Wireless Luminaire Coordination for Adaptive Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting control systems in large buildings face inefficiencies due to manual intervention, limited zone control, high installation costs, and distracting sudden changes in illumination, which hinder energy optimization and safety.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising motion detection sensors, limited-range signal transmission, and programmable controllers that dynamically control light sources based on activity presence, allowing localized and adaptive illumination management through coded signal levels and hierarchical communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If each luminaire is controlled by its own sensor, then energy efficiency is improved, but the illuminated area becomes too small for normal human activity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple luminaires are merged into a coordinated group where sensors in one luminaire can trigger illumination in neighboring luminaires through wireless communication, creating a collectively larger illuminated area while maintaining individual luminaire energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication intermediary (transmitter/detector system) mediates between the sensor in one luminaire and the controller in neighboring luminaires, enabling coordinated illumination expansion without physical wiring
2Area of stationary object
If a sensor activates a number of luminaires through wired zones, then the illuminated area is sufficient for human activity, but the system cannot adapt to changing activity boundaries and requires costly wiring installation
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminated area boundaries become dynamic rather than static, allowing the system to adapt to changing activity zones by wirelessly activating different combinations of luminaires based on real-time sensor input, eliminating the need for fixed wired zones
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical wiring system is replaced with a wireless communication system, eliminating physical constraints on zone reconfiguration and enabling flexible, real-time adaptation to changing activity boundaries
3Adaptability or versatility
If centralized control systems are used with wireless links, then adaptability is improved, but the cost of wireless links and control units increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The complex centralized control unit and wireless communication infrastructure are extracted from the system, replacing them with simple transmitter/detector circuits integrated into existing luminaire controllers, maintaining adaptability while dramatically reducing cost and complexity
4Loss of energy
If luminaires are turned off after activity cessation with delay period, then energy efficiency is improved, but sudden changes in peripheral illumination cause distraction and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
Different luminaires within the illuminated area are controlled with different timing characteristics, allowing peripheral luminaires to remain on longer than central ones, or to dim gradually, maintaining energy efficiency while avoiding sudden illumination changes that cause distraction
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for controlling the illumination throughout an area where even and constant lighting is not required. The invention includes one or more light sources, such as luminaires, the status of which is controlled by a controller responsive to a sensor for detecting a parameter of interest. Preferably the sensor detects motion of a subject moving through the area of controlled illumination. Each independent controller may receive and transmit signals indicative of the status of one or more nearby light source for determining and controlling the lighting status of the light source with which it is in controlling communication. The determining by the controller is preferably carried out by a programmed microprocessor. The communication between controllers may be wireless. The signals communicated among controllers may be hierarchical for determining whether a response is required and what the response might be.