Wireless Sensor Wake-Up via Motion or Light Stimuli
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The commissioning of lighting control systems is complex and error-prone due to the need for manual identification and programming of individual lighting fixtures and sensors, often requiring specialized equipment and technical expertise, especially in scenarios where fixtures are installed in difficult-to-access locations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize battery-powered wireless sensors configured to wake up from a reduced power mode via sensor stimuli, such as motion or light changes, allowing for remote configuration and communication using multiple wireless protocols, simplifying the commissioning process by enabling remote activation and configuration without physical access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual identification and programming methods are used for lighting fixtures and sensors, then the commissioning process can be performed with conventional tools, but the process becomes complex and error-prone requiring considerable time and technical expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification methods with optical communication. Lighting fixtures transmit coded signals through their light output that can be detected by mobile devices, eliminating the need for physical access to fixtures and manual programming. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with optical signaling simplifies the commissioning workflow significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital representation or copy of the lighting fixture's identity and configuration data that can be transmitted wirelessly. Instead of manually entering fixture information, the system uses coded light signals to convey fixture identifiers and parameters to the commissioning tool, reducing manual input errors and complexity.
2Loss of time
If coded light signals are used for fixture identification, then manual programming time is reduced, but special capabilities in the driver and light engine are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the lighting fixture's light engine serve multiple functions: both providing illumination and transmitting coded identification signals. By encoding data in the light output that is already present in the fixture, the system avoids adding separate communication hardware, achieving multi-functionality without significant additional complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a laser wand is used to trigger light sensors, then fixture identification can be performed, but careful aiming is required and special equipment must be purchased and tracked
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a laser wand to activate sensors in the fixture (external-to-internal signaling), the patent inverts the approach by having the fixture itself emit coded signals that can be detected by a mobile device. This reversal eliminates the need for precise aiming and special laser equipment, using common mobile devices instead.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting fixture performs self-identification by automatically transmitting its coded signal when activated or during normal operation. The fixture serves itself in the identification process without requiring external activation tools, reducing the need for special commissioning equipment and simplifying the process for technicians.
4Use of energy by moving object
If battery-powered wireless sensors operate in reduced power mode, then energy consumption is minimized, but the sensors cannot communicate or be configured until awakened
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for sensor configuration by having the mobile device detect sensor positions and trigger wake-up sequences in advance. The activation message is sent beforehand to wake the sensor, ensuring it is ready for configuration before the technician arrives or before configuration attempts begin, eliminating delays during the commissioning process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies the commissioning and updating of lighting control systems by allowing remote wake-up and configuration of sensors, reducing errors and the need for specialized equipment, and facilitating easier setup even in hard-to-reach locations.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor stimulus may be motion detected by an occupancy sensor of the wireless sensor. The motion may be caused by a user moving in a detection field of the occupancy sensor.
Implementation Method 2
The sensor stimulus may be a change in intensity level of light detected by a daylight sensor. The change in the intensity level of light may be caused by a user aiming a light-emitting device at the daylight sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring a wireless sensor of a lighting control network may include, providing, by a user, a sensor stimulus to cause the wireless sensor to wake-up from a reduced power operating mode. In the reduced power operating mode, a first radio configured to communicate using a first wireless communication protocol and a second radio configured to communicate using a second wireless communication protocol may be inoperative. The first radio may become operative upon the wake-up. The method may further include receiving, via the first radio, an activation message from a control device. The activation message may cause the wireless sensor to maintain operation of the first radio for a first specified period of time. The method may further include resuming, by the wireless sensor, operation in the reduced power operating mode after the first specified period of time. The wireless sensor may be a battery-powered wireless sensor.