Illumination System with Optical Feedback for Pattern Homogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination systems face challenges in accurately generating predefined illumination patterns due to difficulties in luminaire aiming, especially when obstacles are present, and the need for manual adjustments that can lead to inhomogeneities in the illumination pattern.
Innovation Solution
An illumination system comprising a plurality of luminaires with orientation adjustment mechanisms and cameras that capture images of the illuminated area, a control unit evaluates deviations from the predefined pattern and generates orientation adjustment signals to iteratively adjust the luminaires until the desired pattern is achieved, using optical feedback to correct imperfections in the light plan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual aiming procedures with laser pointers and visual markers are used, then alignment accuracy can be improved, but the procedure becomes elaborate and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses cameras to capture images of the illuminated area and compares the actual illumination pattern with the predefined pattern, providing real-time feedback to the control unit. This automated feedback loop enables rapid adjustment of luminaire orientations without manual measurement procedures, achieving high alignment accuracy while significantly reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical aiming procedures (laser pointers, visual markers, physical alignment tools) with an automated optical-electronic system. Cameras capture illumination patterns, control units process the data, and electronically adjust luminaire orientations, substituting mechanical alignment methods with automated optical measurement and electronic control.
2Ease of manufacture
If the light plan is created remotely without site inspection, then the planning process is simplified, but obstacles in the light path are not detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capture of the illumination pattern and comparison with the predefined pattern before final luminaire positioning is confirmed. By evaluating the actual illumination pattern early in the installation process, the system can detect issues caused by obstacles or incorrect mounting positions before completing the installation, allowing for corrections to be made.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated evaluation system provides immediate feedback on whether the actual illumination pattern matches the predefined pattern, revealing any deviations caused by obstacles or incorrect installations. This feedback mechanism ensures that remote light plans can be validated and corrected on-site without requiring manual inspection of every luminaire's performance.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and control units are added to automate the adjustment process, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it receives images from cameras, evaluates the illumination pattern, calculates deviations from the predefined pattern, determines required adjustments, and controls luminaire orientations. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the camera system, image processing capabilities, pattern evaluation algorithms, and luminaire control functions into an integrated automated system. The control unit serves as a central hub that merges data acquisition, analysis, and actuation functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function and thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high 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
The system automatically adjusts luminaires to achieve a predefined illumination pattern, ensuring accuracy and consistency, even in the presence of obstacles, by iteratively refining the orientation and intensity of light contributions, thereby improving the homogeneity of the illumination across the area.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of cameras, each camera associated with one of said luminaires for capturing an image of an illuminated part of said area including the contribution generated by said associated luminaire
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an illumination system (100) and method (600) for generating a predefined illumination pattern on an area (10). The system comprises a plurality of luminaires (110), each luminaire having an orientation adjustment mechanism and being arranged to generate a contribution (210, 210') to said illumination pattern on a part of said area; a plurality of cameras (120), each camera associated with one of said luminaires for capturing an image of an illuminated part of said area including the contribution generated by said associated luminaire; and a control unit (130) adapted to facilitate the generation of the predefined illumination pattern by evaluating one of said images to determine a deviation from the predefined illumination pattern for the illuminated part of said area captured in said image; selecting a luminaire from said plurality of luminaires from information contained in a light plan and generating an orientation adjustment signal for the selected luminaire based on the determined deviation.