Signal-Strength Lighting Control for Single-Unit and Group Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart lighting systems become cumbersome and complex as the number of controllable lighting units increases, leading to difficulties in user control due to cluttered interfaces and limited control options, especially with accessory devices like light switches.
Innovation Solution
A method and controller that adapt the user interface based on signal strength to switch between individual and group control modes, allowing users to control a single lighting unit or a group of units by positioning a portable device within a defined threshold range, and indicating the control mode through visual or auditory cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all controllable lighting units are shown in the user interface, then complete control capability is provided, but the interface becomes complex and cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control interface by spatial location rather than showing all lighting units. The display is divided into regions corresponding to different physical locations (e.g., ceiling area, wall area), and only lighting units within the user's current proximity are displayed. This segmentation reduces interface complexity while maintaining complete control capability through spatial context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the displayed lighting units depend on the user's local position in space. Different areas of the room display different subsets of lighting units based on where the user is standing or moving. This dynamic local display provides complete control capability adapted to the user's current location without overwhelming the interface with all units simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessory devices like light switches provide multiple control options, then control versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control options dynamic rather than static. The light switch accessory device adapts its displayed lighting units based on the user's movement and proximity to different lighting units in the environment. This dynamic adaptation provides versatile control options without requiring the device to have fixed complex functionality for every possible lighting unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory device performs self-service by automatically detecting the user's proximity to lighting units and adjusting its control interface accordingly. The device uses sensors to detect nearby lighting units and automatically configures its display to show only relevant units, eliminating the need for manual configuration or complex user navigation through all possible control options.
3Measurement precision
If manual control of each individual lighting unit is implemented, then precise control is achieved, but user effort increases with more lighting units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically identifying and displaying only the lighting units that are relevant to the user's current location before the user even attempts to control them. The system pre-filters the lighting units based on proximity detection, so the user is presented with a manageable subset of units that they are likely to want to control, reducing the effort required to find and control specific units while maintaining precise control capability.
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
Simplifies lighting control by enabling intuitive switching between single and group control modes, improving usability and reducing interface complexity, especially with accessory devices.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a first signal communicated between a portable device and a first lighting unit of the group of lighting units, determining a first signal strength of the received first signal, wherein the signal strength of the received first signal is indicative of a distance between the portable device and the first lighting unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of controlling a first lighting unit of a group of lighting units is disclosed. The method comprised receiving a first signal communicated between a portable device and the first lighting unit, determining a first signal strength of the received first signal, setting, if the first signal strength exceeds a threshold, the portable device to a first control mode wherein only the first lighting unit of the group of lighting units is controlled by the portable device, and setting, if the first signal strength does not exceed the threshold, the portable device to a second control mode wherein the lighting units of the group are controlled by the portable device.