Networked Lighting System for Long-Distance Emotional Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems are limited in their ability to communicate information over long distances, as they typically require a direct line of sight between the light source and the observer, restricting their use in conveying emotions or messages beyond immediate proximity.
Innovation Solution
A network-connected lighting system where two or more light sources can be associated, allowing one to remotely alter the operation of another through a server-mediated communication system, enabling emotional or informational communication across distances via changes in illumination patterns, colors, or intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If light sources are used for direct visual communication, then the communication is immediate and simple, but the communication distance is limited to direct line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that receives signals from remote light sources and transmits control signals to local light sources. This mediator enables long-distance communication by decoupling the direct line-of-sight requirement, allowing the sender and receiver to be geographically separated while maintaining the light-based communication paradigm through network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into independent functional modules: remote light sources with sensors, network infrastructure, server processing logic, and local light sources with output mechanisms. Each module operates independently but contributes to the overall communication function, enabling scalable deployment and reduced system complexity for individual components.
2Loss of information
If network-connected light sources are associated to enable remote communication, then communication distance is extended beyond direct view, but system complexity increases due to network infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources serve multiple functions: they act as both illumination devices and communication terminals. The same LED array that provides lighting also transmits encoded signals, and the same device that receives network commands also displays visual feedback. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated communication hardware, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where light sources monitor their own operational status, network connectivity, and communication effectiveness. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of transmission parameters, error correction, and system self-diagnosis, maintaining communication fidelity without requiring complex manual configuration or intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light sources alter operation in response to remote inputs, then emotional communication capability is enhanced, but the response time and synchronization precision may be affected by network latency
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes communication channels and associates light sources in advance through network registration and pairing protocols. Configuration data, including communication preferences and operational parameters, are pre-loaded and cached. This preliminary setup minimizes processing delays during actual communication events, enabling rapid response despite network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic heartbeats and status polling to maintain active communication channels, ensuring that network connections remain alive and responsive. Regular synchronization pulses keep time references aligned between distributed light sources, enabling coordinated operation and reducing latency variability through predictable timing patterns.
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 individuals to communicate thoughts and emotions over long distances by altering the illumination of remote light sources in response to inputs, enhancing emotional connection and information exchange beyond traditional visual range limitations.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one light output mechanism of the first light source and the second light source comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes
Data Source
AI summary
A communicative lighting system in some embodiments comprises a plurality of network connected light sources including display screens. Each light source in some embodiments possess a unique identifier permitting the light sources to be associated with one another. An input received by one light source in some embodiments alter the light output and display screen of that light source as well as the associated light sources. The light output of a light source in some embodiments is capable of being altered by changing color, brightening or dimming, blinking, adjusting which of a plurality of light emitting diodes are activated, or otherwise modifying the type or amount of light output. The display screen in some embodiments is capable of being altered to display a different image or video.