Automated Lighting Map Generation via Image Sensor Analysis

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting control systems require significant time and are prone to errors when generating a map of multiple lighting apparatuses in a wide space, as operators need to physically confirm the position of blinking lights, making the process cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A lighting control system that includes a controller with image sensors to capture the irradiation surface, calculate the position of each lighting apparatus based on luminance levels, and associate identification information with position information to generate a map, allowing for automated mapping without manual confirmation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual confirmation method is used to generate map, then position accuracy can be confirmed, but time consumption increases significantly and operation errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition accuracyVSAvoidmap generation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual confirmation method with an automated image processing system. Image sensors capture images of the irradiation surface, and a calculator automatically determines the position of lighting apparatuses by analyzing luminance levels in the captured images, eliminating the need for manual visual confirmation and physical approach to blinking lights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-identification and self-positioning of lighting apparatuses. Each lighting apparatus is identified through its identification information item, and the system automatically associates this identification information with position information derived from image analysis, enabling the system to generate the map autonomously without operator intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual confirmation method is used, then position accuracy is maintained, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition accuracyVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual confirmation method with an automated image processing system. Image sensors capture images of the irradiation surface, and a calculator automatically determines the position of lighting apparatuses by analyzing luminance levels in the captured images, eliminating the need for manual visual confirmation and physical approach to blinking lights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces image sensors and image processing algorithms as intermediaries between the lighting apparatuses and the map generation process. These intermediaries automatically capture visual information and compute positions, serving as a bridge that eliminates direct manual interaction and simplifies the overall operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If conventional manual mapping procedure is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidmap generation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual confirmation method with an automated image processing system. Image sensors capture images of the irradiation surface, and a calculator automatically determines the position of lighting apparatuses by analyzing luminance levels in the captured images, eliminating the need for manual visual confirmation and physical approach to blinking lights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously captures images and processes position information for all lighting apparatuses in an automated manner, rather than requiring intermittent manual confirmation for each apparatus. This continuous automated processing significantly increases productivity while maintaining reasonable system complexity through integrated image capture and calculation functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 significantly reduces the time and error associated with map generation, enabling efficient and accurate mapping of multiple lighting apparatuses in a wide space by automating the process of determining their positions.

Implementation Method 1

at least one image sensor 30 which captures an image of an irradiation surface that is irradiated by the plurality of lighting apparatuses 20

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10045424B2Lighting control system

Publication Date: 2018.08.07 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A lighting control system includes: lighting apparatuses; a controller; an image sensor capturing an image of an irradiation surface irradiated by the lighting apparatuses; and a display. The controller includes: a calculator which performs calculation of a position of one of the lighting apparatuses, on a basis of a luminance level in an image obtained by capturing the image of the irradiation surface by the image sensor in a state in which only the one of the lighting apparatuses is turned on or off; an associator which, every time the calculator performs the calculation of a position of one of the lighting apparatuses which is turned on or off, associates the identification information item set in advance to the one of the lighting apparatuses, with a position information item indicating the position of the one of the lighting apparatuses; and a generator that generates a map.