Lighting Control via Body Data Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current studies on the effect of lighting on human well-being and productivity are limited by small sample sizes and inability to adapt lighting control systems to individual or local conditions, resulting in ineffective specifications for optimal lighting management.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for recording and assigning lighting information with body data from individuals in specific areas, allowing for continuous evaluation and adaptation of lighting settings to improve well-being and productivity, using sensors and data collection devices to gather and analyze data from large numbers of people.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If studies are conducted with a small number of test subjects in a laboratory setting, then the complexity and cost of the study is reduced, but the statistical significance and generalizability of the results deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestudy complexityVSAvoidstatistical significance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional laboratory-based studies (one dimension: controlled environment with few subjects) to real-world field studies (another dimension: natural environment with many subjects). By collecting data from multiple users in their actual living environments over extended periods, the system achieves both statistical significance through large sample sizes and ecological validity through real-world conditions, resolving the contradiction between study complexity and result reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to participate in the study without requiring laboratory visits or specialized equipment. Users simply wear standard motion sensors and wearables in their own homes, with data collected automatically during daily activities. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex laboratory infrastructure while gathering large amounts of reliable data from diverse populations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If rigid dimming and color temperature gradients are stored in the system, then the implementation is simple, but the adaptability to local conditions and individual needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem implementation simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to local conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static, pre-programmed lighting gradients to dynamic, adaptive lighting control. Motion sensors continuously monitor user presence, posture, and activity patterns, automatically adjusting lighting parameters in real-time based on detected behaviors. This dynamic approach maintains implementation simplicity while achieving high adaptability to individual users and local conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where motion sensors detect user responses to lighting conditions, and this information feeds back to automatically adjust lighting parameters. The system learns from user behaviors and environmental conditions, adapting lighting gradients dynamically without requiring complex manual programming or user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If lighting control is based on predefined rules, then the system is easy to operate, but the ability to respond to individual physiological reactions and local conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operabilityVSAvoidresponse to individual conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system operates autonomously by detecting user presence and activity patterns through motion sensors, automatically adjusting lighting without requiring user input or complex programming. The system serves itself by learning from observed behaviors and environmental conditions, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability to individual users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual lighting control mechanisms with automated sensor-based control. Motion sensors detect physiological indicators and behavioral patterns, substituting human judgment and manual adjustment with automatic electronic control that adapts to individual conditions while remaining simple to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3289836B1Method and system for improving lighting control and method and system for controlling a lighting device
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP3289836B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3289836B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3289836B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a system for improving lighting control. In said method, lighting information relating to the light emitted by a lighting device (3) and bodily data of a person present in the lighting area or in a predefined area of the lighting device (3) are detected using a means (1) for detecting bodily data, the bodily data and lighting information that have been detected at a specific, simultaneous point in time are assigned to one another and transmitted to a data collection system (2). The invention also relates to a method and a system for controlling a lighting device (3), in which method bodily data of a person present in the lighting area or in a predefined area of the lighting device (3) are detected using a means (1) for detecting bodily data, the lighting device (3) being controlled in accordance with the detected bodily data.