Lumental : web-based tunable lighting control

Abstract

Dynamically adjusting the light spectrum of spectrum-tunable light fixtures promises significant energy savings over binary or incremental dimming control. To enable this level of controllability, lighting must evolve from traditional physical interfaces towards autonomous systems that rely on behavior recognition. Lumental is a system design proposal and preliminary implementation of web-based lighting control of addressable, tunable lighting fixtures for general illumination control. The system is designed to scale horizontally, though it does require relative proximity in the network topology to maintain effective temporal resolution of lighting transitons. The proposed system utilizes current technologies but is modular such that future device innovations can be supported. Solutions to recurring difficulty areas in managing conflicting desires versus constraints, space-type temporal-sensitivity and portability of preferences are presented. Unlike prior work in lighting control the system does not require dedicated control hardware or extensive technical background to operate. The system can be retrofitted to most modern commercial office buildings and provides immediate improvements to controllability of the space to both the occupant and building administrator.