Independent Color and Intensity Control via Standard Dimmer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting control systems for color and intensity control are complex, expensive, and require additional wiring, making them impractical for widespread use in residential and commercial settings.
Innovation Solution
A controller system using a standard phase or 0-10V wall dimmer for independent control of light intensity and color features, including color temperature and tint, utilizing a programmable microcontroller and controllable driver with analog input and output ports, allowing users to adjust color features through specific user actions and signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing control systems (DMX, DALI, Zigbee, Bluetooth) are used to control color and intensity, then color and intensity control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a standard dimmer switch to perform multiple functions: traditional intensity control and color control. The system uses a single existing dimmer hardware platform to achieve both dimming and color mixing capabilities through firmware/software updates, eliminating the need for separate specialized control devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - a microcontroller or processing unit within the dimmer - that mediates between the simple user interface (dimmer slider) and the complex lighting control requirements. This intermediary translates simple position signals into complex color and intensity control commands, bridging the gap between simple hardware and sophisticated lighting control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing control systems are used for color control, then color control capability is achieved, but installation cost and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a system where existing dimmer infrastructure serves itself to provide color control. The dimmer uses its own existing hardware resources (processor, communication interfaces, power supply) to implement color control functionality without requiring separate dedicated hardware or additional wiring infrastructure, making the system self-sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables existing dimmer hardware to serve universal purposes - both traditional intensity control and color control - through software/firmware implementation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate color control devices and their associated wiring, reducing installation costs while maintaining full color control capability.
3Ease of operation
If standard dimmer is used for control, then ease of operation is improved, but control precision for color adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing continuous feedback and adjustment cycles. The system periodically reads the dimmer position, calculates the corresponding color and intensity values, applies them to the LEDs, and monitors the result. This continuous periodic operation enables precise color control through incremental adjustments along color paths, transforming a simple periodic slider input into precise color control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the dimmer position and the resulting light output, then adjusts color and intensity values accordingly. This feedback loop compensates for the limited precision of simple dimmer switches by using algorithms that map slider positions to precise color coordinates, maintaining ease of operation while achieving color precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting control system allows user control of the color features of controllable light fixtures. Controlled color features may include the color, color temperature, tint, or other qualities related to the color of the light. Control of the color features may be independent from control of the intensity of the light fixtures. The system may use light-emitting diode (LED) light fixtures, or fluorescent or incandescent light fixtures. The system may enable control of the color feature using a controllable driver/ballast and a dimmer control. The color feature may be adjusted along a color path of adjacent values in a suitable color space model.