Image-Based Lighting Search with Luminaire Position Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in finding suitable images for recreating lighting scenes in connected lighting systems, as existing methods require searching through vast image databases without considering the specific lighting infrastructure, leading to unsuitable results.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to search image databases based on both user preferences and lighting infrastructure information, such as luminaire shape and position, to retrieve images that match the infrastructure, enabling more accurate rendering of lighting scenes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users search image databases based only on keywords without considering lighting infrastructure, then the search process is simple, but the retrieved images may not be suitable for the user's lighting infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the lighting infrastructure (luminaire positions, shapes, and configurations) before the user conducts the image search. This pre-processing enables the search algorithm to filter and rank images based on compatibility with the specific lighting setup, ensuring suitable images are retrieved without requiring complex user input about infrastructure details
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image database that acts as a bridge between the user's simple keyword search and the complex lighting infrastructure requirements. The database stores images with metadata describing their structural features and compatibility characteristics, allowing the search system to match images to lighting configurations without exposing this complexity to the user
2Reliability
If the system filters images based on luminaire shape and position, then image suitability improves, but the search complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image filtering process into distinct modules: one module extracts luminaire position and shape features from the lighting infrastructure data, another module analyzes image structural features, and a third module performs the matching. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the increased functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the complex multi-dimensional problem of image-lighting compatibility into a parameter-based matching system. By defining specific parameters for luminaire characteristics (position coordinates, shape descriptors) and image characteristics (feature vectors, structural metrics), the system enables automated filtering without requiring complex user intervention or system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If users manually select images from vast databases, then image selection flexibility is high, but the time required to find suitable images increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system automatically evaluates retrieved images against the lighting infrastructure criteria and provides ranked results with compatibility indicators. This feedback loop allows users to quickly identify suitable images without manually evaluating each option, significantly reducing search time while maintaining the ability to explore multiple alternatives if desired
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of searching an image database for images to be used in rendering lighting scene in an environment by at least one luminaire within the environment, the method comprising: receiving a search trigger comprising at least one indication of a user preference; identifying at least a position of the at least one luminaire within the environment; responsive to receiving said search trigger, searching the image database based on both the indicated user preference and the identified position to return at least one image for use in rendering the lighting scene by the at least one luminaire.