Physical Space Illumination with Passthrough Light Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for illuminating a physical space using electronic devices are cumbersome and inefficient, often requiring complex user interfaces and multiple key presses, wasting user time and device energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing faster and more efficient methods and interfaces for illuminating a physical space by determining if a portion of the space is set as a passthrough of light and adjusting illumination accordingly, reducing redundant user inputs and conserving power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing techniques are used to illuminate a physical space, then the illumination can be provided, but the user interface becomes complex and time-consuming requiring multiple key presses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface simplicityVSAvoidtime to illuminate space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures illumination scenarios and detects user intent through gestures or automatic triggers before illumination is needed, so that when illumination is required, it can be activated immediately without requiring the user to navigate through complex menus or press multiple keys. The computer system proactively prepares the illumination state based on detected conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If existing techniques are used to illuminate a physical space, then the illumination can be provided, but device energy is wasted due to redundant user inputs and processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination control efficiencyVSAvoiddevice energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when illumination is needed through gestures, environmental sensors, or application context, and activates the light source without requiring user input. This eliminates redundant processing of user inputs and reduces energy consumption by only activating illumination when genuinely needed, rather than requiring users to manually trigger it through complex interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If a simplified interface is implemented for illumination, then user time is reduced, but control precision over illumination parameters may be lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to activate illuminationVSAvoidillumination control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides a universal simplified gesture or automatic trigger that works across multiple illumination scenarios and devices. A single gesture or automatic detection mechanism can activate different types of illumination (laptop screen, room lights, display backlight) with appropriate parameters already configured, maintaining both speed and adaptability through a unified interface that handles multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250301549A1Techniques for illuminating a physical space

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to simulating light in a physical space, such as simulating light passing through a physical opening, for simulating different amounts of light passing through a physical opening, and/or for adjusting one or more lighting conditions.