Toy-Aware Lighting Control via Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems lack the ability to automatically adjust light output based on user interaction with physical objects in the environment, such as toys in a play area, failing to provide customized illumination that enhances the user experience.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system comprising LED-based units and a controller that receives signals from sensors detecting characteristics and alterations of toys, allowing it to select and adjust light attributes such as color, brightness, and dynamic effects based on the toys' characteristics and actions, using image processing and remote computing for additional information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If lighting systems use conventional control interfaces (wall-mounted or mobile devices), then users can manually control light output, but the system cannot automatically adjust lighting based on user interaction with objects in the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system automatically detects toys and adjusts lighting without requiring manual user input through interfaces. The system serves itself by using sensors to detect toy characteristics and autonomously controlling light output based on detected parameters, eliminating the need for wall-mounted or mobile device interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control interfaces with automated sensor-based detection and electronic control. Instead of physical wall switches or mobile device apps, the system uses sensors to detect toys and electronically adjusts lighting parameters automatically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lighting systems provide generic illumination, then the system is simple to operate, but it fails to provide customized illumination that enhances user experience during play activities
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system provides different lighting characteristics (color, brightness, dynamic effects) tailored to specific detected toy types and play activities. Instead of uniform illumination, the system adjusts local lighting qualities based on the detected toy characteristics and play context.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system dynamically adjusts its output based on real-time detection of toy characteristics and play activities. The lighting parameters (color, brightness, effects) change dynamically according to the detected play context rather than remaining static.
3Measurement precision
If lighting systems use multiple sensors and processing methods to detect toy characteristics, then detection accuracy improves, but the complexity of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple detection methods (image capture devices, RFID readers, other sensors) into a unified detection framework. By merging these different sensing modalities, the system achieves comprehensive toy detection with improved accuracy while managing complexity through integration.
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
The system dynamically adjusts light output to match the toys' characteristics and actions, enhancing the play experience by providing ambient, accent, or spot illumination that is tailored to the child's play activities, creating an immersive and engaging environment.
Implementation Method 1
Digital lighting technologies, i.e. illumination based on semiconductor light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to inventive methods, systems and apparatus for lighting control. For example, light output of a lighting system (100) that illuminates a play area (101) may be altered, e.g., by a lighting system controller (102, 302), based on characteristics of toys (104) one or more children is playing with in the area, as well as alterations of the toys or relationships between the toys that the one or more children are effecting.