Systems and methods for determining ambient temperature using lighting based sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional temperature sensing systems in buildings are limited by the number of sensors, which makes it difficult to achieve high-resolution temperature data, especially in micro-location settings, and are hindered by the need for wiring for power and data communication, as well as interference from light sources used in temperature measurement.
Innovation Solution
Integration of temperature sensors into lighting fixtures, utilizing existing power wiring and wireless communication, with a data processor that applies correction factors based on the light source's status to accurately measure and transmit ambient temperature data, accounting for heat interference and varying temperature profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are positioned at limited locations in a building, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates temperature sensing functionality into existing lighting fixtures, allowing the same infrastructure to serve both illumination and temperature measurement purposes. This multi-functionality approach enables high-resolution temperature mapping across multiple locations without adding separate sensor deployment complexity, as lighting fixtures are already distributed throughout the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the existing power infrastructure and lighting fixture locations to automatically provide temperature measurement capabilities. By leveraging already-installed lighting fixtures that receive power and are distributed throughout the building, the system eliminates the need for separate sensor installation and wiring, allowing the infrastructure to serve itself for dual purposes.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are integrated into lighting fixtures, then measurement precision improves, but object-generated harmful factors worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the temperature sensing function from the light source by positioning the temperature sensor in the lighting fixture but not in direct thermal contact with the bulb or LED. The sensor measures ambient temperature in the surrounding air space rather than the temperature of the light source itself, effectively extracting the measurement function from the heat-generating component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the air space and housing structure of the lighting fixture as an intermediary between the light source and the temperature sensor. This intermediary allows the sensor to indirectly measure ambient temperature while being physically protected from direct thermal radiation and conduction from the light source, filtering out the harmful thermal interference.
3Measurement precision
If correction factors are applied based on light status, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores correction factors in a lookup table within the lighting fixture's controller, corresponding to different light intensity levels. Instead of performing complex real-time calculations when the light is on, the system simply retrieves the appropriate pre-computed correction factor based on the current light status, significantly reducing processing complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the temperature measurement by applying parameter-based correction factors that account for the thermal influence of the light source at different intensity levels. By changing the measurement parameter through multiplication or addition of correction factors rather than through complex thermal modeling, the system achieves accurate ambient temperature compensation with minimal computational complexity.
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
Enables high-resolution temperature measurement and efficient data transmission without the need for additional wiring, improving energy efficiency and comfort by accurately determining ambient temperatures in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor positioned in, on, or attached to the light
Implementation Method 2
determine an ambient temperature in a volume using a lighting based sensor
Implementation Method 3
A wireless transmitter is configured to transmit the transformed temperature from the light to a remote location
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for determining an ambient temperature in a volume using a lighting based sensor. A status of a light with which a temperature sensor is associated is determined. A correction factor is accessed from a computer-readable medium based on the status of the light. A measured temperature is received via the temperature sensor. The measured temperature is transformed based on the correction factor, and the transformed temperature is transmitted from the light to a remote location.