Acoustic-Controlled Illumination Apparatus for Dynamic Luminosity Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing illumination systems lack intuitive and dynamic control methods that can adjust light luminosity based on sound input, providing a seamless user experience akin to candlelight variations.

Innovation Solution

An illumination apparatus equipped with a light emission unit, communication module, and control unit that receives sound intensity signals from a terminal device, adjusting luminosity based on decibel values to simulate candlelight effects, where sound intensity determines the brightness levels, with options to maintain maximum brightness, adjust, or extinguish light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If illumination systems use traditional control methods (switches, dimmers), then the control is simple and reliable, but the user experience lacks intuitiveness and dynamic interaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintuitiveness of controlVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical control interfaces (switches, dimmers) with acoustic field-based control. The illumination system responds to sound waves captured by a microphone, converting acoustic signals into control commands for brightness adjustment. This substitution provides intuitive control through natural sound gestures while maintaining system simplicity through software-based processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sound waves as an intermediary between the user and the illumination system. Instead of direct mechanical or electronic interaction, users control lighting intensity by making sounds (clapping, whistling, speaking), which are captured, processed, and translated into brightness adjustments. This intermediary enables dynamic and expressive control without complex interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If illumination systems add dynamic control features, then user experience improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic control capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system integrates multiple functions within a single device structure. It combines standard illumination operation with acoustic-controlled dynamic adjustment capabilities. The same hardware platform supports both traditional switching and sound-responsive brightness control, enabling versatile functionality without requiring separate complex subsystems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls illumination brightness by changing the intensity parameter of light output based on sound intensity. The system measures acoustic signal strength and dynamically adjusts the illumination intensity parameter accordingly, enabling continuous brightness variation through simple sound input without complex mechanical or electronic adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the system responds to sound intensity in real-time, then the interaction becomes dynamic and engaging, but the processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidprocessing energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system processes only the essential acoustic parameters needed for brightness control rather than performing exhaustive audio analysis. It extracts sound intensity levels and maps them directly to illumination intensity, performing partial processing of the acoustic signal sufficient for control purposes while avoiding unnecessary computational overhead and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables real-time, intuitive control of light luminosity through sound input, providing a dynamic and user-friendly experience by simulating candlelight variations, enhancing the interaction between lighting systems and smartphone applications.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a sound intensity of a sound input generated by air blown into a terminal device, measured in decibels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound intensity measurement: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP2978283B1Illumination apparatus and controlling method thereof
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2978283B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2978283B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2978283B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An illumination apparatus comprises: a light emission unit to emit light; a communication module to receive a control signal to a control unit; and a control unit to extinguish or modify the luminosity of the light emitted based on the control signal received from the communication module, wherein the control signal is based on measuring a sound intensity of a sound input to a terminal device separate from the illumination apparatus.