AR Lighting Overlay for Real-Time Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lighting system planning and visualization methods are time-consuming and require significant processing effort, lacking flexibility and real-time interaction with room lighting elements.

Innovation Solution

A lighting system and method utilizing a camera unit, control unit, and display overlay device to capture and visualize the surroundings, allowing for real-time interaction and control of actual and virtual lamps, with position detection and environmental information integration for precise visualization and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional drawings or 3D models are used to visualize lighting systems, then visualization accuracy is improved, but time consumption and work effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisualization accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses augmented reality to create a virtual copy of the lighting system that can be overlaid onto the real environment. Instead of creating detailed 3D models from scratch, the system captures the actual room geometry and lighting conditions, then superimposes virtual lighting elements that accurately represent the planned installation. This copying approach maintains visualization accuracy while dramatically reducing the time and effort required compared to traditional manual 3D modeling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an augmented reality interface as an intermediary between the lighting design software and the physical lighting system. This intermediary layer allows designers to visualize and interact with the lighting design in the actual installation environment without requiring complex 3D modeling. The AR system mediates between the digital design data and the physical space, providing accurate visualization through transparent overlay rather than requiring complete digital reconstruction of the environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If detailed 3D modeling is performed to visualize lighting systems, then design accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases due to extensive manual work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign accuracyVSAvoidplanning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the lighting design system to automatically capture room geometry, detect existing lighting fixtures, and generate accurate visualizations without requiring manual 3D modeling by the designer. The system uses camera-based scanning and image processing to self-service the data collection and processing tasks, automatically creating an accurate digital representation of the installation environment. This self-service capability maintains high design accuracy while eliminating the time-consuming manual modeling work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual 3D modeling with automated image capture and processing. Instead of designers manually creating 3D models through software interfaces, the system uses camera-based scanning to automatically capture spatial information and generate accurate visualizations. This substitution of manual mechanical modeling with automated optical capture and digital processing dramatically improves productivity while maintaining design accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If virtual lighting elements are superimposed in real-time with accurate perspective, then visualization realism is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisualization realismVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional operating device that combines camera capture, image processing, augmented reality rendering, and lighting control capabilities in a single integrated system. The device can perform multiple functions including capturing the installation environment, detecting existing lighting fixtures, generating accurate perspective views, and controlling the lighting system. This universal device approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate specialized systems for each function while maintaining high visualization realism through coordinated operation of all functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3189500B1Augmented reality-based lighting system and method
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP3189500B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3189500B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3189500B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lighting system (1) comprises an operating device (2) which includes a camera unit (23) for recording the surroundings of the operating device (2) in the form of a moving image. The operating device (2) further includes a display unit (21) on which the moving image is displayed in real time. It further comprises position detection equipment (22) which acquires position information relative to the operating device (2). The operating device (2) further comprises a display overlay device (24) which inserts, based on the surroundings-related information and the acquired position information, visual lighting information into the displayed moving image in a largely correct manner in terms of perspective. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for interaction with a lighting system (1).