System and method for dynamically controlling infrastructure lighting

Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented system and method for dynamically controlling infrastructure lighting, which receives and processes traffic data that identifies the traffic volume recorded in a particular infrastructure section, the processing of which includes determining a relative traffic volume by comparing the traffic volume recorded in the particular infrastructure section with a predetermined traffic volume. A lighting management system capable of controlling the lighting of one or more lighting devices operates to adjust the lighting of one or more lighting devices based on at least the determined relative traffic volume intensity, and in a preferred embodiment, the control of infrastructure lighting takes into account various additional data, including personalized user commands, emergency vehicle dispatch, environmental monitoring sensor data, and data related to expected astronomical factors.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented system and method for dynamically controlling lighting of an infrastructure section (e.g., roads, streets, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, railways, trunk roads, expressways, etc.) in accordance with real-time traffic volume. In particular, the present invention uses a predetermined traffic volume associated with the infrastructure section as a reference parameter for determining a relative traffic volume related to the latest measured traffic volume, and activates a lighting management system based on the reference parameter to adjust the illumination of a lighting device associated with the connected infrastructure section in substantially real time. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Over the past approximately fifteen (15) years, light-emitting diode (LED) technology has been adopted in public infrastructure lighting, particularly in lamps and lighting fixtures used therein.

[0003] Achieving energy savings to address the environmental impact of such infrastructure lighting is a challenging problem, since it is necessary to simultaneously ensure public safety in situations where pedestrian and / or vehicle traffic occurs irregularly. Taking a road section as an example, if the number of vehicles and pedestrians is limited (or non-existent) within the range of a specific lighting device, there should be no reason to keep the lighting at maximum brightness (except as specified by the relevant competent regulatory authority). This is because it is nothing other than inefficient use of energy. Furthermore, depending on the type of lighting device, constant lighting may not only cause adverse environmental impacts such as an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, but also consume more of the service life of the device, which may result in advancing the replacement time of the device. For these reasons, there is a need for a lighting management system (that controls the lighting output of one or more lighting devices) that operates in substantially real time in accordance with the traffic level of pedestrians and / or vehicles detected within the range of the lighting device.

[0004] Road sections are typically assigned a lighting class based on the estimated traffic volume applicable to that road. Streetlight management systems typically either maintain a constant lighting output for streetlights based on the lighting class, or adjust lighting levels according to a predetermined schedule, regardless of actual traffic volume or observable road usage at any given time.

[0005] There are various methods for selecting a lighting class for a particular road. For example, the selection of a lighting class is based on the expected maximum traffic volume on that road (i.e., a theoretical value predicted by the designer, such as a traffic engineer responsible for setting the lighting class, based on road traffic data recorded over a specific period, or solely on theoretical analysis). Therefore, the lighting levels of lighting fixtures related to different traffic network sections are controlled based on the assigned specific lighting class, without considering how traffic volume changes over time. In other words, known systems that control road lighting rely on theoretical (often inaccurate and sometimes unsafe) design values ​​rather than directly and in real-time determining the relevant parameters.

[0006] In certain cases, a highway may be assigned a "Category 1" lighting class, representing a section with significant risk and therefore requiring the brightest lighting class, while a major road connecting to that highway may be assigned a "Category 3" lighting class, representing a lower-risk road where traffic volume on the major road is expected to decrease. A Category 1 lighting class may require, for example, a minimum luminosity level of 142W (relative to maximum traffic), while a Category 2 or 3 lighting class may require, for example, a minimum luminosity level of 60W or less (relative to maximum traffic). However, the lighting output is static. That is, during specific hours when streetlights are operating (for example, from around 8 p.m. to around 6 a.m.), the lighting output of streetlights does not change from the above values. This is because they are controlled to maintain a predetermined lighting output selected according to the road's lighting class.

[0007] In the example above, a static LED street light with an on / off switch could be used, with the street light turning on at a specific brightness assigned to its lighting category at 8 p.m. and turning off at 6 a.m. However, a more common approach is to install a lighting control unit (LCU) on the street light when installing or renovating the LED lighting fixture. This allows for dimming or increasing the lighting output of the street light. For example, an LCU provides the following enhancements to connected LED lighting fixtures: dimming based on the schedule of connected fixtures, individual measurement of power consumption for one or more fixtures, general alarms (including tilt alarms and alarms regarding potential damage to fixtures), and fixture failure alarms, ensuring that flickering and various other potential malfunctions are notified to maintenance personnel.

[0008] LCUs are typically connected to a control management system (CMS) that receives data transmitted from the installed LCU and allows users to visualize (and potentially operate) the LCU's functional aspects. LCUs can connect to the CMS in several different ways. These include connections using long-range, low-power communication technologies such as LoRa® WAN or similar technologies; a "mesh" system in which multiple LCUs are locally connected to each other within a geographically defined area and connected to the CMS via a central connection point within that area (the central connection point communicates data with the CMS via Ethernet or cellular communication); and cellular communication methods in which each LCU connects to the CMS independently using various communication protocols such as Cat-M, LTE-M, and NB-IoT.

[0009] The operation of reducing or increasing the illuminance of LED lighting fixtures using an LCU is typically performed at pre-set times during the night. This means that the lighting output of streetlights changes during specific periods when the streetlights are in operation (e.g., from around 8 p.m. to around 6 a.m.). In the above example, including highways and major roads, the change is from a fixed output value to another predetermined lighting output value selected at predetermined intervals (e.g., a fixed schedule) throughout the night. However, such changes occur independently of actual traffic volume or observable road usage at any particular point in time. Therefore, even when using an LCU, the existing streetlight CMS to which the LCU is connected may have safety issues because it does not take public safety issues into consideration, and the lighting output does not correlate with observable or measurable parameters, but rather is based on arbitrarily pre-set values.

[0010] As described above, there are several problems with operating lighting equipment for infrastructure sections. For the reasons already explained, this type of lighting management is not the most energy-efficient or environmentally friendly solution, because there are times when the lighting equipment does not need to be operated, or at least does not need to be operated at the lighting output required by the specified lighting class.

[0011] Operating lighting systems in this manner could have adverse safety implications. For example, if road construction is underway at night on a highway equipped with streetlights operating according to Category 1 lighting class, and a detour is set up via a major road equipped with streetlights operating according to Category 3 lighting class, drivers forced to take the detour via the major road will have to travel through a section of road that is inadequately lit based on the actual traffic volume at that time (regardless of whether the Category 3 road lighting is adjusted to pre-set times at night). This could impair the driver's ability to see other vehicles, road signs, road markings, and obstacles due to insufficient lighting for the current traffic conditions, potentially creating a dangerous situation for drivers.

[0012] Furthermore, it is necessary to be able to control any given CMS regardless of the type of connection method that exists between the LCU (attached to the street light) and the CMS, including the connection examples described above. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0013] Therefore, there is a need for systems and methods to control the operation of infrastructure lighting devices in a way that addresses, or at least improves, some of the above-mentioned problems.

[0014] References to prior art in this specification do not constitute, or should be interpreted as, an acknowledgment or suggestion that such prior art constitutes part of common general knowledge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a computer implementation method for dynamically controlling infrastructure lighting, comprising the steps of: one or more processors receiving traffic volume data and determining the traffic volume recorded in a particular infrastructure section in substantially real time; one or more processors processing the received traffic volume data by determining the relative traffic volume by comparing the substantially real-time traffic volume recorded in the particular infrastructure section with a predetermined traffic volume for the section; and one or more processors operating a lighting management system capable of substantially real-time control of the lighting of one or more lighting devices to adjust the lighting of one or more lighting devices in accordance with the relative traffic volume.

[0016] It will be understood that by adjusting the existing lighting of one or more lighting fixtures according to the determined relative traffic volume, the lighting of a lighting fixture at any given time will be based on the actual traffic volume (or observable / measurable road use). The adjustment of lighting levels of lighting fixtures may be carried out according to a specific ratio deemed safe (by a regulatory body or similar authority).

[0017] In this embodiment, controlling the lighting management system in substantially real time includes creating one or more commands to increase or decrease the number of lights and sending these commands to the lighting management system in substantially real time.

[0018] In the embodiment, the method is A step in which one or more processors receive data from one or more additional sources, The step of activating the lighting management system to adjust the lighting of one or more lighting devices is based on the determined relative traffic volume and data from one or more additional sources.

[0019] In the embodiment, the data from one or more sources includes data related to one or more commands received from the user device, emergency vehicle dispatch, environmental monitoring sensor data, and / or expected astronomical factors.

[0020] In this embodiment, commands received from a user device include instructions from the user to provide individual control of the lighting infrastructure, which provides lighting (e.g., full or minimal lighting) along the user's expected travel route, so that it is provided to the user who has paid a fee.

[0021] In another embodiment, the commands received from the user device include user orders relating to emergency vehicles and / or service vehicles requesting lighting from the current location to a destination, or along the expected travel route of the emergency vehicles and / or service vehicles.

[0022] In these embodiments, the expected travel path may be one or more travel paths pre-specified by the user, or travel paths determined substantially in real time based on real-time tracking of the geographical location of the user's device and / or the vehicle the user is using for travel.

[0023] In the embodiment, data related to the dispatch of an emergency vehicle includes information about the expected route of the emergency vehicle or similar vehicle (e.g., ambulance, police car, etc.). For example, public lighting infrastructure along the expected route of the dispatched emergency vehicle is controlled to be fully illuminated (without dimming) so as to ensure maximum brightness along the route the emergency vehicle will travel.

[0024] In the embodiment, environmental monitoring sensor data may include information regarding weather warnings and / or forecasts that may affect general visibility, including storms, fog, heavy rain, and hail. For example, affected public lighting infrastructure may have its brightness adjusted for the duration that the weather conditions are expected to persist.

[0025] In an embodiment, the data related to expected astronomical factors includes astronomical factors that may affect general lighting and visibility, such as moonlight and solar eclipses. By way of example, affected public lighting infrastructure adjusts its brightness during periods in which the astronomical factor is expected to persist.

[0026] The present invention contemplates two primary methods of processing received traffic volume data to determine relative traffic volume. In a first embodiment, the method comprises the step of receiving, by one or more processors, a maximum brightness value assigned to one or more lighting devices configured to illuminate a specific infrastructure section based on traffic volume, wherein the predetermined traffic volume is the traffic volume on which the maximum brightness value is based.

[0027] In a second embodiment, the method comprises the step of determining, by one or more processors, a maximum traffic volume recorded in a specific infrastructure section during a specific period among a plurality of historical periods, wherein the predetermined traffic volume is the maximum traffic volume.

[0028] In any one of the first and second embodiments, the traffic volume data identifies a plurality of traffic volume measurements obtained during a most recent period.

[0029] In any one of the first and second embodiments, the most recent period is defined by a predetermined time interval (for example, a 15-minute period).

[0030] In any one of the first and second embodiments, the step of processing received traffic volume data further comprises aggregating the plurality of traffic volume measurements obtained during the most recent period. For example, during a 15-minute period, there may be a plurality of measurements obtained for traffic volume, and the plurality of measurements may be aggregated into a single traffic volume measurement.

[0031] In the first embodiment described above, the relative traffic volume for the most recent period is a proportion of the traffic volume on which the maximum brightness value is based.

[0032] In the second embodiment described above, the relative traffic volume for the most recent period is the proportion of the recorded maximum traffic volume.

[0033] In the first embodiment described above, the maximum brightness value assigned to one or more lighting devices is based on regulatory requirements applicable to a specific infrastructure section for a specific time interval.

[0034] In an example relating to the first embodiment, the maximum brightness value assigned by a regulatory body to one or more lighting fixtures for a specific time interval (e.g., from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.) may be 70% of the maximum brightness that the one or more lighting fixtures can output. This maximum brightness value may be based on a predefined traffic volume of (for example) six vehicles passing through a specific infrastructure section over a 15-minute time interval. If the relative traffic volume for the most recent 15-minute time interval is determined to be three vehicles (i.e., 50% of the relative traffic volume), then one or more lighting fixtures may be controlled to adjust to the brightness occurring substantially in real time, outputting 35% of the maximum brightness (i.e., 50% of the maximum 70% brightness that the lighting fixtures can output based on regulatory requirements).

[0035] Similarly, if the relative traffic volume for the following 15-minute time interval is determined to be 6 vehicles (i.e., 100% relative traffic volume), then the brightness of one or more lighting fixtures may be increased from 35% back to 70% (i.e., back to 100% of the maximum 70% brightness possible for the lighting fixtures based on regulatory requirements). In this way, the maximum brightness established by the regulatory body is always maintained while traffic volume is at its peak, and therefore complies with regulatory requirements. Furthermore, lighting fixtures may be dimmed to their maximum brightness according to the actual observable traffic volume, which represents less than 100% of the traffic volume at any given time.

[0036] In an example relating to the second embodiment described above, the maximum traffic volume recorded in a particular infrastructure section during a specific period (e.g., the preceding 15 minutes of traffic monitoring) might be one pedestrian and 73 vehicles (i.e., an aggregated traffic volume of 74). A later recorded traffic volume (e.g., a very recent recorded traffic volume relating to the very recent period) equivalent to less than 100% of the aggregated traffic volume (e.g., 37 vehicles representing 50% of the relative traffic volume) would, accordingly, send a command to the relevant lighting management system to adjust the existing lighting of one or more lighting fixtures in virtually real time.

[0037] In any of the embodiments described herein, traffic volume includes a count of the number of pedestrians and / or vehicles passing through the infrastructure area. The number of pedestrians and / or vehicles can be determined using one or more artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, for example, a machine learning algorithm trained to determine whether a moving object is a passing pedestrian and / or vehicle.

[0038] In any one of the above embodiments, the vehicle may include, but is not limited to, a bicycle, motorcycle, scooter, electric scooter, automobile, truck, tram, and / or bus.

[0039] In any one of the embodiments described above, one or more artificial intelligence technologies are used in a number of additional steps described herein, including processing traffic volume data to determine relative traffic volume.

[0040] In any one of the embodiments described above, the lighting management system can specify the lighting level to be applied to one or more lighting fixtures in substantially real time. For example, this may take the form of a command to increase (i.e., brighten) the existing lighting level of one or more lighting fixtures, or an instruction to decrease (i.e., dim) the existing lighting level of one or more lighting fixtures.

[0041] In any one of the embodiments described above, the lighting management system can apply specific lighting levels based on relative traffic volume determined within a predetermined range. In a particular embodiment, there may be three specific lighting levels (e.g., 30%, 70%, and 100%). In this embodiment, if the relative traffic volume is determined to be less than 25% of the predetermined traffic volume, one or more lighting fixtures are turned on at 30% output; if the relative traffic volume is determined to be between 25% and 50% of the predetermined traffic volume, one or more lighting fixtures are turned on at 70% output; and if the relative traffic volume is determined to be greater than 50% of the predetermined traffic volume, one or more lighting fixtures are turned on at 100% output.

[0042] The aforementioned relative traffic volume bands of 0 to 24%, 25 to 50%, and 51 to 100%, as well as the corresponding lighting level adjustments of 30%, 70%, and 100%, are described for illustrative purposes only. Experienced readers will understand that the invention is not limited to any one of these examples. It should also be understood that lighting profiles are often selected according to desired parameters relevant to a particular application and / or in consideration of regulatory requirements within a particular jurisdiction.

[0043] In any one of the embodiments described above, traffic volume data is received from one or more traffic sensors associated with a particular infrastructure section. One or more traffic sensors may, for example, utilize image recognition technology for monitoring traffic volume based on still images or videos of the infrastructure section. The traffic volume data may also include data from radar, lidar, or heatmap measurements, or any alternative means of detecting movement within a given infrastructure section.

[0044] In any one of the embodiments described above, the method may further include the step of having one or more processors receive feedback from a lighting management system regarding the current lighting status of each of one or more lighting devices.

[0045] In any one of the above embodiments, communication with the lighting management system may be affected at the application programming interface (API) level.

[0046] In any one of the above embodiments, data from one or more traffic sensors may be provided in JSON format.

[0047] In any one of the above embodiments, one or more lighting devices include hardware (e.g., an LCU) attached to the lighting device, which directly receives commands to adjust the existing lighting, thereby making the lighting output of the lighting device adjustable. In an alternative embodiment, a remote control system receives commands to adjust the lighting, and in response, the hardware (e.g., an LCU) attached to the lighting device adjusts the existing lighting as appropriate.

[0048] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a computer implementation system for dynamically controlling infrastructure lighting, comprising: receiving traffic volume data; determining the traffic volume recorded in a particular infrastructure section in substantially real time; receiving the maximum brightness value of one or more lighting devices configured to illuminate the particular infrastructure section according to the traffic volume; processing the received traffic volume data by determining the relative traffic volume by comparing the traffic volume recorded in the particular infrastructure section with the traffic volume to which the maximum brightness value applies; and operating a lighting management system in substantially real time to control the lighting of one or more lighting devices, wherein the lighting management system controls the lighting based on the determined relative traffic volume related to the particular infrastructure section.

[0049] In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a non-temporary computer-readable medium comprising computer instruction code that causes one or more processors at runtime to perform each of the following steps: receiving traffic volume data and determining the traffic volume recorded in a particular infrastructure section in substantially real time; processing the received traffic volume data by determining the relative traffic volume by comparing the traffic volume recorded in the particular infrastructure section with a predetermined traffic volume in the particular infrastructure section; and controlling the lighting of one or more lighting devices by operating a lighting management system in substantially real time, which adjusts the lighting of one or more lighting devices according to the determined relative traffic volume associated with the particular infrastructure section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. [Figure 1] In particular, a schematic diagram of the system according to an embodiment of the present invention that details the interactions between various system components. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram relating to the exemplary server components in the system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary process that allows a user to use a data communication device to create, download, and / or install a software application, and then access and register that software application for interaction with the system shown in Figure 1 (including managing the lighting levels of specific infrastructure). [Figure 4a] A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary process in which a server component receives traffic volume data acquired using traffic sensors associated with a specific infrastructure section, processes it, and enables users to view traffic volume and related information virtually in real time using their own data communication devices. [Figure 4b] This table shows traffic volume information created based on the processing of traffic volume data acquired at 15-minute intervals between 6:00 PM and 12:30 PM. [Figure 5a] A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary process in which a server component receives traffic volume data acquired using traffic sensors associated with a specific infrastructure section, processes it to determine the relative traffic volume associated with that specific infrastructure section, and then controls the lighting management system associated with that specific infrastructure section based on the relative traffic volume. [Figure 5b] A table showing relative traffic volume determined according to traffic volume data acquired at 15-minute intervals between 6:00 PM and 12:30 PM, along with the illumination level of one or more lighting devices determined according to the relative traffic volume. [Figure 5c] The figure shows a first example of displaying information regarding the relative traffic volume bandwidth and corresponding lighting levels, and a second example of displaying live data including the relative traffic volume determined for the most recent 15-minute period and the corresponding light intensity at which one or more lighting devices are activated according to the relative traffic volume. [Figure 5d] A graph showing power savings and additional information as a function of time, resulting from controlling one or more lighting fixtures based on the determined relative traffic volume. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates an embodiment in which communication between a lighting management system used to control the lighting of one or more lighting devices and a user's data communication device utilizes an Application Programming Interface (API). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0051] For the sake of brevity and ease of explanation, this disclosure will be described with reference to its embodiments. The following description includes many specific details to better understand this disclosure. However, it is clear that this disclosure can be implemented without being limited to these specific details. In other examples, some features are not described in detail to avoid obscuring this disclosure.

[0052] In this specification, references to “lighting devices” are intended to include any new or existing form of lighting devices configured for use in infrastructure (e.g., LED lighting fixtures used for street lighting). Furthermore, references to “one or more lighting devices” are understood to include a single lighting device or a group of lighting devices located within the same geographical area (i.e., lighting of lighting devices within the same geographical area that can be controlled by a single command). Furthermore, references to “lighting management systems” in this specification include any type of system, including a control management system (CMS) to which lighting control units (LCUs) or other electronic components related to lighting devices are operationally connected and controlled. Naturally, a skilled reader will understand that a CMS may consist of a single centralized CMS (which centrally receives data and operates to control the lighting system) or a system with multiple independent CMSs (which collectively receive data related to the lighting controlled by each CMS unit). A system with multiple independent CMS units operates effectively according to a distributed (non-centralized) configuration. In this configuration, independent CMS units may or may not be interconnected and communicate with each other, and each CMS unit can control individual groups of lighting fixtures within the network of all controlled lighting fixtures. Furthermore, a hybrid configuration combining centralized and distributed CMS configurations can also be employed.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a system and method for dynamically controlling infrastructure lighting as shown in the accompanying drawings. The system and method provides a platform for hosting a computer executable software application (40), which is accessible by a user (30).

[0054] The platform may be provided by a central server (20) or other hardware device having a similar configuration, which includes one or more processors and / or databases for performing the functions described herein. Such functions include receiving traffic volume data (e.g., from one or more traffic sensors (55) configured to record traffic volume (60) in a particular infrastructure section (65)), including the amount of pedestrians, vehicles, etc. (67) recorded as moving through a particular infrastructure section (65). This function further includes processing the received traffic volume data by comparing the traffic volume (60) recorded in the particular infrastructure section (65) with a predetermined traffic volume to determine a relative traffic volume (75). The server (20) further sends commands in substantially real time to a lighting management system (80) capable of controlling the lighting of one or more lighting devices (70). These commands cause the lighting management system (80) to adjust the existing lighting based on at least the determined relative traffic volume (75).

[0055] A predetermined traffic volume can be recorded in several ways. For example, a server (20) receives a maximum brightness value assigned to one or more lighting devices (70) configured to illuminate a specific infrastructure section (65) based on traffic volume. Here, the predetermined traffic volume is the traffic volume on which the maximum brightness value is based. The received traffic volume data may be processed by determining a relative traffic volume (75) by comparing the most recent (e.g., virtually real-time) recorded traffic volume (60) in the specific infrastructure section (65) with the traffic volume on which the maximum brightness value is based.

[0056] In a second alternative example, the server (20) stores historical data relating to traffic volume recorded over multiple historical periods. In this embodiment, a maximum traffic volume is recorded in a specific infrastructure section (65) during a specific period among the multiple historical periods, and thus a predetermined traffic volume becomes the maximum traffic volume. In this way, the received traffic volume data is processed by comparing the most recently recorded traffic volume (60) in the specific infrastructure section (65) with the previously recorded maximum traffic volume. In this embodiment, the previously recorded maximum traffic volume may increase as additional traffic volume measurements are recorded, and thus any newly recorded maximum traffic volume becomes a new predetermined traffic volume compared to the incoming traffic volume.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will understand that the platform and associated hardware provide solutions to existing problems related to the implementation and control of infrastructure lighting devices. Rather than maintaining a constant brightness or controlling the lighting device (70) based only on assumed, theoretical, or predefined time points, the platform aims to adjust the existing brightness of the lighting device (70) in accordance with the actual traffic volume at any given time point while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.

[0058] The solutions described herein not only result in improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact (by controlling lighting systems to operate at the lowest possible lighting levels), but also ensure that regulatory bodies, pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, and others are provided with sufficient lighting during peak traffic hours, regardless of the time of day they are passing through specific infrastructure sections.

[0059] Figure 1 is divided into segments, which are further expanded in Figures 2 through 6. Specifically, segment 200 in Figure 1 shows a server component (20) configured to communicate with a software application (40) running on a user's (30) data communication device (50).

[0060] Those skilled in the art will see that the software application (40) may be a mobile application or a web application, and similarly, the device (50) used by the user (30) may be a portable device such as a mobile phone or laptop, or a fixed-location device such as a personal computer (not shown).

[0061] With respect to the server components (20) further detailed in Figure 2, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the steps described herein can be performed on the device (50), and such operations are facilitated by software applications (40) running on each device. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the server (20) is programmed to provide most or all of the functions described herein, particularly when it is not locally provided on the user device (50) or when it is technically or commercially impractical to implement such a configuration. In other words, the steps described herein, performed on the device (50) or its components, may be related to the functionality of hardware or systems located outside the device, such as a remote central server (20), a lighting management system (80), a lighting device (70), a lighting control unit associated with the lighting device, or other electronic components (i.e., a distributed architecture). In this regard, different arrangements are possible, and alternative variants will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0062] Segment 300 in Figure 1 illustrates how a server (20) communicates with a device (50) associated with a user (30). In one example, the server (20) may receive data from the device (50) for the purpose of creating a user account (e.g., based on details entered by the user (30)). Segment 300 in Figure 1 further illustrates how the user (30) downloads and installs an application (40), and then accesses the application's interface (160) to open a user account. Segment 400 in Figure 1 illustrates an example of how traffic data and other data (e.g., driving speed, traffic density, near-miss data, etc.) are acquired in virtually real-time using one or more traffic sensors (55), and the processed data can later be viewed in the user interface (170), as further detailed in Figure 4.

[0063] Segment 500 in Figure 1 provides additional examples of how real-time traffic data for an infrastructure section (65) is acquired using traffic sensors (55), how such data is processed to determine relative traffic volume (75) (viewed in interface (180)), and how the determined relative traffic volume (75) is used to create commands during operation of a lighting management system (80) responsible for controlling the lighting levels of one or more lighting fixtures (70) (i.e., to adjust the existing lighting of the lighting fixtures (70) in virtually real time on demand). Each command may include a lighting ratio adjustment (82) applied to the existing lighting of one or more lighting fixtures (70), and such commands can be transmitted through a suitable data communication network infrastructure (85). Alternatively, as further detailed in Figure 6, commands sent to the lighting management system (80) (and the feedback received from the system) (e.g., the current lighting levels of one or more lighting fixtures (70)) are transmitted via an application programming interface (API) that enables communication between applications.

[0064] As previously mentioned, Figure 2 provides a more detailed view of segment 200 of Figure 1, specifically showing a server component (20) including the infrastructure on which the platform of the present invention operates. Such infrastructure may be local or cloud-based. The central server (20) may operate one or more computer processors and maintain one or more databases to enable the following functionality or storage: A user account register (100) that stores user (30) details (e.g., name, address, contact details, and any additional details appropriate for the purpose of identifying each user). Additional details that may be stored in the user account register (100) include details related to a specific infrastructure segment (65) assigned to a particular user (30) for administrative purposes; A traffic sensor database (105) that stores details related to the number, type, and location of traffic sensors (55), for which traffic volume data is retrieved with the aim of determining virtually real-time traffic volume for a specific infrastructure section (65); A lighting device and lighting management system database (110) that stores details related to the number, type, location, etc., of lighting devices (70) and their associated management systems (80) related to commands created for the purpose of adjusting the existing lighting (luminance) levels of one or more lighting devices (70) located in a specific infrastructure section (65) based on relative traffic volume; • A data library (115) that stores data sent and received from the server (20), as well as the results of processing that data for the purpose of creating a historical record of all inputs and outputs. For example, the data to be stored may include traffic volume data received from traffic sensors (55), aggregated traffic volume measurements, lighting level data received from the lighting management system (80), determined relative traffic volume, and data on the extent to which the lighting of a particular lighting device (70) is adjusted (82) based on the determined relative traffic volume. Such data may also include timestamps and indications of the time period to which the data pertains. For example, a timestamp may indicate the date and time when a particular data was recorded, or the date and time when a particular command was made in the lighting management system (80). The data library (115) may store various additional data, and it will be recognized that the library (115) will form a broad data resource from which users (30) or administrators can extract information, either directly or via API, in the form of reports, graphs, etc., for analysis and other purposes, including evaluating the performance of the platform (such as energy saving); • A data processing function (120) for processing incoming data, including user input commands for creating relevant outputs, for the purpose of making appropriate decisions as described herein. For example, the data processing capability of the server (20) may be responsible for processing incoming traffic volume data for the purpose of determining the number and type of traffic (e.g., identifying how many pedestrians, vehicles, etc., are passing through an infrastructure section (65) in a particular period (e.g., the most recent 15-minute period)), processing lighting device data which may include data received from one or more regulatory bodies for identifying the maximum brightness value assigned to lighting devices (70) configured to illuminate a particular infrastructure section (65) based on a predetermined traffic volume, and determining the relative traffic volume (75) for the most recent period. The function (120) having processed data may provide relevant processed data for the lighting management system (80) to act on the determination that adjustments are needed to the current lighting level based on the determined relative traffic volume (75) for the relevant infrastructure section (65). One or more artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms may be used to assist the server function (120) in processing the data; For example, a warning / notification function (125) that generates warnings and / or notifications and makes them available to the user (30) on the device (50), including when feedback from one or more lighting management systems (80) indicates a malfunction (e.g., a particular lighting device (70) is inoperable); For example, a payment gateway (130) that enables the processing of financial transactions requested using the functionality of a software application (40), including payments for ongoing subscription fees to platform administrators and payments to regulatory bodies for searching relevant information; and • An application programming interface (API) function (135) that enables integration and communication between a software application (40) running on a user device (30) and an application related to a lighting management system (80).

[0065] Figure 2 also shows a server (20) configured to enable communication (140) with the devices (50) and, in particular, with software applications (40) running on each device. Such communication takes place over the Internet or a similar network.

[0066] Figure 3 provides a more detailed view of segment 300 of Figure 1, specifically the steps by which a user (30) installs (150) a software application (40) on their device (50) and subsequently accesses a user login and registration interface (160) associated with the application (40). Such access may be granted after the user (30) has installed the application. Installation is performed by downloading the application (40) from an application store. Each user (30) can use the application (40) to create an account (which may include a user profile), and the account / profile information can be stored in a user account register (100).

[0067] Figure 4a illustrates how traffic sensors (55) are used to detect traffic volume (60) associated with segment 400 of Figure 1, in particular, with a specific infrastructure section (65). The traffic sensors (55) may utilize image recognition technology for monitoring traffic volume based on still images or videos of the infrastructure section, for example. Traffic volume data may also include data from radar, lidar, or heatmap measurements, or any alternative means of detecting movement within the infrastructure section.

[0068] Once a user (30) accesses the application (40), the user (30) can view stored and currently recorded information, including information about traffic volume (60) recorded in one or more specific infrastructure sections (65) to which the user (30) has access. Thus, the user (30) can view the traffic volume data and use it as needed for analytical purposes. Such information can be displayed on the interface (170), and Figure 4b provides an example of the type of data accessed by the user (30). In the particular embodiment illustrated, the received traffic volume data represents traffic volume measurements taken at 15-minute intervals between 6:00 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., with the number of detected pedestrians, vehicles, etc. (67) aggregated into one traffic volume measurement (60).

[0069] Vehicles (67) include, but are not limited to, bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, electric scooters, automobiles, trucks, trams and / or buses:

[0070] Figure 5a shows in more detail the use of traffic sensors (55) configured to similarly acquire traffic volume data related to a specific infrastructure section (65) over a 15-minute interval between 6:00 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. of the segment 500 of Figure 1. In addition, Figure 5a shows additional information that the server (20) determines based on the reception of traffic volume data, including, for example, the relative traffic volume (75) determined for each 15-minute interval and the corresponding lighting levels (82) of one or more lighting devices (70) related to the specific infrastructure section (65) adjusted based on the determined relative traffic volume (75).

[0071] The percentage of the lighting level (82) may directly correlate with the percentage of the most recently recorded relative traffic volume (75) compared to a given traffic volume (for example, in a one-to-one relationship, if the percentage is 80%, the lighting level will be adjusted to 80% of the lighting level), but a more appropriate assumption would be that there are relative traffic volume bands (e.g., 0 to 24%, 25 to 50%, and 51 to 100%), as shown in the table in Figure 5b, and the lighting levels are adjusted to 50%, 75%, and 100%, respectively (as just one example). The present invention is not limited to this example, and as previously stated, lighting profiles will often be selected according to desired parameters related to a particular application and / or taking into account regulatory requirements within a particular jurisdiction.

[0072] Furthermore, two methods for determining a predetermined traffic volume related to a specific infrastructure section (65) on which newly recorded traffic volumes (60) are compared are described earlier. In the first embodiment described, a maximum brightness value previously assigned to one or more lighting devices (70) configured to illuminate a specific infrastructure section (65) based on a predetermined traffic volume is received. In that embodiment, the predetermined traffic volume is the predetermined traffic volume. Thus, using the example shown in Figure 5b, the predetermined traffic volume on which the maximum brightness is based is 122, such that a relative traffic volume of approximately 60% is determined by the recorded traffic volumes of 74. Since 60% falls within the traffic volume range of 51 to 100%, the illumination level of the lighting devices (70) is adjusted (or maintained) to 100%.

[0073] It should be understood that the maximum brightness value assigned to one or more lighting devices (70) does not necessarily represent the maximum brightness that the lighting devices (70) can output. In another example related to the first embodiment, the maximum brightness value assigned to one or more lighting devices (70) by a regulatory body (not shown) for a particular time interval (e.g., from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.) may be 70% of the maximum brightness that can be achieved using one or more lighting devices (70). This maximum brightness value may be based on the traffic volume of six vehicles (for example) passing through a particular infrastructure section (65) over a 15-minute time interval. If the relative traffic volume (75) for the most recent 15-minute time interval is determined to be three vehicles (i.e., 50% relative traffic volume), then one or more lighting devices (70) may be controlled to output 35% of the maximum brightness (i.e., 50% of the maximum 70% brightness that the lighting devices (70) can achieve based on regulatory requirements).

[0074] Similarly, if the relative traffic volume for the following 15-minute interval is determined to be 6 vehicles (i.e., 100% relative traffic volume), then the brightness of one or more lighting fixtures (70) may be increased from 35% back to 70% (i.e., back to 100% of the maximum 70% brightness possible for the lighting fixtures based on regulatory requirements). In this way, the maximum brightness established by the regulatory body is always maintained while traffic volume is at its peak, and therefore complies with regulatory requirements.

[0075] In the second embodiment described, the maximum traffic volume recorded in a specific infrastructure section (65) during a specific period of multiple historical periods represents a predetermined traffic volume. Therefore, if the maximum traffic volume recorded over multiple historical periods is 122, then the subsequently recorded traffic volume of 74 will result in a relative traffic volume of approximately 60%. Since 60% falls within the 51-100% traffic volume range, the lighting level of the lighting device (70) is adjusted (or maintained) at 100%.

[0076] It should be understood that traffic volume can be a measure of how many pedestrians and / or vehicles (67) pass through an infrastructure section (65). The number of pedestrians and / or vehicles (67) can be determined using one or more artificial intelligence (AI) techniques (e.g., machine learning algorithms trained to identify whether a moving object is a passing pedestrian and / or vehicle). One or more AI techniques can be utilized across several additional steps described herein, including processing traffic volume data to determine relative traffic volume (75).

[0077] It will be recognized that the data used to influence commands created by the lighting management system (80) regarding the lighting of lighting devices (70) may include data other than traffic data. For example, data may be received from one or more additional sources, and the lighting management system (80) may operate to adjust the existing lighting of one or more lighting devices (70) based on data from one or more additional sources, as well as the determined relative traffic volume. In one example, data regarding road safety regulations may be received and used so that commands created by the lighting management system (80) are matched against those road safety regulations through an algorithm. In another example, the additional data may include commands received from one or more user devices, including instructions from users to provide lighting for the user's expected travel route. In this regard, an individual may pre-specify travel routes that require full lighting and pay a fee for full lighting (or minimum level of lighting) for the relevant time for the duration of the travel. Alternatively, an individual may request brighter lighting for a travel route determined according to their current geographical location by their personal device (e.g., smartphone) or the vehicle they are using to travel.

[0078] A system may be provided to ensure fully illuminated travel paths for individuals walking, cycling, or traveling by car. This may be offered to the general public on a "service fee" basis, while the system may be automatically activated for emergency vehicles and / or maintenance vehicles. In such cases, these vehicles will be provided with full or minimal illumination based on their respective geographical location at any given time, and depending on their travel path toward their destination, or any changes to that path.

[0079] In another example, additional data relates to the dispatch of emergency vehicles and includes information about the expected route of the emergency vehicles. In this example, the brightness of the public lighting fixture (70) is adjusted to fully illuminate (without dimming) the expected route of the dispatched emergency vehicles, ensuring maximum brightness along the route of the emergency vehicles.

[0080] In further examples, additional data may include environmental monitoring sensor data, including information on climate warnings and / or forecasts (including information on expected storms, fog, heavy rain, hail, etc.), as well as expected astronomical factors (such as moonlight and solar eclipses), all of which are likely to affect general lighting and / or visibility in specific infrastructure sections.

[0081] This additional data would be useful not only for users of the lighting management system, but also for other users they might interact with.

[0082] Figure 5c shows an illustrative interface (190) for a “Settings” display of illustrative information, including information on relative traffic bandwidth and corresponding lighting levels for a specific infrastructure section (65) relevant to a particular user (30). Also shown is a second illustrative interface (210) that can display live data and corresponding graphs to the user (30), including the most recent determined traffic volume (60), determined relative traffic volume (75), and the (i.e., current) lighting levels (82) applied based on the determined relative traffic volume (75). Figure 5d shows yet another graph representing power savings and additional information as a function of time, the data of which is searchable from a data library (115). None of the values ​​shown in the graphs of Figure 5d are intended to represent exact values ​​based on the data shown in, for example, Figures 4b, 5b, or 5c, and are shown for illustrative purposes only.

[0083] Figure 6 provides a more detailed view of segment 600 of Figure 1, and in particular illustrates an exemplary method for communicating with the lighting management system (80) (i.e., using an application programming interface (API) or other suitable means).

[0084] Lighting devices related to infrastructure may already have an LCU installed that is configured to transmit data to a CMS. Each CMS may be provided by the same vendor that supplies the LCU, and each vendor's specific system may differ in its functionality and connectivity. The system and method of the present invention can be implemented to control any given CMS, regardless of the vendor of the installed and in-use CMS / LCU or the configuration in which the LCU is connected to the CMS. Such a configuration can be achieved when hardware (e.g., an LCU) installed in or incorporated into the lighting device (70) provides a dimming profile (i.e., one that allows the lighting output of the lighting device to be adjusted based on commands received by the hardware from a lighting management system (80)) to adjust existing lighting.

[0085] Since the function of the LCU for adjusting the lighting of a lighting device is built into the lighting device itself, one or more lighting devices (e.g., light fixtures) would not require an LCU or similar hardware attached to them, and it would be recognized that such functionality could also be assisted using one or more artificial intelligence technologies (e.g., the incorporation of AI software program elements). In one example of such a configuration, a traffic control device within the lighting device could be utilized, in which case this device would be programmed to control the LEDs associated with the lighting device by referring to data received by the control device within the lighting device.

[0086] It will also be recognized that any data may be used to create commands for such hardware (e.g., LCU), and such commands may be transmitted either directly from the lighting management system (80) or through a remote control system (not shown in the figure) which is not necessarily a CMS.

[0087] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention enables the dynamic adjustment of lighting profiles associated with infrastructure in substantially real time by operating a lighting management system. In this process, commands are issued considering a variety of additional data potentially available from numerous sources (e.g., environmental monitoring data and ambient temperature / illuminance data) in addition to the determined relative traffic volume (i.e., traffic volume determined based on data received from traffic sensors (55)). Analysis of the received data is performed to determine the optimal dimming profile for the infrastructure section. New data is continuously received and analyzed to provide dynamic updates to the dimming profiles of the associated lighting devices.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the server (20) performs a centralized analysis of the acquired data to determine the lighting profile, and the versatility of the system does not depend on any specific proprietary configuration or settings. Therefore, users can purchase, install, and use the system without including proprietary components that may restrict the purchaser / installer in the future operation and maintenance of the installed system and its components.

[0089] One or more of the devices described herein may include additional functions, and may integrate multiple functions within a single device. These functions may include, but are not limited to, video capture, traffic detection software, wireless communication, data transfer coding, power supply, backup battery operation in the event of a power outage, and heat dissipation mechanisms.

[0090] Those skilled in the art will understand that numerous variations and / or modifications are possible to the inventions detailed in the embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions described more broadly. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein should be considered illustrative and not limiting in all embodiments.

[0091] In this specification and the following claims, unless otherwise required by context, the word “comprise,” and variations such as “comprises,” and “comprising,” are understood to mean that they include the described feature or step, or group of features or steps, but not that they exclude any other feature or step, or group of features or steps. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 20 Central Server 30 users 40 Software Applications 50 Data communication devices 55 Traffic Sensors 65 Infrastructure Sections 67 people, bicycles, vehicles, etc. 70 Lighting devices 80 Lighting Management Systems 85. Data Communication Network Infrastructure 100 User Account Register 105 Traffic Sensor Database 115 Data Library 120 Server Functions 125 Warning / Notification Function 130 Payment Gateway 135 Application Programming Interface Function 140 Communications 160, 170, 190, 210 Interfaces

Claims

1. A computer implementation method for dynamically controlling infrastructure lighting, A step in which one or more processors receive traffic volume data and determine the traffic volume recorded in a specific infrastructure section in virtually real time, The steps of processing received traffic volume data by having one or more processors determine a relative traffic volume by comparing the substantially real-time traffic volume recorded in the specific infrastructure section with a predetermined traffic volume for the specific infrastructure section, and A step of operating a lighting management system that uses one or more processors to control the lighting of one or more lighting devices in substantially real time, and adjusting the lighting of the one or more lighting devices in accordance with the relative traffic volume, Computer implementation methods, including those mentioned above.

2. The computer implementation method according to claim 1, wherein the step of activating the lighting management system includes issuing one or more commands to increase or decrease the lighting and transmitting the commands to the one or more lighting devices in substantially real time.

3. The steps include: one or more processors receiving data from one or more additional sources, and A step of activating the lighting management system and adjusting the existing lighting of one or more lighting devices based on the determined relative traffic volume and data received from one or more additional suppliers, The computer implementation method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. The data received from one or more additional suppliers is General natural light conditions collected and reported in virtually real time for one or more infrastructure sections, Commands received from one or more user devices, including instructions to provide lighting along the user's expected movement path, Information regarding the dispatch of emergency vehicles, including information on the planned destination and / or expected route of the emergency vehicles. Environmental monitoring sensor data, including information on climate warnings and / or forecasts that may affect general lighting and visibility in one or more infrastructure sections, and Predicted astronomical factors, including information on factors that may affect general lighting and visibility in one or more infrastructure sections. The computer implementation method according to claim 3, which includes data related to one or more of the following.

5. The expected route of either an emergency vehicle or a user, A pre-specified travel route, or A travel route determined substantially in real time based on substantially real-time tracking of the geographical location of the user device and / or the emergency vehicle, The computer implementation method according to claim 4, wherein one or more of the above.

6. The computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined traffic volume on which the recorded traffic volume is compared is a traffic volume related to the maximum brightness value assigned to one or more lighting devices used to illuminate the specific infrastructure section.

7. The aforementioned traffic volume data identifies multiple traffic volume measurements taken during the most recent period defined by a predetermined time interval. The multiple traffic volume measurements obtained during the most recent period are aggregated to generate a single traffic volume measurement. The computer implementation method according to claim 6, wherein the relative traffic volume is determined with respect to the most recent period as the proportion of the traffic volume to which the maximum brightness is applied.

8. The computer implementation method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the maximum brightness value assigned to one or more lighting devices conforms to regulatory requirements applicable to a specific infrastructure section for a specific period of time.

9. The computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined traffic volume compared to the recorded traffic volume is the maximum traffic volume recorded in the specific infrastructure section during a specific period of a plurality of historical periods.

10. The aforementioned traffic volume data identifies multiple traffic volume measurements taken during the most recent period defined by a predetermined time interval. The multiple traffic volume measurements obtained during the most recent period are aggregated to generate a single traffic volume measurement. The computer implementation method according to claim 9, wherein the relative traffic volume is determined as a percentage of the recorded maximum traffic volume with respect to the most recent period.

11. The computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the traffic volume includes a count of the number of pedestrians and / or vehicles passing through the infrastructure section, and determining the number of pedestrians and / or vehicles is facilitated by using one or more artificial intelligence techniques to determine whether a moving object is a passing pedestrian and / or vehicle.

12. The command transmitted to the aforementioned lighting management system is A command to increase the existing illumination of one or more of the aforementioned lighting devices in order to achieve the specified illumination, or A command to reduce the existing illumination of one or more of the aforementioned lighting devices in order to achieve the specified illumination, A computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which defines a lighting level applied substantially in real time to one or more lighting devices, including the above.

13. The computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the step of activating the lighting management system applies a specific level of lighting based on the relative traffic volume determined within a predetermined range.

14. If the relative traffic volume is determined to be less than 25% of the predetermined traffic volume, one or more lighting devices will be turned on at 30% of their maximum brightness output. If the relative traffic volume is determined to be between 25% and 50% of the predetermined traffic volume, then one or more lighting devices are turned on at 70% of their maximum brightness output. The computer implementation method according to claim 13, wherein if the relative traffic volume is determined to exceed 50% of the predetermined traffic volume, one or more lighting devices are turned on at 100% of their maximum brightness output.

15. The traffic volume data is received from one or more traffic sensors associated with the specific infrastructure section. The computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein one or more traffic sensors utilize image recognition technology to monitor the traffic volume based on the processing of still images and / or videos in the infrastructure section.

16. The computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein communication between the lighting management system and / or the one or more lighting devices, including feedback regarding the current lighting status of each of the one or more lighting devices, is performed using an application programming interface (API).

17. The computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein one or more lighting devices include a lighting control unit, and the lighting control unit is operably connected to the lighting devices so that it can adjust the lighting output of the lighting devices based on commands received by the lighting control unit from the lighting management system to adjust the lighting of the one or more lighting devices.

18. The computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein multiple infrastructure sections are operably connected to a configuration of multiple lighting management systems having different electronic computing means for adjusting the lighting of the lighting device, and different connectivity between the lighting management system and the electronic computing means, and the method is interoperable with any of the multiple lighting management systems operating to adjust the lighting of the lighting device operably connected thereto.

19. A computer-implemented system for dynamically controlling infrastructure lighting, wherein the system is Includes one or more computer processors, The one or more computer processors mentioned above are By receiving traffic volume data and determining the traffic volume recorded in a specific infrastructure section in virtually real time, The system receives the maximum brightness value of one or more lighting devices configured to illuminate a specific infrastructure section according to the traffic volume, The received traffic volume data is processed by determining the relative traffic volume by comparing the traffic volume recorded in the aforementioned specific infrastructure section with the traffic volume to which the maximum brightness value is applied. A lighting management system is operated in substantially real time to control the lighting of one or more lighting devices, based on the determined relative traffic volume associated with the aforementioned specific infrastructure section. A computer implementation system configured in such a way.

20. A non-temporary computer-readable medium that, at runtime, is accessed by one or more processors: The steps involve receiving traffic volume data and determining the traffic volume recorded in a specific infrastructure section in virtually real time. The steps of processing received traffic volume data by comparing the traffic volume recorded in the aforementioned specific infrastructure section with a predetermined traffic volume in the said specific infrastructure section to determine the relative traffic volume, and A step of controlling the lighting of one or more lighting devices by operating a lighting management system in substantially real time, which adjusts the lighting of one or more lighting devices according to the determined relative traffic volume associated with the specific infrastructure section, A non-temporary, computer-readable medium containing computer instruction code that causes each step to be executed.

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