Handheld Device Light Source Detection via Orientation Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting control systems require users to manually locate and position a handheld device to detect and control light sources, which is inconvenient and drains the device's battery due to continuous data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A handheld computing device is configured to automatically detect light sources by acquiring image data only when in a predefined triggering orientation, such as horizontal, reducing battery drain and allowing for seamless integration into daily routines, with features like touch-sensitive interfaces and sensor inputs to manage light settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the device continually acquires data via its image sensor to automatically detect light sources, then the automation capability is improved, but the battery consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs image data acquisition periodically or event-driven rather than continuously. The image sensor is activated only at specific intervals or when triggered by specific conditions (e.g., device placement detected via accelerometer), allowing automatic light source detection while significantly reducing battery consumption compared to continuous acquisition.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the device requires manual activation and positioning of the image sensor, then the battery consumption is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically performs light source detection without requiring manual activation or positioning instructions from the user. When the device is placed on a surface (detected via accelerometer), it autonomously activates the image sensor, processes the image data to identify light sources, and presents control options to the user, making the system self-serve and significantly improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the device automatically acquires image data only in predefined triggering orientation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to orientation sensing and conditional processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple existing device components (image sensor, accelerometer, processor) into a unified automatic detection system. The accelerometer detects device placement orientation, the processor conditions the image acquisition based on this orientation data, and the image sensor captures light source information only when appropriate, merging these functions into a cohesive system that improves ease of operation without requiring additional specialized hardware.
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 convenient and energy-efficient control of light sources by automatically detecting and adjusting settings without manual intervention, fitting unobtrusively into users' routines while minimizing battery consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a handheld computing device which is configured to use its image sensor to record variations in the light emitted by a light source, and then to derive information from the recorded variations
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling a light source (105) via a handheld computing device (110) is disclosed. The method comprises receiving an input produced by one or more sensors of the handheld computing device, the input being indicative of a current orientation of the handheld computing device. The method further comprises determining, based at least in part on the input, that the handheld computing device is in a predefined triggering orientation, e.g. in a generally horizontal orientation. In response to so determining, one or more frames of image data are acquired via an image sensor connected to the handheld computing device (110). The method further comprises obtaining an identifier of the light source, e.g. from information encoded into light emitted by the light source (105), having determined that the one or more frames of image data comprise image data representative of the light source (105). The method further comprises transmitting to the light source (105) a command indicative of a desired light setting for the light source (105), which desired light setting may for example have been provided via user input or may be a predefined setting retrieved from memory. A handheld computing device (110) and a lighting system (100) are also disclosed.