Light Controller Spectral Analysis Adaptive Dimming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting control systems in connected home environments lack the ability to intelligently adjust light sources based on the composition of natural and artificial light, often relying on binary on/off controls rather than adaptive responses to ambient light levels, leading to inefficiencies in energy usage and user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing intelligent light controllers that utilize light sensors to analyze the optical spectra of ambient light, distinguishing between natural and artificial light sources by identifying signature peaks and troughs, and adjusting light output accordingly based on determined thresholds to ensure optimal illumination and energy conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If binary on/off control is used for light sources, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to ambient light conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lighting control by transitioning from static binary on/off control to adaptive control that continuously adjusts light source operation based on real-time ambient light detection. The system dynamically modifies lighting behavior by analyzing spectral composition and comparing it against stored profiles to determine when to adjust or turn off lights, creating a responsive adaptive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where light sensors continuously monitor ambient light conditions and feed this information back to the control system. The system compares detected spectral signatures against stored profiles and uses this feedback loop to intelligently determine whether to adjust or turn off light sources, enabling adaptive response to changing environmental conditions.
2Measurement precision
If optical spectra analysis is implemented to distinguish light sources, then measurement precision of ambient light composition is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing spectral profiles of various light sources (natural light, artificial light, LED, fluorescent, incandescent) in the system memory before operation. When ambient light is detected, the system compares the measured spectrum against these pre-stored profiles to identify composition, eliminating the need for complex real-time spectral decomposition algorithms and reducing computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating and storing reference spectral profiles (copies) of different light source types. The system captures characteristic spectral signatures of various light sources during calibration or initialization and stores these as reference templates. During operation, detected ambient light spectra are compared against these stored copies to determine composition, simplifying the measurement process.
3Productivity
If continuous monitoring of ambient light is performed, then productivity of lighting control is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the light sensor and control system monitor ambient light conditions at regular intervals rather than continuously. The system periodically detects ambient light levels, analyzes spectral composition, and compares results against thresholds to determine when lighting adjustments are necessary, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective control responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by using the existing ambient light environment to determine when artificial lighting is needed. The spectral analysis of ambient light automatically provides the information required to make control decisions, eliminating the need for separate occupancy sensors or manual user input, and enabling the system to serve itself through environmental feedback.
4Reliability
If spectral profile comparison is used to determine light composition, then reliability of natural light detection is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing spectral profiles of various light sources (natural light, artificial light, LED, fluorescent, incandescent) in the system memory before operation. When ambient light is detected, the system compares the measured spectrum against these pre-stored profiles to identify composition, eliminating the need for complex real-time spectral decomposition algorithms and reducing computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses spectral signature characteristics (analogous to color changes) to distinguish between different light source types. Each light source type has a unique spectral fingerprint with characteristic peaks and valleys at specific wavelengths. The system detects these spectral variations to reliably identify natural versus artificial light sources, using the inherent spectral characteristics as identification markers.
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
The system effectively adjusts light sources based on the relative composition of natural and artificial light, optimizing energy usage by turning off or dimming lights when natural light meets certain thresholds, enhancing user experience through adaptive lighting control.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor may measure ambient light produced from light sources within the room
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for performing actions based on a determined relative composition of light. In some implementations, data representing an amount of ambient light detected within the portion of the property by a light sensor located at the portion of the property is initially obtained. Data indicating (i) a shape of an optical spectra for a natural light source, and (ii) a shape of an optical spectra for a non-natural light source is then obtained. A relative composition of the ambient light detected within the portion of the property is determined. An estimated amount of natural light within the portion of the property is then determined. In response, the amount of light output by one or more light sources located at the portion of the property is adjusted.