Lighting System Color Control via Reference Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting systems lack intuitive and easy methods to control light colors, as existing remote controls often require color theory knowledge or are overly complex, and existing systems cannot accurately control light to any desired color.
Innovation Solution
A lighting arrangement comprising multiple light sources, a light detector, and a controller that analyzes reflected light from a color reference surface to adjust the light sources to match the desired color, using techniques like color sequential scanning or color sensors to achieve the desired hue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If remote controls with plus/minus red, green and blue buttons are used to control light color, then color control capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates because users need color theory knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a color reference surface as an intermediary between the user and the lighting system. Instead of directly controlling RGB values, the user selects from predefined color references (e.g., natural light, candlelight, sunset). The controller then uses these references to automatically determine the appropriate light color, eliminating the need for users to understand color theory while maintaining versatile color control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies natural light colors by using a light detector to analyze reflected light from color reference surfaces. By capturing and replicating the spectral characteristics of natural light sources (sunlight, candlelight, etc.), the system provides intuitive color control that mimics real-world references without requiring users to manually adjust complex color parameters.
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated remote controls with hue, saturation, brightness buttons are used, then color control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system performs self-service by automatically analyzing the color reference surface using a light detector and controller. The system independently determines the appropriate light color by measuring reflected light characteristics, eliminating the need for complex user interfaces with multiple control buttons for hue, saturation, and brightness. This maintains color control precision while significantly reducing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If existing lighting systems use simple on/off control, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates because any desired color cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control mechanism using a color reference surface that can represent any desired color. The single reference surface approach allows the system to provide multiple color functions (different lighting atmospheres) without requiring multiple specialized controls. The controller analyzes the reference surface and adjusts the light sources accordingly, achieving high adaptability with minimal device complexity.
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
Provides an easy and intuitive way to control lighting to any desired color, enhancing user experience in both home and commercial settings by allowing simple selection of color settings without requiring complex color theory knowledge.
Implementation Method 1
a light detector configured to receive light reflected by a color reference surface
Implementation Method 2
The detector is also configured to provide a signal indicative of said received light
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A lighting arrangement (100) provides light (117) of a desired color. The arrangement comprises a plurality of light sources (101, 102, 103) that each emit light of a respective color that, when mixed, is perceivable as the desired color. A light detector (197) is configured to receive light (116) reflected by a color reference surface (109) having a specific reference color. The detector also provides a s (105) analyzes the signal from the light detector and recognizes the color of the received light as the color of the reference surface. The controller controls the light sources such that the desired color corresponds to the color of the color reference surface.