Wireless Sensor System for Lighting Control via Multi-Frequency Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless sensor systems for controlling switches and outlets often rely on long cabling, which is inefficient, and frequently use battery power that depletes quickly or requires additional cabling for power, leading to operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensor system that includes a network gateway device operatively coupled to wireless sensors and controllers, allowing for data packet transmission on multiple frequencies and channels to control lighting based on motion and light sensors, with the ability to revert to default states or adjust brightness levels autonomously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If long cabling is used to control switches and outlets, then power and control signals can be transmitted, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cabling system with a wireless communication system. Sensors and controllers communicate control signals and data wirelessly through radio frequency transmissions, eliminating the need for physical cable runs between control devices and lighting fixtures. This substitution maintains reliable control signal transmission while dramatically reducing installation time and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If battery power is used in wireless sensor systems, then installation flexibility improves, but battery life is limited and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power sources within the wireless sensor system. Battery-powered sensors are integrated with energy harvesting components such as solar cells or energy scavenging circuits that capture ambient energy. This hybrid power architecture maintains installation flexibility while extending operational duration by supplementing battery power with renewable energy sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as transmission power, sampling frequency, and sleep modes based on available energy levels. When battery charge is low or energy harvesting is insufficient, the system reduces communication frequency or enters deeper sleep states to conserve power, thereby extending battery life while maintaining essential functionality.
3Device complexity
If wireless communication on single frequency is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but communication reliability decreases due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication spectrum by implementing multi-channel wireless communication. The system divides the available frequency band into multiple channels and uses frequency hopping or channel selection to transmit data. This segmentation allows simultaneous communications on different frequencies, reducing interference and improving reliability while adding only moderate complexity through the use of standard wireless communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a signal indicating that a timeout timer associated with a space has crossed a threshold. If a motion sensor is disposed within the space, the method includes sending a signal to a wireless controller operatively coupled to a light source such that the wireless controller reverts to a default state. If (1) a motion sensor is not disposed within the space and (2) a light sensor is disposed within the space, the method includes sending a signal to the wireless controller such that the wireless controller is controlled by the light sensor.