Lighting Controller Using Object Obstruction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting control systems do not effectively reduce energy consumption by switching off or dimming lighting devices when objects obstruct the light from reaching the user, leading to unnecessary energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects user and lighting device locations, as well as object dimensions and positions, to determine if an object is between the user and the lighting device or its light effect, allowing for precise control of lighting devices by switching them off or dimming them when obstructed, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lighting devices are switched on based solely on user proximity, then user illumination is ensured, but energy consumption increases when objects block the light
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of objects between the user and lighting devices before activating them. By checking object positions and dimensions in advance, the system prevents activating lighting that would be blocked by objects, thus avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring illumination is only provided when visible to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the spatial relationship between users, objects, and lighting devices. Based on this feedback about whether objects block the line of sight, the system dynamically adjusts lighting activation decisions, switching off or dimming lighting when objects are detected in the path to reduce energy consumption.
2Device complexity
If lighting control is simplified to only proximity-based switching, then system complexity is reduced, but energy savings are lost due to blocked light paths
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it detects user positions, identifies objects in the environment, determines line-of-sight relationships, and controls lighting activation. By combining these functions into a single multi-functional control system, the patent achieves detailed lighting control for energy optimization without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical or sensor-based line-of-sight detection mechanisms with a computational geometry approach. By using mathematical calculations based on detected positions and object dimensions to determine whether objects block light paths, the system achieves precise control without additional physical sensing hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lighting is activated for all users in an area, then all users are illuminated, but energy is wasted when objects block light for specific users
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides differentiated lighting control for different local conditions. Instead of uniformly activating lighting for all users, it individually assesses each user's situation by detecting objects in their specific line of sight. Lighting is activated only for users who have unobstructed view, providing local quality control that optimizes energy usage while maintaining adaptability to different user positions and object configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a lighting device is disclosed. The method comprises: detecting a first location of a user in an area, obtaining a second location of the lighting device and/or its light effect in the area, obtaining object information about an object, the object information comprising at least dimensions of the object and a third location of the object in the area, determining, based on the first, second and third location and the object dimensions, if the object is located between the user and the lighting device and/or its light effect, and controlling the lighting device based on the determination.