Remote Light Control Using Local Ambient Sensing
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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
1Measurement precision
If a ceiling-mounted daylight sensor is used to control light intensity, then automated adjustment of lighting loads is achieved, but the light intensity at the user's location cannot be accurately controlled due to distance and calibration complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control device as an intermediary between the user and the lighting control system. This device includes a light detector positioned at or near the user's location, serving as a mediator that directly measures the light intensity where it matters most, eliminating the need for complex ceiling sensor calibration while achieving accurate local light intensity control.
2Extent of automation
If a gain factor is applied to ceiling sensor measurements to control user location light intensity, then automated control is maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to calibration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by positioning the light detector at the user's location before control decisions are made. This allows the system to directly measure the actual light intensity at the relevant location, eliminating the need for subsequent gain factor calculations and calibration adjustments, thereby maintaining both automation and accuracy.
3Reliability
If calibration is performed to establish appropriate gain factors, then proper system operation is achieved, but user burden and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by allowing the system to automatically determine appropriate gain factors through user interaction during normal operation. The microprocessor analyzes the relationship between ceiling sensor readings and actual light intensity at the user location, automatically calculating and storing the necessary gain factor without requiring separate calibration procedures, thus maintaining reliability while eliminating calibration time loss.
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 lighting 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.