Voice-Controlled Power Switch for Lighting Timer Programming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users find programming timers for lighting devices, especially for holiday decorations, to be complex and frustrating, often requiring extensive navigation through menus, which can lead to non-use due to difficulty in understanding the programming process.

Innovation Solution

A power switch with a user interface featuring a microphone and control circuit that allows voice-activated control, enabling users to easily set timing parameters and operational information such as time, date, and location for automatic power application to lighting devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional menu-based programming interface is used, then comprehensive timing control functionality is achieved, but user programming complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveProgramming easeVSAvoidMenu structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/menu-based programming interface with a voice recognition system. Users speak natural language commands to program the timer, eliminating the need to navigate complex multi-tier menus. The control circuit processes voice inputs and translates them into timing parameters, significantly reducing programming complexity while maintaining comprehensive timing control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive timing parameters are required, then precise lighting control is achieved, but programming time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTiming parameter precisionVSAvoidProgramming time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The voice recognition system allows users to provide all timing parameters (time, date, location) simultaneously through a single voice command rather than navigating through multiple programming steps sequentially. The control circuit processes the complete set of parameters from the voice input and configures the timing operation in one action, reducing programming time while maintaining precise timing control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If manual programming is required, then accurate timing setup is possible, but user frustration increases leading to non-use

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTiming setup accuracyVSAvoidUser satisfaction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The voice recognition system enables users to program the timer themselves using natural speech without requiring reference to manuals or understanding of complex programming procedures. The control circuit interprets the voice commands and automatically configures the timing parameters, making the device self-programming and eliminating user frustration associated with manual programming while maintaining accurate timing setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11856671B1Multi-element lighting apparatus and a method of implementing a multi-element lighting

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 SMART POWER PARTNERS LLC

AI summary

A power switch adapted to provide power to a device is described. The power switch comprises a prong of a plurality of prongs adapted to receive the power; a receptacle adapted to receive a plug of the device receiving the power; a user interface comprising a microphone; and a control circuit coupled to the user interface; wherein the control circuit controls the application of the power to the receptacle in response to the detection of a voice of a user of the power switch.