Remote Control Local Lighting Animate Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Remote controls with local lighting often waste electricity as the lighting is always on, even when ambient lighting is sufficient, which is inefficient and unnecessary.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an animate object detector that automatically controls local lighting by transmitting a remote light control signal to switch the lighting to a higher power mode only when an animate object is within a predetermined distance, thereby reducing power consumption by maintaining a lower power mode or turning off the lighting when no one is present.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If local lighting is always on to illuminate user interface features, then user interface visibility and usability are improved, but electricity consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocal lighting illuminationVSAvoidelectricity consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning the local lighting from a static always-on state to a dynamic state that adjusts based on ambient light conditions and user presence detection. The lighting automatically switches between on and off states, optimizing both visibility and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through ambient light sensors and animate object detectors that continuously monitor environmental conditions. This feedback drives automatic control of the local lighting, turning it on when needed and off when ambient lighting is sufficient, thereby resolving the contradiction between illumination and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If local lighting is always on to assist user manipulation of interface features, then user convenience is improved, but power waste occurs when ambient lighting is sufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface manipulationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the local lighting system to automatically determine when it needs to operate based on ambient light levels and detected user presence. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about when to consume power and when to remain off, eliminating the need for manual user control while optimizing energy usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control of lighting with automated sensor-based control systems. Ambient light sensors and animate object detectors substitute for manual switches, enabling intelligent automatic control that reduces power waste while maintaining user convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If animate object detector and automatic control system are added, then lighting is only activated when needed reducing power consumption, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a controller that performs multiple functions: it manages local lighting control, processes signals from ambient light sensors, detects animate objects, and transmits remote control signals. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single integrated component rather than adding separate dedicated systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple control functions into a unified system where the controller integrates lighting control, sensor processing, and animate object detection. By combining these functions that would otherwise be separate systems, the patent reduces overall device complexity while achieving the goal of selective lighting activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8325040B2Method and apparatus to facilitate automated control of local lighting at a remote control

Publication Date: 2012.12.04 THE CHAMBERLAIN GRP INC

AI summary

Upon detecting (101) (via an animate object detector (506)) an animate object, these teachings provide for automatically and responsively transmitting (102) a remote light control signal and also selectively controlling (103) local lighting (505). This can comprise temporarily switching the local lighting to a higher power mode of operation (such as a fully-on mode of operation) from a lower power mode of operation (such as a fully-off mode of operation). These teachings will further accommodate determining (301) a relatively closeness of the animate object to the remote control. When the detected animate object is more than predetermined distance from the remote control, the local lighting can remain in the lower power mode of operation. When the detected animate object, however, is within that predetermined distance from the remote control, then the aforementioned step of switching the local lighting to the higher power mode of operation can be undertaken as described.