Networked Gesture Light Switches for Lower-Cost Touchless Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Contactless or gesture sensing light switches have not gained widespread adoption due to their limited applications and high cost compared to conventional mechanical switches.
Innovation Solution
A network of light switch units with gesture interfaces that sense user gestures and exchange status signals, allowing for mode changes or maintaining states based on received signals, enabling touch-less operation and communication between units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If contactless or gesture sensing light switches are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the gesture sensing function across multiple light switch units, each capable of independent gesture detection. This segmentation allows the use of simpler, lower-cost sensors in each unit while collectively providing comprehensive coverage and functionality through networked operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The light switch units are designed to perform multiple functions: traditional lighting control, gesture sensing, and wireless communication with other units. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate expensive components into a single integrated unit, reducing overall system cost.
2Ease of operation
If gesture sensing technology is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but application versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from status signals exchanged between networked switch units to adapt gesture recognition and control behavior. This allows the same gesture sensing hardware to serve multiple applications by interpreting gestures differently based on contextual feedback from the network, expanding versatility without adding hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on real-time conditions and received status signals. Light switch units can transition between different functional states (e.g., individual control vs. synchronized control), allowing the gesture sensing technology to adapt to various application scenarios rather than being fixed to a single use case.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light switch units are networked together, then application versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each light switch unit autonomously manages its own gesture detection, signal processing, and communication protocols. The units self-organize into the network without requiring centralized control or complex configuration, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility through decentralized intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple status signal exchanges between identical or similar light switch units rather than complex proprietary communication protocols. Each unit is essentially a copy of the same design with standardized interfaces, reducing complexity through replication of proven, simple components rather than designing complex unique solutions for each unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A light switch network comprises a plurality of light switch units, each comprising a gesture interface to sense a user gesture by receiving at least one gesture signal from a sensing zone, and configured to exchange one or more gesture status signals with at least one other switch unit in the network in relation to the received gesture signal; each switch being enabled, on receiving the gesture signal: in a first mode, to change a designated switch mode and/or state in response to the gesture signal; or in a second mode, to not change the designated switch mode and/or state according to one or more conditions associated with the status signals received from the other switch unit.