Multi-Channel Light Sensor Using Fragmented Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light sensors are directional and single-channel, requiring multiple installations to detect light intensities from various sources in a room, making them complex and costly to set up, and cameras are not a viable alternative due to high costs and privacy concerns.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel light sensor with a fragmented lens and camera sensor that directs light from different spatial areas onto separate areas of the camera sensor, allowing for broad field detection of light intensities without the need for precise focusing, using low-cost, low-resolution camera sensors and optionally color image sensors for spectral information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple state of the art light sensors are used to detect light intensities from different light sources, then the detection coverage is improved, but the system complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple lens elements, each corresponding to a different spatial area or light source direction. Each lens element directs light from its specific spatial area to a corresponding sensor region, enabling multi-channel detection within a single sensor device. This segmentation approach allows the system to detect multiple light sources simultaneously without requiring multiple separate sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple state of the art light sensors are installed to cover different spatial areas, then the light detection capability is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light detection functions are merged into a single multi-channel light sensor device. The fragmented lens with multiple lens elements combines the functionality of multiple directional sensors into one unit, allowing all spatial areas to be monitored simultaneously through a single installation. This eliminates the need to install and align multiple separate sensors.
3Measurement precision
If cameras are used instead of light sensors, then the spatial resolution and field of view are improved, but the cost and bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the necessary light detection functionality from camera systems. Instead of using full camera sensors that capture complete images with high spatial resolution, the system uses simplified sensor arrays that only measure light intensities in different spatial channels. This extraction approach maintains adequate spatial resolution for light management while significantly reducing cost and data processing requirements.
4Loss of information
If full-resolution camera sensors are used, then the spectral information and spatial detail are improved, but the data processing bandwidth and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial action by capturing only the essential light intensity information needed for lighting control. Instead of capturing complete high-resolution images with all spectral details, the fragmented lens directs light from different spatial areas to corresponding sensor regions, providing sufficient spatial and spectral information for light management while generating minimal data that requires little processing bandwidth.
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 cost-effective, easy installation and operation of a light management system that controls lighting devices based on light intensities across a room, providing homogeneous illumination while saving energy and adapting to changing light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The fragmented lens comprises lens elements, wherein each lens element comprises an own optical axis and is adapted to direct light from a spatial area onto the camera sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a multi-channel light sensor comprising a fragmented lens and a camera sensor; wherein the fragmented lens comprises lens elements; and wherein each lens element comprises an own optical axis and is adapted to direct light from a spatial area onto the camera sensor such that the light intensities of different spatial areas are spatially resolved on the camera sensor. Furthermore, a system is provided, which comprises at least one such multi-channel light sensor, at least one lighting device, and a light management device; wherein the light management device is adapted to receive the light intensities of the different spatial areas from the multi-channel light sensor; and wherein the light management device is adapted to control the at least one lighting device on the basis of the light intensities of the different spatial areas.