Ambient Light Harmonizing Indoor Lighting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional indoor lighting systems fail to replicate the dynamic and immersive natural lighting conditions found in outdoor environments, leading to a disconnect from the emotional and biological benefits of natural light, especially in spaces with limited natural light access, and often result in static and unharmonized artificial lighting that can be distracting or unpleasant.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that adjust light effects based on ambient light levels using a processor to determine visibility thresholds and harmonize light intensity and color with natural light conditions, incorporating light sensors and dynamic lighting programs to mimic the rhythms and cycles of nature, ensuring that light effects remain in harmony with ambient light levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional static lighting control (on/off or dimming) is used in indoor environments, then energy consumption is reduced and device complexity is minimized, but the lighting fails to replicate dynamic natural light conditions and disconnects users from natural rhythms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static lighting control into a dynamic system that continuously adjusts lighting parameters (intensity, color temperature) based on real-time ambient light sensor data. The system replicates natural outdoor light dynamics by mapping outdoor illumination conditions to indoor lighting effects, creating immersive environments that evolve over time rather than remaining fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where light sensors continuously measure ambient light levels and feed this information back to the lighting control processor. This closed-loop control enables the system to automatically adjust lighting output to match natural light conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity through intelligent automation.
2Illumination intensity
If light transmitting structures (skylights, windows) are installed to increase natural light access, then well-being is improved, but costs increase and privacy/safety issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of installing physical light-transmitting structures, the system creates a virtual copy of natural outdoor light conditions using artificial lighting devices. By sensing actual outdoor illumination and replicating its characteristics indoors, the system provides the benefits of natural light exposure without requiring physical windows or skylights, thus avoiding associated costs and privacy concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light sensors and processing systems as intermediaries between the outdoor natural light environment and the indoor lighting system. These intermediaries capture outdoor light data and translate it into appropriate indoor lighting effects, serving as a mediator that provides natural light benefits without direct physical connection to the outdoors.
3Illumination intensity
If artificial lighting is increased to compensate for limited natural light, then illumination intensity is improved, but the lighting becomes distracting and unnatural
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes multiple lighting parameters simultaneously - not just intensity but also color temperature, spectral distribution, and temporal patterns - to match natural outdoor light conditions. This multi-parameter adjustment ensures that increased illumination intensity remains natural and non-distracting by replicating the complex characteristics of sunlight rather than using fixed artificial lighting settings.
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 an immersive and natural feeling light experience by harmonizing artificial lighting with ambient conditions, enhancing well-being and maintaining a minimum light level, even in spaces with limited natural light, while avoiding distractions and unnatural lighting effects.
Implementation Method 1
A system and method adjust light effects of a plurality of light effects to be rendered by a lighting device based on an ambient light level
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A system is configured to receive light sensor data from a light sensor and determine a visibility threshold (235, 245) based on the light sensor data. The light sensor data is indicative of an ambient light level. The system is further configured to determine the plurality of light effects to be rendered by a lighting device and determine whether light intensity levels (233) of the plurality of light effects exceed the visibility threshold. The system is further configured to increase at least one of the light intensity levels above the visibility threshold, to harmonize the at least one light intensity level with the ambient light level, upon determining that the at least one light intensity level does not exceed the visibility threshold, and control the lighting device to render the plurality of light effects with the adjusted light intensity levels (253).