LED Fixture Occupancy Sensing for Low-Cost Building Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart buildings that automatically control environmental characteristics are typically expensive to manufacture and install, and often are not compatible with standard building fixtures, requiring professional installation.
Innovation Solution
An LED-based light system that is compatible with conventional fixtures, featuring sensors to detect occupancy, an LED controller to adjust lighting, and a transmitter to communicate with building environment regulators, allowing for cost-effective conversion of standard fixtures into smart systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If smart building components are used to automatically control environmental characteristics, then building automation and energy efficiency are improved, but manufacturing cost and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The LED light fixture integrates multiple functions including illumination, occupancy sensing, wireless communication, and HVAC control into a single universal device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate smart building components, reducing both manufacturing and installation costs while maintaining full automation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate systems (lighting, sensing, communication, and environmental control) into a single integrated LED fixture. This merging reduces the total number of components needed, lowering material costs and simplifying installation procedures
2Extent of automation
If smart building components are used to automatically control environmental characteristics, then building automation is improved, but installation complexity increases requiring professional electricians
Solution Approach 1:
The universal LED fixture design accepts standard bulb sockets and requires no complex wiring modifications. Occupants can simply replace bulbs like traditional lights, eliminating the need for professional electrician installation while achieving full smart building automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables end-users to install and configure smart building functionality themselves through simple bulb replacement and wireless setup, without requiring professional installation services
3Use of energy by moving object
If LED-based lights with sensors and transmitters are integrated, then energy efficiency and operational convenience are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By making the LED fixture universal and multi-functional, the patent manages complexity through integration rather than addition. The single device handles lighting, sensing, communication, and control functions that would otherwise require multiple separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The LED fixture acts as an intermediary device that bridges occupancy detection and environmental control systems. This mediator role simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a single communication node between sensors and building environment regulators
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
Enables the transformation of standard fixtures into smart building systems at a lower cost, providing energy-efficient control of lighting and HVAC systems without the need for extensive installation, enhancing operational convenience and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
At least one LED is operable to produce light
Implementation Method 2
A sensor is operable to output a first signal indicative of whether an area of one or more of the rooms is in an occupied state or a non-occupied state
Implementation Method 3
A transmitter is operable to output a second signal indicative of whether the area is in the occupied state or the non-occupied state
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
An LED-based light can be installed in a conventional light fixture. The LED-based light can include a sensor operable to output a first signal indicative of whether an area of one or more of the rooms is in an occupied state or a non-occupied state, and the LED-based light can also include an LED controller operable to control at least one LED in the light in response to the first signal. Additionally, the LED-based light can include a transmitter operable to output a second signal indicative of whether the area is in the occupied state or the non-occupied state to a regulator controller remote from the LED-based light and operable to receive the second signal and control an environmental condition in the building other than artificial light in response to the second signal.