Control Device Illuminated Portions External Sensor Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home automation systems face challenges in controlling the light intensity of control devices uniformly due to inconsistent ambient light sensor measurements, leading to aesthetic and usability issues, and increased costs and size due to the inclusion of proximity and ambient light sensors in each device.
Innovation Solution
A system where control devices adjust their illuminated portions based on external sensors that sense the light level in the space, allowing for centralized control and aggregation of light intensity data to ensure uniform illumination across multiple devices, reducing the need for individual sensors and enhancing energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each control device includes its own ambient light sensor, then the device can independently adjust its illuminated portion, but the cost and physical size of the control device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ambient light sensing function is extracted from individual control devices and consolidated into a separate external sensor unit. This external sensor independently measures ambient light conditions and transmits the data to control devices, which then adjust their illuminated portions based on received information. This extraction eliminates the need for each control device to have its own sensor, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while preserving the independent adjustment capability through centralized sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
An external ambient light sensor acts as an intermediary between the environment and the control devices. This mediator independently performs light level measurements and communicates the results to multiple control devices, which then coordinate their illuminated portion adjustments. The intermediary approach allows control devices to maintain independent adjustment functionality without incorporating sensors directly, thus reducing their physical size and cost.
2Ease of operation
If multiple control devices each have ambient light sensors, then they can adjust illumination independently, but inconsistent measurements cause uneven illumination appearance across devices
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ambient light sensing functions are merged into a single external sensor unit that serves all control devices. This unified sensing approach ensures that all control devices receive identical ambient light level measurements, enabling them to adjust their illuminated portions consistently. The merging eliminates measurement inconsistencies that would arise from multiple separate sensors, thereby achieving uniform illumination appearance across all devices while they maintain independent control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
All control devices use the same ambient light level data from the external sensor, ensuring homogeneous illumination adjustment across the system. By having each control device receive and process identical environmental information, the system achieves consistent illumination appearance while maintaining the flexibility of independent control for each device.
3Illumination intensity
If control devices illuminate continuously, then visibility is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination of control devices is made dynamic rather than static. Control devices adjust their illuminated portion intensity based on real-time ambient light level data received from the external sensor. When ambient light is sufficient, devices reduce or turn off their illumination; when ambient light is low, devices increase illumination. This dynamic adjustment maintains adequate visibility while minimizing energy consumption by matching illumination output to actual environmental lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback mechanism is established where external sensors continuously monitor ambient light conditions and transmit this information to control devices. The control devices use this feedback to automatically adjust their illuminated portions, reducing illumination when ambient light is adequate and increasing it when needed. This feedback-based control maintains visibility requirements while optimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary illumination.
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
This solution ensures consistent and aesthetically pleasing light intensity across control devices, reduces costs by eliminating the need for individual sensors, and promotes energy savings by dynamically controlling illumination based on occupancy and ambient light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to sense a condition of a space in which the control devices are installed. The condition is a light level in the space
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
A load control system for controlling at least one electrical load may comprise a plurality of control devices and a sensor external to at least one of the control devices. The sensor may be configured to sense a condition of a space in which the control devices are installed. The at least one electrical load may be controlled in response to the condition sensed by the sensor. The control devices may include respective illuminated portions. The control devices may adjust the intensity of the respective illuminated portions in response to the condition sensed by the sensor. If multiple sensors are included in the load control system to sense the condition, the control devices may adjust the intensity of their respective illuminated portions by aggregating the condition sensed by each sensor.