Wireless Luminaire Coordination via Broadcast Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting systems require complex configuration and permanent bus systems for coordinated lighting, making it difficult to quickly adapt to changing workplace requirements and optimize room lighting efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A lamp with wireless communication means that can exchange information with multiple lamps, allowing for easy selection and coordination of operating states without the need for dedicated communication addresses or extensive configuration, using broadcast information to set light output and color temperature, and incorporating sensor means to adjust lighting based on presence or movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a permanently installed bus system is used for coordinated lighting control, then the lighting coordination and control capability is improved, but the device complexity and installation complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting coordination controlVSAvoidbus system installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical bus system with wireless communication between luminaires. Each luminaire communicates with others via radio signals to exchange selection information, eliminating the need for physical bus cables and complex installation while maintaining coordinated lighting control capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The luminaires autonomously select their operating states based on selection information received from other luminaires without requiring central control or manual configuration. The system self-organizes through distributed decision-making where each luminaire independently determines its state based on received broadcast information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If extensive configuration is performed during commissioning to assign communication addresses, then the lighting control precision is improved, but the loss of time and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting control precisionVSAvoidcommissioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The luminaires automatically identify and select operating states without requiring manual address assignment or configuration during commissioning. Each luminaire receives selection information from others and autonomously determines its role in the lighting scenario, eliminating time-consuming setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The selection information is transmitted as broadcast data that contains pre-defined operating state parameters. The luminaires are pre-configured with multiple possible operating states, and the broadcast information selects among these pre-prepared states, eliminating the need for real-time configuration during commissioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If broadcast information is used for selection without dedicated receiver addresses, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of information increases due to lack of targeted communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommissioning simplicityVSAvoidcommunication targeting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system transmits selection information to all luminaires simultaneously via broadcast rather than targeting specific receivers. This excessive transmission to all potential receivers ensures no information is lost, as every luminaire receives the selection data and can independently determine whether to adopt the selected operating state based on its own characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2684424B1Light comprising communication means
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP2684424B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2684424B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2684424B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a light that comprises communication means for exchanging information, said communication means being designed to exchange information with a plurality of lights in a wireless manner, particularly using a radio signal. Said light is additionally designed to select an operating state on the basis of an item of selection information that a light wirelessly receives by means of said communication means, said selection information preferably being in the form of broadcast information.