Light Sensor Topology Discovery via Angular Position Computation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual discovery of the topology in connected lighting systems is labor-intensive and costly, making it inefficient for large-scale commercial building automation.
Innovation Solution
A light sensor with a photocell matrix and a microcontroller that computes the angular position of light sources within the system, allowing a configuring device to automatically discover the topology by measuring light levels at different times and reporting the spatial positions of light sources and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual discovery of topology is performed, then accuracy of topology information can be ensured, but labor intensity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical discovery processes with automated optical sensing. Photocells detect light levels from luminaires, and a microcontroller computes angular positions to automatically determine topology, eliminating the need for manual surveying while maintaining accuracy through precise optical measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-discovery of topology by having sensor nodes autonomously measure light levels, compute angular positions of luminaires, and determine their own spatial relationships without external intervention. Each node independently contributes to building the complete topology map.
2Productivity
If automated topology discovery is implemented, then time and cost are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discovery system is segmented into distributed sensor nodes, each with photocells and microcontrollers that independently perform local measurements and computations. This segmentation allows parallel operation across multiple nodes, increasing overall discovery speed while keeping individual node complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor nodes serve multiple functions: they detect ambient light for lighting control, measure light levels for angular position computation, and participate in topology discovery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated discovery hardware, managing system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
3Measurement precision
If photocell matrix is used for angular measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex mechanical angular encoders or multiple specialized sensors, the system uses a simple photocell matrix that copies the functionality of angular measurement through light level detection. The matrix of photocells creates a spatial sampling pattern that enables angular computation through software processing of light level data.
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 solution reduces the need for manual engineering, saving time and money by automating the topology discovery process in connected lighting systems, enabling efficient configuration and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor that comprises a matrix of photocells... measures ambient light provided by a light source... The microcontroller in the light sensor reads each individual photocell and processes the signals from the photocells... in order to compute and report an angle of the location of a light source
Data Source
AI summary
A method for discovering the topology of a connected lighting system. The method comprises: receiving a first measurement of a first light source in relation to a first sensor; receiving a second measurement of the first light source in relation to a second sensor; generating a first estimate of the position of the first light source, based on a first angle at the first sensor between (i) a first direction toward a current light source position and (ii) a second direction defined by the first measurement; generating a second estimate of the position of the first light source, based on a second angle at the second sensor between (i) a third direction toward the current light source position and (ii) a fourth direction defined by the second measurement; and generating an updated light source position of the first light source based on the first and second estimates.