Lighting Scene Replication via Switch Pattern Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connected lighting systems require complex sensing technologies and advanced computational algorithms for 'follow me' behavior, leading to undesirable false positives and negatives, and users often need advanced control devices to replicate lighting scenes across environments.
Innovation Solution
A method allowing users to control lighting systems using simple light switches with basic input patterns, enabling the 'copy-paste' functionality to replicate lighting scenes between environments without requiring advanced devices or reconfiguration, by storing and matching user input patterns to render matching lighting scenes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex sensing technologies and advanced computational algorithms are used for 'follow me' behavior, then lighting scene replication accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple pattern copying between locations instead of complex sensing and computational algorithms. A user input pattern (e.g., double tap) is stored at a first location and later retrieved when the same pattern is detected at a second location, creating a simple copy-paste mechanism for lighting scenes that avoids complex technology while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to manually create and transfer lighting scene patterns themselves using simple light switches, eliminating the need for complex automated sensing systems. The user serves their own need for scene replication through intuitive manual interaction rather than requiring sophisticated automated detection
2Measurement precision
If advanced control devices are required to replicate lighting scenes, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes simple light switches multi-functional by enabling them to both control lighting and store/transmit lighting scene patterns. The same basic switch serves multiple purposes: traditional on/off control, pattern input, pattern storage, and pattern retrieval, eliminating the need for specialized advanced control devices while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies the familiar simple interaction pattern from basic light switches to achieve advanced lighting scene replication. By using pattern copying rather than requiring advanced devices, the system maintains ease of operation with familiar switch interactions while achieving precise lighting control
3Ease of operation
If simple light switches with basic input patterns are used, then ease of operation is improved, but lighting scene control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing the lighting scene parameters and input pattern association in advance at a first location. When the user later inputs the same pattern at a second location, the pre-stored scene data is immediately retrieved and applied, enabling complex scene control through simple subsequent actions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central controller as an intermediary that handles the complex processing of pattern recognition, scene parameter storage, and scene retrieval. This intermediary absorbs the complexity of lighting scene control, allowing simple light switches to maintain ease of operation while the intermediary provides advanced adaptability and versatility
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a method of controlling a lighting system comprising a first plurality of luminaires located in a first environment and a second plurality of luminaires located in a second environment, the method comprising steps of: receiving a first user input pattern at a light switch of the lighting system operatively coupled to the first plurality of luminaires; determining at least one parameter of a lighting scene being rendered by the first plurality of luminaires when the first user input pattern is received; storing an indication of the first user input pattern in association with the determined at least one parameter; receiving a second user input pattern at the or another light switch of the lighting system, operatively coupled to the second plurality of luminaires; comparing the received second user input pattern with the stored indication of the first user input pattern to determine if the second user input pattern matches the first user input pattern; if the second user input pattern is determined to match the first user input pattern, controlling the second plurality of luminaires to render a matching lighting scene using the at least one parameter.