Wireless Mesh Light Sensor Distribution for Ambient Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems require multiple expensive and cumbersome light sensors to control each light source, necessitating a solution to reduce the number of sensors needed while maintaining effective ambient light detection and control.
Innovation Solution
A wireless mesh network system where a single sensor node communicates with multiple control nodes to determine light intensity thresholds, allowing fewer sensor nodes to control multiple light sources by modifying their output based on received light intensity values, thereby reducing the number of sensors required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple light sensors are installed on every light source to control ambient light detection, then lighting control accuracy is improved, but system cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the light detection function by separating sensor nodes from control nodes. Sensor nodes are distributed throughout the environment to measure ambient light, while control nodes receive these measurements via wireless mesh network and independently control light sources. This segmentation allows one sensor to serve multiple light sources, reducing the total number of sensors needed while maintaining detection accuracy through spatial distribution of sensor nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless mesh network as an intermediary between sensor nodes and control nodes. This intermediary enables communication of light intensity values from sensor nodes to multiple control nodes without direct physical connection. The intermediary allows distributed control where each control node can receive light detection data and independently modify light source outputs based on the measured ambient light levels.
2Measurement precision
If light sensors are placed close to each light source for accurate control, then lighting control precision is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the aesthetic light source from the functional sensor node. The sensor node, which may be less aesthetically pleasing, is positioned away from the decorative light source to perform accurate ambient light measurement. The control node receives the measurement via wireless communication and controls the light source remotely, allowing the light source to maintain its aesthetic design while still achieving precise control through the distributed sensor measurement system.
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 allows for efficient control of light sources with fewer sensors, reducing installation and maintenance costs while maintaining accurate ambient light detection and control, and enabling placement of sensors away from light sources for aesthetic purposes.
Implementation Method 1
Light sensors (e.g., photocells) that detect ambient light in an environment
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a light source associated with an environment includes: receiving, over a wireless mesh network and by a control node corresponding to the light source, a first light intensity value for the environment from a first sensor node; calculating, by the control node, a resulting light intensity (RLI) value based on the first intensity value; determining, by the control node, that the RLI value exceeds a light intensity threshold; and modifying, by the control node and in response to determining the RLI value exceeds the light intensity threshold, an output of the first light source.