Ambient Light Sensor Control for Multi-Mode Lighting Scenes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems limit the use of light sensors to daylight harvesting, restricting their functionality in smart homes and offices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that control light sources based on measured light levels by selecting from multiple operating modes, allowing different light behaviors for various functions, such as decorative or functional lighting, through a processor that adjusts light output levels based on ambient light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light sensor is used only for daylight harvesting, then the lighting system can maintain minimum light levels in offices, but the functionality of the light sensor is limited and cannot support decorative lighting scenes
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor is configured to perform multiple functions: daylight harvesting for functional lighting and ambient light measurement for decorative lighting scenes. The system selects between different control functions based on the active lighting scene, allowing the same sensor to serve both office lighting requirements and ambient atmosphere control without adding additional sensors.
2Illumination intensity
If decorative lighting scenes use fixed brightness, then the ambiance is consistent, but the decorative effects are not visible in bright ambient light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The light output level of decorative lighting is dynamically adjusted based on measured ambient light levels. When ambient light increases, the decorative lighting brightness increases proportionally to maintain visibility of color effects and ambiance. This dynamic adjustment is automatically selected when a decorative lighting scene is active, creating an adaptive lighting system that responds to environmental conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lighting system uses a single control function for light output, then the system is simple to control, but it cannot provide different light behaviors for different lighting needs
Solution Approach 1:
Different control functions are applied to different lighting scenarios: a first control function (daylight harvesting) is used for functional office lighting where minimum light levels must be maintained, while a second control function (ambient light following) is used for decorative lighting where visibility of color effects is prioritized. The system automatically selects the appropriate control function based on the active lighting scene, providing context-specific optimization without requiring complex manual configuration.
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
Enables flexible control of lighting systems to enhance user experience by ensuring decorative effects are visible in bright conditions and reducing electrical lighting when natural light is sufficient, improving adaptability and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an ambient light sensor which measures an ambient light level an illuminated environment and provides an indication of the measured ambient light level to a processor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method comprises obtaining (101) mode information indicative of a current operating mode of a light sensor or a lighting device and selecting (103) a function based on the current operating mode. The current operating mode has been selected from at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The function defines a relation between a reference measured light level and a target light output level. One or more light sources are controlled differently based on a measured light level according to a first function associated with the first operating mode than according to a second function associated with the second operating mode. The method further comprises obtaining (105) the measured light level, determining (107) a light output level by applying the selected function to the measured light level, and controlling (109) the one or more light sources to render light with the determined light output level.