Network of lights and operating method thereof

US10609793B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Schreder · BE

Inventors

• Helmut Schröder · Grefrath, DE
• Daniel Brand · Cologne, DE
• Didier Wellens · Kraainem, BE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 12, 2019
• Grant date: Mar 31, 2020
• Expiry date: Jul 12, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02B20/72
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Described herein is method for operating and controlling a network of lights comprising a plurality of lights arranged in a number of groups (A, B) using a short-distance network. Each light includes a control module (23, 28) for controlling its normal operation and for short-distance communication over the short-distance network with a designated group controller (23′, 28′, 31, 32) and other control modules within the group. Each designated group controller (23′, 28′, 31, 32) is also operable for long-distance communication with a central server and transmits its own specific information as a control module as well as information received from other control modules within the group. Information relevant to more than one group can quickly be exchanged between adjacent groups over a long-distance network via the group controller of the adjacent groups, by-passing the central server, or directly over the short-distance connection to a control module of an adjacent group. Failure of a group controller (23′, 28′, 31, 32) can be managed by designating another control module (23, 28) within the group as a new group controller and the flexible short-distance network is re-formed around th…