Spotlight Control via Unique Light Signal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling multiple spotlights, such as adjusting light intensity, color, and beam direction, are inconvenient and non-intuitive, especially when trying to change settings while under the spotlights, as they often require connecting all devices to a central point for control.

Innovation Solution

Each spotlight radiates a unique light signal that is detected by a remote control with a sensor, allowing it to send a combined identifying and control signal to associated control units, which adjust the settings accordingly, enabling intuitive and convenient control through a remote interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If all lighting devices are connected to a central point for control, then control capability is achieved, but convenience and intuitiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of controlVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/wired central control system with an optical wireless communication system. The remote control uses optical sensors to detect unique light signals from each spotlight and transmits control signals wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical connections to a central control point while maintaining full control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary medium between the user and the lighting devices. The remote control detects unique light signals from spotlights and uses these as identifiers to send control commands, allowing control without direct physical connection to each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple spotlights are controlled individually, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns a unique light signal with specific characteristics (color, intensity, pattern) to each spotlight, creating locally distinguishable identifiers. This allows the remote control to precisely identify and target specific spotlights for control while maintaining simple operation through intuitive optical detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If control is performed from a central point, then system coordination is improved, but intuitiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem coordinationVSAvoidintuitiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the unique light signals emitted by each spotlight as feedback identifiers. The remote control detects these signals and uses them to automatically identify the target spotlight for control, creating an intuitive feedback loop that maintains system coordination while improving user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This method allows for comfortable and reliable control of multiple spotlights, allowing users to adjust settings like light intensity, color, and direction without needing a central control point, enhancing usability and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

the remote control comprises a sensor for determining said unique light signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP1946618B9Method, system and remote control for controlling the settings of each of a multitude of spotlights
Publication Date: 2013.12.25 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP1946618B9 patent drawingFigure 1~2B

AI summary

Method for controlling the settings of each of a multitude of spotlights, such as light intensity, colour and light beam direction, wherein a remote control is used for sending control signals to a control system comprising a multitude of control units for changing the settings of said multitude of spotlights to desired values, which control units are each associated with one of said multitude of spotlights, wherein said control units can change the settings of their associated spotlights to the desired values, wherein each of said multitude of spotlights radiates a unique light signal which is superimposed on its light beam, wherein the remote control comprises a sensor for determining said unique light signal, wherein the remote control sends with said control signal a spotlight-identifying signal associated with the determined unique light signal as determined at the time that the remote control is used, and wherein the control unit associated with said spotlight-identifying signal reacts to the combined spotlight-identifying signal and control signal by changing the settings of its associated spotlight to the desired values.