Smart Luminaire Lighting Control via Zone Segmentation and Dynamic Timers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting control systems in large spaces face challenges in balancing energy efficiency and user comfort due to unreliable detection by PIR sensors and incomplete field coverage, requiring manual configuration and significant processing power for optimal operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using self-learning smart luminaires with timers and wireless communication to adjust lighting levels based on presence detection and external control signals, allowing for automatic adaptation of lighting duration and intensity without excessive manual configuration or processing power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If PIR sensors are used to detect user presence and control lighting, then energy consumption is reduced by turning off lights in unoccupied areas, but detection reliability is insufficient because PIR sensors only detect movement and not stationary occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the illuminated space into multiple zones, each with its own sensor-equipped luminaire. Each zone independently monitors and controls lighting based on local presence detection, allowing the system to address detection limitations by distributing sensing across multiple segments rather than relying on a single sensor type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timeout period for turning off lights based on detected user behavior patterns. When users are detected moving between zones, the system learns to extend or reduce lighting duration in specific areas, adapting to actual usage patterns rather than using fixed timing, thereby improving both energy efficiency and user comfort.
2Loss of energy
If centralized control is used to optimize lighting system operation, then energy efficiency and user comfort are improved through coordinated control, but device complexity and programming requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines distributed sensing capabilities with centralized coordination logic. Each luminaire independently detects presence in its zone and communicates with a central controller, which coordinates timing and intensity adjustments across zones. This hybrid approach maintains the simplicity of distributed sensing while adding centralized intelligence for optimized energy management.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor-equipped luminaire autonomously monitors its own zone and makes local lighting adjustments based on detected presence, without requiring complex centralized programming. The system learns user patterns independently in each zone and automatically optimizes lighting timing, reducing the need for manual configuration and complex control logic.
3Loss of energy
If lights are turned off quickly to save energy, then energy conservation is maximized, but user comfort deteriorates because lights may turn off while users are still present
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the timeout period for turning off lights based on detected user behavior patterns. When users are detected moving between zones, the system learns to extend or reduce lighting duration in specific areas, adapting to actual usage patterns rather than using fixed timing, thereby improving both energy efficiency and user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback from multiple zones to continuously monitor user presence and adjust lighting timing accordingly. When presence is detected in adjacent zones, the system extends lighting in current zones to accommodate user movement, creating a feedback loop that prevents premature light shutdown and maintains user comfort while optimizing energy use.
4Reliability
If sensor fields of view are expanded to cover every inch of the space, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the illuminated space into multiple zones, each with its own sensor-equipped luminaire. Each zone independently monitors and controls lighting based on local presence detection, allowing the system to address detection limitations by distributing sensing across multiple segments rather than relying on a single sensor type.
Solution Approach 2:
Each luminaire serves multiple functions: it provides illumination, houses a presence sensor, and acts as a control node for its zone. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor infrastructure, achieving comprehensive coverage through the lighting fixtures themselves without adding extra device complexity.
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
Optimizes energy conservation and user comfort by dynamically adjusting lighting levels based on user presence and movement patterns, reducing energy waste while maintaining user satisfaction through adaptive and intelligent control.
Implementation Method 1
The control device is configured to start a timer and, upon expiry of the timer, to set the light to a passive level
Implementation Method 2
A typical PIR (passive infrared) sensor only detects movement and does not react to a stationary occupant
Implementation Method 3
The other extremity on the axis of control approaches would be fully centralized control, in which the sensor signals would go to a central control entity
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and device are provided for controlling the light emitted by a light source. The light is set (303) to an active level in response to a triggering event (302) indicating presence of a user. A timer is started (304) and run until expiry to measure a period of time until the light is to be set to a passive level. If the timer expires (305) without any new triggering event (306) having been observed, the light is set (301) to said passive level. An external control signal received (307) while the timer is running and indicating presence of a user elsewhere changes (308) the time remaining until expiry of the timer. After having received a plurality of such external control signals, different sources of external control signals are associated with specific amounts of time by which the time remaining until expiry of said timer will be changed. Next time when an external control signal is received (307) while the timer is running, the time remaining until expiry of said timer is changed (308) by an amount associated with the source from which the external control signal was received.