Description
Antumbra is a new network control panel used as a replacement of traditional lighting switches. As Antumbra is a network device, it is used in conjunction with the Dynalite automation system to control multiple elements within an area together from a single button press, such as recall a lighting scene, open blinds & set temperature. The panel has built in sensors to detect when a user approaches and then the panel comes to life and greats the users with a wall wash lighting effect and reveals the button indicators. All lighting effects fade out as user moves away.
Key Features
and/or Benefits
With in any modern building project multiple automation sensors are required to monitor an area to ensure a balance between occupancy comfort and energy management. Often to achieve this multiple sensor devises are required, creating whats call in the industry the 'wall acne effect'. The Antumbra panel combines multiple hidden sensors with in one slick device. Combined with the network advantage of being integrated into the Dynalite system so that users do not need to interact with multiple panels to set the area for their requirements. One button press can set a room to a predetermined setting.
A range of different finish options have been made available so that the Antumbra panel can be suited to match a rooms decor. To help clients visualize their different selection an online configuration tool has been created that creates renderings in real time. By using this tool clients can navigate the different finish options and see how the Antumbra panel will suit their projects requirements. After making their selections they can down load a PDF page with shows a rendering of panel and all the codes needed to recreate their selection. This saves on double entry of sales data.
The Antumbra panel support six buttons and as each button can be programmed to perform almost any sequence of functions. Its very important to indicate what the each of button functionality is. By using the online configuration tool a client can also detail the button labeling with their order. The button labeling is available in English, Chinese and Arabic so that it can be used in virtually any market place. A library of Icons has also been developed for use as a universal language. The online configuration can be found under the following link http://www.aprapps.lighting.philips.com/Antumbra/
The Antumbra panel comes in two parts, the Application Module and the Communication Module. The Application module holds mechanical buttons, rim and sensors. This is a passive component of the panel which the client interacts with. The Communication Module contains the intelligents and direct network connection to Dynalite. This unit stores all the devices settings and communicates to the Dynalite network. The two units are connected together to form the complete device. Each unit can be independently re designed to meet future requirements with out comprising the over all feature set. Already two addition Application modules are in design.
The Antumbra panel is aimed at the highly competitive hotel room and residential segments, which are very cost sensitive. The challenge was to create a feature rich, attractive and cost competitive product. By using a modular design, stream lining manufacturing and leveraging Philips purchasing power a very cost competitive product was possible while still supporting the required feature set and high end feel. The total cost of any network system must always include the programming, using DIP switches allows for the unit to be preconfigured with multiple setting which can then selected on site. This removes the need for programming.
