Smooth Occupancy Lighting Control via Dynamic Sensor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional occupancy lighting systems exhibit abrupt changes in light output when occupants enter or leave a room, leading to distracting and undesirable lighting behavior, as they rely on sudden on/off transitions rather than smooth adjustments based on occupant location.
Innovation Solution
A spatially and temporally smooth occupancy lighting system that uses sensors and a controller to determine the precise location of occupants and adjust the light output of relevant lighting fixtures gradually, using a control function to maintain a consistent illuminance level as occupants move through a space, eliminating abrupt changes and providing a smooth lighting experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional occupancy sensors are used to control lighting on/off based on occupant presence, then energy savings are achieved, but abrupt lighting changes occur that are distracting and disconcerting
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system dynamically adjusts light output levels based on real-time occupant position data from multiple sensors. Instead of static on/off states, the system creates a dynamic illumination environment where lighting intensity continuously adapts as occupants move through the space, eliminating abrupt transitions while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of light output intensity from binary (on/off) to continuous variable control. By adjusting the illumination level parameter based on occupant position, the system achieves smooth transitions that prevent distracting effects while preserving energy through reduced lighting in unoccupied areas.
2Area of stationary object
If occupancy sensors control lighting in zones, then larger spaces can be managed, but lighting toggles unnecessarily when occupants move in and out of sensor range
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges data from multiple occupancy sensors across different zones to create a unified lighting control system. By combining sensor inputs and using collaborative control algorithms, the system maintains stable lighting conditions even when occupants move between zones, preventing unnecessary toggling while covering large spaces efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where occupancy sensor data is constantly monitored and used to adjust lighting levels. This feedback mechanism ensures that lighting remains stable by detecting when occupants are near zone boundaries and preemptively adjusting illumination to prevent toggling, maintaining compositional stability across the entire space.
3Ease of operation
If lighting fixtures are controlled individually by occupancy sensors, then precise local control is achieved, but the lighting behavior becomes discontinuous and undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes each lighting fixture multi-functional by enabling it to respond to occupancy data from multiple sensors rather than just its local sensor. This universal response capability allows fixtures to contribute to smooth, continuous lighting transitions across zone boundaries while maintaining precise local control based on actual occupant position relative to each fixture.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing spatially and temporally smooth occupancy lighting includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to determine a precise location of the occupant. The controller determines a number of lighting fixtures that are relevant to the location of the occupant. The light output of the lighting fixtures is controlled by the controller using a function that varies the light output depending on the location of the occupant. The function can change the light output based upon a distance between the occupant and the one or more lighting fixtures. For example, the function can increase the light output as the occupant moves closer to a fixture, and likewise decrease the light output as the occupant moves away from a fixture. In another example, the function can maintain a target illuminance at a particular spot within the space or an overall illuminance for all lighting fixtures.