Dynamic Lighting Control via Relative Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current connected lighting systems lack flexibility in control methods, relying on fixed devices and limited user input options, which restricts dynamic control and customization based on user needs and device configurations.

Innovation Solution

A method and control equipment that determine the relative position of control apparatus to assign functions dynamically, allowing control apparatus to change behavior based on co-location criteria, enabling programmable and context-dependent control of lighting systems through user-defined functions and inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed control devices are used for lighting control, then device simplicity is maintained, but system adaptability and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus transitions from fixed functionality to dynamic reconfigurability. The system determines relative position between control apparatus and illumination sources, then dynamically assigns control functions based on spatial relationships. This allows the same physical device to adapt its control behavior depending on its position relative to different lighting fixtures, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the functional parameters of control apparatus based on detected spatial parameters. By measuring relative position (distance, orientation) between control devices and illumination sources, the system adjusts control function assignments dynamically. This parameter-based adaptation enables flexible control without requiring complex hardware changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic function assignment based on relative position is implemented, then control flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontext-dependent controlVSAvoidposition determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple control tasks. A single control device can control different illumination sources based on its relative position, eliminating the need for dedicated control devices for each light fixture. This multi-functionality approach reduces the number of devices required while enabling context-dependent control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic function assignment based on self-detected spatial relationships. The control apparatus determines its own relative position to illumination sources and automatically configures appropriate control functions without requiring manual intervention or complex external configuration systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If multiple control apparatus are used to increase control options, then user customization is improved, but difficulty in managing control functions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser input flexibilityVSAvoidfunction assignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic feedback mechanisms where control functions are assigned based on real-time detection of relative position between control apparatus and illumination sources. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual function configuration, allowing multiple control devices to be managed intuitively through spatial relationships rather than complex programming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3669619B1Controlling a lighting system
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3669619B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3669619B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of controlling a lighting system comprising a plurality of illumination sources each controllable to emit illumination for illuminating the environment and a plurality of control apparatus for use in controlling the illumination emitted from one or more of the plurality of illumination sources, the method comprising: determining the relative position of a first control apparatus compared to a second control apparatus; assigning a function to the first control apparatus, the function defining how the first control apparatus is to control the illumination of one or more illumination sources, wherein the function of the first control apparatus is assigned based on the determined relative position; whereby a first user input can be received at the first control apparatus and the illumination of the one or more illumination sources can be controlled in response to the fist user input based on the assigned function of the first control apparatus.