Control of visible conditions in a spatial environment

• US 5,061,997 A
• Filed: 06/21/1990
• Issued: 10/29/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Original Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Inventors: Thukral, Inderpreet S., Rea, Mark S., Glennie, William L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Britton, Howard W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LEE, MICHAEL
• Application Number:
  US07/541,340
• Time in Patent Office: 495 Days
• Field of Search: 358/108, 358/105, 364/550, 364/145, 340/825.06, 340/541, 340/540
• US Class Current: 348/143
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 7/00 Image analysis
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19602 Image analysis to detect motion of the intruder, e.g. by frame subtraction
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19676 Temporary storage, e.g. cyclic memory, buffer storage on pre-alarm
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19697 Arrangements wherein non-video detectors generate an alarm themselves
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 for receiving images from a single remote source
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 39/042 by measuring the incident light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/155 Coordinated control of two or more light sources
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/165 following a pre-assigned programmed sequence; Logic control [LC]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/00 Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 706/903 Control

Abstract

Apparatus for the control of visible conditions in various spatial environments is disclosed along with a method for operating said apparatus. The apparatus employs programmed central controller means to distribute control signals to remote devices for an adjustment of various local environment conditions. The control signals are developed in a novel manner employing optical means with the output signals therefrom being processed to provide visual information based upon segmenting the visual image into spatial regions and further processing these data signals to reflect the relative light contribution from light sources in the spatial environment being regulated. Typical controller apparatus operating by such means can adjust illumination in the building as well as further provide occupancy or fire detection.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting visible conditions within a predetermined spatial environment comprising the steps of:

(a) forming a visual image of the visible conditions for a predetermined spatial environment with optical imaging means digitizing the visual image to provide digital output data signals representative thereof,

(b) segmenting the digital output data signals into spatial regions of the visual image,

(c) further processing the data signals from selected segmented regions to reflect the relative light contribution from selected light sources in the environmental space being viewed, and

(d) developing control signals from the processed data signals at a central location to enable adjustment of said visible conditions to be made therefrom, the control signals being developed with logic program means employing a computational association matrix having the mathematical relationship;

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">AL=D

wherein A is a first matrix representing the brightness values detected in the individual spatial regions for individual light sources, L is a second matrix representing the brightness fraction being provided by each light source over the range 0-1, and D is a third matrix representing the desired brightness value in each spatial region as a fraction of the maximum brightness value achievable with the available light sources.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the control signals adjust artifical illumination means.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the control signals adjust natural illumination means.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the control signals actuate alarm means.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the control signals are further made responsive to external environmental conditions.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the control signals adjust illumination means selectively with respect to segmented regions.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the digital output data signals are processed and distributed with programmed controller means.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the distributed control signals are programmably established to adjust at least one light source operatively coupled to said controller means.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the distributed control signals are programmably established to actuate alarm means operatively coupled to said controller means.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the adjustment of the light source is further made responsive to ambient environmental conditions.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein certain control signals operate remote ambient light sources.

12. A method for adjusting visible conditions within a predetermined spatial environment comprising the steps of:

(a) forming a visual image for a predetermined spatial environment with optical means digitizing the visual image to provide digital data output signals representative thereof,

(b) transmitting the digital output data signals to central programmed controller means having a preselected logic program enabling the digital output data signals to be segmented into spatial regions of the visual image while further processing the data signals from selected segmented regions to reflect the relative light contribution from selected light sources in the environmental space being viewed, the logic program employing a computational association matrix having the mathematical relationship;

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">AL=D

wherein A is a first matrix representing the brightness values detected in the individual spatial regions for individual light sources, L is a second matrix representing the brightness fraction being provided by each light source over the range 0-1, and D is a third matrix representing the desired brightness value in each spatial region as a fraction of the maximum brightness value achievable with the available light sources,

(c) regulating brightness levels in the environmental space being viewed with control signals being generated by the logic program with said processed data signals, and

(d) continuously monitoring the processed data signals by means of an operatively associated knowledge based program means for automatic adjustment of said control signals.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the same processed data signal values are communicated to each program in a continuous manner.

14. An apparatus to control visible conditions within a predetermined environmental space which comprises:

(a) optical imaging means to form a visual image of said spatial environment having image acquistion means digitizing the visual image to provide digital output data signals representative thereof,

(b) central programmed controller means enabling said digital output data signals to be segmented into spatial regions of the visual image while further processing the data signals from selected segmented regions to reflect the relative light contribution from selected light sources in the environmental space being viewed,

(c) the central programmed controller means including a mathematical processor unit, permanent memory storage means providing instruction whereby control signals enabling adjustment of visible conditions in the environmental space being viewed are developed, temporary memory storage means for temporarily storing the digital output data signals under control of the mathematical processor unit and permanent memory storage means, and input/output means for transmitting the digital output data signals to the temporary storage means while further enabling digital data communication between the central programmed controller means and a remote location, the control signals being developed with a stored logic program employing a computational association matrix having the mathematical relationship;

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">AL=D

wherein A is a first matrix representing the brightness values detected in the individual spatial regions for individual light sources, L is a second matrix representing the brightness fraction being provided by each light source over the range 0-1, and D is a third matrix representing the desired brightness value in each spatial region as a fraction of the maximum brightness value achievable with the available light sources, and

(d) at least one remote device being operated by distribution of the control signals.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the remote device provides artificial illumination.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the remote device provides natural illumination.

17. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the control signals are further made responsive to external environmental conditions.

18. The apparatus of claim 14 which further includes visual display means assisting a user to interact with the central programmed controller means.

19. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the central programmed controller means further includes serial coprocessor means enabling distribution of the control signals while the mathematical processor unit is developing control signals.

20. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein remote sensor devices communicate with the central programmed controller means.

21. An apparatus to control visible environmental conditions with in a preselected building space which comprises:

(a) optical imaging means to form a visual image of said building space having image acquisition means digitizing the visual image to provide digital output data signals representative thereof,

(b) central programmed controller means enabling said digital output data signals to be segmented into spatial regions of the visual image while further processing the data signals from selected segmented regions to reflect the relative light contribution from selected light sources in the building space being viewed,

(c) the central programmed controller means including a mathematical processor unit, permanent memory storage means containing a preselected logic program whereby control signals enabling adjustment of visible environmental conditions in the building space being viewed are automatically developed, temporary memory storage means for temporarily storing the digital output data signals under control of the mathematical processor unit and permanent memory storage means, and input/output means for transmitting the digital output data signals to the temporary memory storage means while further enabling digital data communication between the central programmed controller means and a remote location, the preselected logic program employing a computational association matrix having the mathematical relationship;

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">AL=D

wherein A is a first matrix representing the brightness values detected in the individual spatial regions for individual light sources, L is a second matrix representing the brightness fraction being provided by each light source over the range 0-1, and D is a third matrix representing the desired brightness value in each spatial region as a fraction of the maximum brightness value achievable with the available light sources,

(d) the permanent memory storage means further including an intelligent knowledge based program means cooperating with said logic program in developing the control signals, and

(e) at least one remote device being operated by distribution of the control signals.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 further including remote sensor means enabling the control signals to reflect external environmental conditions.

23. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the remote device is an artificial light source.

24. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the remote device is a source of natural illumination.

25. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the remote device is alarm means.

26. The apparatus of claim 21 employing a plurality of remote devices providing artificial illumination which are controlled by a user to adjust both the lighting level and location of illumination in the building space being viewed.

27. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the intelligent knowledge based program means automatically adjust control signals being generated with the logic program means.

28. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the optical imaging means comprises a computer camera device.

29. A programmable system to control visible conditions within a building space which comprises:

(a) computer camera means to acquire a digitized visual image of said building space and provide digital output data signals representative thereof,

(b) central programmed controller means enabling said digital output data signals to be initially processed with a preselected logic program utilizing a mathematical relationship formed between the brightness levels found in selected spatial regions of the visual image and the luminous contribution being made to the selected spatial regions by selected light sources to develop control signals for adjustment of brightness levels in the building space being viewed, the preselected logic program employing a computational association matrix having the mathematical relationship;

space="preserve" listing-type="equation">AL=D

wherein A is a first matrix representing the brightness values detected in the individual spatial regions for individual light sources, L is a second matrix representing the brightness fraction being provided by each light source over the range 0-1, and D is a third matrix representing the desired brightness value in each spatial region as a fraction of the maximum brightness value achievable with the available light sources,

(c) the central programmed controller means including a mathematical processor unit, permanent memory storage means for storage of said preselected logic program and responsive to commands of the mathematical processor unit, temporary memory storage means for temporarily storing input digital signals under control of the mathematical processor unit and permanent memory storage means, and input/output means for transmitting the digital output data signals to the temporary memory storage means while further enabling digital data communication between the central programmed controller means and a remote location,

(d) the permanent memory storage means further including an intelligent knowledge based program enabling automatic adjustment of the control signals being generated with said logic program for conformity with brightness levels being established by said knowledge based program, and

(e) local control means enabling at least one remote device to be operated by distribution of the control signals.

30. The system of claim 29 which further includes remote sensor means enabling the control signals to reflect external environmental conditions.

31. The system of claim 30 which further includes analog to digital conversion means enabling acquisition of analog sensor information.

32. The system of claim 29 which further includes digital to analog conversion means enabling conversion of digital control signals for operation of a remote analog device.