Image-Based Lighting Control via Activity Template Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern lighting systems require manual selection of lighting scenes by occupants, which can be inconvenient and inefficient, as they need to adjust settings based on their activities, whereas the system described automatically determines the activity in a space through image comparison and adjusts lighting settings accordingly.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device captures images of a space and compares them to pre-stored templates to identify activities, with a control logic system selecting and applying corresponding lighting settings for light fixtures, allowing for automatic adaptation of lighting based on detected activities without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual selection of lighting scenes is required, then occupants can precisely control lighting settings, but convenience and efficiency deteriorate due to the need for manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system automatically detects occupant activities through image capture and template matching, then autonomously adjusts lighting settings without requiring manual user input. The system serves itself by using sensors and processing logic to make control decisions that would otherwise require user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control (physical switches, dimmers, or scene selection interfaces) with an automated optical detection and processing system. Image capture devices and template matching algorithms substitute for manual scene selection mechanisms.
2Extent of automation
If automated activity detection is implemented, then lighting adjustment becomes automatic and convenient, but device complexity increases due to imaging and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing activity templates that represent various occupant behaviors and scenarios. These templates are prepared in advance to enable rapid comparison and matching against captured images, reducing real-time processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses template copying where standardized activity patterns are created as reference models. These templates serve as simplified representations of complex real-world activities, allowing the system to match actual scenes against predefined patterns without requiring complex analysis of every detail.
3Productivity
If image comparison with templates is used, then activity recognition becomes automatic, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to template matching limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts matching parameters and thresholds dynamically to balance speed and accuracy. By modifying the stringency of template matching criteria, the system can optimize performance for different scenarios, achieving faster matching when appropriate while maintaining sufficient accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with image based control of lighting systems are described. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes an imaging device configured to capture an image of a space. The apparatus also includes a matching logic configured to compare the image to templates in a set of templates to determine a current activity occurring in the space. In response to determining that the image matches a template, the matching logic is configured to generate a match signal that identifies the template. A control logic is configured to access one or more stored scenes. Each scene specifies a lighting setting for a controllable characteristic of at least one light fixture. The control logic selects a scene mapped to the identified template. The control logic further causes the controllable characteristic of the at least one light fixture to be adjusted to the lighting setting defined by the scene.