Systems and methods for improving illumination efficiency in an area of interest

Abstract

Computer implemented methods and systems for improving efficiency of illumination of an area of interest (AOI), at least by: obtaining static data associated with the AOI, the static data comprising at least structural information of one or more parts of the AOI; obtaining one or more illumination properties of one or more light fixtures, available for being used for illumination of the AOI; and determining an illumination plan comprising at least type and positioning layout information of one or more of the light fixtures for illumination of the AOI, based on processing of the static data and the one or more illumination properties of the one or more light fixtures, for increasing efficiency in illumination of the AOI, wherein the illumination efficiency includes at least illuminance efficiency of at least one surface in the AOI.

Description

[0001] SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING ILLUMINATION EFFICIENCY IN AN AREA OF INTEREST

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] [1] The present invention relates to the field of systems and methods for illumination of areas of interest, and more particularly to systems and methods for improving efficiency of illumination of an area of interest (AOI).

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] [2] A light fixture has certain engineering characteristics that are mainly determined by the type of the light fixture. These characteristics, which can be defined as “fixture’s profile”, may relate to the theoretical disbursement of light (pattern, intensity, color, directionality, aperture, etc.) for a given mounting position (such as mounting height, mounting angle, etc.).

[0006] [3] Light fixtures’ performances (emitted light intensity, and sometimes color) often degrades over time. This degradation corresponds to hours of use, ambient temperature, illumination intensity and / or flux etc.

[0007] [4] None of over-lighting and under-lighting is desirable: over-lighting wastes energy and may cause environmental and livability issues and under-lighting an area can cause safety issues, health issues, degraded performance at a task and creates poor visibility.

[0008] [5] Planning illumination for indoor or outdoor environments, facilities or areas is challenging. Many factors can influence how light is distributed in space and some of these factors may change over time. Moreover, illumination requirements may change at each given moment and the illumination itself, even once set to specific illumination properties, may undesirably change in one or more of these illumination properties, for example due to incontrollable environmental influences and / or devices’ failure or degradation.

[0009] [6] In most illumination systems, illumination is typically controlled only by controlling dimming level of light fixtures and / or operation timing control (switching of light fixtures on and off for covering most evening and night hours).

[0010] [7] Patent application publication no. WO2023199669A1 teaches an illumination control system that comprises: an acquisition unit for transmitting, to a server device, data associated with a plurality of illumination devices for individually illuminating a plurality of adjacent areas, each of the areas having established therefor a target value for an illumination environment, and associated with a plurality of sensors for individually sensing a detected value of the illumination environment in the plurality of areas, whereby the acquisition unit acquires, from the server device, control information for reducing a difference between the target value and the detected value in each of the plurality of areas; and a control unit for controlling the plurality of illumination devices using the acquired control information.

[0011] [8] US Patent application publication no. US20120206050A1 teaches an illuminating device coupled with sensors or an image acquisition device and a logical controller allowing illumination intensity and spectrum to be varied according to changing user needs. The system provides illumination to areas according to the principles of correct lighting practice for the optimal performance of visual tasks in the most efficient, cost-effective manner. Aspects of the invention include: lighting fixtures which adapt to ambient lighting, movement, visual tasks being performed, and environmental and personal conditions affecting illumination requirements at any given instant. Lighting fixtures having spatial distribution of spectrum and intensity, providing both ‘‘background” room lighting, and “task” lighting.

[0012] [9] Patent application publication no. WO2016124409A1 teaches a system comprising: one or more road- side illumination sources arranged to emit illumination to illuminate at least part of a road; one or more detectors arranged to detect a value of one or more parameters of a. vehicle travelling on this road or this part of the road, the one or more parameters comprising a type of the vehicle and / or an identity of one or more users of the vehicle; and a controller arranged to control the illumination emitted by the one or more illumination sources, wherein the controller is configured to adapt the illumination in dependence on the detected value or values of the one or more detected parameters.

[0013] SUMMARY

[0014]

[0010] Aspects of disclosed embodiments pertain to a computer implemented method for improving efficiency of illumination of an area of interest (AOI), the method including at least the steps of:

[0015]

[0011] obtaining static data associated with the AOI, the static data comprising at least structural information of one or more parts of the AOI;

[0016]

[0012] obtaining one or more illumination properties of one or more light fixtures, available for being used for illumination of the AOI; and

[0017]

[0013] determining an illumination plan comprising at least type and positioning layout information of one or more of the light fixtures for illumination of the AOI, based on processing of the static data and the one or more illumination properties of the one or more light fixtures, for increasing efficiency in illumination of the AOI, where the illumination efficiency includes at least illuminance efficiency of at least one surface in the AOI.

[0018]

[0014] According to some embodiments, the illumination plan is determined at least by selecting one or more light fixtures for illuminating the AOI and determining positioning layout, for positioning of each selected light fixture.

[0019]

[0015] According to some embodiments, the positioning layout information comprises at least one of:

[0020]

[0016] required installation location of each selected light fixture;

[0021]

[0017] required height of each selected light fixture;

[0022]

[0018] required angle of mounting of each selected light fixture;

[0023]

[0019] required cartographic alignment of each selected light fixture; and / or

[0024]

[0020] required distances between the selected light fixtures.

[0025]

[0021] According to some embodiments, the static data further pertains to one or more of:

[0026]

[0022] one or more optical properties of one or more surfaces of the AOI or one or more parts of the AOI;

[0027]

[0023] optical and / or illumination properties of one or more neighboring areas, neighboring the AOI;

[0028]

[0024] illumination sources proving illumination of one or more surfaces of the AOI and / or within one or more parts of the AOI;

[0029]

[0025] geometry of one or more surfaces of one or more structures at the AOI;

[0030]

[0026] geographical location of the AOI;

[0031]

[0027] vegetation at the AOI and / or at one or more areas neighboring the AOI;

[0032]

[0028] topography of the AOI or at least one part thereof;

[0033]

[0029] types of objects located within the AOI.

[0034]

[0030] According to some embodiments, the one or more illumination properties comprise one or more of:

[0035]

[0031] optical output profile of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0036]

[0032] one or more optical properties of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0037]

[0033] spatial distribution of light emanating from each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0038]

[0034] aperture and / or directionality of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0035] positioning arrangement of each light source of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0039]

[0036] According to some embodiments, the optical profile of each light fixture pertains to spectral properties of emitted light.

[0040]

[0037] According to some embodiments, the method may also include:

[0041]

[0038] obtaining additional dynamic data pertaining to one or more dynamic properties of the AOI; and

[0042]

[0039] controlling one or more light fixtures installed in the AOI based on the received additional dynamic data.

[0043]

[0040] According to some embodiments, the obtained additional data may be processed for determining one or more control actions required for controlling each of the light fixtures installed at the AOI, via one or more controllers of the light fixtures.

[0044]

[0041] According to some embodiments, the additional dynamic data emanates from one or more of: one or more sensors; one or more information sources.

[0045]

[0042] According to some embodiments, the additional dynamic data emanating from the one or more sensors is obtained by receiving sensor data measured in real time or near real time by the one or more sensors positioned in the AOI or near the AOI.

[0046]

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, the one or more information sources provide non-sensory data pertaining to one or more of:

[0047]

[0044] updated weather-related properties at the AOI;

[0048]

[0045] updated ambient and / or natural light properties of the AOI and / or of one or more areas located in proximity to the AOI;

[0049]

[0046] updated human and / or vehicle traffic information relating to updated traffic loads at the AOI;

[0050]

[0047] information pertaining to expected structural changes in the AOI;

[0051]

[0048] vegetation growth cycles in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;

[0052]

[0049] lunar cycles;

[0053]

[0050] solar cycles;

[0054]

[0051] precipitation in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;

[0055]

[0052] ground cover in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;

[0056]

[0053] local activities in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI.

[0057]

[0054] According to some embodiments, the illumination plan may be manually adjustable by a user via a designated adjustment platform operable via one or more user devices and / or automatically adjustable, based on obtained dynamic data.

[0055] Other aspects of disclosed embodiments pertain to a computer implemented system for improving efficiency of illumination of an area of interest (AOI), the system may include:

[0058]

[0056] at least one data repository; and

[0059]

[0057] at least one processor configured at least to:

[0060]

[0058] - obtain static data associated with the AOI, wherein the static data comprises at least structural information of one or more parts of the AOI;

[0061]

[0059] - obtain one or more illumination properties of one or more light fixtures from the at least one data repository, available for being used for illumination of the AOI; and

[0062]

[0060] - determine an illumination plan comprising at least type and positioning layout information of one or more of the light fixtures for illumination of the AOI, based on the static data and the one or more illumination properties of the one or more light fixtures, for increasing efficiency in illumination of the AOI.

[0063]

[0061] According to some embodiments, the illumination plan is determined at least by selecting one or more light fixtures for illuminating the AOI and determining positioning layout, for positioning of each selected light fixture.

[0064]

[0062] According to some embodiments, the positioning layout information comprises at least one of:

[0065]

[0063] required installation location of each selected light fixture;

[0066]

[0064] required height of each selected light fixture;

[0067]

[0065] required angle of mounting of each selected light fixture;

[0068]

[0066] required cartographic alignment of each selected light fixture; and / or

[0069]

[0067] required distances between the selected light fixtures.

[0070]

[0068] According to some embodiments, the static data further pertains to one or more of:

[0071]

[0069] one or more optical properties of one or more surfaces of the AOI or one or more parts of the AOI;

[0072]

[0070] optical and / or illumination properties of one or more neighboring areas, neighboring the AOI;

[0073]

[0071] illumination sources proving illumination of one or more surfaces of the AOI and / or within one or more parts of the AOI;

[0074]

[0072] geometry of one or more surfaces of one or more structures at the AOI;

[0075]

[0073] geographical location of the AOI;

[0076]

[0074] vegetation at the AOI and / or at one or more areas neighboring the AOI;

[0077]

[0075] topography of the AOI or at least one part thereof;

[0078]

[0076] types of objects located within the AOI.

[0077] According to some embodiments, the one or more illumination properties comprise one or more of:

[0079]

[0078] optical output profile of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0080]

[0079] one or more optical properties of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0081]

[0080] spatial distribution of light emanating from each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0082]

[0081] aperture and / or directionality of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0083]

[0082] positioning arrangement of each light source of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0084]

[0083] According to some embodiments, the optical profile of each light fixture pertains to spectral properties of emitted light.

[0085]

[0084] According to some embodiments, the at least one processor may be further configured to:

[0086]

[0085] - obtain additional dynamic data pertaining to one or more dynamic properties of the AOI; and

[0087]

[0086] - control one or more light fixtures installed in the AOI based on the received additional dynamic data.

[0088]

[0087] According to some embodiments, the obtained additional data is processed for determining one or more control actions required for controlling each of the light fixtures installed at the AOI, via one or more controllers of the light fixtures.

[0089]

[0088] According to some embodiments, the additional dynamic data emanates from one or more of: one or more sensors; one or more information sources.

[0090]

[0089] According to some embodiments, the additional dynamic data emanating from the one or more sensors is obtained by receiving sensor data measured in real time or near real time by the one or more sensors positioned in the AOI or near the AOI.

[0091]

[0090] According to some embodiments, the one or more information sources provide non- sensory data pertaining to one or more of:

[0092]

[0091] updated weather-related properties at the AOI;

[0093]

[0092] updated ambient and / or natural light properties of the AOI and / or of one or more areas located in proximity to the AOI;

[0094]

[0093] updated human and / or vehicle traffic information relating to updated traffic loads at the AOI;

[0094] information pertaining to expected structural changes in the AOI;

[0095]

[0095] vegetation growth cycles in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;

[0096]

[0096] lunar cycles;

[0097]

[0097] solar cycles;

[0098]

[0098] precipitation in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;

[0099]

[0099] ground cover in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;

[0100]

[0100] local activities in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI.

[0101]

[0101] According to some embodiments, the illumination plan may be manually adjustable by a user via a designated adjustment platform operable via one or more user devices and / or automatically adjustable, based on obtained dynamic data.

[0102] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0103]

[0102] In order to understand the presently disclosed subject matter and to see how it may be carried out in practice, the subject matter will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0104]

[0103] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of how illumination properties of a light fixture can be addressed to and / or measured;

[0105]

[0104] Fig. 2 is a flowchart, schematically illustrating a process of using static and dynamic data for planning and controlling illumination of an area of interest (AOI), according to some embodiments;

[0106]

[0105] Fig. 3 is a block diagram, schematically illustrating a process of using static and dynamic data for planning and controlling illumination of an AOI, according to some embodiments;

[0107] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0108]

[0106] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0107] In the drawings and descriptions set forth, identical reference numerals indicate those components that are common to different embodiments or configurations.

[0109]

[0108] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as “obtaining“, “identifying”, “performing“, “providing” “moving”, “determining”, “instructing” or the like, and / or any conjugation thereof, include action and / or processes of a computer that manipulates and / or transforms data into other data, said data represented as physical quantities, e.g., such as electronic quantities, and / or said data representing the physical objects. The terms “computer”, “processor”, “processing resource”, “processing circuitry”, and “controller” should be expansively construed to cover any kind of electronic device with data processing capabilities, including, by way of non-limiting example, a personal desktop / laptop computer, a server, a computing system, a communication device, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a smart television, a processor (e.g. digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.), a group of multiple physical machines sharing performance of various tasks, virtual servers co- residing on a single physical machine, any other electronic computing device, and / or any combination thereof.

[0110]

[0109] The operations in accordance with the teachings herein may be performed by a computer specially constructed for the desired purposes or by a general-purpose computer specially configured for the desired purpose by a computer program stored in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The term "non-transitory" is used herein to exclude transitory, propagating signals, but to otherwise include any volatile or non-volatile computer memory technology suitable to the application.

[0111]

[0110] As used herein, the phrase "for example," "such as", "for instance" and variants thereof describe non-limiting embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. Reference in the specification to "one case", "some cases", "other cases" or variants thereof means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. Thus, the appearance of the phrase "one case", "some cases", "other cases" or variants thereof does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s).

[0112]

[0111] It is appreciated that, unless specifically stated otherwise, certain features of the presently disclosed subject matter, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the presently disclosed subject matter, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0113]

[0112] Aspects of disclosed embodiments pertain to systems and method for improving illumination efficiency in at least one area of interest (AOI) by at least one of:

[0114]

[0113] providing at least one computer implementable software -based platform for illumination planning of AOIs; and / or

[0115]

[0114] enabling adjustable automated controlling of one or more AOI illumination properties of installed light fixtures in at least one AOI, based at least on obtained updated scenario information of the AOI pertaining at least to obtainable dynamic properties of the at least one AOI or part(s) thereof.

[0116]

[0115] Reference is now made to Fig. 1 schematically illustrating how illumination properties of a light fixture 1 can be addressed and / or measured:

[0117]

[0116] The flux of light as it emanates from a light fixture 1 can be referred to as luminous flux 2 often measured in lumens units and the intensity of the emanating light from a specific aperture 3 can be referred to as luminous intensity often measured in candelas units;

[0118]

[0117] The intensity or light flux as detected or perceived by a viewer / sensor from a specific point of view, can be referred to as the luminance 4 often measured in intensity per area units such as in candelas per square meter, square millimeter etc.

[0119]

[0118] The spatial distribution of light / flux over an illuminated surface of a specific surface area can be referred to as the illuminance 5 often measured in flux per area units such as in lumens per square meter, square millimeter etc., often shortly referred to as “LUX”.

[0120]

[0119] One objective of the present invention(s) is to improve efficiency of illuminance over one or more surfaces of an AOI by improving illumination planning and / or illumination control, based on one or more calculations that directly address properties including for example structural and / or optical properties of surfaces of objects in the AOI, changes in such properties and how various dynamic and / or static properties of the AOI and of the light fixtures installed in the AOI and / or near the AOI influence illuminance of at least one of these surfaces for improving illumination efficiency by improving illuminance efficiency.

[0121]

[0120] Improving illuminance efficiency of a surface of the AOI refers herein to achieving the highest, the best, and / or to the most energy-efficient in relation to an updated required illuminance over the respective surface.

[0122]

[0121] The surfaces of the AOI being considered for improving illuminance efficiency may include, for example, ground / road / floor surface(s) (herein “ground surface(s)”) of the AOI, walls of one or more objects located within the AOI etc., while static and / or dynamic properties of other surfaces (such as surfaces of objects such as vegetation, passing vehicles, buildings located in the AOI or in proximity to the AOI) may be used (e.g., in addition to the ground / floor / road and / or wall surface(s) properties) for determining the resulting illuminance of the AOI surfaces defined as the surface(s) for illuminance efficiency optimization / improvement.

[0123]

[0122] The sign “ / ” used throughout this document refers to an “and / or” logical statement, meaning that one or more of two or more items, expressions etc. can be considered as encompassed by the stated “ / ” expression.

[0124]

[0123] A light fixture can radiate light at a certain color temperature (3000K, 4000K, etc.), as shown in the Color-Temperature scales of Fig. IB. Some light fixtures may be able to change the color temperature of their light output, for example, from Warm 2,700K (Kelvin) to cold 5,000K. The light level of a light fixture of a given type, mounted at a given position may be adjustable.

[0125]

[0124] For example, some modern light fixtures allow for dimming of the light output in a linear or a logarithmic manner. Dimming capacity may range from 0-100%. Often low levels of dim below a certain percentage are not possible (e.g., Dim levels = 0%, 20%-100%).

[0126]

[0125] A light fixture may be able to change the color of the light output (e.g., White vs Red vs Blue). Each light fixture has certain engineering characteristics that are determined by the fixture type. These characteristics may be described by a specification (which may be considered as at least part of the illumination properties static data of the light fixture) that relates, for example, to the theoretical disbursement properties of light of the specific light fixture (such as pattern, intensity, color(s), directionality, dimming adjustment properties, color adjustment properties, optimal / maximal illuminance and / or luminous flux, illumination adjustability properties, illumination aperture, illumination aperture adjustability properties, etc.) for a given mounting position (such as mounting height, mounting angle, etc.).

[0127]

[0126] The required light property of a light fixture located in the AOI, at a certain timeframe or moment, such as illuminance level, may change over time, depending on various dynamic changes in the AOI such as time of day, rush hour, weather conditions, etc., use (such as rural road, city intersection, etc.), activity (pedestrian and vehicle interactions, pedestrians only, vehicles only, children, etc.).

[0128]

[0127] Embodiments of disclosed systems and methods pertain to one or more computer based tools / platforms / programs enabling obtaining static and / or the dynamic data of an AOI and / or of light fixtures installed therein, for determining at each given moment and / or timeframe required updated illumination properties for each light fixture installed in the AOI, determining, based on the determined updated required illumination properties, one or more required updated illumination control actions for controlling one or more of the light fixtures installed at the AOI, and controlling those one or more installed light fixtures according to the one or more determined updated control actions.

[0129]

[0128] The dynamic data may be obtained by receiving and processing (e.g., in real time or near real time) updated sensor data from one or more sensors sensing / detecting one or more properties of the AOI or one or more parts thereof, or data obtained (e.g., received / retrieved) from one or more external sources such as weather information referring to weather condition and / or temperature expected and / or sensed at the AOI, from one or more weather sources. The dynamic data may also be deduced from other obtained / received dynamic data. For example, weather data indicative of expected temperature and / or precipitation expected at each given moment or timeframe at the AOI area and / or actual real time detected weather sensor data, may be used to deduce updated optical properties of one or more surfaces of one or more object of the AOI. For instance, expected or sensed rain may be used to deduce updated reflectivity level of certain surfaces and expected or sensed snow may be used to deduce updated reflectivity / obscurity / opacity level of surfaces at the AOI, for determining required illumination properties and controlling one or more of the installed light fixtures accordingly, for determining a required illuminance of one or more of the installed light fixtures at the AOI, for achieving the determined updated required illuminance of AOI surface(s), by determining updated required adjustments of one or more illumination properties of these one or more installed light fixtures and adjusting them accordingly.

[0130]

[0129] Determining the reflectivity level of surfaces such as walls, ground / floor / ceilings, etc. of objects such as buildings, roads, rooms etc. located in the AOI, may be crucial for determining the updated and required illuminance level of these surfaces for ultimately determining how the illumination of the AOI or parts thereof should be controlled to achieve the desired / required updated illuminance over these surfaces. Other properties of objects and / or surfaces thereof that may be required to determine updated and required illuminance of these surfaces and how they should be illuminated / adjusted / controlled, may include, for example also: structure and dimensions of objects in the AOI, objects’ positioning, surfaces’ texture, spectral absorption properties of these surfaces, thermal absorption properties of these surfaces / objects, speckle formation properties, and the like. Some of these properties such as positioning, structure etc. may be static information / data and some such as reflectivity may be changeable under varying external conditions such as in response to different weather conditions such as different temperatures, different precipitation conditions, fog, air-pollution etc. Therefore, both static and updated dynamic data of objects / surfaces in the AOI and illumination properties of installed light fixtures may be taken into consideration for determining updated required illuminance of one or more surfaces at the AOI and the manner in which the installed light fixtures should be controlled in order to achieve the updated required illuminance of these surfaces.

[0131]

[0130] Additional static data may be required for determining the required illuminance of surfaces and how to achieve it may include the illumination properties such as locations, positioning (height, location, etc.) of each of the installed light fixtures, adjustability properties of each installed light fixture, optical properties of each of the installed light fixtures such as spectral emission capabilities, intensity capabilities, power consumption properties, aperture capabilities, dimming capabilities, etc. Other sensed or deduced dynamic data pertaining to the surfaces at the AOI may include, for example, cleanlines s / turbidity level, ambient temperature, surfaces temperature, traffic and / or human related activities and / or lights such as traffic and / or home lights in the AOI, etc.

[0132]

[0131] As mentioned above, various sensors may be used to sense various properties of the AOI, objects and / or surfaces therein, nearby / neighboring area(s), etc. Some exemplary properties that may be detected / sensed via one or more sensors may include one or more of:

[0133]

[0132] optical properties of surfaces such as illuminance, light intensity, reflectivity, opacity, turbidity, reflected / scattered light from surfaces, spectral properties, thermal properties;

[0134]

[0133] structural properties of objects in the AOI and / or surfaces thereof;

[0135]

[0134] temperature;

[0136]

[0135] hour of the day;

[0137]

[0136] ambient and / or natural light levels, directionality etc.;

[0138]

[0137] wind;

[0139]

[0138] human and / or vehicles locations, density, traffic load;

[0140]

[0139] traffic light;

[0141]

[0140] activities and / or utilization properties of the AOI.

[0142]

[0141] Various sensors / detectors and sensor data processing means may be used to measure these properties such as, for example, thermometer(s), optical detector(s) such as camera(s), infrared (IR) and / or thermal camera(s); LUX meter(s), etc.

[0143]

[0142] According to some embodiments, an initial static data accumulation process may be required to obtain at least some of the static data required for the illumination plan generation and / or for the illumination control of the specific AOI, including, for example, measuring structural properties of object in the AOI (such as dimensions, positioning, shape, size etc. of objects in the AOI) and properties of surfaces of these objects such as texture, color, relative positioning, etc. of each surface of each object. Installed light fixtures illumination properties and capabilities may also be required to be obtained to serve as an additional static data of the light fixtures.

[0144]

[0143] These exemplary properties of the objects, surfaces and / or light fixtures in the AOI may be obtainable via sensors and / or via external information sources. For example the structural properties of each object in the AOI, and / or its location and positioning in the AOI may be obtainable from topographic information sources or by using topography measuring tools / systems / devices (often requiring the use of one or more transmitter devices / system for scanning the AOI), for creating at least an initial static data of a topographic map of the AOI, indicative of topography of each object in the AOI and optionally also other features such as type of each object (building, room, road, sidewalk, crossroad, traffic light device, department, bridge, passageway, corridor, etc.), texture of surfaces of objects, relative location of each object in respect to another object at the AOI and / or within a stationary (e.g., global) coordinate system.

[0145]

[0144] Ambient light sensors such may be used for adjusting the output of the light fixtures to compensate for the addition of ambient light from other sources such as natural light sources (such as sun, moon, stars, etc.) and / or artificial light sources creating ambient light (such as lights from building or vehicles in the AOI or buildings and / or vehicles located in area(s) adjacent to the AOI, etc.), output adjustments based on ambient light detection may be set to “worst case” conditions.

[0146]

[0145] According to some embodiments, there is provided a system that seeks to deliver the target (required) illumination level (such as updated required illuminance of surfaces in an AOI) in an automated and dynamic manner. The system will ensure that the desired LUX level of one or more defined surfaces at the AOI is achieved according to the determined AOI scenario. The system may be designed to enable to set a desired perceived light level (e.g., LUX level, rather than setting a dim level. The system may allow automatic adjustment of illuminance of the defined one or more surfaces, based on a variety of dynamic and static factors referred to herein also as a “scenario” of the AOI. The system will allow automatic illumination-control based on scenario-association.

[0147]

[0146] According to some embodiments, the system may be configured such that obtained dynamic data and static data are all processed such as to determine an updated scenario of the AOI. For example, dynamic data pertaining to a specific weather condition of the AOI together with the static data of objects’ and surfaces structural and optical properties static data may be associated with a specific scenario of the AOI (herein also “updated AOI scenario”), where each known specific scenario may be associated with one or more required illumination properties for achieving the most efficient illumination of the AOI for the particular updated AOI scenario. The required illumination for the particular updated scenario may be associated with a set of control actions / commands for adjusting one or more of the light fixtures installed at the AOI, for achieving the updated required illumination. The updated required illumination may be designed for achieving the most efficient illuminance of AOI surface(s) (herein also defined as “updated required illumination”).

[0148]

[0147] Reference is now made to Fig. 2, schematically illustrating a computer- implementable / implemented method / process for improving illumination efficiency in an AOI, according to some embodiments. This method may include at least the following steps:

[0149]

[0148] obtaining static data of the AOI (step 10) such as data pertaining to structural properties of surfaces of the AOI and / or of objects located in the AOI;

[0150]

[0149] obtaining illumination properties of available light fixtures (step 11) which may be defined, for each available light fixture known in the system, as “the illumination profile” of the respective available light fixture, where an illumination profile may include, for example, type, illumination properties including for example output intensity properties, dimming adjustment capabilities, spectral properties of the fixture’s output light and adjustment capabilities thereof, positioning capabilities of the light fixture (such as height and / or angular positioning adjustment / range capabilities), aperture and aperture adjustment capability(ies) etc.; and

[0151]

[0150] processing of the obtained static data, available fixtures’ illumination properties and optionally additional information pertaining to AOI to determine (e.g., generate) an illumination plan for illuminating the AOI (step 12).

[0152]

[0151] According to some embodiments, the illumination plan may include the specific light fixtures recommended to be installed at the AOI and their positioning layout at the AOI (relative location and optionally also their direction of illumination, height of the light source(s) of each light fixture selected to be installed etc.

[0153]

[0152] The illumination plan may be designed such as to enable automatic and / or manual adjustment of illumination by automatic and / or manual (e.g., via a designated illumination control platform operable via a user’s device) control over the light fixtures that will be installed at the AOI.

[0153] According to some embodiments, the illumination plan of a specific AOI may include association of possible scenarios at the AOI relating, for example, to different weather scenarios, different times of the day, different ambient light, etc. and also depending on the type of the AOI (e.g., a street section, a house, a public facility such as a hospital or a stadium etc.), with required illuminance of surfaces at the AOI and optionally also by associating each required illuminance of each AOI surface with a different set of control actions / commands / data for controlling one or more installed light fixtures according to the determined updated AOI scenario.

[0154]

[0154] The method may also enable adjusting the determined illumination plan by a user, for example, by defining one or more different light fixtures of different type(s) that are different than those selected to be used in the generated illumination plan, in case those fixtures have not been available for purchasing / acquiring in practice. For example, the user may input the actual light fixtures installed at the AOI and the system may be designed to automatically adjust the illumination plan accordingly.

[0155]

[0155] Additionally or alternatively, at least some of the static data obtained for generating the illumination plan of the AOI may include input data pertaining to light fixture types that are known as available for the particular planner of the AOI illumination.

[0156]

[0156] According to some embodiments, as further shown in Fig. 2, the method may additionally or alternatively enable ongoing automatic and / or manual control over illumination of the AOI at least by including the following steps:

[0157]

[0157] obtaining and processing dynamic data from one or more sensors and / or from one or more additional information sources (step 13) such as weather (at the AOI of at an area that includes the AOI) related dynamic data, ambient light updated dynamic data etc.; and

[0158]

[0158] controlling illumination of the AOI based on processing results of the dynamic data and optionally also based on the illumination plan, mainly for controlling illuminance (LUX) of one or more surfaces of the AOI (step 14).

[0159]

[0159] According to some embodiments, the controlling of the illumination of the AOI, done by controlling (e.g., adjusting) of one or more properties of one or more of the light fixtures installed at the AOI, such as dimming level, illumination direction, illumination intensity, height of a head of the light fixture including the light source(s) of the light fixture, illumination aperture, etc.

[0160]

[0160] The term “aperture” of a light fixture used herein may refer to the angle of radiation of light emitted by light source(s) of the light fixture. Some light fixtures include a capping head often having a concave or curved reflective inner wall that enables all or most light emitted by the light source(s) of the light fixture to be directed through a specific angle / aperture often much lower than 180 degrees for illuminating only a specific limited area or volume of space.

[0161]

[0161] Reference is now made to Fig. 3, schematically illustrating a system 100 for generating illumination plans for AOIs and / or for automatic and optionally also user-input-based controlling of illumination of at least one AOI, according to some embodiments. The system 100 may include at least some of the components of:

[0162]

[0162] (i) a processing and / or control module 110 comprising for example:

[0163]

[0163] at least one processing module such as processing module 111;

[0164]

[0164] at least one control module such as control module 112;

[0165]

[0165] at least one communication module such as communication module 113;

[0166]

[0166] at least one detection module such as detection module 114;

[0167]

[0167] at least one data repository unit such as data repository 115.

[0168]

[0168] According to some embodiments, the processing module 111 may be configured to receive at least static data of the AOI and illumination properties’ related data indicative of illumination properties of available light fixtures, for example, process the received static data to generate an illumination plan of that respective AOI.

[0169]

[0169] Additionally or alternatively, the processing module 111 may be configured to receive static, illumination and updated dynamic data of the AOI and / or of already installed light fixtured at the AOI, and determine how the light fixtures installed at the AOI should be controlled (e.g., by generating updated control actions / information / data / commands), based on the processing of the static, illumination and / or dynamic data.

[0170]

[0170] According to some embodiments, the control module 112 may be configured to enable automatic and / or manual control over installed light fixtures at an AOI, e.g., by controlling any one or more of the following illumination properties of any one of the installed light fixtures, ultimately for controlling illuminance of the controllable installed light fixtures:

[0171]

[0171] dimming level ;

[0172]

[0172] aperture, angular positioning and / or radiation directionality;

[0173]

[0173] light temperature (color) ;

[0174]

[0174] light fixture’s illumination positioning and / or directionality (e.g., by controlling height of a head of the light fixture, controlling configuration of the head, and / or its light source(s) positioning.

[0175]

[0175] According to some embodiments, the communication module 113 may be configured to control communication between the different modules of the processing and control module 110 and / or for communication with external data sources and / or user devices such as with one or more sensors or detection devices located at the AOI or in proximity thereto, and / or with one or more external information sources such as external information source 200, one or more user devices such as user device 50.

[0176]

[0176] According to some embodiments, the system 100 may also be configured for detection of alarming scenarios (such as light fixtures’ failures, short circuits, etc.) and sending and / or displaying of corresponding alerts.

[0177]

[0177] According to some embodiments, each user device 50 may require a designated software application / account access, for one or more of:

[0178]

[0178] viewing state of illumination of an AOI;

[0179]

[0179] remote controlling / adju sting of illumination of the AOI;

[0180]

[0180] viewing and optionally manually adjusting one or more illumination plans of one or more AOIs.

[0181]

[0181] According to some embodiments, at least one designated user interface may be operable via the user device 50 for displaying and / or inputting of information / data to / by the user. Detected alerts may also be displayable through user device(s).

[0182]

[0182] According to some embodiments, the detection module 114 may be configured to receive and optionally also control one or more sensors located at the AOI or in proximity thereto.

[0183]

[0183] According to some embodiments, the data repository 115 may be configured for retrievably and optionally also changeably storing of data at least pertaining to one or more of:

[0184]

[0184] static data of one or more AOIs;

[0185]

[0185] illumination properties of available and / or installed light fixtures;

[0186]

[0186] dynamic data pertaining to each AOI defined in the system;

[0187]

[0187] illumination control related data;

[0188]

[0188] illumination plans;

[0189]

[0189] scenarios related data.

[0190]

[0190] According to some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 3, the system 100 may further include a sensor unit 120 that includes one or more sensors or detection devices / systems such as one or more of: camera, LUX meter, thermometer, infrared (IR) camera / sensor, etc. To be able to sense in real time or near real time one or more properties of the AOI. The sensor unit 120 may be in communication with the processing and control module 110 for enabling the processing and control module 110 to receive and process sensor data, from the one or more sensors, in real time or near real time, for determining a scenario of the AOI and / or for determining required illuminance over each defined surface and its corresponding required illumination properties and updated required light fixture control actions.

[0191]

[0191] EXAMPLES

[0192]

[0192] Example 1 is a computer implemented method for improving efficiency of illumination of an area of interest (AOI), the method comprising at least the steps of:

[0193]

[0193] - obtaining static data associated with the AOI, the static data comprising at least structural information of one or more parts of the AOI;

[0194]

[0194] - obtaining one or more illumination properties of one or more light fixtures, available for being used for illumination of the AOI; and

[0195]

[0195] - determining an illumination plan comprising at least type and positioning layout information of one or more of the light fixtures for illumination of the AOI, based on processing of the static data and the one or more illumination properties of the one or more light fixtures, for increasing efficiency in illumination of the AOI, wherein the illumination efficiency includes at least illuminance efficiency of at least one surface in the AOI.

[0196]

[0196] In example 2, the subject matter of example 1 may include, wherein the illumination plan is determined at least by selecting one or more light fixtures for illuminating the AOI and determining positioning layout, for positioning of each selected light fixture.

[0197]

[0197] In example 3, the subject matter of example 2 may include, wherein the positioning layout information comprises at least one of:

[0198]

[0198] required installation location of each selected light fixture;

[0199]

[0199] required height of each selected light fixture;

[0200]

[0200] required angle of mounting of each selected light fixture;

[0201]

[0201] required cartographic alignment of each selected light fixture; and / or

[0202]

[0202] required distances between the selected light fixtures.

[0203]

[0203] In example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 3 may include, wherein the static data further pertains to one or more of:

[0204]

[0204] one or more optical properties of one or more surfaces of the AOI or one or more parts of the AOI;

[0205]

[0205] optical and / or illumination properties of one or more neighboring areas, neighboring the AOI;

[0206]

[0206] illumination sources proving illumination of one or more surfaces of the AOI and / or within one or more parts of the AOI;

[0207]

[0207] geometry of one or more surfaces of one or more structures at the AOI;

[0208]

[0208] geographical location of the AOI;

[0209] vegetation at the AOI and / or at one or more areas neighboring the AOI;

[0209]

[0210] topography of the AOI or at least one part thereof;

[0210]

[0211] types of objects located within the AOI.

[0211]

[0212] In example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 4 may include, wherein the one or more illumination properties comprise one or more of:

[0212]

[0213] optical output profile of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0213]

[0214] one or more optical properties of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0214]

[0215] spatial distribution of light emanating from each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0215]

[0216] aperture and / or directionality of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0216]

[0217] positioning arrangement of each light source of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0217]

[0218] In example 6, the subject matter of example 5 may include, wherein the optical profile of each light fixture pertains to spectral properties of emitted light.

[0218]

[0219] In example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 6 may inlcue, wherein the method further comprises:

[0219]

[0220] - obtaining additional dynamic data pertaining to one or more dynamic properties of the AOI; and

[0220]

[0221] - controlling one or more light fixtures installed in the AOI based on the received additional dynamic data.

[0221]

[0222] In example 8, the subject matter of example 7 may include, wherein the obtained additional data is processed for determining one or more control actions required for controlling each of the light fixtures installed at the AOI, via one or more controllers of the light fixtures.

[0222]

[0223] In example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 7 to 8 may include, wherein the additional dynamic data emanates from one or more of: one or more sensors; one or more information sources.

[0223]

[0224] In example 10, the subject matter of example 9 may include, wherein the additional dynamic data emanating from the one or more sensors is obtained by receiving sensor data measured in real time or near real time by the one or more sensors positioned in the AOI or near the AOI.

[0225] In example 11, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 9 to 10 may include, wherein the one or more information sources provide non- sensory data pertaining to one or more of:

[0224]

[0226] updated weather-related properties at the AOI;

[0225]

[0227] updated ambient and / or natural light properties of the AOI and / or of one or more areas located in proximity to the AOI;

[0226]

[0228] updated human and / or vehicle traffic information relating to updated traffic loads at the AOI;

[0227]

[0229] information pertaining to expected structural changes in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;

[0228]

[0230] vegetation growth cycles in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;

[0229]

[0231] lunar cycles;

[0230]

[0232] solar cycles;

[0231]

[0233] precipitation in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;

[0232]

[0234] ground cover in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;

[0233]

[0235] local activities in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI.

[0234]

[0236] In example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 11 may include, wherein the illumination plan is manually adjustable by a user via a designated adjustment platform operable via one or more user devices and / or automatically adjustable, based on obtained dynamic data.

[0235]

[0237] Example 13 is a computer implemented system for improving efficiency of illumination of an area of interest (AOI), the system comprising:

[0236]

[0238] at least one data repository; and

[0237]

[0239] at least one processor configured at least to:

[0238]

[0240] - obtain static data associated with the AOI, wherein the static data comprises at least structural information of one or more parts of the AOI;

[0239]

[0241] - obtain one or more illumination properties of one or more light fixtures from the at least one data repository, available for being used for illumination of the AOI; and

[0240]

[0242] - determine an illumination plan comprising at least type and positioning layout information of one or more of the light fixtures for illumination of the AOI, based on the static data and the one or more illumination properties of the one or more light fixtures, for increasing efficiency in illumination of the AOI.

[0243] In example 14, the subject matter of example 13 may include, wherein the illumination plan is determined at least by selecting one or more light fixtures for illuminating the AOI and determining positioning layout, for positioning of each selected light fixture.

[0241]

[0244] In example 15, the subject matter of example 14 may include, wherein the positioning layout information comprises at least one of:

[0242]

[0245] required installation location of each selected light fixture;

[0243]

[0246] required height of each selected light fixture;

[0244]

[0247] required angle of mounting of each selected light fixture;

[0245]

[0248] required cartographic alignment of each selected light fixture; and / or

[0246]

[0249] required distances between the selected light fixtures.

[0247]

[0250] In example 16, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 13 to 15 may include, wherein the static data further pertains to one or more of:

[0248]

[0251] one or more optical properties of one or more surfaces of the AOI or one or more parts of the AOI;

[0249]

[0252] optical and / or illumination properties of one or more neighboring areas, neighboring the AOI;

[0250]

[0253] illumination sources proving illumination of one or more surfaces of the AOI and / or within one or more parts of the AOI;

[0251]

[0254] geometry of one or more surfaces of one or more structures at the AOI;

[0252]

[0255] geographical location of the AOI;

[0253]

[0256] vegetation at the AOI and / or at one or more areas neighboring the AOI;

[0254]

[0257] topography of the AOI or at least one part thereof;

[0255]

[0258] types of objects located within the AOI.

[0256]

[0259] In example 17, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 13 to 16 may include, wherein the one or more illumination properties comprise one or more of:

[0257]

[0260] optical output profile of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0258]

[0261] one or more optical properties of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0259]

[0262] spatial distribution of light emanating from each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0260]

[0263] aperture and / or directionality of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0261]

[0264] positioning arrangement of each light source of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;

[0265] In example 18, the subject matter of example 17 may include, wherein the optical profile of each light fixture pertains to spectral properties of emitted light.

[0262]

[0266] In example 19, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 13 to 18 may include, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:

[0263]

[0267] - obtain additional dynamic data pertaining to one or more dynamic properties of the AOI; and

[0264]

[0268] - control one or more light fixtures installed in the AOI based on the received additional dynamic data.

[0265]

[0269] In example 20, the subject matter of example 19 may include, wherein the obtained additional data is processed for determining one or more control actions required for controlling each of the light fixtures installed at the AOI, via one or more controllers of the light fixtures.

[0266]

[0270] In example 21, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 19 to 20 may include, wherein the additional dynamic data emanates from one or more of: one or more sensors; one or more information sources.

[0267]

[0271] In example 22, the subject matter of example 21 may include, wherein the additional dynamic data emanating from the one or more sensors is obtained by receiving sensor data measured in real time or near real time by the one or more sensors positioned in the AOI or near the AOI.

[0268]

[0272] In example 23, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 21 to 22 may include, wherein the one or more information sources provide non- sensory data pertaining to one or more of:

[0269]

[0273] updated weather-related properties at the AOI;

[0270]

[0274] updated ambient and / or natural light properties of the AOI and / or of one or more areas located in proximity to the AOI;

[0271]

[0275] updated human and / or vehicle traffic information relating to updated traffic loads at the AOI;

[0272]

[0276] information pertaining to expected structural changes in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;

[0273]

[0277] vegetation growth cycles in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;

[0274]

[0278] lunar cycles;

[0275]

[0279] solar cycles;

[0276]

[0280] precipitation in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;

[0277]

[0281] ground cover in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;

[0278]

[0282] local activities in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI.

[0283] In example 24, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 13 to 23 may include, wherein the illumination plan is manually adjustable by a user via a designated adjustment platform operable via one or more user devices and / or automatically adjustable, based on obtained dynamic data.

[0279]

[0284] Any reference in the specification to a system should be applied mutatis mutandis to a method that may be executed by the system and should be applied mutatis mutandis to a non- transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions that may be executed by the system.

[0280]

[0285] Any reference in the specification to a non-transitory computer readable medium should be applied mutatis mutandis to a system capable of executing the instructions stored in the non- transitory computer readable medium and should be applied mutatis mutandis to method that may be executed by a computer that reads the instructions stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0281]

[0286] It is to be understood that the disclosed subject matter is not limited in its application to the details set forth in the description contained herein or illustrated in the drawings. The presently disclosed subject matter is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Hence, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present presently disclosed subject matter.

[0282]

[0287] It will also be understood that the system according to the presently disclosed subject matter can be implemented, at least partly, as a suitably programmed computer. Likewise, the presently disclosed subject matter contemplates a computer program being readable by a computer for executing the disclosed method. The presently disclosed subject matter further contemplates a machine-readable memory tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for executing the disclosed method.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A computer implemented method for improving efficiency of illumination of an area of interest (AOI), the method comprising at least the steps of:- obtaining static data associated with the AOI, the static data comprising at least structural information of one or more parts of the AOI;- obtaining one or more illumination properties of one or more light fixtures, available for being used for illumination of the AOI; and- determining an illumination plan comprising at least type and positioning layout information of one or more of the light fixtures for illumination of the AOI, based on processing of the static data and the one or more illumination properties of the one or more light fixtures, for increasing efficiency in illumination of the AOI, wherein the illumination efficiency includes at least illuminance efficiency of at least one surface in the AOI.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the illumination plan is determined at least by selecting one or more light fixtures for illuminating the AOI and determining positioning layout, for positioning of each selected light fixture.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the positioning layout information comprises at least one of:• required installation location of each selected light fixture;• required height of each selected light fixture;• required angle of mounting of each selected light fixture;• required cartographic alignment of each selected light fixture; and / or• required distances between the selected light fixtures.

4. The method of any one or more of claims 1 to 3, wherein the static data further pertains to one or more of:• one or more optical properties of one or more surfaces of the AOI or one or more parts of the AOI;• optical and / or illumination properties of one or more neighboring areas, neighboring the AOI;• illumination sources proving illumination of one or more surfaces of the AOI and / or within one or more parts of the AOI;• geometry of one or more surfaces of one or more structures at the AOI;• geographical location of the AOI;• vegetation at the AOI and / or at one or more areas neighboring the AOI;• topography of the AOI or at least one part thereof;• types of objects located within the AOI.

5. The method of any one or more of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more illumination properties comprise one or more of:• optical output profile of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;• one or more optical properties of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;• spatial distribution of light emanating from each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;• aperture and / or directionality of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;• positioning arrangement of each light source of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;6. The method of claim 5, wherein the optical profile of each light fixture pertains to spectral properties of emitted light.

7. The method of any one or more of claims 1 to 6 further comprising:- obtaining additional dynamic data pertaining to one or more dynamic properties of the AOI; and- controlling one or more light fixtures installed in the AOI based on the received additional dynamic data.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the obtained additional data is processed for determining one or more control actions required for controlling each of the light fixtures installed at the AOI, via one or more controllers of the light fixtures.

9. The method of any one or more of claims 7 to 8, wherein the additional dynamic data emanates from one or more of: one or more sensors; one or more information sources.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the additional dynamic data emanating from the one or more sensors is obtained by receiving sensor data measured in real time or near real time by the one or more sensors positioned in the AOI or near the AOI.

11. The method of any one or more of claims 9 to 10, wherein the one or more information sources provide non- sensory data pertaining to one or more of:• updated weather-related properties at the AOI;• updated ambient and / or natural light properties of the AOI and / or of one or more areas located in proximity to the AOI;• updated human and / or vehicle traffic information relating to updated traffic loads at the AOI;• information pertaining to expected structural changes in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;• vegetation growth cycles in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;• lunar cycles;• solar cycles;• precipitation in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;• ground cover in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;• local activities in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI.

12. The method of any one or more of claims 1 to 11, wherein the illumination plan is manually adjustable by a user via a designated adjustment platform operable via one or more user devices and / or automatically adjustable, based on obtained dynamic data.

13. A computer implemented system for improving efficiency of illumination of an area of interest (AOI), the system comprising: at least one data repository; and at least one processor configured at least to:- obtain static data associated with the AOI, wherein the static data comprises at least structural information of one or more parts of the AOI;- obtain one or more illumination properties of one or more light fixtures from the at least one data repository, available for being used for illumination of the AOI; and- determine an illumination plan comprising at least type and positioning layout information of one or more of the light fixtures for illumination of the AOI, based on the static data and the one or more illumination properties of the one or more light fixtures, for increasing efficiency in illumination of the AOI.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the illumination plan is determined at least by selecting one or more light fixtures for illuminating the AOI and determining positioning layout, for positioning of each selected light fixture.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the positioning layout information comprises at least one of:• required installation location of each selected light fixture;• required height of each selected light fixture;• required angle of mounting of each selected light fixture;• required cartographic alignment of each selected light fixture; and / or• required distances between the selected light fixtures.

16. The system of any one or more of claims 13 to 15, wherein the static data further pertains to one or more of:• one or more optical properties of one or more surfaces of the AOI or one or more parts of the AOI;• optical and / or illumination properties of one or more neighboring areas, neighboring the AOI;• illumination sources proving illumination of one or more surfaces of the AOI and / or within one or more parts of the AOI;• geometry of one or more surfaces of one or more structures at the AOI;• geographical location of the AOI;• vegetation at the AOI and / or at one or more areas neighboring the AOI;• topography of the AOI or at least one part thereof;• types of objects located within the AOI.

17. The system of any one or more of claims 13 to 16, wherein the one or more illumination properties comprise one or more of:• optical output profile of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;• one or more optical properties of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;• spatial distribution of light emanating from each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;• aperture and / or directionality of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;• positioning arrangement of each light source of each light fixture available for being controlled in the AOI;18. The system of claim 17, wherein the optical profile of each light fixture pertains to spectral properties of emitted light.

19. The system of any one or more of claims 13 to 18, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:- obtain additional dynamic data pertaining to one or more dynamic properties of the AOI; and- control one or more light fixtures installed in the AOI based on the received additional dynamic data.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the obtained additional data is processed for determining one or more control actions required for controlling each of the light fixtures installed at the AOI, via one or more controllers of the light fixtures.

21. The system of any one or more of claims 19 to 20, wherein the additional dynamic data emanates from one or more of: one or more sensors; one or more information sources.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the additional dynamic data emanating from the one or more sensors is obtained by receiving sensor data measured in real time or near real time by the one or more sensors positioned in the AOI or near the AOI.

23. The system of any one or more of claims 21 to 22, wherein the one or more information sources provide non-sensory data pertaining to one or more of:• updated weather-related properties at the AOI;• updated ambient and / or natural light properties of the AOI and / or of one or more areas located in proximity to the AOI;• updated human and / or vehicle traffic information relating to updated traffic loads at the AOI;• information pertaining to expected structural changes in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;• vegetation growth cycles in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;• lunar cycles;• solar cycles;• precipitation in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;• ground cover in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI;• local activities in the AOI and / or in an area neighboring the AOI.

24. The system of any one or more of claims 13 to 23, wherein the illumination plan is manually adjustable by a user via a designated adjustment platform operable via one or more user devices and / or automatically adjustable, based on obtained dynamic data.

Images