Autonomous Drone Light Measurement for Stadium Lighting Surveys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual light level measurements in stadiums are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error, making it difficult to ensure proper lighting distribution and compliance with standards for televised events.
Innovation Solution
The use of autonomous vehicles, such as drones, terrestrial robots, and watercraft, equipped with light-measuring sensors to automatically collect light measurements at predetermined positions, following pre-programmed paths and comparing the data to target values, thereby reducing the need for manual labor and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual light level measurements are performed using portable light meters, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement operations with an autonomous vehicle system equipped with light sensors. The vehicle automatically navigates to measurement positions and collects light level data, substituting human labor and manual meter operations with automated mechanical and electronic systems. This maintains measurement accuracy while dramatically reducing the time and labor required for light level surveys.
2Loss of information
If multiple measurement positions are surveyed manually, then comprehensive light distribution data can be collected, but the number of people needed and execution complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle performs self-navigation and self-measurement operations. It automatically moves to predetermined measurement positions, positions itself correctly, and collects light level data without requiring human operators at each position. The system serves itself by autonomously executing the entire measurement survey process, thereby collecting comprehensive light distribution data while simplifying operation and reducing personnel requirements.
3Measurement precision
If conventional manual measurement methods are used, then detailed light measurements can be obtained, but the cost and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an autonomous vehicle with integrated light sensors to replace manual measurement operations. This mechanical and electronic substitution enables the system to collect detailed light level measurements across multiple positions automatically, significantly improving productivity and reducing both labor costs and measurement time while maintaining measurement precision.
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 significantly reduces the time and cost associated with light measurement surveys, minimizes human error, and ensures compliance with lighting standards by rapidly collecting and analyzing light data across large areas without physical contact with the playing surface.
Implementation Method 1
causing the light-measuring sensor to capture the light measurement at each of the measurement positions
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and software to acquire light measurements in a targeted space using an autonomous vehicle, such as an aerial drone, are provided. Examples of targeted spaces include, but are not limited to, stadiums, arenas, racetracks, fields, parking lots, etc. Uses of such systems, software, and/or methods include, but are not limited to, verifying that required light intensity, distribution, camera image quality, and/or other performance metrics are met when commissioning, changing, checking, and approving lighting systems, among other things.