Lighting System Control Using Single Sensor for Uniform Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting systems with multiple light groups are complex and costly due to the need for individual sensors and control devices, and inflexible control methods result in uneven illumination, especially at night or in low external light conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a single sensor to detect brightness for the main light group, determining a secondary extraneous light component based on the main component, allowing flexible control of secondary light groups without additional complexity, ensuring uniform illumination by adjusting secondary control values dynamically based on external light conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single sensor is used to control the main light group, then device complexity is reduced, but illumination uniformity deteriorates under certain lighting conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol device complexityVSAvoidillumination uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is segmented into a main light group and multiple secondary light groups. Each group can be independently controlled with different control variables, allowing the single sensor to drive multiple independent control channels. This segmentation enables differentiated control strategies for different lighting zones, resolving the contradiction between using a single sensor and achieving uniform illumination across all areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control variables for secondary light groups are made dynamic rather than fixed. The control variable for each secondary light group is calculated as a function of the main control variable plus an offset that can be adjusted based on lighting conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different extraneous light conditions and maintain illumination uniformity while using a single sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If fixed factors are used for secondary light groups, then control simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different lighting conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to lighting conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameters (control variables) for secondary light groups based on detected extraneous light conditions. When extraneous light increases, the control variables are adjusted accordingly to maintain proper illumination levels. This parameter adaptation enables the system to respond to different lighting scenarios while keeping the control structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If all light groups are provided with individual sensors and control devices, then illumination control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrightness detection precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single sensor and control device are made to serve multiple functions by controlling both the main light group and multiple secondary light groups. The sensor detects extraneous light conditions, and the control device calculates appropriate control variables for all light groups based on this single measurement. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining adequate illumination control through mathematical relationships between different light groups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using separate sensors for each light group, the system uses a single sensor measurement as a basis for controlling multiple light groups. The control variables for secondary light groups are derived as copies or functions of the main control variable, scaled and offset appropriately. This copying approach reduces the number of sensors needed while maintaining coordinated control across all lighting zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 approach reduces system complexity and cost while enabling uniform illumination in various lighting situations, including complete darkness, by linking secondary light group control to the main extraneous light component, ensuring all light groups can operate at full capacity.

Implementation Method 1

Detection of brightness at the location of the main light group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBrightness detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2560464B1Method for controlling and regulating a light system

Publication Date: 2017.09.13 SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG

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AI summary

The method involves detecting brightness at the location of a main light assembly (20). A main ambient light component for main light assembly is determined. An auxiliary ambient light component for auxiliary light assembly (30) is determined based on determined main ambient light component. A control value for auxiliary light assembly is determined based on auxiliary ambient light component and target value for auxiliary light assembly. An independent claim is included for lighting system.