Auto-Commissioning Lighting System Using Light Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting systems require skilled engineers for complex commissioning and configuration, leading to high installation and labor costs, and are not easily adaptable for widespread adoption in commercial settings.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system with remote drivers and microcontrollers that allow for automated commissioning of luminaires into groups, using bidirectional communication and adjustable light levels based on mathematical functions of their location within defined orb regions, enabling easy setup and control by non-experts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual commissioning and configuration by skilled engineers is used, then system reliability and proper functionality are ensured, but installation and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system performs automatic self-commissioning by having each luminaire measure light levels from adjacent luminaires, automatically determine its position in the array, and configure itself without requiring skilled engineers. The system serves itself by using built-in sensors and processors to complete tasks that previously required manual professional commissioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of engineer-based commissioning with an automated electronic system. Light sensors, microcontrollers, and communication protocols substitute for human engineers physically measuring and configuring each luminaire, transforming a labor-intensive manual process into an automated electronic self-configuration process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If discrete components are purchased and wired separately to create functional groups, then system flexibility and adaptability are improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of individual luminaires into cohesive functional groups through automatic detection and configuration. Instead of requiring separate wiring and manual grouping of discrete components, the system automatically identifies adjacent luminaires and configures them to work together as integrated groups based on their physical light-level relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
Each luminaire automatically determines its own group membership and functional relationships by measuring light levels from neighbors and communicating this information to the control system, eliminating the need for manual configuration of functional groups while maintaining system flexibility.
3Productivity
If automated commissioning is implemented, then installation speed and ease of setup are improved, but system complexity in terms of automation requirements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs light sensors and electronic communication to replace manual commissioning processes. The automation complexity is managed by using readily available light-sensing technology and standard communication protocols, making the automated system relatively simple compared to the manual expertise previously required.
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 solution reduces installation and commissioning costs, allows for quick and easy setup by non-expert personnel, and enhances energy efficiency and safety by automating the process of assigning luminaires to groups and adjusting light levels dynamically.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor co-located therewith adapted to measure light received from adjacent fixtures
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system for areal illumination is disclosed which may include a remote driver and a plurality of fixtures including luminaires. The luminaires may include a light source whose output light level can be adjusted, a light sensor co-located therewith adapted to measure light received from adjacent fixtures. The remote driver may provide power for the light sources of the luminaires.