Automated lux measurement for lighting design in indoor space using mobile sensor

In the present work, a novel experimental method has been explored for monitoring of illuminance values at different parts in indoor space using mobile sensor system connected to wi-fi enabled microcontroller in server-client network configuration. The mobile sensor system is built by integrating gyro-accelerometer and lux sensors connected to an embedded controller having on chip wi-fi unit. The sensor system is mounted on remote controlled vehicle/car, the movement of which is guided and controlled by RF operated remote key pad. The car can manoeuvre through various positions of any selected indoor space and continuously monitor the illuminance values at each location from where it is passing through. The lux data along with its coordinate position are received by server computer configured in local network, and thereby stores these data into a file. These data are further processed for generating lux map i.e. variation of lux values with respect to different spatial location on the floor of concerned indoor space. The generated lux map can be compared with the reference lux map designed by lighting expert. The result of comparison i.e. the error in lux values at different coordinate locations can be considered as intelligent information towards modification of lighting design.