Wireless Node Grouping Algorithm for Lighting Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless lighting arrays face errors in range measurements between communication nodes, leading to incorrect assignment of luminaires to spatial groups, due to propagation of measurement errors, resulting in improper control by switches or sensors.
Innovation Solution
An assignment algorithm that assigns nodes to spatial groups based on proximity to a defined center within a threshold distance, using a threshold process to absorb errors in range measurements, and scores lines for quality to ensure accurate grouping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If topology generation algorithms use range data from wireless node networks to derive relative positions of luminaires, then position information for individual luminaires is obtained, but measurement errors in range data are propagated resulting in erroneous understanding of array structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous spatial arrangement into discrete spatial groups by applying clustering algorithms. This segmentation approach allows the system to handle measurement errors by grouping nodes based on overall proximity patterns rather than relying on precise individual position measurements, thus resolving the contradiction between obtaining position information and ensuring reliable structure understanding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies threshold-based grouping where nodes are assigned to spatial groups based on whether their distance to the group center falls within a defined threshold. This partial action approach (using only the threshold criterion rather than exact position matching) absorbs measurement errors while still achieving accurate spatial grouping, improving both position information utility and structure understanding reliability.
2Ease of operation
If luminaires are divided into spatial control groups based on derived positions, then each group can be assigned to the closest switch or sensor, but errors in range measurements cause incorrect assignment of luminaires to control groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements error cushioning by introducing a threshold distance buffer in the spatial grouping process. Nodes are assigned to groups based on whether they fall within this threshold distance from the group center, rather than requiring exact position matching. This beforehand cushioning absorbs measurement errors and prevents incorrect assignments, improving both ease of operation and assignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial groups as intermediary entities between individual luminaires and switches/sensors. Instead of directly assigning each luminaire to the closest switch based on precise position measurements, the system first groups luminaires into spatial clusters, then assigns these groups to control devices. This intermediary approach reduces the impact of measurement errors on final control assignments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer algorithm for grouping a derived spatial arrangement of wireless communication nodes. The wireless communication nodes form a wireless communication network and are configured to control the operation of luminaires in a lighting array. The position of each node in the communication network corresponds to the position of a particular luminaire in the lighting array. The algorithm divides the arrangement of nodes into a plurality of spatial groups, each of which is defined by a line which joins the group's member nodes together. The groups are ranked according to their statistical attributes and a number of groups are selected as control groups, such that the member nodes, and hence luminaires, of each control group may be controlled by a single switch or sensor.