Traffic Lighting Radar Sensor Control for Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic area lighting systems waste energy by operating independently of usage patterns, leading to unnecessary illumination and light pollution, with existing solutions either being unreliable or economically unviable.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a traffic area lighting device equipped with at least two frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar sensors distributed around the circumference of each light or mast, connected to a control device that uses sensor data to adjust lighting based on detected objects and traffic conditions, enabling situation-dependent illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If street lighting systems are operated at predefined times regardless of usage patterns, then the lighting system operates reliably and simply, but energy is wasted and light pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system automatically detects traffic presence and activates illumination without human intervention. The control device receives sensor signals and autonomously determines when lighting is needed, eliminating the need for manual operation while preventing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback to continuously monitor traffic conditions and adjusts lighting operation accordingly. The control device processes real-time sensor data about vehicle or pedestrian presence and modifies lighting activation based on this feedback loop.
2Measurement precision
If expensive sensors like cameras with image processing are used for demand-based control, then detection accuracy improves, but operating costs exceed the profit generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive radar sensors instead of expensive cameras or complex image processing systems. These simpler, more affordable sensors provide sufficient detection capability for traffic presence while keeping operating costs below the profit generated from energy savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex optical detection systems (cameras with image processing) with simpler radar-based detection. This substitution maintains adequate detection accuracy while dramatically reducing hardware costs and computational requirements.
3Reliability
If multiple radar sensors are distributed around the circumference of luminaires, then detection coverage and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into multiple distributed radar sensors positioned around the luminaire circumference. Each sensor covers a specific sector, and their combined data provides comprehensive detection coverage. This segmentation improves reliability by ensuring detection from multiple angles while allowing modular implementation.
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 solution provides reliable, economically viable, and energy-efficient lighting by using frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar sensors to detect objects and adjust lighting accordingly, reducing unnecessary illumination and minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
at least two frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar sensors are provided on at least two of the several luminaires
Implementation Method 2
frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar sensors to detect objects and adjust lighting accordingly
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The public thoroughfare lighting device (1) has a lamp (2), which has an illuminant (4). The public thoroughfare lighting device has a frequency-modulated continuous wave radar sensor (3), which is coupled with a control unit for the illuminant. The frequency-modulated continuous wave radar sensor is provided at the lamp or at a mast (5), at which the lamp is fastened.