Daylight Integration Using Coded Light for Luminaire Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling dimmable luminaires are overly complex and require unnecessary measurements at multiple levels, making them impractical for simple applications, while aiming to optimize illumination based on daylight and luminaire contributions.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines an output path parameter to relate luminaire light emission to illumination at a second level, allowing for external illumination calculation without level two measurements, by dividing detected light into luminaire and external parts and using toggling states to solve for external illumination values, thereby simplifying dimming control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If illumination mapping is performed at many positions in the workspace plane using multiple light sensors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light sensor from the workspace plane (second level) and relocates it to the ceiling level (first level) where it co-arranges with the luminaire. This extraction eliminates the need for multiple sensors at various positions while maintaining measurement capability through the established illumination relationship between levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light sensor at the first level serves multiple functions: it measures both the illumination from the luminaire and the ambient illumination, and through the predetermined relationship, enables calculation of workspace illumination without physically being at the workspace level. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple dedicated sensors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sensors are distributed at the workspace plane, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is extracted from the complex workspace plane configuration and consolidated to a single location at the ceiling level, dramatically simplifying system operation while maintaining measurement precision through the predetermined illumination relationship.
3Measurement precision
If illumination is measured at many positions in the workspace plane, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The predetermined relationship between first level and second level illumination is established in advance during system setup. This preliminary action creates a reusable mapping that eliminates the need for repeated multi-position measurements during commissioning and operation, significantly reducing time loss.
4Device complexity
If a single light sensor is used at the first level, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mathematical relationship (predetermined relationship) that mediates between the single sensor measurement at the first level and the desired illumination value at the second level. This intermediary enables accurate workspace illumination determination without requiring physical presence of sensors at the workspace plane.
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 approach simplifies the process of determining external illumination, allowing for accurate dimming adjustments without complex commissioning, effectively optimizing total illumination while reducing energy consumption and maintaining compliance with predetermined standards.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor configured to measure a light flux in a target area of the lighting unit
Implementation Method 2
A recent control method has been published in an article entitled 'Daylight integrated illumination control of LED systems based on enhanced presence sensing'... The luminaires are individually identified by coding of the light that they emit
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of controlling a dimmable luminaire co-arranged with a light sensor at a first level of a room and illuminating a second level of the room, comprising: determining an output path parameter representing a relation between the amount of light emitted from the luminaire and a luminaire illumination value at the second level, which results from the emitted amount of light; and repeatedly: determining an external illumination value at the second level, which external illumination value represents illumination by other sources than the luminaire, by means of values of the presently emitted amount of light, the output path parameter, and light information originating from the light sensor; and controlling the dimming level of the luminaire on basis of the external illumination value in order to meet a predetermined illumination condition for the total illumination at the second level.