Configurable Lighting Wall Controller Using Touch and Gesture Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lighting control systems have fixed interfaces, limiting configurability and increasing costs and downtime when changes are needed, as users must order and install new hardware to modify lighting system operations.
Innovation Solution
A wall controller with a configurable overlay assembly that includes touch and gesture sensing electrodes, a processor, and firmware to analyze user inputs and generate lighting control messages, allowing for customizable user interfaces and control of luminaires via a data network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed interface controllers are used, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate as users cannot modify lighting system operations without additional hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the controller interface changeable and adaptable through software configuration rather than fixed hardware. The overlay assembly with touch-sensitive regions can be reconfigured to provide different lighting control functions, allowing the same physical device to adapt to different user needs and lighting scenarios without hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing software-defined control regions and functions on the overlay assembly. Different portions of the overlay can be assigned different lighting control parameters (e.g., dimming levels, scene selections, group controls) through firmware configuration, enabling flexible adaptation without physical hardware modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware changes are made to modify lighting system operations, then adaptability improves, but loss of time increases due to ordering and installation of new components
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic software configuration capability allows users to modify lighting control functions instantly by changing overlay assignments or control parameters, eliminating the time-consuming process of ordering, receiving, and installing new hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software-based control region definitions that can be copied, duplicated, or reconfigured across different overlay regions, allowing rapid replication of control functions without physical hardware duplication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware is ordered for subsequent changes, then adaptability improves, but loss of substance increases due to additional costs
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay assembly is designed as a universal interface that can perform multiple lighting control functions through software configuration. The same physical overlay can be reprogrammed to provide different control schemes, eliminating the need to purchase specialized hardware for each lighting scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
By allowing software-based reconfiguration of control regions and functions, the system eliminates the need to purchase additional hardware components for customization, reducing material costs while maintaining full adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If simple input devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates as users cannot easily customize control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay assembly provides a dynamic interface where control region boundaries, sizes, and functions can be adjusted through software, giving users ease of customization while maintaining a simple physical form factor that is easy to operate.
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 flexible and efficient customization of lighting control systems, reducing costs and downtime by allowing users to modify lighting functions through a user-friendly interface without the need for additional hardware, improving the adaptability and convenience of lighting system operations.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive touch driver and sensing circuit are coupled to the touch sensing electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a capacitive gesture driver and sensing circuit are coupled to the gesture sensing electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A wall controller controls lighting in an area based upon a configurable user interface. The wall controller includes touch and gesture sensing electrodes mounted to a substrate, and an overlay mounted over the touch and gesture sensing electrodes. The overlay includes firmware to define lighting functions relative to a touch or motion gesture on the overlay. A processor is coupled to receive at least one of sensing signals based upon user touch inputs on the overlay, or sensing signals based upon user motion gestures near the overlay. Programming in a memory configures the processor to analyze the received sensing signals in accordance with the firmware of the overlay, generate a lighting control message based upon the analyzed sensing signals, and transmit the lighting control message to one or more luminaires in an area of the wall controller to control an output of the one or more luminaires.