Image Sensor Module for Lighting Fixture Occupancy Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting fixtures with LED technology lack efficient methods to determine ambient light levels and occupancy events, leading to potential inaccuracies and increased data processing requirements, which can increase costs and reduce performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an image sensor module that captures and processes image data to derive zoned mean light intensity values, allowing the control system to adjust light output characteristics while reducing data transfer and processing demands, and using a Gaussian mixture model for improved occupancy detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If full image data is transferred and processed, then occupancy detection accuracy is improved, but data processing requirements and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information from full image data by calculating zoned mean light intensity values. Instead of processing complete images, the system divides the image into zones and computes average light intensity for each zone, extracting only the necessary occupancy-related information while discarding redundant pixel-level data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image into multiple zones and processes each zone independently to determine mean light intensity. This segmentation approach allows the system to focus on regional light changes rather than processing every pixel, reducing overall data processing requirements while maintaining occupancy detection capability.
2Device complexity
If zoned mean light intensity data is used, then data transfer and processing needs are reduced, but occupancy detection accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by processing only sufficient data (zoned mean light intensity) rather than complete image data. This partial processing approach provides exactly the amount of information needed for occupancy detection without excessive data, reducing processing requirements while maintaining adequate detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing of image data by calculating zoned mean light intensity values before occupancy detection. This preliminary aggregation of data into meaningful zones prepares the information in advance, making subsequent occupancy detection more efficient and accurate while reducing the burden on the control system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an image sensor module is added, then control capabilities are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image sensor module serve multiple functions: it provides both ambient light level determination and occupancy event detection. By using the same sensor and processed data for multiple control purposes, the system gains enhanced adaptability and versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as the image sensor replaces what would otherwise require separate sensing systems.
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
This approach reduces data processing and transfer needs, enhances accuracy in determining ambient light levels and occupancy events, and potentially lowers the cost and complexity of lighting fixtures while improving their control capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The image sensor module is configured to capture image data... the image sensor module may be used to determine an ambient light level... or to determine an occupancy event
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting fixture includes a control system, a light source, and an image sensor module. The image sensor module is configured to capture image data and process the image data to provide derived image data, such that the derived image data is downsampled from the image data. The derived image data is used by the control system to adjust one or more characteristics of light provided by the light source.