Wireless Luminaire Controller with Onboard Rule Persistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a single device that can sense ambient conditions and control luminaires, particularly a retrofit luminaire control device that can be hardwired to sensors and control luminaires while also communicating wirelessly on a wireless network, with persistence to continue controlling based on stored rules even when not communicating.
Innovation Solution
A wireless luminaire control device comprising a microcontroller, memory, radio, relay, and hardware switch, which receives signals from occupancy and ambient light sensors and executes control rules to manage luminaire power and intensity, using PWM and 0-10V control signals, and can join a wireless network for remote communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single device is used to sense ambient conditions and control luminaires, then device complexity is reduced, but the device must integrate multiple functions (sensing, wireless communication, control) which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate functions into a single luminaire controller device: ambient light sensing, occupancy sensing, wireless communication, and luminaire control are all integrated into one device, eliminating the need for separate sensing devices and control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The luminaire controller is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform various functions including sensing ambient light levels, detecting occupancy, communicating wirelessly with remote devices, and controlling luminaire operation based on received signals and sensor inputs
2Ease of operation
If the control device communicates wirelessly on a network, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability may worsen when network communication is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The controller stores control rules and parameters in its memory before network communication failures occur. These pre-stored instructions enable the device to continue operating autonomously based on sensor inputs and predetermined logic, ensuring reliable control even when wireless network communication is unavailable
Solution Approach 2:
The luminaire controller is designed to operate independently using its own onboard processor and stored control rules. It can make control decisions autonomously based on sensor data and pre-programmed logic without requiring continuous network communication, making the system self-sufficient and reliable
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device controls both power switching and intensity modulation, then control versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller integrates both power switching control (via relay) and intensity modulation control (via 0-10V output) within a single device architecture. The processor coordinates both control functions, allowing the system to provide comprehensive luminaire control without requiring separate control devices for each function
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for retrofitting a wired luminaire to wireless control. The method includes coupling a sensor and the luminaire to the controller by wire and further includes controlling a separate memory device, a radio, a relay for switching power to a luminaire, a zero to ten-volt luminaire control output, and a hardware switch with a single microcontroller.