Universal Smart Switch Management for Lighting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart lighting systems are limited by proprietary technologies that restrict compatibility with devices from other manufacturers, leading to complexity and inconvenience in control methods, such as requiring users to unlock mobile devices or use voice-activated systems that can be noisy and intrusive.
Innovation Solution
A smart switch system that communicates with a customer service provider server to manage associations between smart switches and lighting devices, allowing for tactile control and efficient operation through a universally configurable management system, enabling control of smart lighting devices via a physical interface or other input methods without the need for proprietary systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary systems are used to control smart lighting devices, then device compatibility and reliability are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to multiple manufacturer-specific applications and setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control system that can manage smart lighting devices from multiple manufacturers through a single application. The system uses standardized communication protocols and a centralized server architecture to enable cross-manufacturer device compatibility, eliminating the need for separate proprietary applications while maintaining reliable device control.
2Ease of operation
If mobile computing device applications are used to control smart lighting devices, then control functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to unlocking requirements and multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining persistent connections and pre-loading device states. The mobile application remains active in the background with devices already selected and ready for control, eliminating the need to unlock the device, launch the application, and navigate through setup screens each time control is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex authentication and device selection processes from the control workflow. The system handles device pairing, authentication, and state synchronization in the background without requiring user intervention, separating these preparatory actions from the simple act of controlling lighting devices.
3Ease of operation
If voice-activated control systems are used, then ease of operation is improved for hands-free control, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to noise and disturbance to others
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tactile switches as an intermediary control mechanism that provides hands-free operation without the noise problems of voice activation. Users can control smart lighting devices by physically pressing switches mounted on walls or other surfaces, which send wireless commands to the devices without generating audible disturbance to others in the environment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control methods are provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens due to multiple applications and setup procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functionalities into a single unified application and server platform. The system combines support for various control methods (tactile switches, mobile devices, voice activation) and multiple manufacturer protocols into one integrated ecosystem, eliminating the need for separate applications and simplifying setup procedures while maintaining adaptability across different device types.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include systems and methods for controlling a smart lighting device. In embodiments, a processor of a smart switch may send to a customer service provider server device a smart switch identifier of the smart switch for incorporation into a data record in the customer service provider server device in association with a smart lighting device identifier of a smart lighting device at a customer premises. The processor of the smart switch may generate a lighting device instruction for a smart lighting device that may include the smart switch identifier. The processor of the smart switch may send to the customer service provider server device the generated smart lighting device instruction to the smart lighting device for transmission to the smart lighting device identifier based on the association.