Adaptive Light Controller Using Image-Based Motion Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting systems, despite using LEDs and sensors for energy efficiency, still have room for further reduction in energy consumption by optimizing the 'on time' of light sources based on precise detection of movement within activity areas.
Innovation Solution
A light controller equipped with an image sensor and a control unit that computes the distance of detected movement from a predetermined position within an activity area, adjusting the time before turning off the light source, and optionally using a passive infrared sensor to enhance energy efficiency by activating the image sensor only upon motion detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the light source is kept on for a fixed time period after motion detection, then simplicity of control is maintained, but energy consumption cannot be optimized based on actual activity patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light control adaptive rather than static. The control unit dynamically adjusts the lighting state based on real-time image analysis, computing whether to activate or deactivate lights based on detected motion and its relation to predefined activity zones. This resolves the contradiction by optimizing energy consumption through dynamic decision-making while maintaining relatively simple control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of control time from a fixed duration to a variable duration based on image analysis results. Instead of keeping lights on for a predetermined fixed period, the system evaluates image data to determine actual activity presence and adjusts the control timing accordingly, enabling energy optimization without significantly increasing control complexity.
2Measurement precision
If image sensor is continuously active to detect motion precisely, then motion detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption of the sensor system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by activating the image sensor only at specific intervals rather than continuously. The control unit triggers image capture based on events such as motion detection by a separate sensor or at scheduled times, allowing the high-precision image sensor to remain inactive most of the time while still providing accurate motion detection when needed, thus resolving the energy-precision trade-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (such as a motion sensor or event-triggered control logic) that determines when the image sensor should be activated. This intermediary layer filters unnecessary image captures and only triggers the energy-intensive image sensor when actual detection is required, maintaining high detection accuracy while minimizing sensor energy consumption.
3Area of stationary object
If the computed time period for light deactivation is extended to ensure activity area coverage, then lighting coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases due to prolonged light activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the activity area into multiple predefined zones rather than treating it as a single continuous space. The control unit evaluates motion detection results relative to these segmented zones and makes lighting decisions based on which specific zones are active. This allows the system to provide adequate coverage for occupied zones while avoiding unnecessary illumination in unoccupied areas, optimizing the coverage-energy trade-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different lighting conditions in different spatial zones based on local activity detection. Instead of uniformly illuminating the entire activity area, the system activates lights only in zones where motion is detected or where activity is likely to occur, creating locally optimized lighting that reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining necessary coverage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach minimizes the time light sources are active, thereby reducing energy consumption by ensuring lights are turned off promptly when no movement is detected far from the activity center and kept on longer when individuals are closer, optimizing energy usage in dynamic activity zones.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor configured to capture an image of an activity area, and a control unit configured to receive the image, to detect movement within the activity area
Implementation Method 2
the light controller further comprises a passive infrared sensor (for example integrated in a PIR-based motion detector) connected to the control unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a light controller (102) configured to control a lighting system (100) for emitting light, comprising an image sensor (202) configured to capture an image of an activity area, and a control unit (200) configured to received the image, to detecting movement within the activity area, and to provide an activation signal for switching on a light source (104, 106, 108, 110) of the lighting system (100), wherein the control unit (200) is further configured to provide a deactivation signal for switching off the light source (104, 106, 108, 110) after a computed time period if no movement is detected within the activity area, the computed time period being based on a computed distance between a predetermined position within the activity area and a position of the latest detected movement within the activity area. The present invention provides advantages in relation to e.g. optimized "on time" of the light source of the lighting system thereby providing an improvement in relation to the total energy consumption of the lighting system.