Adaptive Lighting Control via Distance Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting control systems for office environments fail to automatically provide optimal lighting conditions tailored to individual users' needs, as they are either inflexible or require user intervention, and often rely on indirect light sensor data that does not accurately reflect the user's experience.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus using distance sensors, including radar technology, to measure the distance between light sources and users, allowing for adaptive lighting adjustments based on user-specific data, such as heart rate, movement, and gestures, to ensure optimal lighting conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If touch-sensitive control panels are installed at each desk for user control, then users can manually adjust lighting to their preferences, but users may not want to or remember to control the lighting repeatedly
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system automatically adjusts itself based on sensor data about user presence, position, and behavior patterns, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The system serves itself by making intelligent lighting decisions without requiring user time or attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors user presence and position through sensors and automatically adjusts lighting parameters in real-time, creating a closed-loop feedback system that adapts to user needs without manual input.
2Extent of automation
If light sensors are installed in luminaires or ceiling, then automatic lighting control is achieved, but the sensors can only make indirect assumptions of the actual amount of light perceived by users
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses depth sensors (time-of-flight cameras) to measure the third dimension (distance to user) and combines this with light sensor data to calculate the actual illuminance at the user's position, transforming a 2D ceiling-based measurement problem into a 3D spatial understanding that accurately reflects user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary calculation layer that uses distance measurements from depth sensors to translate ceiling-mounted sensor readings into accurate estimates of light perception at user location, acting as a mediator between the sensor and the user experience.
3Ease of operation
If predetermined lighting scenarios are programmed into luminaires, then users can fully concentrate on other tasks, but the system becomes inflexible in terms of detailed conditions at each location
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static predetermined scenarios to dynamic real-time adjustment based on continuously changing user presence, position, and environmental conditions, allowing the lighting to adapt flexibly to location-specific and time-specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes lighting parameters (intensity, color temperature, timing) based on sensor inputs about user behavior and environmental conditions, moving from fixed scenarios to flexible parameter adjustment that responds to actual usage patterns.
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
The system provides personalized and adaptive lighting that accurately responds to user needs, enhancing comfort and productivity by ensuring optimal brightness and spectral content, even in dynamic office environments.
Implementation Method 1
A prior art document US 2015/289347 A1 discloses methods for providing personalized lighting to users positioned proximal to one another. At least one of said first and second distance sensors is a radar.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control apparatus is provided for controlling lighting within an environment. The control apparatus comprises a first distance sensor configured to measure at least one first distance between the control apparatus and at least one light source in a respective first direction, and a second distance sensor configured to measure at least one second distance between the control apparatus and at least one user in a respective second direction in said environment. The control apparatus comprises a signal transmitter configured to receive first information indicative of said first and second distances and to transmit a first control signal for controlling lighting within said environment on the basis of at least said first information.