WO2016209069A1

WO2016209069A1 - Methods for managing multiple lighting fixtures

Info

Publication number: WO2016209069A1
Application number: PCT/MY2016/000036
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kunli CHEN; Yu-Chieh Lin
Original assignee: Iq Group Sdn Bhd
Priority date: 2015-06-20
Filing date: 2016-06-20
Publication date: 2016-12-29

Abstract

A method for managing multiple lighting fixtures in an environment, and the method includes the steps of, (a) receiving a command to begin the commissioning operation for establishing a network of the multiple lighting fixtures; (b) generating and storing a first group identity for a first lighting fixture of the lighting fixtures; (c) transmitting the first group identity and a unique address of the first group identity to a next lighting fixture; (d) receiving the command to begin the commissioning operation by the next lighting fixture and recognizing information received from the first lighting fixture; (e) establishing a connection between the first lighting fixture and the next lighting fixture; and, (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) by the next lighting fixture for remaining lighting fixtures.

Description

METHODS FOR MANAGING MULTIPLE LIGHTING FIXTURES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of lighting systems, and more particularly, to methods for managing a plurality of lighting fixtures in an environment.

Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, solid state lighting is actively used for illumination purposes. As it is well known, solid state lighting is an advanced lighting technology that has graduated from older systems using electricity-based lighting.

Moreover, various existing methods to managing lighting involves typical arrangement of powering each light fixture, sensor and human interface device independently at low voltage levels.

In addition, conventional systems for lighting applications are employed in various combinations with lighting fixture or lighting fixture with motion sensor for energy saving. Alternatively, lighting fixtures with smart lighting networks are employed based on known mesh networks or telephone or internet networks, for group control or remote control. In all such cases, the purpose of various applications is to aim for energy saving and the convenience of the field application. Furthermore, advanced level Light Management Systems (LMS) allow centralized management of single lights or groups of lights through software, with hardware controls typically located at each sensor or switch used to control light levels directly, or through the LMS.

As it is well known in the art, with a view to establish a network for lighting fixtures, there exist multiple ways for commissioning. For example, the most known technology like Zig Bee for mesh networking or the internet based or proprietary connectivity in KNX/ DMX512/ DALI topology is used to establish the network automatically.

However, all these known solutions suffer from one common disadvantage, as they are suitable for a big building, factory, car park or warehouse and need a central control unit like a personal computer to act as a master unit for the operation in commissioning, adjustment, grouping management. Additionally, such set-up is an expensive affair that leaves high carbon footprint, even if used in limited quantity. In use, for a small houses, small warehouses, small offices which required the simple link and group control for their lighting fixtures, such arrangements are not viable. Hence, this results in a complicated network requiring high investment and high carbon footprint consumption. Accordingly, there exists in the art a need for compact systems and methods in a proprietary structure that involves use of handheld device to manually predefine the link and group among the lighting fixtures, which address the limitations of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide method for managing multiple lighting fixtures in an environment, and the method includes the steps of, (a) receiving a commissioning command to begin commissioning operation for establishing a network of the multiple lighting fixtures; (b) generating and storing a first group identity for a first lighting fixture of the lighting fixtures; (c) transmitting the first group identity and a unique address of the first lighting fixture to next lighting fixture; (d) receiving the commissioning command to begin the commissioning operation by the next lighting fixture and recognizing information received from the first lighting fixture; (e) establishing a connection between the first lighting fixture and the next lighting fixture; and, (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) by the next lighting fixture for remaining lighting fixtures.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a lighting system with a method of commissioning a first lighting fixture and the next lighting fixture selected from a group of lighting fixtures with a handheld device and a motion sensor includes the steps of (a) receiving a commissioning command to begin commissioning operation for establishing a network of multiple lighting fixtures; (b) transmitting a commissioning command in a broadcast manner via the wireless signal in response to the commissioning signal received in step (a); (c) receiving of the commissioning command in a radio receiving radius of the lighting system; and (d) response with a light blinking or other means as indication of ready for commissioning, grouping and neighboring bond.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes the steps (e) detecting a motion and to transmit the identity address information stored in a nonvolatile memory via a first wireless signal from the transmitter in the first lighting fixture to at least one next lighting fixture in the group of lighting fixtures by following a pre-defined route for each lighting fixture; (g) receiving the first wireless signal with first identity address, for the at least one next lighting fixture to store the information in a queue of the memory; (h) activating the next lighting fixture and transmitting its identity address information for the first lighting fixture to store the identify address information to a nonvolatile memory, and the next lighting fixture to move the first identity address information to the nonvolatile memory wherein first lighting fixture and next lighting fixture establishes a neighboring bond; and (i) receiving an end- commissioning command from the handheld device via at least one of the lighting fixture, wherein the lighting fixture broadcast the end-commissioning command via the wireless signal for the lighting fixtures to end the commissioning and to establish a grouping.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for managing a plurality of lighting fixtures in an environment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a pictorial diagram of lighting fixtures in an environment, according to prior art;

FIG. 3 illustrates a pictorial grouping set-up for managing a plurality of lighting fixtures in an environment, in accordance with one embodiment of the prior invention;

FIG. 4.1 illustrates a pictorial grouping set-up for managing a plurality of lighting fixtures in a corridor environment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4.2 illustrates a pictorial grouping set-up for managing a plurality of lighting fixtures in an open area environment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4.3 illustrates a pictorial neighboring bond operation for managing a plurality of lighting fixtures in an environment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a pictorial grouping set-up for managing a plurality of lighting fixtures in an environment, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 illustrates a pictorial representation of an IR remote control for managing a plurality of lighting fixtures in an environment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a method for managing a plurality of lighting fixtures in an environment, according to an embodiment of the present invention, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of a method for managing a plurality of lighting fixtures in an environment, according to another embodiment of the present invention, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

While the method for managing a plurality of lighting fixtures in an environment are not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. It should be understood, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit embodiments to the particular form disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the method and apparatus for computing optimal product usage as defined by the appended claims. Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used herein, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words "include", "including", and "includes" mean including, but not limited to. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, apparatuses or systems that would be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter.

Various embodiments of the present invention are disclosed for a lighting system that may be employed with known control system like zigbee, DMX512, KNX, DALI and others that are used in the form of wire or wireless structure for field application and control. These know platforms have one common condition, wherein the basic structure has been created like known seven layer OSI model, mesh networking or computer networking but only the application layer is opened for various application.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods disclosed here enable a wireless module (200), a lighting fixture (300), a main control unit (100) to achieve the mentioned functions, as illustrated in Fig. 1 of the present invention. More specifically, the main control unit (100), includes a nonvolatile memory (101 ), an ambient light sensor (102), a motion sensor (103), an Infra-Red (IR) receiver (104) and a MCU (105). In use, the IR receiver (104) receives the functional setting and commissioning command from a handheld remote control for the MCU (105) to start the commissioning operation. Additionally, the ambient light sensor (102) is employed for sensing the ambient brightness for the MCU (105) to decide whether to turn on the light or not. Furthermore, the motion sensor (103) is employed for sensing the motion and with signal to MCU (105) to decide if there exists a valid motion or not.

In one embodiment, the nonvolatile memory (101 ) is used for data storage as well as the identity address storage for the first identity address, the next lighting fixture and other lighting fixtures, as described herein below.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the MCU (105) after receiving the commissioning command from IR remote control (as illustrated in FIG.6) via the IR receiver (104) begins the commissioning operation. The MCU (105) initially generates a group identity in random basis and stores it in the nonvolatile memory (101 ) as the control of group operation. Subsequently, the MCU (105) transmits the group identity and the unique identity address, which has been stored in nonvolatile memory (101 ) via the wireless module (200) for the next lighting fixture and other lighting fixtures to learn this group identity and the first identity address.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, before the receiving of the commissioning command from the IR remote control, the next lighting fixture and the other lighting fixtures put the group identity and the first identity address in the volatile memory only. Also, in case there isn't a valid commissioning command receiving via the IR receiver (104), then each lighting fixture purges the data stored in volatile memory out. In use, the next lighting fixture after receiving the valid commissioning command stores the group identity and the first identity address in the nonvolatile memory (101 ). Thereafter, the next lighting fixture then transmits the next identity address and the group identity via the wireless module (200) for the first lighting fixture and the other lighting fixtures to make response.

In operation, the first lighting fixture after receiving the same group identity stores the next identity address in the nonvolatile memory (101 ). Subsequently, both the first lighting fixture and the next lighting fixture establishes the link with same group identity in each other. In the interim, other lighting fixture on receiving the group identity and the next identity address from the next lighting fixture transmits the data to the volatile memory only. Therefore, only when the subsequent lighting fixture receives the valid commissioning command, it stores the group identity and the next identity address from next lighting fixture in the nonvolatile memory (101 ).

In one embodiment, when the first lighting device is purged out from the volatile memory, the next lighting device becomes the first lighting device, and the subsequent lighting device receiving the commissioning command becomes the next sequential device.

As illustrated in Fig. 2, which relates to the prior art patent US 8,829,821 which discloses a commissioning in establishing a grouping control for a lighting network before a grouping set-up. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, for the grouping assignment, it relies on another operating in assigning a coordinator to issue a light cast data for the lighting fixtures to recognize and to learn as a same grouping.

Subsequently, as illustrated in Fig 3 of the prior art, group 2 and group 3 are assigned in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In normal operation, with same grouping been assigned, the remote control system can remotely set the lighting fixtures in the same group with same lighting level which is adjustable, or with a motion detector been installed in the unit F of the zone 3 with motion detection which turns the lighting fixture at full. In use, with a view to illuminate its coverage, the unit G, H, K & P under the same grouping turns to fully "On" with command received via the network. Similar operation for zone 2. Moreover, as illustrated in Fig. 4.1 a grouping in corridor environment has been established as zone 3. Lighting units F, G, H, K & P are setup as one group. Specifically, Unit F has unit G as its next unit. Unit G has unit F and H as it next units, same rule applies to unit H, K & P.

In Fig 4.2, a grouping in open area environment has been established as zone 3. Lighting units from F to Q are set up as one group. Unit F has unit G and J as its next units. Unit G has unit F, H & K as its next units. Unit K has unit G, J, L & O as its next units. The same rules will be applied to other units.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in Fig 4.3, an grouping control wherein when the worker walks into the coverage of the lighting unit F, then only the lighting unit F and its next unit G has light output. The other lighting units H, K & P remain "Off' for energy saving. When the worker walks to the lighting unit G, the next lighting device H has light output. Particularly, when the worker walks to the lighting unit H, the next lighting device K has the light output, and the same operation is repeated when worker walks to lighting unit K. When the worker walks to the lighting unit K, the lighting unit F & G may become off as it has no next bond with lighting unit K and lighting unit P. If there is no more motion detection from lighting unit F & G then their light output will be off for energy saving. In yet another embodiment, when the worker walks back from lighting unit P toward lighting unit F, the next lighting unit will turn their light "On" with the sequence of unit K then unit H, then unit G and then unit F for illumination and energy saving.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method as disclosed herein usually depends on a handheld device (not shown) to select the "Link" Button toward the unit F to start the process. Subsequently, the unit F after receiving the commissioning command via IR receiver (104) (in IR basis to prevent the incorrect operation in case of a wireless structure) generates a group identity and transmit the group identity and its identity address via wireless transmitter for the next lighting fixture and other lighting fixtures to get ready for link and grouping set-up.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Fig 4.1- Fig 4.3, along with the IR remote control (as illustrated in Fig 6) to issue the Link command then only the unit F can receive it hence all other lighting fixtures in the same warehouse located at different zone are not affected and remain in their normal operation. In case the grouping setup is for the lighting fixtures F, G, H, K & P, then to walk around the unit G and press the "Add" button from the handheld device for the unit G to recognize the group identity transmitted from unit F as the group code and also to store the identity address from unit F in nonvolatile memory (101 ). In such a scenario, both units F and G have established the neighbor and sharing the same group code. As the grouping assignment and the link of neighbor is achieved via the IR remote control, hence there is a freedom and flexibility to change and to adjust the assignment.

As illustrated in Fig 5, to press the "Link" button from the handheld device toward the unit H and pressing "Add" button toward the unit H, the unit F is under the mode of establishing a new neighbor. Accordingly, a walk towards the coverage of unit B and by pressing the "Add" button to link the unit H and B as neighbor. With this operation, the worker walks from H toward the zone 2. In use, the worker can also walk with illumination in advance.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method

700 for managing multiple lighting fixtures in an environment includes the steps of, (a) receiving a command to begin the commissioning operation for establishing a network of the multiple lighting fixtures; (b) generating and storing a first group identity for a first lighting fixture of the lighting fixtures; (c) transmitting the first group identity and a unique address of the first group identity to next lighting fixture; (d) receiving the command to begin the commissioning operation by the next lighting fixture and recognizing information received from the first lighting fixture; (e) establishing a connection between the first lighting fixture and the next lighting fixture; and, (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) by the next lighting fixture for remaining lighting fixtures.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the command to begin the commissioning operation is received from a handheld device, as explained hereinabove. In use, the handheld device is a wireless device, and the command to begin the commissioning operation is received from the handheld device on a visible light basis. In addition, the command to begin the commissioning operation is received manually via the handheld device, and for exemplary purposes, a wireless signal is transmitted in wireless radio, visible light, in-visible light.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the command to begin the commissioning operation is received from a motion sensor, and the motion sensor is selected from a group including an Infar-red transceiver, a passive Infar-red sensor, a high frequency sensor, a blue tooth wireless module, a portable contactless wireless module, an acoustic sensor and the like.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a neighboring bond is established in a sequence of an identity address information been received. In use, a predefined count down duration expires to end the commissioning. Also, a predefined power down operation is employed to start and/or to end the commissioning.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of a method 800 for managing a plurality of lighting fixtures in an environment, according to another embodiment of the present invention, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 800 includes the steps of receiving neighboring bond command from a handheld device to the first lighting fixture to transmit group identity and its unique identity to the next lighting fixture. Subsequently, the next lighting fixture receiving neighboring bond command from device to transmit group identity & its unique identity to the first, third and subsequent lighting fixtures. Further, the first lighting fixture and next lighting fixture establishes the neighboring bond and the subsequent lighting fixture delete the first lighting fixture's unique identity and put the next lighting fixture's unique identity in the non-versatile memory.

In one embodiment, the third subsequent lighting fixture receives a neighboring bond command from the handheld device to transmit and store the group identity and unique address. Thereafter, the same operation steps as discussed in method 800 establish the neighboring bond for other units.

Therefore, as may be seen, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide systems and methods for managing multiple lighting fixtures in an environment, which are simple to implement, leave less carbon footprints, and are cost effective.

Accordingly, while there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the invention is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and, within said embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention within the scope of the claims appended herewith.

Claims

1. A method for managing a plurality of lighting fixtures in an environment, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving a command to begin a commissioning operation for establishing a network of said plurality of lighting fixtures;

(b) generating and storing a first group identity for a first lighting fixture of said plurality of lighting fixtures;

(c) transmitting said first group identity and a unique address of said first group identity to at least one lighting fixture of said plurality of lighting fixtures;

(d) receiving said command to begin said commissioning operation by said next- lighting fixture and recognizing information received from said first lighting fixture;

(e) establishing a connection between said first lighting fixture and said at least one next lighting fixture; and,

(f) repeating steps (d) and (e) by said at least next lighting fixture for remaining lighting fixtures selected from said plurality of lighting fixtures.

2. The method as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said command to begin said commissioning operation is received from at least one handheld device.

3. The method as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said handheld device is a wireless device.

4. The method as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said first group identity is pre-assigned or randomly generated.

5. The method as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein a nonvolatile memory is used to store said first group identity for said first lighting fixture.

6. The method as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said command to begin said commissioning operation is received from said handheld device on a visible light basis.

7. The method as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said nonvolatile memory is used to store said unique address of said first group identity for said first lighting fixture.

8. The method as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said command to begin said commissioning operation is received manually via said handheld device.

9. The method as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein a wireless signal is transmitted in at least one type of signal transfer comprising a wireless radio, a visible light, and in-visible light.

10. The method as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said command to begin said commissioning operation is received from a motion sensor.

1 1 . The method as claimed in Claim 10, wherein said motion sensor is selected from a group comprising an Infar-red transceiver, a passive Infar-red sensor, a high frequency sensor, a blue tooth wireless module, a portable contactless wireless module, an acoustic sensor and the like.

12. The method as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein a neighboring bond between said first lighting fixture and said at least one next lighting fixture of said plurality of lighting fixtures is established in a sequence of an identity address information been received and stored in a nonvolatile memory.

13. The method as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein a predefined count down duration expires to end said commissioning.

14. The method as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein a predefined power down operation is employed to start and/or to end said commissioning.

15. A method for managing a plurality of lighting fixtures in an environment with neighboring bond for illumination and energy saving comprising a system, wherein said system comprises: a) a non-versatile memory; b) a IR receiving module; c) a wireless module; d) a lighting control unit; e) a handheld remote control unit; and f) a motion sensor.

16. The method as claimed in Claim 15, wherein said IR receiving module is configured to receive a commissioning command.

17. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein said wireless module receives and transmits a group identity and a unique address identity from one of lighting fixtures.

18. The method as claimed in Claim 15, wherein said lighting control unit defines the next lighting units based on the sequence of the receiving of unique identity from one of said lighting fixtures.

19. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein said non-versatile memory stores said group identity and said unique identity of next lighting fixtures.

20. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein said handheld remote control transmits commissioning and adjustment command to one of lighting fixtures.

21. The method as claimed in Claim 15, wherein said motion sensor activates said lighting control unit with motion detection.

22. The method as claimed in Claim 21 , wherein said motion sensor activates said wireless module; and said wireless module transmit said group identity and said unique identity; and said next lighting fixtures once with the same unique identity stored in their non-versatile memory can activate their lighting control unit.

23. The method as claimed in claim 21 , wherein said next lighting fixtures are configured to have various output levels.