Road Luminaire Sensor Detects Specular Reflection for Weather Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road illumination systems fail to effectively distinguish between various weather types and road conditions, leading to inadequate adjustment of light output, which can impact road safety due to variable light intensities.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire system that measures specular and diffuse reflective properties of a reference surface using sensors, such as photo-sensors and polarization sensors, to calculate and adjust light output parameters, ensuring consistent road luminance by adapting the light's direction, width, profile, intensity, and spectrum based on measured conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the luminaire uses a sensor unit to measure optical properties of the surrounding environment, then the ability to detect and distinguish various weather types and road conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is designed to perform multiple measurement functions using a single integrated device. It simultaneously measures both specular reflection (for detecting wet/icy conditions) and diffuse reflection (for detecting snowy conditions), as well as determining road surface orientation. This multi-functionality allows the luminaire to distinguish various weather types and road conditions without requiring separate sensor systems for each function, thereby improving detection capability while limiting the increase in device complexity.
2Productivity
If the luminaire adjusts light output parameters based on measured optical properties, then the road illumination optimality is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire's light output is made dynamically adjustable based on real-time measurements of road surface optical properties. The control system modifies illumination parameters (intensity, direction, distribution pattern) according to the detected weather conditions and road surface state. This dynamic adaptation allows optimal road illumination under varying conditions while using a control system that responds automatically to sensor inputs, balancing illumination quality with control system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the sensor unit continuously measures optical properties of reflected light from the road surface, the calculation unit processes these measurements to determine weather type and road condition, and the control system adjusts light output accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic optimization of road illumination based on actual environmental conditions, improving illumination effectiveness while using standard feedback control principles to manage system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the luminaire measures both specular and diffuse reflection properties, then the precision of weather and road condition identification is improved, but the measurement system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is positioned and oriented to selectively measure specific reflection properties from specific areas of the road surface. By orienting the sensor to capture light reflected at particular angles, the system can distinguish between specular reflection (from wet or icy surfaces) and diffuse reflection (from snowy surfaces) based on the local optical properties measured at the sensor's location. This approach enables precise weather and road condition identification using a single sensor position, limiting the increase in measurement system 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
The system maintains constant road luminance under different weather and road conditions, enhancing road safety by providing optimal illumination adjustments, particularly for drivers, through continuous and accurate measurement and adaptation of light output.
Implementation Method 1
measuring light properties of light being reflected by said reflective reference surface or road surface, wherein the optical properties at least comprise specular and diffuse reflection
Implementation Method 2
measuring light properties of light being reflected by said reflective reference surface or road surface, wherein the optical properties at least comprise specular and diffuse reflection
Implementation Method 3
the pattern and polarization of the reflected light
Data Source
Figure 1~2C
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a luminaire for road illumination, said luminaire (1) comprising a housing (3) containing a light source (5) provided with optics (6). The luminaire further comprising a sensor unit (7) adapted to measure optical properties of the surrounding of the luminaire and a calculation unit adapted to calculate the parameters for controlling the light output of the luminaire based on the optical properties measured by the sensor unit. According to the invention, the sensor unit is adapted to measure specular and diffuse reflection properties of the surrounding of the luminaire. These optical properties allow determining the type of weather or the road condition and adjustment of the light output of the luminaire, thus improving the road safety.