Image-Based Lighting Control for Spatial Object Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it time-consuming and inconvenient to set up and configure lighting systems to meet specific illumination needs, as they require manual input of settings for various lighting units and objects within a space.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to input contextual lighting information through image capture, where lighting units and objects are recognized and linked automatically, enabling intelligent control of illumination based on their proximity and associated settings, using image processing and communication with lighting units to determine positions and control outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual input of lighting settings is required, then lighting control precision is improved, but user convenience deteriorates and setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures images of the environment, identifies lighting units and objects, determines their spatial relationships, and configures lighting settings without requiring manual user input. The lighting system serves itself by using its own components (image capture device, processor) to perform setup tasks that would otherwise require extensive user configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated image processing and computer vision techniques. Instead of requiring users to physically adjust or manually input lighting parameters, the system uses image capture and processing to automatically determine lighting unit positions, object locations, and spatial relationships, substituting manual operations with automated digital processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of lighting units is performed, then lighting setup accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary image capture and processing during the setup phase to automatically identify all lighting units, objects, and spatial relationships before actual lighting operation begins. This preliminary automated configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming manual setup during operation, as the accuracy is established in advance through automated image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or representation of the physical environment through captured images and processed spatial models. This digital replica contains all the information needed for accurate lighting configuration, allowing the system to replicate precise lighting setups without requiring physical manual adjustment or time-consuming configuration processes.
3Loss of time
If automated image-based recognition is used, then setup time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system integrates multiple functions into a single unified system: image capture, image processing, object identification, spatial relationship determination, and lighting control. By making the system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby managing overall system complexity while achieving automated setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer (image processing module) that bridges the gap between simple image capture and complex lighting control decisions. This intermediary layer automatically extracts relevant information from images and translates it into lighting configuration parameters, simplifying the overall system architecture by providing a clear processing pipeline rather than requiring direct complex interactions between all components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lighting control system and method for controlling a plurality of lighting units wherein an image of a space including the lighting units is obtained, and certain non- lighting objects in the space are identified. The objects can be associated with light settings, and the relative position of lighting units to the objects allows the lighting units to be selectively associated with those light settings also. Linking of lighting units, non-lighting objects, and control settings in this way arranged can be achieved with minimal user input, and provides improved control of lighting in an environment.