Ambient Lighting Synchronization via Video Parsing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems are not integrated with electronic devices like televisions and video game consoles to provide ambient light effects based on scenes or action sequences in video files and games, due to access restrictions imposed by content providers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a receiving device with a processor that parses video content to determine ambient light effects and sends commands to a home automation controller, which communicates with lighting devices to generate specified light effects, including color and brightness, synchronized with video content events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If home automation systems are integrated with electronic devices to provide ambient light effects based on video content, then user experience and interactivity are enhanced, but access restrictions imposed by content providers make it difficult or impossible to analyze video parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device that sits between the video source and the home automation system. This intermediary captures video content, extracts relevant parameters (color, brightness, scene type) without requiring direct access to the protected video file, and transmits control signals to lighting devices. This mediator approach bypasses content protection restrictions while enabling ambient light effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct video file analysis (which is blocked by access restrictions) with optical sensing of the displayed video content. Instead of digitally parsing protected video files, the system uses cameras or light sensors to detect the actual light emitted by the display, converting visual information into controllable parameters for ambient lighting without needing to break content protection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lighting devices generate ambient light effects synchronized with video content, then immersive experience is improved, but system complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the home automation controller to serve multiple functions: it manages standard home automation tasks while also handling video content analysis and lighting synchronization. The system uses existing communication protocols and interfaces to integrate video processing capabilities into the controller, reducing the need for separate dedicated hardware and simplifying overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the video processing, control signal generation, and lighting device management into a single integrated home automation controller. By merging these functions into one device rather than requiring separate systems for video analysis and lighting control, the patent reduces the number of connection points and simplifies system integration while maintaining synchronized ambient light effects.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling ambient light effects comprises a receiving device including at least one processor programmed to parse incoming video content to detect at least one portion of the incoming video content and determine at least one ambient light effect to be associated with the portion of the video content. The system further comprises a home automation controller in communication with the processor and at least one lighting device in communication with the receiving device and the home automation controller. The processor of the receiving device is programmed to send a command to the home automation controller specifying the ambient light effect determined by the processor to be associated with the portion of the video content. The lighting device generates the ambient light effect specified in the command when the portion of the video content is displayed to a user.