Low Voltage Controller Lighting Setting Reversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems in environments like hospitals do not automatically revert to a patient's desired lighting setting after an override, requiring manual re-selection by the patient.
Innovation Solution
A system with a low voltage controller (LVC) that includes a processor and memory, connected to both a remote switch for patient settings and a main switch for caregiver overrides, allowing the LVC to store and retrieve adjustment settings for luminaires, enabling seamless switching between lighting settings without manual re-adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional lighting system allows caregiver override of patient lighting settings, then the caregiver can adjust lighting for medical needs, but the system does not automatically revert to the patient's preferred setting, requiring manual re-selection by the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores the patient's preferred lighting settings in advance in the LVC memory before any override occurs. When the main switch overrides the patient setting, the system automatically retrieves and restores the pre-stored patient preference without requiring manual re-selection, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The LVC continuously monitors the state of both the remote switch and main switch, and automatically adjusts the lighting settings based on the switch states. When the main switch is deactivated, the system provides feedback by automatically restoring the patient's preferred setting, eliminating the need for manual re-selection while maintaining manageable system complexity through centralized control
2Extent of automation
If the system stores patient lighting preferences in memory, then automatic reversion is enabled, but additional components (LVC with memory) increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The LVC performs multiple functions: it controls the lighting settings based on switch inputs, stores patient preferences in memory, retrieves stored settings for automatic reversion, and manages the overall lighting system operation. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional controller, the system achieves high automation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The LVC autonomously manages the lighting setting transitions without requiring manual intervention. It automatically detects when the main switch overrides the patient setting, retrieves the stored patient preference from its own memory, and restores the original setting, thereby achieving self-service automation that minimizes the need for additional complex external components
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are provided for systems and methods of managing a lighting system. According to certain aspects, the lighting system includes a low voltage controller (LVC) connected to multiple switches and to multiple drivers. Based on signals received from the switches, the LVC may determine a desired lighting setting as well as an adjustment setting of the lighting setting. The LVC may apply an appropriate signal to a driver to cause the driver to power a corresponding portion of luminaires. The LVC may include a memory configured to store adjustment settings so that the LVC may revert back to desired lighting and adjustment settings.