Lighting Apparatus Touch-Free Control via Reflected Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting systems lack advanced user interface control systems that can take advantage of the unique properties of LEDs, particularly for touch-free control solutions, which are essential for increasing user convenience and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A lighting apparatus with light radiating devices and a control system that uses a light detection apparatus to differentiate between ambient light and reflected light, allowing for the activation or deactivation of LEDs and control of other devices based on detected reflections, enabling touch-free control through the use of pulse width modulation signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional light switches and dimmers are used for lighting control, then the system is simple and reliable, but the user interface is uninteresting and lacks advanced control capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system where LED light acts as a carrier for encoded control signals. The light radiating devices modulate their output to encode commands, and the light detection apparatus receives and decodes these signals, serving as a non-contact intermediary between the user and the lighting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches and dimmers with an optical-based touch-free control system. Instead of physical contact with switches, users interact with the system through hand gestures that modulate reflected light, substituting mechanical interfaces with optical sensing and signal processing.
2Ease of operation
If touch-free control systems using ultrasonic, audio or infrared receivers are implemented, then user convenience and hygiene are improved, but the systems are complex and have not been well developed in the lighting industry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the lighting system itself serve dual functions: illumination and control interface. The same LED components that provide light also serve as the transmission medium for control signals, eliminating the need for separate ultrasonic, audio, or infrared receiver systems typically required for touch-free control.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system uses its own light output as the control interface medium. The LEDs radiate light that can be modulated to encode commands, and the integrated light detection apparatus receives these signals, allowing the system to control itself without external specialized receivers.
3Measurement precision
If light detection apparatus is optically isolated from light radiating devices, then accurate detection of reflected light is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic modulation of the LED light output at specific frequencies to encode control signals. The light detection apparatus is tuned to detect these specific modulation frequencies, allowing accurate differentiation between modulated control signals and ambient light through frequency-based signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the light detection apparatus continuously monitors light levels and the control apparatus processes these signals to determine user gestures. The system uses the difference between light levels when LEDs are activated and deactivated to detect reflected light patterns, creating a closed-loop control system.
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 advanced, touch-free control of lighting systems and other devices by accurately detecting reflected light, enhancing user convenience and hygiene by allowing hands-free operation and dynamic control of lighting parameters.
Implementation Method 1
determine whether an object local to the lighting apparatus has caused light from the light radiating devices to reflect back to the light detection apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Lighting apparatus and method for detecting reflected light from local objects are disclosed. A controller within a lighting apparatus is used to activate and deactivate one or more LEDs within a duty cycle. The controller uses a light detection apparatus that is optically isolated from the LEDs to sample light levels during a time in which the LEDs are deactivated and during a time in which the LEDs are activated. The light level when the LEDs are deactivated is an indication of the ambient light levels within the surrounding area of the lighting apparatus. The light level when the LEDs are activated is an indication of the ambient light levels combined with any light generated by the LEDs that is reflected onto the light detection apparatus. By comparing these light levels, the controller can determine the level of light attributable to reflected light from the LEDs.