Lighting Device Grouping via Presence Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems face challenges in efficiently and intuitively grouping lighting devices, particularly due to cumbersome connection processes and potential errors in grouping, especially when the number of devices is large or when devices are moved or replaced.
Innovation Solution
A method and control unit that utilize presence sensors to simplify the grouping of lighting devices by associating them with user interaction elements based on detected presence, allowing for easier and more reliable grouping without the need for direct interaction with each sensor, reducing the risk of incorrect associations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lighting devices are grouped by connecting them to light switches using wires or wireless communication, then the lighting system can be controlled, but the process becomes cumbersome and time consuming especially when the number of lighting devices is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual connection processes (wiring or wireless pairing) with automatic detection using presence sensors. The control unit automatically determines which lighting devices should be grouped based on sensor data, eliminating the need for manual connection efforts and significantly reducing the time required to form groups, especially in systems with many devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lighting devices are grouped by manual connection, then the system can be controlled, but new groups must be formed by making new connections when devices or switches are moved or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the presence of lighting devices and determining appropriate groupings based on spatial relationships detected by presence sensors. When devices are moved or replaced, the control unit automatically updates group assignments without requiring manual reconnection, making the system highly adaptable and easy to reconfigure.
3Productivity
If presence sensors are used to automatically group lighting devices, then the grouping process becomes faster and more convenient, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it manages lighting control, processes presence sensor data, automatically determines groupings, and handles device configuration. By consolidating these functions in a single control unit, the patent achieves fast automatic grouping without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the control unit leverages existing sensor infrastructure for multiple purposes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (200), and a corresponding control unit (160), for grouping lighting devices in a system (100) including a plurality of lighting devices (120a-c) and a plurality of presence sensors (130a-c), at least one of the presence sensors being associated with at least one of the lighting devices. The method comprises: receiving (230) input indicating a user interaction element (170a); receiving (240) information from at least one presence sensor, the information indicating whether at least one lighting device associated with the at least one presence sensor is to be part of a group of lighting devices; and associating (280) the group of lighting devices with the indicated user interaction element, which is thereby configured to control the group of lighting devices.