Intelligent Area Lighting System with Distributed Motion Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion-sensitive lighting systems are inefficient in conserving energy, provide harsh and sudden illumination, and require labor-intensive configuration, failing to adapt to user speed and direction, leading to wasted energy and imprecise tracking.
Innovation Solution
A distributed intelligence lighting system with self-configurable lighting elements that use motion sensors, GPS, and wireless communication to gradually and softly illuminate a user's path, anticipating their movement and adjusting intensity based on proximity and speed, eliminating the need for a central controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If motion sensor-activated lighting is used to conserve energy, then power consumption is reduced, but the lighting becomes harsh and sudden, detracting from user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by gradually illuminating the path ahead of the user before they actually arrive at each location. Lighting elements are activated in advance and incrementally as the user approaches, creating a smooth transition from dark to light rather than sudden illumination. This anticipatory lighting softens the transition and improves user experience while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system dynamically adjusts illumination based on real-time user position and movement. The intensity and activation of lighting elements change continuously as the user moves through the area, with lights gradually increasing in intensity rather than switching abruptly. This dynamic behavior eliminates harsh transitions while maintaining energy conservation.
2Device complexity
If predetermined persistency is used in motion-sensitive lighting, then the lighting system is simple to control, but energy is wasted and user tracking is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring user position through motion sensors and GPS data, and using this information to dynamically control lighting activation and intensity. The lighting system responds in real-time to user movement, activating lights only when and where needed based on actual user location rather than using fixed predetermined timing. This feedback mechanism eliminates energy waste while maintaining simple control through automated sensor-based decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system activates lights in advance of the user's arrival at each location, based on predicted movement patterns and real-time position data. This preliminary activation ensures continuous illumination along the user's path without requiring the lights to remain on longer than necessary, thereby reducing energy waste while maintaining simple automated control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of lighting networks is used, then each light can be individually controlled, but the installation is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting network performs self-service through automated configuration. When a new lighting element is added to the network, it automatically receives its unique identifier and configures itself by communicating with neighboring elements to establish its position and control parameters. This self-configuration eliminates the need for manual DIP switch settings or complex programming, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining individual control capability through automated unique identification and network integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the complex configuration task from the installation process by implementing automated self-configuration. The manual steps of individually setting DIP switches, programming addresses, and configuring network parameters are removed and replaced with automatic peer-to-peer communication that allows lighting elements to configure themselves upon installation, significantly reducing installation time and complexity.
4Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are enlarged to provide sufficient energy, then power availability increases, but space requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system uses partial action by illuminating only the specific area where a user is present or about to arrive, rather than continuously lighting the entire area. The motion sensors and GPS tracking enable the system to activate only the necessary portion of the lighting network, reducing overall energy consumption and allowing smaller solar panels to provide sufficient power without requiring additional space.
Data Source
AI summary
An area lighting system is composed of a plurality of lighting elements that are responsive to the movement and progression of a user through the area. Each lighting element comprises at least one light, means for powering the lighting element, a processor, communication means and is associated with a motion sensor. Detection of a user is communicated to other lighting elements that provide an appropriate level of illumination depending on the distance from the user. The lighting elements are substantially self-configurable and may be set for either a radial proximity lighting protocol or a path network lighting protocol.