Road Lighting System with Optical Sensor Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing street and path lighting systems face challenges in adapting to environmental conditions and providing flexible, situation-dependent light output and information, particularly due to the complexity and cost of sensor installation and limited visibility in adverse weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A street and path lighting system with a projection unit for outputting signals and a communication module that controls the light source based on sensor data, using wireless communication and an independent energy source, allowing for flexible and situation-dependent light and information output without the need for complex electrical connections or specific infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted on the mast at mid-height to obtain best environmental information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation effort increase due to required electrical connections and signal transmission infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system with an optical communication system. Sensors mounted on the mast communicate with the luminaire head via optical signals (e.g., infrared or visible light) instead of electrical wires. This substitution eliminates the need for drilling holes in the mast, running cables, and establishing electrical connections, thereby reducing installation complexity and effort while maintaining sensor functionality and measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional traffic control systems with LED displays are used to provide information, then information output capability is improved, but device complexity and costs increase due to specialized electronic and mechanical devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the luminaire head universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: traditional illumination and optical signal transmission/reception. The luminaire head can both emit light for lighting purposes and receive optical signals from sensors to display information or control lighting based on environmental conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized traffic control displays, reducing device complexity and costs while maintaining information output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of traffic control information display and street lighting into a single integrated system. The luminaire head serves dual purposes: providing illumination and acting as a receiving/display device for traffic information. By combining these previously separate functions into one device, the system reduces the number of specialized components needed, thereby lowering complexity and costs while preserving adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic traffic control systems are used to display traffic signs, then information output is improved, but reliability decreases in poor weather conditions due to limited visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the luminaire head's ability to emit and detect light in various wavelengths, including visible and infrared ranges. In poor weather conditions, the system can switch to using infrared or other wavelengths that penetrate fog, smoke, and rain better than visible light. The luminaire head can also modulate the intensity and color of emitted light to enhance visibility and contrast of displayed information, thereby improving reliability in adverse weather while maintaining information output capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a road and path lighting system (1) having a lighting apparatus (2, 2') comprising a projection unit (3) for projecting signals (40, 50) onto a projection area (4, 5), and a communications module (6, 6') which is designed so as to control the projection unit (3) on the basis of incoming input signals. As an alternative or in addition, the invention relates to a road and path lighting system (1) having a lighting apparatus (2, 2') comprising a light source (21, 30), a transmission unit (10, 11, 12, 8) having a transmitter, wherein the transmission unit (10, 11, 12, 8) is at a distance from the light source (21, 30), a communications module (6, 6') for actuating the light source (21, 30) on the basis of data which is transmitted by means of the transmission unit (10, 11, 12, 8), and a wireless data communications unit (9) by means of which the transmission unit (10, 11, 12, 8) is connected only wirelessly to a receiver of the communications module (6, 6'), and wherein the transmission unit (10, 11, 12, 8) preferably has an independent energy source. The transmission unit can also be designed as a sensor unit (8) having a sensor, said sensor unit preferably being provided on the lighting apparatus (2, 2'), in particular on the outside thereof. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for outputting signals by means of the abovementioned road and path lighting system (1).