Remote Light Control Using Local Ambient Brightness Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting control systems require complex calibration of daylight sensors, which can be burdensome for users and may result in improper light intensity control at the user's location due to incorrect calibration.
Innovation Solution
A remote control device configured for wireless communication that measures ambient light intensity and adjusts it according to user-defined presets, using a light detector and user interface to transmit control messages to lighting control devices, allowing for incremental adjustments and learning from user behavior to maintain desired light levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If daylight sensors are mounted on the ceiling with gain factors, then light intensity can be controlled in the space, but the calibration becomes complicated and burdensome for users
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining the gain factor through measurements taken at installation. The portable controller measures light intensity at the mounting location and calculates the appropriate gain factor without requiring user intervention or manual calibration procedures, thereby eliminating calibration complexity while maintaining control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration data (gain factor) is determined and stored in memory during the installation phase before actual operation begins. This preliminary measurement and storage of calibration parameters eliminates the need for complex calibration procedures during user operation, as the system is pre-configured with the correct gain factor for that specific location.
2Measurement precision
If gain factors are used to control light intensity from ceiling-mounted sensors, then light intensity can be adjusted, but measurement accuracy at the user's location deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the correct gain factor through self-calibration measurements taken at the specific mounting location. By having the portable controller measure the actual light intensity at the ceiling location and calculate the appropriate gain factor, the system achieves accurate light intensity control at the user's location without requiring complex manual calibration or multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The gain factor, which is a critical parameter for light intensity control, is dynamically determined based on the specific installation location and conditions. The system changes this parameter from a fixed predetermined value to a location-specific value derived from actual measurements, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining system simplicity.
3Reliability
If manual calibration is performed, then light intensity control can be achieved, but user burden and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-calibration without requiring user intervention. The portable controller automatically measures light intensity, calculates the gain factor, and stores it in memory, eliminating the time-consuming manual calibration process while ensuring reliable light intensity control through accurate location-specific measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process is performed automatically during system installation before normal operation begins. By completing the calibration measurements and storing the gain factor in advance, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming calibration procedures during user operation, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining control reliability.
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 easy and accurate control of light intensity at the user's location, simplifying calibration and ensuring consistent light conditions by allowing users to set preferences and follow them across different locations within a space.
Implementation Method 1
The remote control device may include a light detector. The remote control device may be configured to measure the intensity of ambient light at the remote control device.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device that is configured for wireless communication may be configured to operate as a remote control device in a lighting control system, controlling one or more lighting control devices of the lighting control system. The remote control device may control the light intensity in a space, for instance at a location of the remote control device, in response to an ambient light intensity measured at the remote control device. The remote control device may define a user interface for receiving an input that indicates a desired light intensity at the location. The remote control device may measure the ambient light intensity at the location via a light detector, compare the measured ambient light intensity to the desired light intensity, and cause the one or more lighting control devices to adjust the ambient light intensity at the remote control device until it agrees with the desired light intensity.