Gesture-Sensing Light Switch Network for Coordinated Mode Switching
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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, either individually or in response to neighboring units, using wireless or wired communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If contactless or gesture sensing light switches are used, then touch-less operation and expanded application possibilities are achieved, but cost increases and applications remain limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the gesture sensing function across multiple independent switch units, each capable of autonomous gesture recognition. This segmentation allows individual switches to be deployed independently or in coordination, expanding application versatility while maintaining touch-less operation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The gesture sensing switch units are designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving both as individual touch-less switches and as coordinated networked units. The system can adapt to various application scenarios from single-switch installations to multi-switch networks, enhancing versatility without sacrificing ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If gesture sensing technology is implemented in light switches, then touch-less operation is achieved, but cost increases compared to conventional mechanical switches
Solution Approach 1:
The gesture sensing switch units autonomously perform gesture recognition and signal exchange without requiring complex external control systems. Each unit independently processes gestures and makes switching decisions, eliminating the need for expensive centralized control hardware and reducing overall system cost while maintaining touch-less operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switch mechanisms with gesture-based sensing and wireless communication. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear components and reduces the need for complex electrical contacts, lowering manufacturing costs while providing durable touch-less operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switch units exchange status signals in a network, then coordinated gesture recognition and expanded applications are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The networked switch system divides functionality into independent, identical units that each perform the same gesture sensing and signal exchange functions. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture, as each unit follows the same simple protocol rather than requiring complex centralized control logic, thereby expanding application scope without proportionally increasing device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If gesture sensing switches are deployed, then touch-less operation is achieved, but the switches remain relatively limited in applications compared to mechanical switches
Solution Approach 1:
The gesture sensing switch units are designed with universal functionality that adapts to various application scenarios. Each unit can operate independently for basic touch-less switching or coordinate with other units for more complex applications such as multi-room control, dimming sequences, and synchronized operations, thereby expanding application scope while maintaining ease of operation.
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.