Aerial Lighting Evaluation Using Inverse Square Law Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating the artificial lighting around structures are time-consuming and inefficient, often relying on subjective human evaluation or time-consuming objective measurements, which can miss improperly lit areas.
Innovation Solution
A method involving measuring lumen output at ground level and photographing the area from a higher altitude to create an aerial image with adjusted lumen data, dividing the area into zones, and setting user-defined thresholds to objectively assess lighting coverage and identify areas needing improvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an individual walks the area around the structure on foot with a light meter to objectively measure illumination, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-level point measurements to aerial photography, adding a vertical dimension to the evaluation process. By capturing images from above, the system can assess entire surfaces simultaneously rather than measuring individual points sequentially, dramatically reducing evaluation time while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the surface illumination through aerial photography. Instead of relying on subjective human perception or time-consuming point measurements, the system captures an aerial image that replicates the illumination conditions, allowing for rapid objective assessment of entire surfaces at once.
2Ease of operation
If an individual walks the area around the structure on foot to subjectively evaluate lighting, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the surface illumination through aerial photography. Instead of relying on subjective human perception or time-consuming point measurements, the system captures an aerial image that replicates the illumination conditions, allowing for rapid objective assessment of entire surfaces at once.
3Device complexity
If traditional ground-level measurement methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-level point measurements to aerial photography, adding a vertical dimension to the evaluation process. By capturing images from above, the system can assess entire surfaces simultaneously rather than measuring individual points sequentially, dramatically reducing evaluation time while maintaining comprehensive 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 method provides a rapid, objective evaluation of lighting coverage, allowing for precise identification of underlit areas and enabling targeted improvements in illumination, enhancing safety and security around structures.
Implementation Method 1
an individual walking the area around the structure on foot with a light meter which objectively measures the amount of reflected-light and or incident-light
Implementation Method 2
conducting an altitude adjustment on the second lumen output according to the formula E1=(d1/d2)2×E2 to obtain a third lumen output
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a method of evaluating artificial lighting of a surface. The method may comprise measuring a first lumen output at a first location on the surface at a first altitude. The method may further comprise photographing the surface from a second altitude to obtain an aerial photograph of the surface comprising a plurality of pixels, each pixel of the plurality of pixels having a second lumen output, and performing an altitude adjustment on the second lumen output to obtain a third lumen output. The method may comprise dividing the aerial photograph into a plurality of zones, each zone corresponding to a section of the surface. The method may further comprise establishing a user-defined threshold lumen output for each zone of the plurality of zones, and identifying a percentage of the total number of pixels in each zone which meets or exceeds the user-defined threshold lumen output.