Light Control UI Handoff to Mobile and Wearable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light control devices, such as those in the Philips Hue system, have limited user interface capabilities and are unable to provide advanced control options without increasing cost, and existing systems do not effectively utilize additional devices for enhanced user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a processor to detect interaction with a light control device, transmitting commands to both the light source and a further device to render a light effect and display an advanced user interface on the further device, allowing for enhanced control functionality without significantly increasing the cost of the light control devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If advanced user interface capabilities are integrated into light control devices, then user control functionality is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary that provides advanced user interface capabilities. The mobile device receives control commands from the simple light control device and presents them through a sophisticated UI, allowing the light control device to remain inexpensive while users still access advanced features through their mobile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as a display interface, a processing unit for control commands, and a communication bridge between the light control device and lighting system. This multi-functionality allows the expensive UI capabilities to be shared across multiple light control devices without requiring each device to have its own expensive interface.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple light control devices are used, then device cost is reduced, but user interface capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary that compensates for the limited capabilities of simple light control devices. It receives basic commands from the inexpensive light control device and transforms them into sophisticated control options through its advanced UI, effectively extending the capabilities of the simple device without modifying the device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the user interface capabilities from the physical light control device to the digital mobile device dimension. This dimensional shift allows the light control device to remain simple and inexpensive while users access advanced features through the mobile device's screen and processing capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile device apps are used for light control, then advanced control functionality is provided, but user convenience is reduced when not close to control panel
Solution Approach 1:
The light control device physically copies the functionality of the mobile device app by implementing the same control commands and interface logic. When the user is near the light control device, they can use it just like the mobile app, providing convenience without sacrificing functionality. The device essentially becomes a physical replica of the digital interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A system (1) for controlling a light source (11) in response to detecting interaction with a light control device (16) by a user (51) is configured to detect the interaction with the light control device by the user, transmit a first command or a signal to the light source in response to the detection, and transmit a second command to a further device (21) in response to the detection. The first command or the signal causes the light source to render a light effect. The second command causes the further device to display a user interface that allows the user to control the light source.