Wireless Sensor and Actuator Networks for Lighting Energy ...

esulting lighting is optimal in the sense that it minimizes energy usage while satisfying
the lighting preferences specified by each occupant.
The optimal light settings are transmitted wirelessly to the wireless-enabled
ballast actuators, which in turn dim the lights or toggle the lights on/off to deliver the
desired lighting.
1.3 Research Method
The work in this research was realized with a combination of theoretical
developments, hardware integration, and implementations. The theoretical research –
including sensor fusion, adaptive sensing and lighting optimization – is to develop tools
for engaging the wireless sensor network technologies with the lighting hardware and
control strategies. The wireless capabilities of the components in the lighting system
were enabled through the integration of wireless platforms with lighting hardware, such
as photosensors and ballast actuators. A series of implementations were realized for
testing and verifying each aspect of this research as well as the performance of the
integrated system.
1.3.1 Theoretical Development
This part of the research applies and incorporates various concepts, including
fuzzy logic, prediction theory, smoothing method and optimization, to develop a
theoretical framework for harnessing the wireless sensor network technologies to
lighting control systems. The resulting three algorithms are: fuzzy sensor validation and
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