Motion Detector User Interface for Adjustable Illumination Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion detectors can only control lighting as on or off or high/low intensity, lacking a simple and cost-effective method to adjust illumination levels according to user preferences, which varies across different spaces.
Innovation Solution
A motion detector with a user interface that allows users to set desired high and low illumination levels, using an adjustment output to control the light source intensity via an analog signal, enabling proportional control of light intensity based on light levels and presence detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a relay-type control is used in the motion detector, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot easily adjust illumination intensity levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static relay-type control (fixed on/off or high/low states) to a dynamic control system that outputs an analog signal proportional to the desired illumination level. This allows the attachment device to continuously adjust light intensity rather than switching between discrete states, enabling users to achieve precise illumination levels while maintaining simplicity in the motion detector itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from discrete relay states to a continuous analog signal that represents the desired illumination level. The controller generates an output signal whose amplitude or voltage level corresponds to the selected illumination intensity, allowing the attachment device to modulate the light source output proportionally. This parameter change enables fine-grained control without adding complexity to the motion detector hardware.
2Ease of operation
If additional control interfaces are added to the light source control device to enable intensity adjustment, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control interface functionality from the attachment device (light source control) and relocates it to the motion detector. Users interact with the motion detector's user interface to set desired illumination levels, and the motion detector's controller processes these inputs and generates the appropriate control signals. This extraction simplifies the attachment device while maintaining full control capability, as the motion detector already has the necessary processing and output capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion detector is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a motion/light sensor and as a lighting control interface. The controller not only processes sensor inputs but also functions as a dimmer controller that generates proportional output signals to regulate light intensity. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing user control capability.
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 users to easily adjust and maintain desired illumination levels, improving lighting control simplicity and user satisfaction by allowing adjustable intensity settings without the need for additional interfaces in the light source control device.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor for monitoring the lightness of a space
Implementation Method 2
a motion sensor detecting a human being present in the space
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a motion detector (1) for controlling an attachment device (2) of a light source (23), the motion detector comprising a light sensor (4) for monitoring lightness of a space, a motion sensor (22) for detecting a person in the space, a controller (5) which is responsive to the light sensor (4) and the motion sensor (22) and which produces for the attachment device (2) a signal indicating when the light source (23) should produce high illumination or low illumination and when the illumination should be switched off. In order to enable simple and fast adjustment of illumination the motion detector (1) comprises a user interface (7) through which the user may set at least the desired high illumination level and low illumination level, and the motion detector (1) comprises an adjustment output (12) which is connectable to the attachment device (2) and which in response to the controller (5) and the levels set by the user through the user interface (7) indicates to the attachment device (2) the illumination level (18) the light source (23) should produce at any particular time.