Gesture Load Control Interface With Touch Feedback and Multi-Load Input
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional load control devices are limited in their ability to control advanced electrical loads, as they typically only respond to simple user actions and lack the capacity for visual feedback and gesture recognition.
Innovation Solution
A control device configured for use in a load control system, featuring an actuation portion with touch-sensitive areas, one or more light sources for illumination, and a control circuit that generates control data in response to user inputs, allowing for advanced control of electrical loads through gestures and visual feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical toggle switches or simple buttons are used for load control, then the device structure remains simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the control functionality is limited and cannot handle advanced electrical loads with multiple parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The control device integrates multiple control modalities (gesture recognition, touch-sensitive surfaces, visual feedback through light sources) into a single device that can control various electrical loads with different parameters. The control circuit can interpret different user inputs and generate appropriate control data for diverse load types, making the device universally applicable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary between the user and the electrical loads. This intermediary translates complex user gestures and touch inputs into standardized control data that can interface with various types of electrical loads, thereby simplifying the user interface while expanding control capabilities.
2Loss of information
If traditional load control devices are used, then the device complexity remains low, but visual feedback capability is lacking and user experience is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The control device incorporates light sources that provide visual feedback to the user about the device state and control operations. The light sources can illuminate different patterns or colors to indicate different operational modes, load states, or receive different types of user inputs, creating a feedback loop that enhances user awareness and interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The light sources can change color or illumination intensity to convey different information states to the user. Different colors or brightness levels can indicate different operational modes, load statuses, or input recognition states, providing intuitive visual feedback without requiring complex display components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If simple user actions are recognized, then the actuation mechanism remains simple, but the control capacity is limited and cannot support advanced features like gesture recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation mechanisms (toggle switches, physical buttons) with gesture recognition and touch-sensitive surface technologies. These technologies detect user inputs through electromagnetic or capacitive fields rather than mechanical movement, enabling more diverse control gestures while reducing moving parts and mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device transitions from static mechanical switches to dynamic gesture recognition. The touch-sensitive surface and gesture detection capabilities allow the device to recognize a variety of dynamic user actions (swipes, taps, holds, circular motions) and translate them into different control commands, providing adaptable control capacity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical loads are controlled through one device, then the versatility improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring user inputs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device divides the touch-sensitive surface into multiple distinct touch-sensitive areas, each corresponding to different control functions or load groups. This segmentation allows the device to detect and differentiate between various user inputs spatially, making it easier to interpret complex control requests for multiple loads while maintaining intuitive user interaction.
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 users to perform complex control functions, such as adjusting power levels and selecting presets, through intuitive gestures and visual interfaces, enhancing the usability and aesthetic appeal of load control systems.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation portion may define a front surface that comprises a plurality of touch sensitive areas
Implementation Method 2
The one or more light sources may be controlled to illuminate the plurality of touch sensitive areas
Data Source
AI summary
A control device may be configured to control one or more electrical loads in a load control system. The control device may be a wall-mounted device such as dimmer switch, a remote control device, or a retrofit remote control device. The control device may include a gesture-based user interface for applying advanced control over the one or more electrical loads. The types of control may include absolute and relative control, intensity and color control, preset, zone, or operational mode selection, etc. Feedback may be provided on the control device regarding a status of the one or more electrical loads or the control device.