Motion Sensor Lighting Control via Time Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motion sensor controlled exterior floodlighting fixtures have limited functionality, as they only turn on for a set time period when motion is detected and can be disabled by shining a light onto the sensor, limiting their use for both security and general lighting purposes.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes one or more lighting elements, motion sensors, and a microcontroller to run a lighting program that determines dusk and dawn times, divides the night into multiple periods, and adjusts lighting functions accordingly, including flashing patterns based on detected motion, allowing for more nuanced control and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motion sensor controlled lighting turns on for a set time period when motion is detected, then security function is improved, but general lighting function deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes lighting behavior based on time of night. During the first time period (early evening), lighting remains on for extended duration to provide general lighting. During the second time period (late night), lighting switches to motion-activated mode for security. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system versatile across different temporal contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the lighting system based on the time period. The lighting duration parameter is extended during the first time period and reduced during the second time period. This parameter change allows the system to optimize for general lighting early in the evening and security later at night, resolving the functional contradiction.
2Loss of energy
If motion sensor controlled lighting operates only when activated, then power saving is improved, but lighting duration for general activities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by dividing the night into distinct time periods with different operational modes. During the first time period, lighting operates with extended duration for general activities. During the second time period, it switches to motion-activated periodic operation for security and power saving. This temporal segmentation resolves the contradiction between lighting duration and power saving.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system dynamically adjusts its operational duration based on the time period. In the first time period, duration is extended to support general lighting needs. In the second time period, duration is reduced to motion-activated intervals for power saving. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between lighting duration and energy loss.
3Loss of energy
If lighting system uses light sensor to prevent daytime activation, then power saving is improved, but security function deteriorates when sensor is defeated by external light
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the nighttime into two distinct time periods with different security profiles. The first time period (early evening) has lower security risk and allows extended lighting. The second time period (late night) has higher security risk and uses motion-activated mode. This segmentation allows the system to maintain power saving while adapting security response to temporal risk patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on time period. During the second time period, the lighting system switches to motion-activated mode with reduced duration, providing enhanced security response. During the first time period, it operates with extended duration for general lighting. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between power saving and security reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for selectively interrupting the power supply of lighting elements may include one or more lighting elements, motion sensors, and a microcontroller for running a lighting program. In some embodiments, the lighting program may be configured to: determine a dusk time period and determining a dawn time period; create a night period between the dusk time period and the dawn time period in which the night period may be divided into at least a first nighttime period and a second nighttime period; run a first set function program during the first nighttime period; and run a second set function program during the second nighttime period, the second set function program causing the lighting element to function differently during the second nighttime period than during the first nighttime period.