Wearable Gesture Load Control Without Cameras or Remotes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load control systems require users to manually operate remote controls or devices, limiting convenience and flexibility due to predefined interfaces and the need to track device locations, and do not allow for intuitive control of electrical loads without additional equipment like cameras for gesture recognition.
Innovation Solution
A load control system that includes wearable control devices capable of detecting gestures to control electrical loads, allowing users to manage power distribution through wearable armbands, rings, or other devices that transmit digital messages to control-target devices, enabling gesture-based control of lighting, HVAC, and other systems without the need for traditional remote controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional remote controls or control devices are used, then load control functionality is provided, but user convenience is limited due to predefined interfaces and the need to track device locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control systems (remote controls with buttons and switches) with gesture-based control using wearable devices equipped with sensors. Users perform natural gestures with their bodies or hands, which are detected by accelerometers, gyroscopes, or other motion sensors in the wearable device, eliminating the need to physically handle or locate traditional remote controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device serves as an intermediary between the user and the load control system. It captures gesture data from the user's natural movements and transmits this information wirelessly to control targets such as lighting, HVAC, or entertainment systems, bridging the gap between intuitive human motion and electronic control commands.
2Ease of operation
If gesture recognition technology is implemented using cameras, then intuitive gesture-based control is enabled, but additional equipment installation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes camera-based gesture recognition systems with wearable device-based gesture detection. Instead of installing cameras in the environment to capture and analyze user gestures, the gesture sensing capability is embedded directly in the wearable device the user already possesses, eliminating the need for additional environmental equipment installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gesture detection functionality is localized to the wearable device worn by the user, rather than being distributed through environmental cameras throughout the space. This concentrates the sensing capability where it is most needed - on the user's person - and eliminates the need for infrastructure changes in the controlled environment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wearable control devices are used for gesture detection, then control flexibility and convenience are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a gesture controller for load control systems, a remote control for entertainment devices, and potentially other smart home control functions. This multi-functionality justifies the added device complexity by providing a single versatile tool that replaces multiple specialized controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device dynamically adapts its control functionality based on the detected gesture type and the target device being controlled. Different gestures map to different control commands, and the system can learn and adapt to user preferences over time, making the device more versatile while managing complexity through intelligent software rather than hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A load control system may include control-target devices for controlling an amount of power provided to an electrical load. The control-target devices may be capable of controlling the amount of power provided to the electrical load based on control instructions. The control-target devices and/or the control-instructions may be determined based on a gesture performed by a user. The user may wear a wearable control device capable of measuring movements performed by the user and transmit digital messages that may be used to control an electrical load. The wearable control device may identify gestures performed by the user for controlling a control-target device and/or provide control instructions to the control-target device based on the identified gestures. A gesture may be associated with a scene that includes a configuration of one or more control devices in a load control system.