One of the trends in modern lighting technology has become the massive introduction of LED lamps in household lighting systems. A lighting device of this kind is usually considered primarily as a very economical lighting device. However, it has one more positive feature, which is not yet in full demand: the LED lamp can also be smart.
Why LED lamp can be smart
The principle of operation of an LED lamp is based on the direct conversion of the current flowing through the pn junction into optical radiation. Due to this, it is possible to control the brightness of the glow, firstly, in a very wide range, including the radiation spectrum and, secondly, with a very high speed. In these parameters, LED sources radically surpass traditional incandescent and fluorescent lamps.
There are two main ways to change current:
- motion sensor, i.e. A “smart” lamp turns on only if there is a person in the illuminated area, which is not only convenient, but also saves electricity,
- by the person himself, if there is an appropriate control program in any computer, incl. in a smartphone.
The management team can also be formed in various ways. The most common engine in the corresponding window of the touch screen of the smartphone and voice control, which responds to the corresponding phrase.
Smart Lamp Control Features
The “smart” lamp is supplied with a standard socket and therefore can be installed in place of the usual one. As an example, Figure 1 shows a lamp YLDP06YL. The differences are that each such lamp has its own built-in control module. Its implementation in standardized lamp housings with modern advances in microelectronics is not a problem, Figure 2.
The transfer of control commands is assigned to such interfaces as:
- Bluetooth
- WiFi (in this case, the lamp becomes the network device of the home network and has its own IP address).
The control system of older models of “smart” LED lamps allows them to operate in a pulsating mode, the mode of changing and transfusing colors at different speeds and similar to them. Figure 3 shows an example of an intuitive interface for a control application for a smartphone that implements color management.
Some modes of operation
Along with using for its intended purpose as a lighting device, a “smart” lamp allows you to implement functions such as:
- imitation of the presence of people in the house with a long absence of property owners,
- the formation of areas with increased and dimmed lighting brightness to create a cozy atmosphere depending on the location of the person,
- automatic changes in the level of general illumination of the room, taking into account a large number of different parameters,
- implementation of the alarm clock.
The list goes on. No wonder “smart” lamps are considered as one of the essential elements of a modern “smart” home.
Types of LED Smart Light Bulbs
All models on the market are divided into two main categories. The first includes models that determine the presence of a person in a room using motion sensors. Their work is completely autonomous, which simplifies their operation.
The second variety is smart lighting controlled by a smartphone, for which a special application is used. Manufacturers offer models that harmoniously combine both of the above categories.
You can fine-tune them using the program - set the brightness, select a color and specify the way of working. And then turn on the automatic mode. As a result, the lamp will work completely autonomously with user settings.
Devices can be divided into types depending on functionality. Some of them work for some time without electricity, for which they are equipped with an internal battery. Demand models with voice control, which allows only the pronunciation of one specific phrase to turn on or off the lighting.
The intricacies of connecting smart lighting
Smart LED lamps are produced by companies such as Philips, LG and many others. Each of them tries to offer the buyer a universal device that allows you to control it using the remote control or smartphone, adjust the luminosity parameters and a number of other functions.
At the same time, manufacturers are constantly improving the manufactured smart lighting technology, offering a person to take advantage of a large number of opportunities. Unlike connecting a standard lighting lamp, smart models require a slightly different approach.
So, to start using an intelligent light bulb, you should:
- Screw into the base and turn it on. The vast majority of models emit white warm light by default.
- Connect to the device using a smartphone on Android or iOS - uses the Bluetooth module built into the phone. This is necessary in order to accurately adjust the lamp operation and reveal its full potential.
- Customize smart lighting using the app. Typically, manufacturers produce specialized software, where you can quickly and conveniently change the brightness or turn on any additional effects.
Many models boast such modes as ripple or color transfusion with a gradual change in speed. But it is important to consider that the functionality is completely dependent on the selected lamp model.
If the model is connected using a wireless network such as Wi-Fi, then in this case the technique changes slightly. The fixture has its own IP address, which is used for control.
After connecting, the user gets the opportunity to adjust the on / off schedule for themselves. And also to make the light brighter or, conversely, muted, or activate one of the built-in operating modes.
Design and principle of operation
In essence, smart lighting consists of a lighting fixture and a system that controls it. The lamp works on LEDs, which is in greatest demand today. After all, a diode consumes a minimum amount of electricity and emits a large amount of light.
The control system consists of the following components:
- microcontroller
- receiver,
- sensors and sensors that help monitor the status of the device.
Unlike standard incandescent bulbs, their smart counterparts allow you to fully control the operation of the entire system. Connecting via wireless networks, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi provides the ability to adjust the lighting from any convenient place in the house. All you need is a smartphone, tablet or laptop.
Distinctive features and scope
A smart lighting system, unlike its classic counterparts, provides the ability to create an intelligent environment that is completely tailored to the needs of its owner. The functionality of such devices is simply huge.
For example, a particularly useful solution would be to simulate the presence of the owner, which will help protect the house from thieves in case of departure. Professional designers love smart lamps. With their help, they harmoniously complement the interior, highlighting some details with the help of light and hiding others in the shade. The most comfortable design is formed.
The list of features should include the ability of the device to adjust the illumination in the room in automatic mode. Thanks to the optical sensor, the lamp adapts to the external environment, choosing the desired brightness.
An acoustic sensor that responds to noise in a specific area will be useful. After that, he turns on the light for a while.
The scope of use of smart bulbs is not limited to their use in a house or apartment. They will be an ideal solution for lighting streets, entertainment venues, as well as social facilities such as the airport or train station.
Smart lighting will add pleasant moments to the life of a modern person:
- The device can wake the owner in the morning with a special alarm clock.. Now you can wake up not from the annoying melody, but from the softly turning on light.
- The device may become part of the smart home system. Being a component of a single network, it exchanges information with other light sources and equipment. This allows you to create a comfortable atmosphere for a person and save the maximum amount of electricity.
- The user can configure the lamp to work in different modes. An excellent solution would be to choose lighting for the morning, lunch, romantic dinner or watching a movie.
Lighting affects the performance, mood and well-being of a person. Therefore, smart-lamp algorithms take into account all biological and emotional factors. That is, by adjusting the lighting, they help to concentrate, relax or improve the user's mood.
Advantages and disadvantages of smart lighting
To finally make sure that smart bulbs are a good investment, you should consider their pros and cons in more detail. Yes, the cost of such lighting is quite high, but compared to classic lighting devices, they differ in a number of advantages.
The following should be included in the list of benefits:
- performance of security functions,
- practicality and a wide range of modes,
- profitability
- automatic adjustment of lighting in the room,
- remote control via Wi-Fi and a Bluetooth module,
- adjustment to the state and tasks of the owner.
By cons include the possibility of hacking a light bulb by hackers. At the same time, its design is quite complex, which significantly increases the risk of breakdown and reduces the life of the device. This problem is solved by purchasing the device from a trusted manufacturer.
Rating of the best models
The range of high-tech lighting products is regularly expanding. Manufacturers are constantly improving their design, adding new features and making their products more interesting, as well as easy to operate.
Choosing the right smart device from so many models is quite difficult. To do this, select the five that really deserve attention.
Insteon LED Bulb Success Secret
If you need a simple and not too expensive smart product, then you should pay attention to the Insteon LED Bulb. The model allows you to change the brightness level, as well as combine several pieces into a single system.
Among the advantages of the model, its durability should be highlighted. It will shine for over 52,000 hours. This is about 17 years of daily 8-hour work, which is just an excellent indicator.
Insteon LED Bulb power is 8 watts. It is an analogue of a 60 W incandescent lamp. The price is quite low and stopped at 2,500 rubles.
Low cost and functionality Luminous BT Smart Bulb
The reason for the popularity of the Luminous BT Smart Bulb is its extensive functionality. First of all, it provides the ability to adjust the brightness level, set the color temperature, and also connect several devices into a single system.
Attention deserves such a mode as the synchronization of music and lamp luminosity. Therefore, to arrange a real disco is not difficult. Even if the lamp is installed in a large house, it can still be controlled from absolutely any room. Indeed, the "range" of the radio signal reaches 40 meters.
To control the Luminous BT Smart Bulb software is used for iOS and Android. In it, you can specify all the characteristics, ranging from color to setting the time of the lighting device. An interesting solution from the manufacturer was to implement the function of gradually increasing and dimming the brightness when turning the lamp on and off, respectively.
Simplicity and Elegance Drift
The first thing that catches your eye when examining the Drift model is its original design. The lamp housing is black with bluish accents. She will ideally fit into absolutely any interior, whether it be luxurious classics or strict modern.
As for the functionality, it is not rich. But a small number of modes in the amount of three pieces greatly simplifies management. Operation control is carried out by pressing the most ordinary switch.
If you press three times in a row, the light will gradually go out for 37 minutes. According to the manufacturer, this mode mimics the natural sunset. This favorably affects the well-being of a person and allows you to fall asleep faster.
Power Drift is only 7 watts. Its cost according to customer reviews is a bit overpriced. So, the price of this smart LED lamp is 2,900 rubles, which is quite a lot for such a modest functionality.
Luminous Alarm Clock Holi SleepCompanion
If you need to restore and establish a sleep mode, then buying a Holi SleepCompanion will be like never before, by the way. Such a smart alarm clock will slowly turn on at the time specified by the user.
At the same time, it can be connected to a large number of fitness devices. For example, a smart lamp works great with FitBit, Withings, and JawnoneUP bracelets.
Thanks to a special algorithm, the lighting device analyzes data from fitness devices and adjusts the lighting in such a way as to make a quality dream, and the user wakes up completely rested. Initially, this solution was used at NASA. Subsequently, the product went on sale and became available to ordinary customers.
To control Holi SleepCompanion, you can use any device running iOS or Android. Connection is via a Bluetooth module. The price of this light bulb is quite high and amounts to about 8,000 rubles.
LIFX Durability and Practicality
When you need maximum functionality, the LIFX is the perfect choice. It is equipped with a Wi-Fi module, which allows you to control the work using a tablet or smartphone. Attention deserves the design of the lighting device. If you believe the words of the manufacturer, then LIFX will serve for a quarter century.
The model allows you to quickly organize a party right at home. After all, the manufacturer integrated the light music mode into it. LIFX power reaches 17 watts. At the same time, its price is rather big and reaches 6,000 rubles.
What is a VOCCA smart cartridge?
With the VOCCA smart-cartridge, absolutely any LED lamp can be made smart. It is equipped with a Bluetooth module that allows you to control it remotely.
Developers offer to use specialized software for iOS and Android. A useful feature is the recognition by the cartridge of sound signals. That is, you can turn on the light in the room with ordinary cotton.
The price of a smart cartridge is quite adequate. In many online stores operating in the Russian Federation, the model is offered for 4,000 rubles.
The following article, which we highly recommend reading, will familiarize you with the rules and principles of selecting devices for organizing communications management at Smart Home.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Light bulb with speaker, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module:
Smart lighting is a novelty that is becoming more and more popular every day. With its help, you can make the interior of absolutely any apartment or house really comfortable and cozy.
In addition, many models can improve mood and normalize sleep.If you familiarize yourself with the functionality in detail, then we can say that these devices fully justify their price.
Tell us about how you selected a smart bulb for integration into the lighting control system of your own house / apartment. Perhaps you have interesting information that will be useful to site visitors? Please write comments, post photos, share information and ask questions in the block below.
Control systems may include:
- Receivers
- Microcontrollers.
- Sensors and other elements that are responsible for the behavior of light.
Controlled lamps differ from standard bulbs in that they provide tremendous opportunities for their control. Thanks to the use of wireless technology, you can control the light in the house from anywhere. This will require only a laptop or other mobile devices.
Connecting a regular “smart light bulb” is easy:
- It should be screwed into the appropriate base, then turn on the lamp. In normal mode, it emits warm white light.
- To unleash the full potential and settings, you will need a mobile device on iOS or Android with the application installed. The connection to the light bulb is via Bluetooth, so you will need to connect to the light bulb by finding the name in the list of Bluetooth devices.
- You should launch an application where you can choose the color of popular shades or using the spectrum, adjust the brightness, turn on additional effects, for example, the ripple of the selected color, a strobe light and even the effect of transfusion of rainbow colors with a change in speed. The functions depend on the light bulb itself.
LED “smart lamps” can be divided into two varieties:
- Those that respond to the presence of movement in the room due to different sensors. They turn on and off when necessary.
- Those that can be controlled remotely using a special application and smartphone.
They can also be divided by functionality:
- Built-in light sensor.
- Change in color temperature.
- Brightness control.
- Providing lighting in the absence of electricity. The bulb has a built-in battery.
- Lighting by voice control. So in a smart gadget, a speech recognition function is implemented: when voicing a passphrase, the light turns off or on and so on.
Lamps can be of various shapes: "balls", "candles", "pears" and the usual form. They can be made with different socles E27, E14 and others.
