Wireless Lighting Control via RF Sensor Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor lighting systems face challenges in efficiently activating remote lamps at varying illumination levels based on motion and ambient light, particularly in multi-sensor and multi-lamp setups, due to complex and costly wiring requirements.
Innovation Solution
A sensor circuit that integrates a motion sensor, photocell, dusk timer, and RF transmitter, utilizing ASICs for logic control and wireless communication to remotely operate lamps at multiple power levels, reducing the need for physical wiring by using a PIR sensor, photocell, and addressing circuit for ambient light and motion detection, along with a dusk timer and on-timer for conditional lamp activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art systems use physical wiring to connect sensors to switching systems for activating remote lamps, then the system can reliably control lamp activation, but the installation becomes difficult and costly, especially in existing structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. The sensor unit and lamp control unit communicate via wireless signals (RF, infrared, or acoustic), eliminating the need for physical electrical wiring between distant locations. This substitution maintains control reliability while dramatically reducing installation complexity in existing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary (transmitter/receiver system) between the sensor unit and lamp control unit. This intermediary transfers control signals without physical wire connections, allowing flexible installation while maintaining reliable signal transmission for lamp activation control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior art systems wire multiple sensors and lamps together, then the system can provide comprehensive motion and light detection, but the wiring complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting control system into independent wireless modules: sensor units (detecting motion, ambient light, temperature) and lamp control units. Each module operates independently and communicates wirelessly, allowing multiple sensors to monitor different parameters without requiring complex interconnections. This segmentation reduces wiring complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal wireless control units that can perform multiple functions: detecting various environmental parameters (motion, light, temperature), processing sensor data, and controlling lamp activation and dimming levels. This multi-functionality allows a single wireless protocol and communication interface to handle diverse sensing and control tasks, reducing overall system complexity.
3Speed
If security lights are activated based on motion detection alone, then the system responds quickly to motion events, but lights may turn on unnecessarily in broad daylight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously monitoring ambient light levels via photocell sensors before triggering motion-based lamp activation. The system pre-assesses environmental conditions (daylight vs. darkness) and only permits motion-activated lighting when ambient light levels indicate darkness. This preliminary check prevents unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining rapid response to genuine security needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from multiple sensors (motion detectors, photocells, temperature sensors) to dynamically control lamp activation. The control algorithm continuously receives feedback about environmental conditions and adjusts lamp output accordingly, activating lights only when both motion is detected and ambient light levels indicate darkness, thereby avoiding unnecessary energy waste.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective remote control of outdoor lighting systems by eliminating the need for complex wiring, allowing for adaptive illumination levels based on sensed parameters, enhancing user control and reducing installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensor circuit that may include a passive infrared sensor (PIR) and associated signal conditioning circuitry to provide a signal representative of a motion event
Implementation Method 2
A photocell circuit that provides an output to the control circuit representative of a low ambient light level on a photocell
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor circuit for remotely commanding the operation of a remote device includes a motion sensor circuit for detecting motion relative thereto and having an output conditioned upon motion detection. Additionally, a photocell sensor circuit for detecting a low ambient illumination level has an output command conditioned upon the detection of a predetermined illumination level that is electrically coupled to a control circuit having a plurality of inputs. The invention further includes a data output comprising a remote device operation command and a transmitter circuit coupled to the data output of said control circuit for transmitting said operation command to a remote device.