Roadway Lighting Data Analysis via Mobile Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for auditing and maintaining roadway and/or pathway lighting systems are inefficient and cumbersome, often requiring manual measurements and shutdowns of streets, which are impractical and unsafe, especially for large-scale assessments.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that utilize a meter device for collecting lighting measurements and a detector device for capturing scanning data, which are then analyzed by a processor to classify light poles and generate electronic files indicating lighting measurements and pole classifications, enabling efficient data analysis and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional field engineering methods are used to audit lighting systems, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the process requires street shutdowns and is extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual field engineering measurements with an automated mobile imaging system that captures photographs and uses image processing algorithms to extract lighting measurements. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated optical and computational systems eliminates the need for street shutdowns and dramatically reduces auditing time while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies (photographs) of the lighting conditions and surrounding environment, then analyzes these copies to extract measurement data. This copying approach allows comprehensive data collection without physically interrupting traffic or requiring manual intervention at each measurement point.
2Area of stationary object
If comprehensive lighting assessments are conducted across large areas, then complete data coverage is achieved, but the complexity and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile imaging system performs multiple functions simultaneously: capturing lighting measurements, documenting surrounding conditions, identifying light pole locations, and generating comprehensive reports. This multi-functional approach allows complete area coverage without proportionally increasing system complexity, as a single integrated platform handles all assessment tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized image processing and data analysis system that acts as an intermediary between the mobile data collection phase and the final assessment reports. This intermediary processes all captured images and measurements uniformly, enabling scalable coverage of large areas without linearly increasing operational complexity.
3Loss of information
If detailed lighting measurements are collected at multiple locations, then comprehensive assessment data is obtained, but data processing and analysis become increasingly cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual data processing and analysis with automated image processing algorithms and computational methods. The software automatically extracts lighting measurements from photographs, correlates data with location information, and generates comprehensive assessments without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining complete data coverage while simplifying processing complexity.
4Reliability
If quality lighting projects are implemented, then lighting performance improves, but it becomes difficult to identify and address issues with inefficient light poles and luminaires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a comprehensive imaging and analysis system that acts as an intermediary to detect and document lighting system issues. The system captures detailed images of light poles and luminaires, automatically identifies their locations and conditions, and correlates this information with lighting performance data, making it possible to detect and address issues even in otherwise quality lighting projects.
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
This approach allows for accurate and comprehensive assessments of lighting conditions along roadways and pathways, facilitating the identification of areas for improvement and enabling users to simulate adjustments, thereby enhancing safety, reducing costs, and improving lighting system performance.
Implementation Method 1
collecting, by a meter device, a set of lighting measurements respectively at a set of locations along a roadway or pathway
Implementation Method 2
capturing, by a detector device, scanning data indicative of a set of surroundings located along the roadway or pathway
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting roadway and/or pathway lighting conditions are disclosed. According to certain aspects, various devices or sensors may collect a set of lighting measurements respectively at a set of locations along a roadway and/or pathway, and capture scanning data indicative of a set of surroundings located along the roadway and/or pathway. Further, an electronic device may analyze the scanning data to classify a set of light poles along the roadway and/or pathway as well as associate the set of lighting measurements with the set of locations. Moreover, the electronic device may generate an electronic file indicating the set of lighting measurements associated with the set of locations and the set of light poles classified at the portion of the set of locations.