FIELD

This invention relates to the automatic detection and determination of fixture locations. More specifically, the invention relates to determining the relative position of fixtures.

BACKGROUND

A floor plan can be an effective visual tool used in the graphical user interfaces of building automation, space utilization, indoor way-finding, and indoor positioning systems. Floor plans are typically produced by architects or designers during the design and construction phase of the building. However, they generally do not include the accurate location of the components used by lighting systems, especially when systems are added or modified after the initial design phase of a building.

Consequentially, each system provider may produce, validate and maintain a distinct set of floor plans showing the location of the components. Often, providers use different software applications and floor plans cannot be easily shared, placing an added burden on building managers who already face a high degree of effort to maintain accurate floor plans throughout the lifecycle of a building.

Often much of the effort is spent manually ensuring that physical location of a device is correctly illustrated on a floor plan by comparing drawings to a physical space. In the case of a large building, the lighting control system may have thousands of sensors, luminaires and other control devices that may be accurately represented on the floor plan.

SUMMARY

This invention is directed to automatically determining the relative locations of lighting fixtures. Once the relative locations are determined, the locations can be indicated on an appropriate floor plan. The relative locations can be determined using structured light and coordination between light fixtures.

