Lighting Control Query Mode for Button Function Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of multiple light control devices with programmable buttons often become confused due to the complexity of assigning different functions to each button, leading to incorrect button usage or functionality misunderstandings.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to activate a query mode, temporarily disabling control of lighting devices by light control devices, and providing audio and/or visual information about the function corresponding to user interactions with the light control devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons with different functions are programmed into light control devices, then the functionality and versatility of the lighting system is improved, but the device complexity and user confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a query mode as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the complex button functions. When activated, this mode temporarily disables actual lighting control and instead provides information about what each button does through audio or visual feedback. This mediator layer allows users to understand the versatile functionality without being overwhelmed by the complexity of multiple programmed buttons.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons with different functions are programmed into light control devices, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing users with information about button functions through audio or visual output when query mode is activated. This feedback mechanism allows users to understand what each button does before actually using it, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining the versatile functionality of multiple programmed buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The query mode acts as an intermediary that temporarily decouples button presses from actual lighting control. Instead of directly controlling lights, button presses in query mode trigger information delivery about the intended function, helping users operate the device correctly without confusion.
3Ease of operation
If a query mode is activated to provide information about button functions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity decreases due to temporary disablement of control
Solution Approach 1:
The query mode is designed as a partial action mode where only the information provision function is activated while actual lighting control is temporarily suspended. This partial activation allows users to gain understanding without fully engaging the control function, balancing ease of operation with minimal impact on productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The query mode operates periodically or intermittently rather than continuously. Users can activate it when needed to understand button functions, and then deactivate it to resume normal lighting control. This periodic usage minimizes the impact on productivity while providing ease of operation when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A system (1) for controlling a lighting system (11) is configured to receive user input representing a request to activate a query mode and transmit a command to the lighting system. The command instructs the lighting system to temporarily disable control of a lighting device (31-35) by a light control device (21-23). The system is further configured to receive control information from the lighting system. The control information describes a user interaction with the light control device and/or describes a function corresponding to the user interaction. The system is also configured to render audio and/or visual information describing the function corresponding to the user interaction to the user, e.g. on a display (9), and transmit a further command to the lighting system. The further command instructs the lighting system to enable control of the lighting device by the light control device.