously completes the entire commissioning workflow that previously required skilled labor.
2Measurement precision
If selective actuation of luminaires is performed throughout the building to determine node assignments, then accurate assignment can be achieved, but other parts of the building remain in darkness and work is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated discovery and mapping of all lighting nodes and switching control nodes before final assignment. By pre-establishing the spatial relationships and grouping nodes based on wireless signal characteristics, the system prepares the complete node topology in advance, allowing final assignment to occur quickly without blocking construction work in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication signals as an intermediary mechanism to determine node relationships. Instead of requiring physical actuation and visual verification of each node, the system uses wireless signal strength and characteristics as intermediaries to infer spatial relationships and automatically group nodes, eliminating the need for selective luminair actuation.
3Productivity
If automated assignment methods are implemented to reduce commissioning time, then productivity increases, but the system complexity increases requiring additional technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing lighting nodes and switching control nodes multi-functional by enabling them to perform not only their primary lighting control function but also automated discovery, spatial relationship determination, and self-assignment functions. This universal approach allows the same hardware to handle multiple commissioning tasks without adding dedicated specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of existing wireless communication protocols to enable automated commissioning. By modifying how nodes exchange and interpret wireless signals during the commissioning phase, the system extracts spatial relationship information from existing communication infrastructure without requiring additional hardware complexity.
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 significantly reduces commissioning time, allows for automatic node assignment without a skilled specialist, and adapts to unexpected building layouts, enabling faster and simpler installation of wireless lighting systems, even without a pre-existing floor plan.
Implementation Method 1
determine relative spatial positions of selected nodes using received signal strength indication (RSSI) values indicative of a distance of separation between two communicating nodes
Data Source
AI summary
A method determines the relative locations of wirelessly controllable service device nodes and switching control nodes within a building. At least some of the service device nodes are located in different rooms of the building and should be allocated to switching control nodes on a room-specific basis. Wireless communication is established between the nodes to determine relative spatial positions of selected nodes using received signal strength indication (RSSI) values indicative of a distance of separation between two communicating nodes. The service device nodes are then grouped into two or more groups, a first group corresponding to service device nodes in one room and a second group corresponding to service device nodes in a second room, based on spatial distribution of the service device nodes as indicated by the RSSI values. The service device nodes of each group are then allocated to at least one associated switching control node.