Presence-Adaptive Lighting Atmosphere Control for Crowded Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Advanced lighting systems struggle to adapt their dynamics and interactivity to the level of crowdedness in a monitored area, as excessive interactivity can overwhelm shoppers, especially in busy environments, leading to a negative experience.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses sensors, such as infra-red presence sensors or computer vision cameras, to detect the presence level in a supervised area and adjusts the lighting atmosphere by controlling the dynamics based on this level, reducing interactivity when the area becomes crowded, with the ability to set thresholds manually or automatically according to schedules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the level of dynamics and interactivity in the lighting atmosphere is increased to make the area more attractive, then the attractiveness and interest of the area is improved, but the lighting system may become overwhelming and create a negative experience when the area is crowded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattractiveness of lighting atmosphereVSAvoidoverstimulation of shoppers
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on real-time detection of presence levels. When the area is uncrowded, the system provides high dynamics and interactivity to enhance attractiveness. When crowdedness is detected, the system automatically reduces dynamics and interactivity to prevent overstimulation. This dynamic adaptation allows the same lighting system to serve multiple functions under different conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors (e.g., cameras, presence detectors) that continuously monitor the area and provide feedback on presence levels. This feedback loop enables the lighting control unit to detect when the area becomes crowded and automatically adjust the lighting atmosphere accordingly, reducing interactivity and dynamics when necessary to maintain a positive shopper experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the lighting system provides high interactivity and dynamics to engage customers, then customer engagement is improved, but the system complexity and sensor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractivity of lighting systemVSAvoidsensor and processing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the lighting atmosphere for aesthetic purposes, processes sensor data to detect presence levels, and automatically adjusts system behavior based on detected conditions. By integrating these functions into a single control unit, the system achieves high interactivity and adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system automatically detects presence levels using integrated sensors and self-adjusts its behavior without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. The control unit autonomously processes sensor information and modifies lighting parameters, enabling the system to provide intelligent adaptability while keeping the control architecture relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If the lighting system automatically adjusts based on presence detection, then energy efficiency is improved, but the measurement precision requirements for presence detection increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumption of lighting systemVSAvoidaccuracy of presence detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system adjusts lighting parameters (intensity, dynamics, interactivity) based on detected presence levels. By changing these parameters according to actual usage conditions, the system reduces energy consumption during periods of low or no presence while maintaining appropriate lighting levels during active periods. The control unit compares detected presence levels against thresholds to determine when to adjust parameters, enabling energy efficiency without requiring extremely high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the dynamics of lighting atmospheres in crowded areas, enhancing the shopping experience by avoiding overstimulation and improving the attractiveness of retail or hospitality environments by adapting lighting effects to the presence level, thereby improving customer satisfaction and energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a grid of infra-red presence sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a computer vision camera

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComputer vision: Image Processing

Data Source

PatentEP2235250B1System and method for automatically adjusting a lighting atmosphere based on presence detection
Publication Date: 2015.09.09 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2235250B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2235250B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a feeding device (1) for introducing a piece of linen (12) to be ironed into an ironing unit by means of suction, the feeding device (1) being provided with a suction shaft (3) into which the piece of linen (12) can be sucked and a top suction portion (4) which is provided for sucking the piece of linen (12) into the suction shaft (3). The feeding device (1) comprises a blocking clamp (6) which is provided to secure the piece of linen (12) in a clamping position, and which is arranged in the feeding device (1) in such a way that there is located after the clamping of the piece of linen (12) a portion of this piece of linen (12) above this blocking clamp (6) that can be sucked by the top suction portion (4) into the suction shaft (3). The invention further relates to an ironing device, comprising an ironing unit for ironing a piece of linen (12) and a feeding unit (1) for feeding the piece of linen (12) to be ironed into the ironing unit.