Detector controlled illuminating system

• US 9,955,551 B2
• Filed: 01/24/2012
• Issued: 04/24/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 07/12/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yechezkal Evan Spero
• Original Assignee: Yechezkal Evan Spero
• Inventors: Spero, Yechezkal Evan
• Primary Examiner(s): Le, Tung X
• Application Number:
  US13/357,549
• Publication Number:
  US 20120206050A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,282 Days
• Field of Search: 315152, 315 77, 315307, 315312, 362276, 362234
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 1/00 Housing animals; Equipment therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/04 the devices being headlights
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/085 due to special conditions, e.g. adverse weather, type of road, badly illuminated road signs or potential dangers B60Q1/10, B60Q1/12, B60Q1/1423 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/1423 Automatic dimming circuits, i.e. switching between high beam and low beam due to change of ambient light or light level in road traffic
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/054 Variable non-standard intensity, i.e. emission of various beam intensities different from standard intensities, e.g. continuous or stepped transitions of intensity
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/112 Vehicle speed
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/116 Vehicle at a stop
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/122 Steering angle
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/134 Yaw
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/142 Turn signal actuation
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/21 Manual control
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/23 Driver's line of sight
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/312 Adverse weather
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/314 Ambient light
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/322 Road curvature
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/41 preceding vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/42 oncoming vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2900/50 Arrangements to reconfigure features of lighting or signalling devices, or to choose from a list of pre-defined settings
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/23 Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with a single fitting for each light source, e.g. for substitution of incandescent lamps with bayonet or threaded fittings
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/232 specially adapted for generating an essentially omnidirectional light distribution, e.g. with a glass bulb
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/28 : rigid, e.g. LED bars
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 41/143 : the main emission direction of the LED being parallel to the optical axis of the illuminating device
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 41/147 : the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 41/153 : arranged in a matrix
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 41/65 : by acting on light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/02 : with provision for adjustment, e.g. for focusing
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/02 : Wall, ceiling, or floor bases; Fixing pendants or arms to the bases F21V21/08 takes precedence; bases for movable standing lamps F21V21/06
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/30 : Pivoted housings or frames
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0464 : the sensor sensing the level of ambient illumination, e.g. dawn or dusk sensors
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0471 : the sensor detecting the proximity, the presence or the movement of an object or a person
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0478 : by means of an image recording device, e.g. a camera
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/74 : with fins or blades
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2102/00 : Exterior vehicle lighting devices for illuminating purposes
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2102/13 : for high-beam region or low-beam region
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2102/18 : for overhead signs
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2102/19 : for curves
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2102/30 : Fog lights
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2111/023 : for pedestrian walkways
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2111/027 : for indicating kerbs, steps or stairs
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2111/08 : for handles or handrails
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/103 : of streets or roads
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/40 : Lighting for industrial, commercial, recreational or military use
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2113/00 : Combination of light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 : Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 3/008 : for heating of inner spaces
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/20 : Controlling the colour of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/395 : Linear regulators
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/10 : Controlling the light source
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/105 : in response to determined parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/11 : by determining the brightness or colour temperature of ambient light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/115 : by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/30 : Semiconductor lamps, e.g. solid state lamps [SSL] light emitting diodes [LED] or organic LED [OLED]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 : Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection

Abstract

An illuminating device coupled with sensors or an image acquisition device and a logical controller allows illumination intensity and spectrum to be varied according to changing user needs. The system provides illumination to areas according to the principles of correct lighting practice for the optimal performance of visual tasks in the most efficient, cost effective manner. Aspects of the invention include: lighting fixtures which adapt to ambient lighting, movement, visual tasks being performed, and environmental and personal conditions affecting illumination requirements at any given instant. Lighting fixtures having spatial distribution of spectrum and intensity, providing both “background” room lighting, and “task” lighting.

Claims

1. A light fixture for illuminating an area to be lit capable of automatically meeting specific illumination requirements of different sub-areas within the area to be lit, comprising:

a. a multiplicity of independently controllable light sources, including at least two light sources of directional light output, such that each said source substantially illuminates a different sub-area within the area to be lit, the light sources having at least one of controllable light intensity and spectral light distribution;

b. a controller for adjusting at least one of a light intensity and light spectrum of the light sources;

c. one or more detectors for sensing at least one of objects, surfaces and beings within the area to be lit including the specific sub-area location information and of passing the sensed information to the controller and;

d. a processor for processing the sensed information and determining illumination requirements of the at least one of objects, surfaces and beings using at least one of artificial intelligence, pattern recognition, video analytics, and look-up tables and for directing the controller to adjust the light source for that sub-area to meet the specific illumination requirement.

2. The illuminating device of claim 1 where the detector is comprising at least one of (i) a camera being a photo sensor array coupled with an optical lens, (ii) a photo sensor, (iii) an ultrasound transducer and sensor, (iv) microwave transducer and sensor, and (v) pyroelectric detectors.

3. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the illuminated area is indoors and further comprising a detector for detecting variable illumination from daylight and/or sunlight entering indoors, wherein the controller taking into consideration the intensity variations over the area now illuminated by the daylight and/or sunlight adjusts the light intensity of the directional light sources to meet the varied illumination requirement.

4. The illuminating device of claim 1, wherein the one or more detectors detects information regarding one or more individuals within the illuminated area, said information is at least one of (i) age, (ii) sex, and (iii) recognition of an individual for matching with stored data about that individual'"'"'s needs and wherein the controller adjusts the light intensity and/or spectrum of the illumination provided to the one or more individuals based on illumination requirements from at least one of (i) best practices looked up and calculated from stored data, (ii) age and/or sex of the individual, (iii) personal preferences input to the controller and stored in memory, and (iv) commands received by the controller from an input device.

5. The illuminating device of claim 1 for optimally displaying food, wherein the one or more detectors detect an identity of one or more foods in a sub-area and wherein the controller adjusts the light intensity and/or spectrum of the illumination on the one or more foods based on illumination requirements from the processor.

6. An illuminating device having automatic control of the light provided to an illuminated area comprising:

a structure for incorporating illuminating device elements;

one or more light sources incorporated in the structure and in communication with a power source;

electronic circuitry apparatus for the controlled powering of the light source and other illuminating device elements;

one or more cameras placed on the structure for detecting coordinate-specific information about the illuminated area, said camera in communication with power and control device elements;

a controller integrated with the structure, in communication with the light source controlling power circuitry, said controller arranged to processes the information communicated from the camera and automatically control the light provided to the illuminated area.

7. The illumination device of claim 6, where one or more light sources are directional wherein the one or more detectors are configured to sense a presence of glare on a person'"'"'s eyes in the illuminated area, and wherein the controller is programmed to adjust an intensity of the directional light sources to reduce the glare.

8. An illuminating device which provides light to meet an illumination requirement of an illuminated area in which visual activities are performed, where different sub-areas of the illuminated area need to be illuminated at a different intensity and/or at a different spectrum than another sub-area of the illuminated area, comprising:

a light fixture including a multiplicity of directional light sources including at least two directional light sources pointing in different directions thereby illuminating different sub-areas of the illuminated area, the light fixture having movable structure for aiming the directional light sources mounted thereon in a defined direction;

a camera for obtaining images of the illuminated area functioning as a detector for at least one of (i) a light detector (ii) a spectrum detector, (iii) a motion detector, (iv) a measuring detector for sensing a geometry of the illuminated area, and (v) a detector for sensing at least one of work surfaces and road objects and at least one of vehicles and people;

a controller for adjusting a light intensity and a direction of each of the directional light sources;

a processor with stored algorithms and data for identifying at least one of (i) tasks being carried out by people, (ii) location of people, (iii) frequency of area usage by people, (iv) traffic density in the illuminated area from the sensed geometry, (v) work surfaces, (vi) road objects, people and/or vehicles, and (vii) roadway surface luminance any of which is used by said processor for determining illumination within the illuminated area using at least one of artificial intelligence, pattern recognition, video analytics, and look-up tables wherein said processer, upon calculating the required illumination parameters according to best practice standards, directs the controller to adjust the directional light sources that illuminates the specific sub-areas to meet the illumination requirements of the visual activities.

9. The illuminating device of claim 8, adjustable by an installer based on room geometry and/or usage further comprising the light fixture having adjustable arms on which directional light sources are mounted for aiming the directional light sources within the illuminated area, where said detector and processor combination provides feedback to the installer so as to aim the light sources such that the illumination requirements can be met by the re-adjusted light source aimings.

10. The illumination device of claim 8, wherein the controller receives real time information from the camera and wherein the processor, using image recognition capability, directs the controller to adjust at least one of (i) the intensity, (ii) the spectral light distribution and, (iii) the direction of the light sources based on at least one of (i) where people requiring illumination are located, (ii) what object the person is viewing and (iii) what visual task the person needs to perform.

11. The illumination device of claim 8, further comprising at least one of the directional light sources mounted on the movable structure where the movement of the light source direction is automatically controlled by the controller.

12. The illumination device of claim 11, providing a different illumination to a sub-area based on usage wherein the controller interpreting images from the camera adjusts the moveable light sources such that they provide the required illumination in a sub-area proximate to the individuals as they move around in the illuminated area.

13. The illumination device of claim 8, wherein the illuminated area is a road and the objects include road signs.

14. The illumination device of claim 8, further comprising at least one of the directional light sources on an automatic swivel joint and providing spot lights of limited beam angle for task lighting while other light source provide general illumination to the illuminated area.

15. The illumination device of claim 8, further comprising a controller with communication capability to other devices, where the camera in one location obtains information and the controller process the information and communicates the camera obtained information to a second device.

16. The illumination device of claim 15, where the illuminated area is a road and the second device to where the camera obtained information is communicated to is a lighting fixture.

17. The illumination device of claim 16, where the processor uses information obtained from the cameras and exchanged between fixtures for identifying traffic requirements in the illuminated area and from the vehicles locations and geometry determining the illumination requirements of the illumination area thereby directing the controller to adjust the directional light sources to meet the illumination requirements.

18. The illumination device of claim 17, wherein the controller is programmed to adjust at least one of (i) increase illumination with an approach of a vehicle, and (ii) change beam cut-off levels as the vehicle advances toward the lighting fixture to eliminate glare.

19. An automated irradiating device for providing a desired radiation to individuals within an area, comprising:

at least two substantially directional heat radiation sources pointing in different directions;

at least one detector for sensing a location of individuals in the area and transferring that information to a controller;

wherein said controller for adjusting, adjusts at least one of a radiation intensity and a direction of the irradiation based on sensed location;

the automated irradiating device further comprising one detector being a camera with a capability for transferring data to the processor arranged with image recognition algorithms for sensing any of the information selected from the list comprised of;

a presence, an identity, a location, a position, an activity, and a body temperature of an individual;

the controller having processing capability for using the information and determining the heating requirements of the individuals from at least one of (i) algorithms to calculate radiation parameters, (ii) stored data of heating practices, and (iii) the identified individual'"'"'s stored personal preferences;

whereby the desired radiation is provided proximate to individuals in the area.

20. The automated irradiating device of claim 19, further comprising:

one or more directional radiation sources capable of being moved so as to direct radiation in a defined direction;

the at least one detector capable of providing information on the present location of individuals in the area;

the controller programmed to process the detector information and move the radiating sources so as to follow the one or more individuals, whereby the desired radiation is provided in a sub-area substantially proximate to the individuals.

21. The irradiation device of claim 20, further comprising:

the detector being a camera capable of providing images of different parts of the body of individuals to the controller for image processing;

the radiation sources being able to direct radiation to different parts of the body; and

the controller further programmed to run the image recognition algorithms to identify different parts of the body, to compute the desired radiation level to the different parts of the body and to adjust the radiation from sources directed at the different parts of the body.

22. The irradiation device of claim 20, further comprising the controller programmed to control the irradiation in time and intensity on the individual to maintain comfortable heating based on at least one of (i) best practices, (ii) feedback from the heat detector configured to detect body temperature of different parts of a body, (iii) personal preferences input to the controller and stored in memory and (iv) commands input from an input device.

23. The irradiation device of claim 20 where the irradiation instead of for heat is for therapeutic purposes and the radiation may be any of (i) UV radiation, (ii) red light therapy in the 620-660 nm range, and (iii) light therapy for SAD and other disorders selected from the group consisting of seasonal affective disorder, sleep disorders, circadian rhythm disorders, delayed sleep phase syndrome, vitamin D deficiency and skin disorders, where the controller aims the radiation sources to the location where the individual is located and controls the time and intensity of the radiation.