Coded Light Detector Using Image Sensor for Scalable Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems for coded light sources are time-consuming, non-scalable, and inflexible, requiring users to browse through multiple light sources or point the remote control unit at each individual light source, making them tedious and error-prone, especially as the number of light sources increases.
Innovation Solution
A remote control unit equipped with an image sensor to capture and detect coded light, a processing unit to identify and associate light sources, and a user interface to receive input for updating light settings, allowing for efficient control of multiple light sources without the need to point at each individually, and enabling flexible and scalable control of light effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a remote control unit uses photodiodes to detect coded light from individual light sources, then it can identify and control specific luminaires, but the control process becomes time-consuming and tedious as the number of light sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple photodiode detections into a single image sensor that captures light from multiple sources simultaneously. The image sensor records the spatial distribution and coded information of multiple light sources in one frame, eliminating the need to sequentially point at each light source. This combining approach maintains identification accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required to control multiple light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential detection (pointing at one light source at a time) to two-dimensional simultaneous detection (capturing multiple light sources in an image frame). The image sensor utilizes the spatial dimension to detect multiple coded light sources across different positions in the field of view, allowing parallel identification and control without increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a remote control unit is designed to control all light sources in a system, then it becomes scalable, but the device complexity increases due to needing to manage multiple individual controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal remote control unit that can detect and control any number of light sources in the system through a single image sensor and unified interface. The image sensor serves multiple functions: capturing images, detecting coded light from multiple sources, and identifying their positions. The processing unit automatically manages the complexity of multiple light sources by extracting coded information and determining positions algorithmically, providing a simple user interface that adapts to any system size without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control unit performs automatic processing of detected light sources, including decoding the coded information, determining spatial positions, and presenting relevant controls to the user without manual intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of multiple light sources by automatically filtering and prioritizing which light sources to control based on their detected positions and codes, reducing the user's cognitive load and interface complexity.
3Ease of operation
If existing remote control systems require users to point at each individual light source, then precise control is achieved, but the operation becomes tedious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection and identification of all light sources in the field of view before user interaction. The image sensor captures images of multiple light sources, and the processing unit decodes their identities and determines their positions in advance. This preliminary action presents the user with a pre-processed list or visual indication of detectable light sources, making selection easier and more reliable by eliminating the need for repeated pointing and trial-and-error selection.
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
The solution significantly reduces the time needed to determine settings for a set of light sources, scales with the number of sources, and allows users to focus on desired light effects, providing quick and accurate control without the complexity of managing individual light sources.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor arranged to capture at least one image and to detect coded light in the at least one image
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3a
Figure 3b~3c
AI summary
A coded lighting system comprises a set of light sources and a remote control unit or an arrangement. The set of light sources emits coded light. In order to do so each light source is associated with a unique identifier. The remote control unit or the arrangement comprises an image sensor which captures images comprising light emitted by at least one of the light sources in the set of light sources. By analyzing the captured images the remote control unit or the arrangement is able to associate light sources affecting a particular region and/or object. The remote control unit or the arrangement is thereby able to transmit a control signal comprising updated light settings to the set of light sources.