Dual Sensor Lighting Control for Interior Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting control systems in interior spaces, particularly in offices and work environments, fail to accurately adjust light output in response to situational changes, such as the activation of local light sources or changes in reflection properties of objects, leading to undesired light intensity fluctuations and complex manual interventions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual sensor system, where a first sensor focuses on the illuminated area and a second sensor detects illuminance in an extended region including external influences, allowing for proportional adjustments to ambient changes and minimizing reactions to localized, punctiform effects, thereby maintaining optimal lighting conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single sensor focuses on the illumination area to maintain constant lighting, then the lighting level in the illumination area is kept constant, but localized light sources (e.g., desk lamps) incorrectly trigger reduction of interior lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into two separate sensors: a first sensor dedicated to monitoring the illumination area for lighting control, and a second sensor monitoring an extended area for detecting ambient light changes. This segmentation allows each sensor to perform its specific function without interference, resolving the contradiction between precise illumination area measurement and avoiding false triggers from local light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sensor acts as an intermediary that detects ambient light changes in the extended area and provides this information to the control means. This intermediary sensor enables the system to distinguish between ambient lighting changes (which should trigger interior lighting adjustment) and localized light sources (which should not), thereby resolving the control accuracy issue.
2Extent of automation
If sensor means are directed towards the lighting area to detect illuminance, then lighting control is achieved, but reflective properties of objects in the lighting area distort the illuminance measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing function between two sensors with different fields of view. The first sensor is focused on the illumination area while the second sensor monitors an extended area. By comparing measurements from both sensors, the system can identify and compensate for distortions caused by reflective objects in the illumination area, maintaining measurement precision while preserving automatic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of measurement scope by using two sensors with different detection areas. The first sensor measures illuminance in the illumination area while the second sensor measures illuminance in an extended area. This parameter change allows the system to differentiate between actual ambient lighting changes and local reflections, improving measurement accuracy.
3Loss of energy
If ambient light changes are detected to adjust interior lighting, then energy efficiency is improved, but localized effects are incorrectly interpreted as ambient changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring function into two sensors: the first sensor monitors the illumination area while the second sensor monitors the extended area for ambient light changes. This segmentation enables the system to accurately detect true ambient light changes (affecting both areas proportionally) while ignoring localized effects (affecting only the illumination area), thereby improving energy efficiency without sacrificing detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from single-area illuminance to a comparative analysis of illuminance changes in two different areas. By analyzing the ratio or difference between changes detected by the first and second sensors, the system can distinguish between ambient light changes (which affect both sensors proportionally) and localized effects (which affect only the first sensor), enabling accurate energy-efficient control.
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 ensures that light output adjustments are made only when justified by changes in ambient conditions, preventing unnecessary fluctuations and allowing for a more stable and user-friendly lighting control, especially in environments with varied lighting requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Sensor means, for example in the form of conventional light intensity sensors, detect an illuminance in the illumination area
Implementation Method 2
a lamp with a sensor that measures the reflection of the light emitted by the lamp from a surface
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling lighting in an interior space comprising a ceiling area and a lighting area opposite the ceiling area to be illuminated, comprising the steps of: activating electrical interior lighting means illuminating the lighting area, detecting a first illuminance in the lighting area by means of first sensor means directed towards the lighting area and/or designed to detect the first illuminance in the lighting area;Control of the light output of the interior lighting means to a lighting setpoint in response to an output signal of the first sensor means, wherein additional detection of a second illuminance in an extended lighting detection area in the interior, which lies at least partially outside the lighting area and a detection area of the first sensor means, by second sensor means provided separately from the first sensor means, and adjustment, in particular readjustment, of the lighting setpoint if a change in the first illuminance detected by the first sensor means in a time period, relative to a change in the second illuminance detected by the second sensor means in the same time period, lies outside a predetermined ratio range, in particular exceeds a predetermined ratio threshold.