Touch-Controlled Luminaire Commissioning via Mobile Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting control systems using electronic mobile devices can be cumbersome, requiring users to select lighting units and properties before adjusting light output, especially when devices are out of reach or lack power, and do not provide a simple mechanism for direct touch or gesture control.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for commissioning touch-controlled luminaires using electronic mobile devices to associate touch event profiles with lighting control actions, allowing users to control light output by touch, with features like capacitive detection and wireless communication for seamless interaction between devices and luminaires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users control lighting units using electronic mobile devices, then lighting control functionality is achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into two parts: a portable electronic device for configuration and a lighting unit with integrated touch surface for direct control. This allows the lighting unit to be controlled independently once configured, eliminating the need to constantly use the mobile device for simple adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting unit is equipped with touch-sensitive surfaces that allow it to be controlled directly by users without requiring the portable electronic device. The lighting unit serves itself by interpreting touch gestures and adjusting its own lighting properties, reducing dependency on external devices.
2Ease of operation
If the portable electronic device is used to control lighting units, then lighting control is achieved, but the device must be within reach and have power
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is extracted from the portable electronic device and embedded directly into the lighting unit through touch-sensitive surfaces. This allows the lighting control capability to be separated from the need for a powered mobile device, making control available wherever the lighting unit is located.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting unit's touch-sensitive surface serves multiple functions: it acts as both the lighting element and the control interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate control device, allowing users to control lighting from any location where they can physically reach the luminaire.
3Extent of automation
If multiple lighting units are controlled from a single electronic mobile device, then centralized control is achieved, but the user must navigate through multiple selection steps
Solution Approach 1:
The portable electronic device performs preliminary configuration by programming touch gestures and their corresponding lighting control actions into the lighting unit during an initial setup phase. This preliminary action stores the control logic locally in the lighting unit, eliminating the need for complex real-time selection processes when actually controlling the lights.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is copied from the portable electronic device to the lighting unit itself through the touch-sensitive surface. Instead of managing multiple devices through a single controller, the lighting unit receives a copy of the control functionality, allowing direct manipulation without navigation through device lists or property menus.
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 intuitive and efficient control of lighting units through touch or gestures, reducing the need for direct device interaction and enhancing usability by allowing users to adjust light properties directly on the luminaire, even when the device is not readily accessible.
Implementation Method 1
the controller is configured to detect that the one or more surfaces has been touched
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed aremethods and apparatus for lighting control. For example, a user may commission a touch-controlled luminaire (106) to emit light output having various lighting properties dependent on a manner in which the touch-controlled luminaire is touchedsubsequently. In particular, a user may use an electronic mobile device (102) such as a smart phone,tablet computer, or a wearable computing device (e.g., computing glasses, smart watches) to associate a touch event profile indicative of a manner in which a touch-controlled luminaire was touched (e.g., tapped, swiped, etc.) with a lighting control action. The user may then provide that association to the touch-controlled luminaire. When the touch-controlled luminaire is later touched in the same manner, it may adjust its light output in accordance with the lighting control action. Operation and commission of gesture-controlled luminaires (706) is also described herein.