Motion-Activated Lighting Control via Pattern Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion-activated lighting systems face inefficiencies in energy conservation and occupant comfort due to lack of intelligence in differentiating types of motion, leading to unnecessary energy wastage and annoyance when occupants are near-motionless or pass through rooms.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a combination of motion sensors, such as infrared and ambient light sensors, with a processor to identify specific events and sequences of events within a structure, allowing for intelligent control of lighting intensity and duration based on matched patterns, thereby optimizing energy usage and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motion-activated lighting remains on for a set amount of time after motion is detected, then occupant comfort is improved, but energy wastage increases when occupants leave the room
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system dynamically adjusts the off-delay timer based on detected motion patterns. When motion is detected near the end of the timer period, the timer is reset, extending the lighting duration. This dynamic adjustment ensures lights remain on for occupants who linger or move slowly while turning off promptly when occupants leave, resolving the contradiction between comfort and energy savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors motion detector signals and uses this feedback to adjust lighting control decisions. By analyzing the timing and intensity of motion signals, the system determines whether to extend the off-delay timer or proceed with turning off lights, enabling intelligent adaptation to actual occupancy patterns and eliminating both premature shutdowns and unnecessary extended operation.
2Loss of energy
If motion-activated lighting turns off after a set amount of time, then energy savings are achieved, but occupant comfort deteriorates when occupants remain near-motionless
Solution Approach 1:
The off-delay timer is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system continuously evaluates motion detector inputs and adjusts the timer duration accordingly. When an occupant remains near-motionless, the system detects the absence of motion signals and maintains lighting by extending the timer, ensuring comfort without wasting energy through unnecessarily long illumination periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the time parameter of the off-delay timer based on detected occupancy conditions. By monitoring motion patterns and adjusting the timer parameter in real-time, the system adapts to different occupancy scenarios, providing extended lighting for stationary occupants while maintaining energy efficiency when appropriate.
3Device complexity
If passive infrared or ultrasonic motion sensors are used with a simple timer, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to differentiate motion types and provide intelligent control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The motion detection function is segmented into multiple independent sensors detecting different physical phenomena (infrared for thermal motion, ultrasonic for acoustic motion, visible light for reflected light motion). Each sensor provides specialized detection capability, and their combined inputs enable intelligent differentiation of motion types while maintaining relatively simple individual sensor designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple motion detection technologies (infrared, ultrasonic, visible light sensors) are merged into a single integrated system. The controller combines inputs from all sensors and applies pattern recognition algorithms to differentiate motion types, achieving intelligent adaptability through the combination of simple sensor components with sophisticated processing logic.
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 effectively reduces energy wastage by accurately detecting and responding to different occupancy scenarios, ensuring lights remain on when needed and turn off when unoccupied, enhancing both energy savings and occupant comfort.
Implementation Method 1
sensing motion with a light detector
Implementation Method 2
sensing motion with a motion sensor, wherein the motion sensor is stationary, and the motion sensor senses motion of an object that is external to the motion sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of methods, apparatuses and systems for identifying an event are disclosed. One method includes sensing motion with a motion sensor, wherein the motion sensor is stationary, and the motion sensor senses motion of an object that is external to the motion sensor. The embodiment further includes matching the sensed motion with one of a plurality of stored patterns of events, and identifying an event associated with the sensed motion based on a match between a one of the plurality of patterns and the sensed motion. One apparatus includes a sensing device, wherein the sensing device includes a light sensor sensing motion and a processor. The processor is configured to match the sensed motion with one of a plurality of stored patterns of events, and identify an event associated with the sensed motion based on a match between a one of the plurality of patterns and the sensed motion.