Adaptive Zone Lighting Control for Position Accuracy Uncertainty

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing illumination systems in large environments are inefficient in terms of energy consumption, as they often illuminate the entire space even when only a few subjects are present, leading to unnecessary energy waste.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that estimate the position and orientation of subjects within an environment, controlling lighting devices to illuminate only a partial area based on accuracy levels, with complementary areas activated when accuracy is low to optimize energy savings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the entire environment is illuminated, then all areas are adequately lit, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination coverageVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The environment is divided into multiple zones based on subject detection and estimation. Instead of illuminating the entire space, only specific zones where subjects are detected or estimated to be present are illuminated. This segmentation approach reduces energy consumption while maintaining adequate illumination in relevant areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different areas of the environment are illuminated with different intensities and extents based on local conditions. Areas with detected subjects receive full illumination, while areas with estimated subject presence receive partial illumination, and areas without subjects remain unilluminated. This local differentiation optimizes energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If local illumination is applied based on subject detection, then energy savings are achieved, but inaccuracies in subject position estimation may lead to insufficient illumination

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

Solution Approach 1:

The system compensates for potential estimation inaccuracies by illuminating not only the detected subject position but also surrounding areas with estimated subject presence. This cushioning approach ensures that even if position estimation is imperfect, the subject remains adequately illuminated while still achieving energy savings compared to full illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of illuminating only the exact detected position, the system applies partial illumination to estimated areas. This excessive action approach ensures sufficient illumination coverage even when detection is imprecise, balancing energy savings with illumination reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If illumination is extended to cover estimated subject areas, then illumination reliability improves, but energy consumption increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system dynamically adjusts the extent of illumination based on the confidence level of subject position estimation. When estimation confidence is high, illumination is limited to the detected area. When confidence is low, illumination is extended to estimated areas. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between reliability and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the illumination parameters (extent, intensity) based on the accuracy parameter of subject position estimation. By linking these parameters, the system automatically adjusts illumination coverage to match the reliability of detection data, minimizing energy waste while ensuring adequate illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4492922B1Method and system to illuminate an environment
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP4492922B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4492922B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4492922B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method of illuminating an environment, a corresponding system, and also a computer program product enabling a computer system to perform such a method. The method comprises the following steps of estimating a position and/or orientation of a subject within the area; controlling a selection of the plurality of lighting devices to illuminate a partial area, based on the estimated position and/or orientation of the subject within the area. Further the method involves determining a level of accuracy of the estimated position and/or orientation of the subject; and controlling a complementary selection of the plurality of lighting devices to illuminate a complementary partial area, depending on the determined level of accuracy of the estimated position and/or orientation of the subject.