Lighting Controller Time-Based Sequence Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting control interfaces, such as light switches with limited buttons, are cumbersome for users to cycle through light settings, requiring multiple button presses to select the desired setting.
Innovation Solution
A lighting controller that selects light settings based on the current time and allows users to cycle through predefined sequences using intuitive user inputs, such as a single button or rotary input, enabling seamless transition between settings that correspond to circadian light cycles and user-defined preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light switch with multiple buttons is used to provide multiple lighting control options, then the lighting control functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single button to perform multiple lighting control functions. The button can cycle through different light settings (off, low, medium, high intensity) and can be configured to provide different control options. This allows the light switch to offer versatile lighting control while maintaining a simple single-button interface, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons are added to a light switch to increase lighting control options, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single button is designed to provide multiple lighting control functions through sequential pressing or different press patterns. Users can cycle through different light settings by pressing the same button multiple times, eliminating the need to learn and operate multiple different buttons. This maintains ease of operation while providing comprehensive lighting control options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single button interface. Instead of having separate buttons for different lighting modes and intensities, all control functions are combined into one button that responds to different input patterns (single press, double press, long press, etc.), simplifying the user interaction while maintaining full functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a single button is used in a light switch, then the ease of operation is improved, but the lighting control options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single button is configured to provide multiple lighting control options through different operating modes. By programming the button to respond to various press patterns (single press for one setting, double press for another, long press for a third), the system achieves comprehensive lighting control versatility while maintaining the simplicity of a single-button interface for ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a lighting controller for controlling a light source are disclosed. The lighting controller comprises: an input configured to receive signals indicative of user inputs, a processor configured to determine a current time, select a light setting from a predefined sequence of light settings when a first signal indicative of a first user input has been received, wherein the selection of the light setting is based on the current time, control the light source according to the selected light setting, and select a subsequent light setting from the predefined sequence of light settings when a subsequent signal indicative of a subsequent user input has been received, wherein the subsequent light setting is a light setting subsequent to the light setting, and control the light source according to the subsequent light setting.