Wireless Luminaire Network Control via Mobile Gateway

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting systems face challenges in energy efficiency and operational flexibility, with higher efficiency light sources having warm-up times and low color rendering indices, and manual or timer-based control mechanisms failing to adapt to daylight variations effectively, while complex lighting networks are costly and difficult to deploy.

Innovation Solution

A wireless-enabled illumination system with a network of luminaires that includes terminal and gateway nodes communicating via different protocols, allowing for control by a mobile system without a central management system, enabling commissioning, dimming, and data collection, and integrating sensor data for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If higher efficiency light sources (fluorescent, LED) are used to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but color rendering index deteriorates and warm-up time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcolor rendering index

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light sources (e.g., LED and incandescent) within a single luminaire to achieve both energy efficiency and good color rendering. The LED provides efficient illumination while the incandescent bulb compensates for poor color rendering, creating a hybrid lighting system that balances both requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The luminaire is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: energy-efficient illumination, color correction, and adaptive control. The system can switch between different light sources or combinations based on operational requirements, making it versatile for various lighting conditions and priorities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a centralized management system is used to control lighting networks, then control capability is improved, but system complexity and deployment cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting control system is segmented into independent luminaire units, each with its own controller and communication capabilities. This distributed architecture eliminates the need for a complex centralized management system, as each luminaire can be controlled individually or in groups through simple wireless commands from mobile devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each luminaire is equipped with embedded controllers and wireless transceivers that enable self-configuration and self-management. The luminaires can autonomously establish wireless mesh networks, manage their own operational parameters, and communicate directly with mobile devices, reducing the need for complex external control infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If wired control systems are used for luminaires, then reliability is improved, but installation complexity and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/wired control systems with wireless communication technology. Luminaires use wireless transceivers to communicate control commands and status information, eliminating the need for complex control wiring while maintaining system reliability through redundant wireless paths and mesh networking capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10098212B2Systems and methods for controlling outdoor luminaire wireless network using smart appliance

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 EXPRESS IMAGING SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods which utilize luminaires that include wireless communication capabilities that allow the luminaires to be controlled by a wireless-enabled mobile system disposed proximate the luminaires. Control of a network of wireless-enabled luminaires is provided via a single mobile system utilizing wireless communication through at least one gateway luminaire without requiring connection between the luminaires and a central management system (CMS). Information sent to or collected from the luminaires through the mobile system may be transferred via a mobile network interface from or to a CMS. The luminaires may use their wireless communication ability to obtain data from nearby wireless sensors, which data may be collected by the mobile system from luminaires in the network of luminaires when the mobile system is positioned proximate at least one of the luminaires. The sensor data and/or other data may be uploaded to the central management system in a non-real-time period.