Ambient Light Sensor Command Configuration via Brightness Toggle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems require remote control configurations, which increase costs and user inconvenience due to the need for wireless communication functions like infrared, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, making it difficult for users to set or reset sensors installed in hard-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a light-sensing unit in sensors to collect ambient light time series data, extract valid brightness toggle data, and execute pre-stored commands when specific light patterns are recognized, eliminating the need for wireless communication by using ambient light sources for command transmission and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication functions (infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) are added to sensors for remote control compatibility, then remote configuration capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ambient light sources as an intermediary medium to transmit configuration commands to sensors. Instead of adding wireless communication components to the sensor, the system uses the existing light environment (lights turning on/off) to encode and transmit control signals. The sensor's light-sensing unit detects these light patterns and interprets them as configuration commands, eliminating the need for dedicated wireless communication hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the ambient light source serve multiple functions: its primary function of illumination is maintained, and it simultaneously serves as a communication channel for transmitting sensor configuration commands. By encoding commands in light patterns (on/off sequences), the light source becomes a universal medium that can both illuminate the space and convey control information without requiring separate communication infrastructure.
2Reliability
If sensors are installed in hard-to-reach locations for optimal sensing coverage, then sensing effectiveness is improved, but ease of configuration and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light signals as an intermediary that can reach the sensor remotely through the existing light infrastructure. Configuration commands are transmitted via light patterns that can penetrate or reach the sensor's location without requiring physical access. The light-sensing unit on the sensor receives these remote light-based commands, enabling configuration of sensors in hard-to-reach locations without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical interaction required for traditional remote control (line-of-sight infrared, wireless radio waves) with an optical signaling system using ambient light. This substitution allows configuration commands to be transmitted through light patterns that can reach the sensor regardless of its location, as long as the light source can illuminate the sensor's position, eliminating the need for direct physical access or complex wireless communication setup.
3Ease of operation
If additional remote control devices are provided for sensor configuration, then configuration capability is improved, but user cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing ambient light infrastructure serve dual purposes: illumination and communication. By encoding configuration commands in light patterns from existing lights in the environment, the system eliminates the need for separate remote control devices. The same light sources that illuminate the space also carry the configuration information, reducing the quantity of additional devices needed to zero.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing light environment in the space to provide configuration capability. Instead of requiring users to purchase and operate separate remote control devices, the ambient lights already present in the space are utilized for command transmission. Users can configure sensors by interacting with the existing light infrastructure, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional specialized devices.
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 convenient configuration of sensors without additional remote controls, reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs by allowing users to set up sensors using ambient light sources, thereby simplifying the process and eliminating the need for wireless communication capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor collects ambient light time series data through the light-sensing unit
Data Source
AI summary
A method for command transmission and configuration to sensor implemented by ambient light source is disclosed and adopted by a sensor having a light-sensing unit. The sensor collects ambient light time series data through the light-sensing unit, and extracts valid brightness toggle data therefrom. Next, the sensor determines if the obtained brightness toggle data matches with a triggering condition of a pre-stored command. When the obtained brightness toggle data matches with the triggering condition, the sensor outputs a flashing signal through its display unit and further determines if receiving a confirmed brightness toggle data or not. When receiving the confirmed brightness toggle data within a waiting period after outputting the flashing signal, the sensor automatically performs the pre-stored command corresponding to the matched triggering condition.