Smartphone Lighting Control via ID Grouping and Parameter Sync

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lighting control systems rely on hardware-based remote controllers, which are limited in functionality and cost-effective, and do not leverage the capabilities of smartphones for controlling multiple lamps.

Innovation Solution

A method and computer program product that allows users to control multiple lamps using a smartphone by receiving identification codes, setting control parameters, and grouping lamps for unified control, enabling remote operation and various lighting settings through a software application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hardware-based remote controllers are used for lighting control, then basic remote control functionality is achieved, but device functionality is limited and production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolling functionsVSAvoidhardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hardware-based remote controller system with a software-based control system running on smartphone devices. The control functionality is implemented through mobile applications that communicate with lighting devices via wireless networks, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware remote controllers and their associated mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables smartphones to serve multiple purposes: they function as both communication devices and lighting control interfaces. The mobile application provides comprehensive control capabilities including individual lamp control, group control, and scene management, making the smartphone a universal control device for various lighting configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional remote controllers are used, then basic control is possible, but cost increases and functionality remains limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolling methodsVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses software copies of control functionality embedded in mobile applications rather than physical hardware controllers. The application replicates all necessary control functions (individual lamp control, grouping, scene management) in software form, which can be distributed digitally at minimal cost compared to manufacturing physical remote controllers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent leverages existing smartphone devices that users already possess, eliminating the need to manufacture and distribute additional hardware controllers. The software application runs on these existing devices, effectively using a resource that is already available to the user at no additional manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If individual lamp control is implemented, then precise control is achieved, but control efficiency decreases when managing multiple lamps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a grouping mechanism that allows multiple individual lamps to be combined into control groups. Users can create groups based on spatial location, functional purpose, or any other criteria, and then control all lamps in a group simultaneously through a single interface element, dramatically improving control efficiency when managing multiple lamps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the control system into hierarchical levels: individual lamp control for precise adjustments and group control for efficient bulk management. This segmentation allows users to choose the appropriate control granularity based on their needs, whether controlling a single lamp or multiple lamps simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9167670B2Method for controlling lamps and computer program product thereof

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 GUNITECH

AI summary

A method for controlling a plurality of lamps is applied to an electrical apparatus, such that the user can control the plurality of lamps by the electrical apparatus. The method includes the following steps: receiving a plurality of different identification codes, with the identification codes representing each of the lamps respectively; setting at least two different identification codes of the plurality of identification codes to be in the same control group according to a group setting command; and setting the control parameter of each of the plurality of lamps represented by each of the plurality of different identification codes of the same control group to be the same.