Directional Lightbulb with Selective Element Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust light direction and intensity in response to changing contexts and environments, leading to inefficient energy use and inadequate lighting solutions for varied tasks and settings.
Innovation Solution
A directional lightbulb equipped with sensors, a communication module, and a processor that allows for selective control of light emitting elements, enabling the bulb to determine its position and adjust lighting based on context, such as automatically illuminating specific areas or adjusting light patterns in response to user activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional lighting systems are used, then the lighting coverage is uniform and simple to implement, but the energy consumption is high and the lighting cannot be dynamically adjusted to different contexts
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple independently controllable light emitting elements arranged in different directions. Each element can be selectively activated based on the detected context, allowing the system to illuminate only the necessary areas rather than all areas simultaneously, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which light emitting elements are activated based on real-time context detection from sensors. The lighting configuration changes adaptively according to the detected environment, user presence, and task requirements, enabling energy savings while providing context-appropriate illumination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting fixtures are installed to provide different lighting solutions for varied tasks, then the lighting versatility is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single lighting fixture incorporates multiple light emitting elements oriented in different directions, allowing it to perform multiple lighting functions (e.g., ambient lighting, task lighting, accent lighting) that would traditionally require separate fixtures. The processor selectively activates appropriate elements based on detected context, providing versatile lighting solutions while reducing the number of fixtures needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple lighting functions and directions into a single integrated fixture. By merging ambient, task, and accent lighting capabilities into one unit with selective activation, the system achieves the versatility of multiple fixtures without the complexity and cost of installing and managing separate lighting systems.
3Reliability
If all light emitting elements are powered continuously, then the lighting availability is maximized, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor the environment and provides feedback to the processor, which then selectively activates light emitting elements based on the detected context. This feedback mechanism ensures that lighting is available when and where needed while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption in unoccupied or already-lit areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of activating all light emitting elements continuously, the system applies partial action by selectively powering only the necessary elements based on detected context. This approach maintains sufficient lighting availability for current tasks and conditions while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous full-system operation.
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 directional lightbulb reduces energy consumption by selectively powering only necessary elements, provides customizable lighting for different tasks, and enhances user experience through context-aware illumination, reducing the need for multiple fixtures and improving lighting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first light emitting element and a second light emitting element of a plurality of light emitting elements mounted in fixed positions on the lightbulb
Data Source
AI summary
The method of spatial lightbulb operation includes determining the position of the lightbulb relative to a physical space, detecting a contextual event, determining a spatial lighting pattern associated with the contextual event, and selectively controlling lightbulb light emitting elements based on the position of the lightbulb and the spatial lighting pattern. A lightbulb including: a plurality of individually controlled light emitting elements mounted in fixed, predetermined positions on the substrate; a light sensor mounted to the substrate; a wireless communication module; and a processor configured to: index each light emitting element; progress each of the plurality of light emitting elements through an orientation pattern; associate a reference point on the lightbulb with an external reference point; and selectively operate individual light emitting elements of the plurality according to lighting instructions, based on a relationship between the reference point on the lightbulb and the external reference point.