Dynamic Projection Lighting Control for Location-Independent Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting control systems are limited by their stationary nature, requiring users to carry remote controls or operate lighting devices only at fixed locations, restricting independent control based on user or device positioning.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system incorporating a control device, projection unit, and sensor unit that detects user movement and position to project an operating element on a surface, allowing for location-independent control of lighting devices, with sensors like infrared, cameras, and distance sensors for accurate detection and adaptive illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional stationary control devices (switches, control panels) are used, then the lighting device can be controlled at fixed locations, but the user cannot operate the lighting device independently of their location
Solution Approach 1:
The control system transitions from stationary fixed-location controls to a dynamic projected interface that moves with the user. The projection unit projects operating elements onto surfaces at different locations based on detected user position, allowing the control interface to be wherever the user is, thus achieving location-independent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A projected operating element serves as an intermediary between the user and the lighting device control. Instead of directly interacting with fixed switches or panels, the user interacts with the projected interface, which mediates the control signal to the lighting device, enabling flexible location-independent operation.
2Ease of operation
If remote controls are used instead of stationary control devices, then location-independent control is possible, but the user must carry the remote control with them
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides control functionality through the environment itself (surfaces in the room) rather than requiring a separate portable device. The projection unit creates the control interface directly in the user's vicinity, and the sensor unit detects user presence and position, making the system self-sufficient without requiring the user to carry anything.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection unit and sensor unit serve multiple functions: detecting user position, projecting the operating interface, and controlling the lighting device. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate remote controls while achieving location-independent operation.
3Reliability
If a stationary projector projects an operating element at a fixed position, then the control element is always visible at that position, but the user cannot easily reach the control element when moving to different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The projection unit dynamically adjusts the position of the projected operating element based on real-time detection of user position by the sensor unit. As the user moves, the control element is reprojected to remain within easy reach and view, maintaining both visibility and accessibility regardless of user location.
4Ease of operation
If conventional operating devices are used, then the lighting device can be controlled, but the system requires permanently installed control elements in the room
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical control devices (switches, panels) with a projected optical interface. Instead of installing permanent mechanical control elements in the room, the system uses projection to create virtual control elements on existing surfaces, eliminating the need for permanent installation while maintaining control functionality.
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
Enables seamless, location-independent operation of lighting devices, eliminates the need for conventional switches, and adapts to changing room geometry and brightness for uniform illumination, while highlighting escape routes in emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor unit is preferably designed to detect an operator input from the person using the projected operator control element. The sensor unit preferably has at least one infrared sensor and/or a camera and/or a distance sensor.
Implementation Method 2
The control device is designed to control the projection unit as a function of the position of the movement in order to project an operating element for controlling the lighting device onto a surface of the room.
Implementation Method 3
The sensor unit is preferably designed to detect the degree of reflection of at least one surface in space. The control device is then designed to control the lighting device as a function of the degree of reflection.
Implementation Method 4
The sensor unit is preferably designed to determine a brightness of at least one surface in space. The control device is then designed to control the lighting device as a function of the brightness determined.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an illumination system (5) comprising at least a control unit, a projection unit (24, 25), an illumination unit (21, 22, 23), and a sensor unit (26, 27). The sensor unit is designed to capture a position of a movement of a person in a space (100). The control unit is designed to actuate the projection unit (24, 25) in dependence on the position of the movement, in order to project an operating element (38, 39, 40) onto a surface (30, 31, 32) of the space (100) for controlling the illumination unit (21, 22, 23). It is thus ensured that the user sees the operating element only when the user needs it. Furthermore, it is thus achieved that said user can comfortably reach the operating element from the position of said user.