On/Off Switch Illumination Control via Switch Pattern Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light switches only allow for on/off control of illuminating devices, preventing users from adjusting luminance and color temperature without additional complex controls.
Innovation Solution
An illuminating system with a power source, on/off switch, examining module, and master module that detects switch states to generate adjust signals, allowing linear adjustment of current and current ratios among illuminating elements for luminance and color temperature control using a standard on/off switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional light switch is used for on/off control, then the control mechanism is simple, but the user cannot adjust luminance and color temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional on/off switch is made multi-functional by detecting different switching patterns (continuous switching within a time window) to perform both on/off control and luminance adjustment. The control unit identifies whether the switch operations represent a luminance adjustment command or a power on/off command based on the switching frequency and time interval, allowing one switch to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate controls.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional controls are added to enable luminance adjustment, then the adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing on/off switch is made multi-functional by detecting different switching patterns (continuous switching within a time window) to perform both on/off control and luminance adjustment. The control unit identifies whether the switch operations represent a luminance adjustment command or a power on/off command based on the switching frequency and time interval, allowing one switch to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing switch infrastructure and the user's natural switching behavior to automatically determine the intended operation. By monitoring the switching pattern itself, the control unit self-identifies whether adjustment or power control is needed, eliminating the need for additional buttons, dials, or complex interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rapid switching is detected for luminance adjustment, then the adjustment function is activated, but power waste may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is pre-configured with a predetermined time window threshold that determines whether rapid switching should be interpreted as a luminance adjustment command. This preliminary setting allows the system to quickly distinguish between adjustment intentions and power control intentions without requiring complex real-time analysis, enabling fast response while minimizing unnecessary power consumption during the detection process.
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminating system includes a power source, an on/off switch, an examining module, an illuminating module and a master module. The power source supplies power. The on/off switch switches on or switches off the power from the power source. The examining module detects whether the on/off switch is switched off and whether the on/off switch's switched-off state lasts over a predetermined time interval. In addition, the examining module generates an adjust signal corresponding to a result of detecting the on/off switch. The illuminating module includes a plurality of illuminating elements. The master module adjusts a total current forwarded to and current ratios among the plurality of illuminating elements according to the adjust signal.