Adaptive Outdoor Lighting System Weather Forecast Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current outdoor lighting systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust lighting settings based on real-time weather conditions, leading to inefficient energy use and potentially compromised safety and visibility.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive outdoor lighting system that utilizes weather forecasting information and sensor data to determine optimal lighting settings, including illumination pattern, intensity, spectrum, and power management, which are then transmitted to and implemented by individual luminaires, allowing for real-time adjustments based on current and predicted weather conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If outdoor lighting systems operate at fixed high intensity to ensure visibility during all weather conditions, then safety and visibility are maintained, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system dynamically adjusts illumination intensity based on real-time weather conditions and forecasts. During clear conditions, lighting operates at reduced intensity. When inclement weather is detected or forecasted, the system automatically increases intensity to maintain visibility, thus resolving the contradiction between constant high visibility and energy conservation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes lighting parameters (intensity, duration, timing) in response to weather parameter changes. By monitoring weather data and adjusting lighting intensity accordingly, the system maintains adequate visibility during poor weather while reducing energy consumption during favorable conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If outdoor lighting systems reduce intensity to conserve energy, then energy consumption decreases, but safety and visibility during inclement weather are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates weather monitoring sensors and forecast data that provide continuous feedback about environmental conditions. This feedback loop enables the lighting system to detect deteriorating weather and automatically increase intensity to maintain safety, preventing the safety compromises that would result from fixed low-intensity operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses weather forecast data to anticipate inclement conditions before they occur. By proactively increasing lighting intensity in response to forecasted weather changes, the system prepares for potential safety issues, ensuring visibility is maintained before poor weather actually impacts the area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If lighting systems continuously monitor and adjust based on real-time weather data, then lighting optimization is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting optimizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: weather monitoring, forecast data processing, automated control, and illumination delivery. By combining these functions, the system achieves comprehensive weather-based optimization without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same hardware infrastructure supports multiple operational modes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2719258B1Adaptive controlled outdoor lighting system and method of operation thereof
Publication Date: 2016.02.03 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2719258B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2719258B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2719258B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lighting system (100) including at least one controller (102) and a memory (104) containing program portions which configure the controller (102) to obtain weather forecast information including one or more of current and expected weather conditions over a period of time; determine one or more lighting settings based upon the weather forecast information; form lighting setting information in accordance with the determined lighting settings; and transmit the lighting setting information. The system (100) may include an illumination source (106) to provide illumination in accordance with the lighting setting information The system may change characteristics (e.g., illumination pattern, illumination intensity, illumination spectrum, illumination polarization,) of the illuminated source (106). The process may form lighting setting information to control one or more filters (130) in accordance with a desired lighting setting.