Dynamic Lighting System for Thoroughfare Blockage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warning systems for thoroughfares, such as roads or paths, are often slow to respond to blockages and may remain in place after the blockage has been cleared, leading to unnecessary detours and potential safety risks due to the reliance on static signs or barricades.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic lighting system with sensors and controllers that detect blockages and adjust lighting patterns in real-time, using a combination of local and remote controllers, sensors like microphones, accelerometers, and cameras to accurately determine blockages and adjust lighting accordingly, and communicate with other luminaires or a remote server to optimize warning signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static signs or barricades are used to warn of thoroughfare blockages, then warning capability is provided, but response time is slow and warnings remain in place after blockage clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system transitions from static warning signs to dynamic lighting patterns that automatically adjust based on real-time sensor detection of blockages and their clearance, enabling timely response and automatic removal of warnings
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of blockages using sensors before they become hazards, and pre-configures lighting patterns to warn users in advance, while also being ready to immediately clear warnings upon detecting blockage removal
2Reliability
If multiple sensors and controllers are used to detect blockages accurately, then detection reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides detection functions into separate sensor modules (acoustic, vibration, visual) and control functions into local and remote controllers, allowing each component to be optimized independently while working together for accurate blockage detection
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system serves multiple functions: normal illumination, blockage detection through integrated sensors, warning signal generation, and communication with remote systems, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems
Data Source
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AI summary
A lighting system has at least one luminaire (1) for illuminating a thoroughfare (10). At least one sensor (11,12,13) detects that a fallen object (30) may be at least partially blocking said thoroughfare (10). A traffic flow monitor (11,12,13) monitors traffic flow along said thoroughfare (10). The light output by the luminaire (1) is controlled to be of a first pattern in accordance with a determination that a fallen object (30) is at least partially blocking said thoroughfare (10). The light output by the luminaire (1) is controlled to be of a second pattern in accordance with the traffic flow monitor (11,12,13) determining that traffic is flowing along said thoroughfare (10).