Wireless Mesh Lighting Control via BTLE

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional lighting control systems in commercial spaces often lack fine-grained control, requiring complex and disruptive installations, and are not compatible with standard dimmer switches, leading to inconsistent lighting levels and user dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

A wireless mesh network system that allows independent control of each light source, enabling customizable illumination levels and scenes through a mobile application, using Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) for communication, eliminating the need for complex wiring and enabling easy setup and control of light sources, sensors, and controllers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional lighting control systems are used with wall switches and dedicated switches, then lighting control is simple and reliable, but fine-grained control of individual light sources is not possible and complex wiring is required for dimming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefine-grained controlVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical electrical wiring system with a wireless communication system. Light sources equipped with wireless transceivers communicate control commands wirelessly, eliminating the need for complex dimmer wiring and switch loops while enabling individual control of each light source.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the lighting system into independently controllable segments - individual light sources or small groups of light sources can be controlled separately through wireless communication, allowing fine-grained control without requiring reconfiguration of the entire electrical wiring system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If standard dimmer switches are used with electrical systems, then dimming control is achieved, but compatibility issues arise and specialized wiring is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimming controlVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical dimmer switches and specialized dimming wiring with wireless communication between controllers and light sources. The light sources receive dimming commands wirelessly, eliminating compatibility issues with electrical systems and removing the need for specialized dimmer installation.

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

3Ease of operation

If all lights in a room are controlled as a unit, then control is simple from a wall switch, but individual illumination levels cannot be customized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidcustomization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the lighting control into hierarchical levels - individual light sources can be controlled independently, or grouped into controllable sets. This allows users to control all lights as a unit when desired, or customize individual illumination levels by controlling specific light sources or groups separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control where the system can adapt between different control modes - from controlling all lights as a single unit to individual control of each light source. Users can dynamically adjust the level of control granularity based on their needs through wireless controllers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If complex lighting control systems are installed, then fine-grained control and customization are achieved, but the installation is disruptive and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol granularityVSAvoidinstallation disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive electrical wiring modifications with wireless communication infrastructure. Light sources with integrated wireless transceivers can be controlled individually or in groups without any electrical reconfiguration, eliminating installation disruption and cost while maintaining fine-grained control capability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3440899B1Connected lighting system
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 ILUMISYS INC
  • EP3440899B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3440899B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3440899B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lighting system is described in which light sources are controlled using signals sent over a wireless mesh network. During a commissioning process, a user interface may present a representation of nodes (e.g., light sources, sensors, controllers) that are broadcasting wireless advertising signals. In response to a selection of a particular node, a wireless message may be sent to instruct the selected node to provide a visual indication of its presence, such as a flashing light. The visual indication may enable a user to discern the physical location of the node, such that each node may be added to the mesh network and, in some instances, to a group of nodes. The interface may also enable the definition of scenes, where each scene describes the brightness level or other operating characteristics of particular light source(s) and/or group(s) of light sources when the scene is active.