Distributed Lighting Control via Autonomous Fixture Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting control systems are complex and costly, often requiring a central controller to manage occupancy detection and lighting adjustments, which is inefficient and not suitable for large spaces where not all light fixtures need to be activated for a single occupant.
Innovation Solution
A distributed lighting control system with independently controlled light fixtures, each equipped with sensors and a processor that adjusts illumination based on proximity to occupants, allowing for granular control and elimination of the need for a central controller, using various sensors like IR, ultrasonic, or Bluetooth to determine occupancy and adjust intensity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centrally controlled system is used to track occupant position and adjust lighting, then lighting control can be achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized lighting control system into multiple independent light fixtures, each with its own processor and sensor capabilities. Each fixture autonomously detects occupancy in its vicinity and controls its own illumination, eliminating the need for a complex central controller while maintaining effective lighting control.
Solution Approach 2:
Each light fixture is equipped with independent sensing and processing capabilities, allowing it to autonomously detect occupancy and adjust its own illumination without requiring external control signals from a central system. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Illumination intensity
If all light fixtures are activated for a single occupant, then complete coverage is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local occupancy detection and lighting control at each light fixture, allowing illumination to be provided only in the immediate vicinity of detected occupants. This localized approach ensures adequate lighting coverage where needed while avoiding unnecessary activation of distant fixtures, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
3Extent of automation
If a central controller manages occupancy detection, then system control is centralized, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control function into distributed control units embedded in each light fixture. Each processor in a light fixture independently performs occupancy detection and lighting control, eliminating the need for a separate central controller and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each light fixture is designed to perform multiple functions: illumination provision, occupancy detection, and autonomous control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated control systems, reducing complexity while maintaining high automation capability.
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 provides energy-efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and secure lighting control by ensuring only necessary areas are illuminated, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the complexity and cost of central control systems, while allowing for precise lighting adjustments based on occupancy patterns.
Implementation Method 1
Some methods of detecting occupancy and controlling lights employ a complex, centrally controlled system which tracks the position of an occupant using one or more PIR sensors
Implementation Method 2
driver circuitry operatively coupled to the illuminating element and configured to provide power to the illuminating element
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed lighting control system has a plurality of independently controlled light fixtures. Each light fixture of the plurality of independently controlled light fixtures includes: an illuminating element; driver circuitry operatively coupled to the illuminating element and configured to provide power to the illuminating element; one or more sensors; and a processor operatively coupled to the one or more sensors and the driver circuitry. The processor is configured to: receive signals from the one or more sensors; and control the driver circuitry to provide power to the illuminating element to generate illumination based on the received signals from the one or more sensors. Illumination provided by each light fixture of the plurality of independently controlled light fixtures is controlled independently of the illumination provided by others of the plurality of independently controlled light fixtures.