Light Socket Adapter Module for Smart Lighting Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems face limited interoperability due to proprietary RF protocols, requiring a bridge like a smartphone for Internet connectivity, and lack easy installation and remote control capabilities for smart lighting solutions.
Innovation Solution
A light socket adapter module with WiFi and Bluetooth LE transmit/receive circuitry, a processor for executing instructions, and power supply control, allowing for seamless integration with existing light sockets and bulbs, enabling remote control and data transmission to a remote server system without modifying the socket or bulb.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary RF protocols are used for lighting automation, then automation control is achieved, but interoperability with popular consumer electronics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a smartphone or mobile computing device as an intermediary bridge between the proprietary RF lighting automation system and popular consumer electronics that use WiFi or Bluetooth. This intermediary translates between different protocols, enabling communication and interoperability without requiring modification to the existing lighting system or consumer electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the lighting automation system universally compatible by implementing support for multiple communication protocols (RF, WiFi, Bluetooth) within the system architecture. This allows the lighting system to communicate with various types of consumer electronics directly, eliminating the need for proprietary protocol limitations and enhancing adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If a smartphone bridge is used for Internet connectivity, then remote control is enabled, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the smartphone as an intermediary device that provides Internet connectivity and remote control capabilities without requiring complex installation infrastructure. The smartphone leverages existing cellular or WiFi connections to bridge the lighting system to the Internet, eliminating the need for dedicated hub installations or complex networking setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service installation by allowing users to configure and control their lighting systems using their own smartphones without requiring professional installation or additional infrastructure. The smartphone serves as both the control interface and the Internet gateway, allowing users to set up remote control capabilities immediately upon purchasing the lighting system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing light sockets are modified for smart functionality, then automation features are integrated, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the smart lighting functionality into separate modular components (control unit, power supply, communication modules) that can be installed independently. This allows the lighting system to gain smart capabilities through additive modular installation rather than requiring modification of the existing socket infrastructure, maintaining installation simplicity while achieving smart integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary adapter or bridge device that connects to existing light sockets without requiring modification. This intermediary component provides smart functionality while interfacing with legacy sockets, allowing integration of automation features while preserving the original socket infrastructure and maintaining ease of installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A light socket adaptation system and method. A light socket adapter module comprises a female end designed to accept a light bulb, a male end designed to be placed in an existing light socket, WIFI transmit/receive circuitry, Bluetooth LE transmit/receive circuitry, a processor that processes instructions received via one or more of the WIFI transmit/receive circuitry and the Bluetooth LE transmit/receive circuitry, wherein the instructions are received from one or more of a remote server system and a mobile computing device, wherein the processor executes Bluetooth LE instructions to cause the light socket adapter module to detect Bluetooth LE enabled devices within a detection proximity of the light socket adapter module, and power supply control circuitry controllable by the processor, wherein the power supply control circuitry controls power supplied to a light bulb positioned in the female end of the light socket adapter module.