Wireless Lighting Control via Remote Zone Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems face challenges in efficiently forming and controlling multiple zones of lighting devices, particularly due to the need for multiple wired switches and difficulties in reconfiguring groups of lighting devices.
Innovation Solution
A wireless network-based lighting apparatus that includes a coordinator for managing the network, a remote controller for controlling multi-zones, and sensors for illuminance and motion, using control frames with specific fields and commands to manage and control lighting devices, switches, and sensors, allowing for easy grouping and reconfiguration of lighting zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wired switches are used to control lighting devices, then power supply control is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired switch system with a wireless control system. The lighting devices communicate with control units via wireless signals (e.g., RF, infrared), eliminating the need for physical wiring connections between switches and lighting devices. This substitution reduces installation complexity while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls power supply to multiple lighting devices, enables grouping into zones, provides wireless communication interface, and allows remote control operations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate wired switches into a single versatile device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wired switches are installed for different lighting zones, then zone control is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into multiple wireless-controllable zones, where each zone can be independently controlled. Instead of requiring separate wired switches for each zone, the system segments control functionality through software/firmware within a single wireless control unit, allowing flexible zone creation without additional hardware installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial distribution of control hardware (multiple physical switches located in different places) to a centralized control approach with wireless communication dimension. The control unit communicates with lighting devices across the system via wireless signals, eliminating the need for distributed wired switches while maintaining zone control capability.
3Reliability
If wired switching systems are used, then reliable power control is achieved, but reconfiguration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability where lighting devices can be dynamically assigned to different zones and control groups through wireless communication. The control unit can modify zone assignments, add/remove devices from zones, and adjust control parameters without physical rewireng, enabling flexible adaptation to changing requirements while maintaining reliable control through structured communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a lighting apparatus that may form and control a multi-zone of a plurality of lighting devices connected to a wireless network. The lighting apparatus may include a plurality of devices including a plurality of lighting devices included in a network set in advance, a coordinator to manage the network, a remote controller to control a multi-zone that is included in the network and that performs grouping of the plurality of lighting devices into a plurality of groups.