Ambient Light Sensor Model Selection for Artificial Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Local artificial light sources left on in unoccupied environments lead to energy wastage and increased bills, especially in environments without connected electronics to notify occupants.
Innovation Solution
A computing device uses ambient light sensors to generate light source models distinguishing between background and artificial light sources, determining if an artificial light source is on by fitting a 2-gaussian model and sending notifications to occupants when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If local artificial light sources are used in environments without connected electronics, then energy wastage occurs and occupants cannot be notified, but adding connected electronics increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ambient light sensor as an intermediary device that indirectly detects the state of artificial light sources without requiring direct connection to them. The sensor measures ambient light levels and the system infers light source status from these measurements, avoiding the need for complex electronics in the light fixtures themselves while still enabling detection and notification capabilities
2Measurement precision
If multiple light source models are generated for different time periods, then detection accuracy improves, but computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-generates multiple light source models during a training period before actual detection begins. Each model corresponds to a specific time period (morning, afternoon, evening) and captures the characteristic ambient light patterns for that time. During operation, the system simply selects the appropriate pre-trained model based on the current time, avoiding the need for real-time model training and reducing processing time while maintaining high detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection process into distinct time-based segments, creating separate light source models for different periods of the day. This segmentation allows the system to specialize each model for its specific time period's lighting conditions, improving accuracy for each segment while enabling efficient selection-based operation rather than requiring a single complex universal model
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
Effectively detects and notifies occupants of left-on artificial light sources, reducing energy wastage and enhancing energy efficiency in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a device with an ambient light sensor may be positioned in part of an environment that includes local artificial light sources
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques are provided for light source status detection. Ambient light values generated by an ambient light sensor of a device in an environment over a period of time may be received. A first light source model for the device may be generated using a first subset of the ambient light values. A second light source model for the device may be generated using a second subset of the ambient light values. A current ambient light value generated by the ambient light sensor of the device may be received. The first light source model or the second light source model may be selected based on a time at which the current ambient light value was generated. Whether the current ambient light value indicates that a local artificial light source is on may be determined using the current ambient light value and selected light source model.