Location-Based Lighting Control via Radio Wave Signal Intensity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting control systems for street lamps can only control illumination based on the presence or absence of a passer-by, not their location, limiting the ability to tailor lighting levels and colors according to the user's position within a controlled area.

Innovation Solution

A lighting control system comprising multiple light sources, radio wave transmission devices, and a portable terminal that adjusts lighting states based on the intensity of radio wave signals received, allowing for dynamic control of light output and color according to the user's location within a predetermined area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If illumination control is based only on presence/absence of passer-by, then the control system is simple, but the illumination control cannot be tailored to user location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controlled area is divided into multiple zones with different illumination levels. Multiple light sources are segmented and assigned to different zones, allowing the system to provide location-specific illumination control rather than uniform control across the entire area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical presence detection systems with radio wave signal-based location detection. The portable terminal uses radio wave intensity measurements to determine user location, which is then transmitted to the control device for automated illumination adjustment, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If multiple light sources are used for location-based control, then location-specific illumination is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation-specific illuminationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Different zones are assigned different illumination characteristics based on their specific requirements. The control device activates only the light sources in the zone where a user is currently located, providing locally optimized illumination rather than uniform illumination across all areas, thus reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system periodically monitors radio wave signal intensities to track user movement and dynamically adjusts which light sources are active. This periodic detection and adjustment ensures that only necessary lights are on at any given time, optimizing energy usage while maintaining location-specific illumination control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If radio wave signal intensity is used for location detection, then user location can be determined, but measurement precision may be affected by signal interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal reception reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The portable terminal acts as an intermediary that receives radio wave signals from multiple fixed terminals and processes the signal intensity data. The control device then uses this processed information to determine user location and control illumination, separating the signal reception function from the control function to improve overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The radio wave communication system serves multiple functions: it provides both location detection and user identification capabilities. The same radio wave signals used for determining user position also carry identification information, allowing the system to handle multiple users simultaneously and improve measurement precision through cross-validation.

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 comfortable and energy-efficient illumination by adjusting light levels and colors based on the user's location, providing tailored lighting environments while optimizing energy usage.

Implementation Method 1

at least one radio wave transmission device (1) configured to emit a radio wave signal in the predetermined area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10349496B2Lighting control system and lighting control device used therefor

Publication Date: 2019.07.09 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A lighting control system which enables illumination control based on the location of a person present in a predetermined area, and a lighting control device for the lighting control system. In the lighting control system and the lighting control device according to the present invention, a lighting control system includes a plurality of light sources installed in a control area, at least one radio wave transmission device, a portable terminal configured to receive a radio wave signal emitted from the at least one radio wave transmission device, and a lighting control device configured to select a target light source serving as a light source of a control object from a plurality of light source based on an intensity of the radio wave signal received by the portable terminal from the radio wave transmission device and to control a lighting state of the target light source.