Directional Radar Controller for Automated Luminaire Position Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual configuration of lighting systems is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially in large spaces with numerous luminaires, and requires repeated efforts due to changes in luminaire placement or addition, necessitating an automated solution.

Innovation Solution

A controller device equipped with a transmitter to send triggering signals to luminaires, a directional radar receiver to determine their locations using radar signals, and a processing unit to map these signals into luminaire positions, allowing for automated configuration and refinement of lighting system settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual configuring is used to provide location information to the controller device, then the configuring process can be completed, but it takes a considerable amount of time and requires manual labor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated configuringVSAvoidconfiguring time

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The luminaires automatically determine their own locations using radar signals and provide this information to the controller device, eliminating the need for manual configuration. Each luminaire independently measures its position relative to reference objects and transmits this data automatically, making the system self-configuring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration with an automated radar-based measurement system. Instead of physically moving luminaires to predetermined positions or manually entering location data, the system uses electromagnetic radar signals to automatically detect and determine luminaire positions in three-dimensional space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuring is used, then location information can be obtained, but repeated configuring is needed when luminaires are added or replaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to changesVSAvoidrepeated configuring time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors luminaire positions using radar signals and automatically updates the controller device when position changes are detected. This feedback mechanism ensures the system remains adapted to current luminaire placements without requiring manual reconfiguration, automatically adjusting to additions, removals, or movements of luminaires.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If radar technology is used for automated configuring, then manual labor is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of configuringVSAvoidcontroller device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller device integrates multiple functions including radar signal transmission, reception, processing of location data, and luminaire control into a single unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each task, thereby managing complexity while providing automated configuration and control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient, automated configuration and refinement of lighting systems, reducing manual intervention and adapting to changes in luminaire placement, thereby optimizing energy usage and user comfort by accurately determining luminaire locations and adjusting lighting levels accordingly.

Implementation Method 1

a directional radar receiver for receiving radar signals transmitted by said luminaires

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

time differences between said transmitted triggering signals and said received radar signals for determining distances between said controller device and said luminaires

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3740040B1Method and arrangement for configuring a lighting system

Publication Date: 2022.10.12 HELVAR OY AB

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AI summary

Controller device (501) for controlling luminaires of a lighting system comprises a transmitter (502, 503) for transmitting triggering signals to said luminaires, a directional radar receiver (503) for receiving radar signals transmitted by said luminaires, and a processing part (504, 505) configured to map said received radar signals into locations of said luminaires. Said processing part (504, 505) is configured to use, in said mapping of received radar signals into locations of said luminaires, the directional property of said directional radar receiver (503) for determining directions to said luminaires.