TV-Mimicking Security Lighting Fixture Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security measures, such as deadbolts and alarm systems, lack an effective means to deter criminal activity by mimicking human occupancy, as light timers can be unreliable and may not convincingly simulate the presence of a person.
Innovation Solution
A security device comprising a lighting fixture with programmable lighting elements that mimic the luminosity and color changes of a television set, using an algorithm to vary drive currents and create a flickering effect similar to a TV, thereby simulating human occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light timers are used to mimic human occupancy, then security deterrence is provided, but the effectiveness is reduced because they are perceived as less convincing than an operating television set
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a device that replicates the visual appearance and light emission patterns of a television set displaying content. The security device copies the characteristic blue flicker and illumination patterns that viewers associate with an operating TV, making it indistinguishable from an actual television to observers outside the residence. This resolves the contradiction by providing convincing occupancy simulation (improving reliability) through a dedicated copying device rather than using generic light timers (avoiding the need for complex multi-device coordination).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a single device that combines the functions of occupancy simulation and security deterrence. The television-mimicking light device serves multiple purposes: it creates the illusion of human presence, deters criminal activity, and can be controlled through various interfaces (remote control, wireless communication). This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by consolidating security and simulation functions into one universal device rather than requiring separate systems.
2Reliability
If an actual television set is operated to mimic human occupancy, then the most convincing security deterrence is achieved, but costs and risks associated with operating an actual TV increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by isolating and replicating only the essential visual characteristics of a television set that are needed for occupancy simulation. Instead of operating a complete television system (which includes power-consuming components like backlights, processors, and display panels), the invention extracts and reproduces only the relevant light emission patterns and flicker characteristics using dedicated LED or similar light sources. This resolves the contradiction by achieving the same occupancy illusion effectiveness (improving reliability) while consuming significantly less energy (reducing power loss).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by using inexpensive, energy-efficient light-emitting components (such as LEDs) that can be rapidly switched on and off to simulate television operation. These components are far cheaper and more energy-efficient than operating an actual television set, while still providing the necessary visual effects for occupancy simulation. This resolves the contradiction by providing a low-cost, low-energy alternative that maintains the effectiveness of the occupancy illusion.
3Ease of manufacture
If light timers are used to provide security deterrence, then the device is simple to implement, but the security effectiveness is compromised due to low credibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the temporal and spectral characteristics of the emitted light to match those of a television set. The device varies parameters such as flicker frequency, color temperature (particularly the characteristic blue hue), and illumination intensity patterns to replicate television operation. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining simplicity of implementation (ease of manufacture) while significantly improving credibility through accurate parameter matching that makes the simulation indistinguishable from an actual television.
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 device effectively deters criminal activity by creating a convincing illusion of human presence, reducing the likelihood of theft without the costs and risks associated with operating an actual television set.
Implementation Method 1
a number of lighting elements, mounted to the lighting fixture... causing the device to illuminate at a luminosity sufficient to illuminate at least one interior surface of a structure in a manner consistent with a television set displaying a television program
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a security device is disclosed. The device includes 1) a lighting fixture; 2) a number of lighting elements, mounted to the lighting fixture; and 3) a control circuit, programmed to vary the luminosity and duration of the drive currents provided to each of the number of lighting elements, in accord with an algorithm embedded in the control circuit.