Touch Panel Lamp Dimming With Stepwise Brightness Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dimming control systems for lamps are inconvenient for users as they require manual operation and do not allow for dynamic adjustment of brightness levels in response to changes in natural or ambient lighting.

Innovation Solution

A dimming control apparatus using touch panels that allow users to control lamp illuminance by touching and dragging dimming pads, with display lamps indicating operational states and storing dimming values for automatic control when the lamp is turned on or off.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual control method is used for dimming stabilizer, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with touch panel control. The touch panels detect user input through touch operations and transmit signals to the control unit, which automatically adjusts the dimming level. This substitution of mechanical manual control with electronic touch-based control improves ease of operation while maintaining acceptable device complexity through integrated control logic.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If uniform illuminance setting is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic illuminance control through multiple dimming levels. Instead of a fixed uniform illuminance setting, the system provides multiple discrete dimming levels that can be selected based on ambient lighting conditions and user preferences. The control unit dynamically adjusts the lamp output according to the selected dimming level, enabling adaptation to different environments while managing complexity through predefined control levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the illuminance parameter by providing multiple dimming levels. The control unit can adjust the lamp's illuminance output to different predetermined levels based on user selection via touch panels. This parameter change approach enables the system to adapt to various lighting requirements without requiring complex real-time sensing and calculation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If single touch panel is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control interface into multiple touch panels, each corresponding to different dimming levels or control functions. This segmentation allows users to easily select desired illuminance levels by touching specific panels, improving ease of operation. The control unit processes signals from different touch panels to provide granular control over lighting levels, while the segmented design keeps each individual touch panel simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 users to conveniently adjust brightness levels step-by-step and manipulate illuminance levels effectively, improving user convenience and control over lamp settings.

Implementation Method 1

the control unit controls the illuminance of the lamp using a dimming value according to touch locations of the dimming pads configured as at least two touch panels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

the control unit controls the illuminance of the lamp according to touch directions of the dimming pads configured as at least two touch panels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive sensing: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP2934068B1Dimming control device and method
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 CHUNG
  • EP2934068B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2934068B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2934068B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dimming control device and method, and a dimming control device according to an embodiment of the present invention may control the ON/OFF of a lamp depending on whether a power pad is touched, and control the brightness of the lamp depending on whether dimming pads are touched. Thus, a user may control brightness step by step and may conveniently manipulate each step of brightness.