Universal Control Surface for Atmosphere Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting systems, such as the Philips LivingColors illumination device, lack an intuitive and comprehensive user interface for controlling multiple illumination devices to create and adjust a unified illumination pattern, particularly in larger systems, and could benefit from enhanced user feedback during operation.
Innovation Solution
A control arrangement that allows dynamic control of an atmosphere generating device using a control object with identification means, such as RFID tags or magnets, moved onto a surface with positioning information correlated by a control unit to provide control data for changing the device's characteristics, including light color and intensity, offering intuitive and flexible control with direct feedback through LED lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a remote control interface is used for individual illumination devices, then users can change color and intensity of individual devices, but users cannot comprehensively control multiple illumination devices to create unified illumination patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The control device integrates multiple control functions into a single universal interface that can control multiple illumination devices simultaneously. The control unit receives positioning information from the surface and generates comprehensive control data that coordinates multiple devices to create unified illumination patterns, replacing the need for separate remote controls for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple control functions and device control capabilities into a single integrated control device. The control unit merges positioning information from the surface with device control signals, and the control device unifies the interface for controlling multiple illumination devices, simplifying the overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a comprehensive user interface is provided for controlling multiple illumination devices, then unified illumination patterns can be created, but the interface lacks intuitive feedback to users during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The surface provides visual feedback to users by displaying positioning information and control status. The control device receives feedback from the illumination devices about their current state and uses this information to adjust control signals, creating a closed-loop system that enhances user awareness of system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface uses color changes to provide intuitive visual feedback to users about the current control state and illumination patterns. Different colors or color intensities indicate different operational modes, device states, or positioning information, making the system more user-friendly without adding complex interface elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed control settings are used for illumination devices, then device control is simplified, but the system cannot adapt to different user preferences and atmospheric requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts illumination parameters based on real-time positioning information from the surface. As users move the control object across the surface, the control unit continuously generates updated control data that adapts the illumination patterns, allowing dynamic atmosphere customization without requiring users to manually configure multiple fixed settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface pre-stores multiple atmospheric settings and control configurations that are automatically applied based on the position of the control object. This preliminary preparation of control data allows users to access different atmospheric configurations simply by moving the control object to different positions, maintaining simplicity while providing extensive adaptability.
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 flexible control of atmosphere generating devices, providing multiple users with customizable settings and automatic pattern adaptation, enhancing user interaction and feedback, while allowing control of various devices like luminaires, speakers, and fragrance generators to create a cohesive atmosphere.
Implementation Method 1
the surface comprises means for determine the position and forward the positioning information to the control unit
Implementation Method 2
the control object comprises identification means, wherein the control device comprises a control unit adapted to identify the control object
Implementation Method 3
the identification means of the control object is at least one of an RFID tag and a magnet
Implementation Method 4
By mixing differently colored LEDs any number of colors can be generated, e.g. white
Implementation Method 5
By mixing differently colored LEDs any number of colors can be generated
Implementation Method 6
the identification means of the control object is at least one of an RFID tag and a magnet
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control arrangement for controlling an atmosphere generating device, comprising a control device (102) having a control surface (110), and a control object (104, 106) adapted to be freely- positioned onto the control surface, the control object comprising identification means (116), wherein the control device comprises a control unit (114) adapted to identify the control object, to receive relative positioning information from the control surface relating to the positioning of the control object, and to output control data corresponding to the placement information for controlling the atmosphere generating device. By means of the invention it is provided an intuitive user interface in which the user is provided with a flexible solution in which not only repositioning of the control object onto the surface of the control device influence the atmosphere, but also the identity of the control object.