Lighting Units with Sensors for Pattern Matching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems are difficult to alter post-installation, especially when hardwired, and require complex communication protocols for lamps to coordinate lighting patterns, making it challenging to configure multiple lighting units to follow the same lighting patterns without intricate setup.
Innovation Solution
A lighting unit equipped with light sensors and a controller that detects changes in light properties, such as brightness or hue, and transitions between lighting states based on a threshold rate of change, allowing it to automatically adjust its state to match nearby light sources without needing to communicate through complex protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lighting units use complex communication protocols to coordinate lighting patterns, then the lighting coordination capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light sensors as an intermediary medium between lighting units. Instead of direct communication between lamps through complex protocols, each lighting unit independently senses the light emitted by others and automatically adjusts its own lighting pattern to match, eliminating the need for complex coordination protocols
Solution Approach 2:
Each lighting unit autonomously detects light changes from other sources and self-adjusts its lighting state without requiring external control or coordination signals. The system achieves coordination through self-service behavior where each unit independently follows the lighting patterns of others
2Stability of the object's composition
If lighting systems are hardwired and configured during installation, then the system stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed configuration of hardwired lighting systems into a dynamic system where lighting units can automatically adapt and reconfigure themselves post-installation by sensing light patterns and adjusting their behavior accordingly, eliminating the need for complex post-installation configuration
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 simple and flexible configuration of lighting units to follow the patterns of other light sources, allowing for seamless integration and adjustment in existing infrastructure without requiring complex communication, enhancing adaptability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light sensors (e.g., photodiodes, photoresistors, camera, etc.) that generate one or more signals indicative of light detected by the one or more signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and computer-readable media for controlling a lighting unit are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a controller may be operably coupled with one or more light sensors. The controller may, in some embodiments, be configured to receive, from the one or more light sensors, one or more signals indicative of light detected by the one or more light sensors. The controller may facilitate transition of one or more light sources of a lighting unit between first and second lighting states responsive to a determination, based on the one or more signals, that a change in a property of the light detected by the one or more light sensors satisfies a predetermined criterion, such as a threshold rate of change of the property of the detected light.