LED control system and control box

Abstract

This invention discloses an LED control system and control box. The system includes an LED control module, a control switching unit, a tap module, and a near-field information reading module. The tap unit is used to connect to the flight controller and has multiple output interfaces for connecting LED light strips. The control switching unit has at least two paths: one path is connected in series between the input port of the tap module and the flight controller, and the other path interconnects the input terminals of the LED control module and the tap unit and is controlled by the LED control module. The LED control module is used to connect to the main chip of the flight controller and to the near-field information reading module. The near-field information reading module is used to interact with another near-field information reading module within a preset range. The LED control module is configured to obtain the positioning information of other drones through the near-field information reading module and perform light differentiation control after the distance meets the conditions. This application has the effect of improving the user experience of LED lights on drones.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of lighting control technology, and in particular to an LED control system and control box. Background Technology

[0002] Light shows and billboards are now mostly illuminated by LED lights. The colorful and diverse forms of LED lights significantly enhance the nighttime scenery and attract tourists. Because of the outstanding display effect of various LED lights at night, some drone pilots choose to apply LED light panels when building or DIYing racing drones (a type of aerial photography drone) to enhance their visibility in dim environments.

[0003] In the past, LED enhancement solutions for racing drones mostly involved using an LED control board in conjunction with an LED light board. In this approach, the LED control board and the flight controller (flight control motherboard) were not related. Controlling the LED lights required the pilot to press buttons on the LED control board to change the color and lighting pattern of the LED board, which was not very convenient to use.

[0004] Currently, to meet the needs of drone pilots, many flight controllers are designed with interfaces for LED light boards / strips. These interfaces consist of a +5V pin, a GND pin, and an LED programming pin (signal pin Dout). This allows pilots to directly install multiple LEDs on the racing drone in series or parallel and control them remotely via a remote controller.

[0005] However, the control of the aforementioned LED lights relies on the pilot's visual observation. When other drones appear in the same airspace (such as those that enter randomly or fly in mixed formations), if the pilots do not agree in advance, the LED lights cannot be distinguished from the lights on other drones in time, which can easily lead to misjudgment by the pilots and cause crashes. Therefore, this application proposes a new technical solution. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To improve the user experience of LED lights on drones, this application provides an LED control system and control box.

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides an LED control system, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] An LED control system includes an LED control module, a control switching unit, a tapping module, and a near-field information reading module. The tapping unit is used to connect to a flight controller and has multiple output interfaces for connecting LED light strips.

[0009] The control switching unit has at least two paths: one path is connected in series between the input port of the tap module and the flight controller, and the other path interconnects the LED control module and the input terminal of the tap unit and is controlled by the LED control module.

[0010] The LED control module is connected to the main chip of the flight controller and to the near-field information reading module; the near-field information reading module is used to interact with another near-field information reading module within a preset range.

[0011] The LED control module is configured as follows:

[0012] The flight controller generates unique identification information based on the control parameters of the LED light strip.

[0013] Obtain positioning information from the flight control system;

[0014] The near-field information reading module acquires the positioning and unique identification information of other drones.

[0015] Based on the positioning information, the distance between the current drone and other drones is calculated. If the distance difference meets the preset nearest neighbor condition, the unique identification information is compared to determine whether to perform light differentiation control.

[0016] When it is determined that light differentiation control is required, the control switching unit disconnects the tap unit from the flight controller, and searches and calls the light control data set in the preset storage unit. The control parameters matched by another unique identification information that is different from the current unique identification information are output to the tap unit to output the light control signal.

[0017] Optionally, the control switching unit includes a relay, wherein the normally open contact of the relay is used to connect to the light control signal output terminal of the LED control module, the normally closed contact is connected to the flight controller, and the coil is controlled by the LED control module.

[0018] Optionally, the near-field information reading module includes a GPRS unit and / or an RFID module.

[0019] Optionally, the LED control module is further configured as follows:

[0020] Obtain the RSSI (Signal Strength Indicator) information for remote control from the flight controller;

[0021] When the RSSI signal strength information meets the preset signal loss conditions, the control switching unit disconnects the tap unit from the flight controller, searches and calls the lighting control data set in the preset storage unit, and outputs the lighting control signal that matches the specified loss warning lighting effect to the tap unit.

[0022] Optionally, the LED control module is further configured as follows:

[0023] Obtain the drone's battery level information from the flight controller;

[0024] If the current battery level meets the preset low-power battery life conditions, the lighting duration will be corrected using the preset turn-off logic after the light control signal matching the specified loss warning light effect is output to the tap unit.

[0025] Optionally, the LED control module implements the following light-off logic: based on the positioning information at takeoff and the current positioning information, calculate the distance of the drone relative to the takeoff position, and match various different lighting times according to the distance.

[0026] Optionally, the LED control module implements the following lighting logic: matching multiple different lighting times based on different power information, with priority higher than matching multiple different lighting times based on distance.

[0027] Optionally, the tap unit includes an electronic switch that matches each output interface. The control terminal of the electronic switch is connected to the LED control module and is used to connect the input interface and the output interface of the tap unit.

[0028] The LED control module is configured as follows:

[0029] Based on the positioning information at takeoff and the current positioning information, the current orientation of the drone relative to the takeoff position is calculated;

[0030] Search and retrieve the LED strip installation location record in the preset storage unit;

[0031] The flight controller obtains the drone's current attitude from the IMU feedback and controls the corresponding electronic switch to deactivate the light strip on the drone that is relatively far from the takeoff position.

[0032] Secondly, this application provides an LED control box, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0033] An LED control box includes a protective box, and the control box is provided with an LED control system as described above.

[0034] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: the distance to other approaching drones can be calculated using the positioning information of the flight controller, and the LED light strip can be automatically controlled to modulate different lighting effects when the conditions are met, so as to distinguish it from other drones and enhance the visual identification effect of the pilot. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the control system of the present invention.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. LED control module; 2. Control switching unit; 3. Tap unit; 4. Near-field information reading module. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 This application will be described in further detail.

[0038] This application discloses an LED control system.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 The LED control system includes: LED control module 1, control switching unit 2, tap unit 3, and near-field information reading module 4.

[0040] In this embodiment, the LED control module 1 can be a circuit board that integrates an LED drive control circuit and an MCU chip. The LED drive control circuit is used to generate PWM waves and control the LED strip to change, and is connected to another MCU chip for other data processing. The MCU chip is used to connect to the main chip of the flight controller in order to realize other functions of the system.

[0041] Tap-out unit 3 includes one input interface and multiple output interfaces integrated on the PCB board. Each interface has three wires: one signal line (Din for input, Dout for output); one power line (Vcc); and one ground line (GND). Taking the three output interfaces as an example, the three interfaces are connected in parallel and are all connected to the input interface. The input interface of tap-out unit 3 is used to connect to the power pin, GND pin, and LED programming pin of the flight controller. The output interface of tap-out unit 3 is used to connect to the LED light strip. Taking the LED light strip in the figure as an example, it also has a signal line, a power line, and a ground line, and has wiring at both ends to meet various series and parallel connection requirements.

[0042] Based on the above settings, the pilot can directly control the LED light strip via the flight controller.

[0043] In one embodiment of this system, the control switching unit 2 includes a relay with multiple normally open and normally closed contacts. The normally open contacts are connected to the output side of the LED drive control circuit, the normally closed contacts are connected to the input interface of the flight controller and the tap unit 3, and the coil (controlled end) is electrically connected to the MCU peripheral circuit (relay output) of the LED control module 1, thereby enabling the LED control module 1 to switch the control source of the LED light strip on the drone (e.g., a racing drone).

[0044] The aforementioned near-field information reading module 4 is connected to the chip of the LED control module 1, and includes a GPRS unit and / or an RFID module. Taking the GPRS unit as an example, it connects to a designated cloud in the coverage area of ​​the communication base station, and realizes data interaction between different near-field information reading modules 4 through the cloud; taking the RFID module as an example, it includes RFID tags and readers, and prioritizes high-frequency models to expand the identification range.

[0045] When using it, set the LED control module as follows:

[0046] The flight controller generates unique identification information based on the control parameters of the LED light strip, such as: generating an identification code based on the light color, flashing frequency, and the position of the on / off LED beads;

[0047] Obtain positioning information (GPS positioning information) from the flight controller;

[0048] The near-field information reading module 4 acquires the positioning information and unique identification information of other drones;

[0049] Based on the positioning information, the distance between the current drone and other drones is calculated. If the distance difference meets the preset nearest neighbor condition, for example, the distance difference is less than 5-8m, then the unique identification information is compared to determine whether to perform light differentiation control. In this embodiment, if the unique identification information is the same, then light differentiation control is required.

[0050] When it is determined that light differentiation control is required, the control switching unit 2 disconnects the connection between the tap unit 3 and the flight controller. This involves controlling the relay, causing its state to flip, normally closed to open, normally open to close, and disconnecting the connection between the flight controller and the LED driver controller. Then, the system searches and retrieves the user-pre-entered light control data set from the preset storage unit (storage unit on the PCB board), and outputs a light control signal to the tap unit 3 based on the control parameters matched by another unique identification information that is different from the current unique identification information.

[0051] As can be seen from the above, after applying this system to the LED light strip control of drones and other aerial photography equipment, multiple drones can automatically change their lighting effects when they approach each other, thereby enhancing their recognizability.

[0052] Understandably, the unique identification information corresponding to the control parameters used for the changed lighting effects should be sent back to the pilot to avoid misjudgment.

[0053] Under the aforementioned hardware conditions, if this system simply performs automatic light color changes when drones approach each other, its performance will be relatively poor. Therefore, this system also includes the following settings:

[0054] LED control module 1 is configured as follows:

[0055] Obtain the RSSI (Signal Strength Indicator) information for remote control from the flight controller;

[0056] When the RSSI signal strength information meets the preset signal loss condition, that is, the signal strength is lower than the safe signal strength threshold, the control switching unit 2 disconnects the connection between the tap unit 3 and the flight controller, and searches and calls the lighting control data set in the preset storage unit, and outputs the lighting control signal matching the specified loss warning lighting effect to the tap unit 3; wherein, the loss warning lighting effect can be a specified high-frequency flashing.

[0057] The above function can provide a prompt to the pilot when the racing drone loses signal due to geographical location, distance, or other reasons and is unable to return to base normally, thus increasing the pilot's chances of finding the racing drone.

[0058] As is known, most current civilian-grade drones, whether DJI drones or other racing drones, are limited by their battery life. Although LED lights have low energy consumption, once the aforementioned functions are activated, they continuously consume power. Furthermore, the pilot needs to search for the lost drone using a coordinate-based area search, which is time-consuming and leads to rapid battery depletion. Therefore, the LED control module is also set to:

[0059] Obtain the drone's battery level information from the flight controller;

[0060] If the current battery information meets the preset low power consumption and battery life conditions, then after the light control signal matching the specified loss warning light effect is output to the tap unit 3, the lighting duration is corrected with the preset light-off logic.

[0061] The light-off logic includes: calculating the distance of the drone relative to the takeoff position based on the positioning information at takeoff and the current positioning information, and matching different light-on times according to the distance.

[0062] For example: for a typical image transmission distance of 1-10km, the lighting time is not adjusted for the above-mentioned light control signal; for 10km-20km, the above-mentioned light control signal is executed once every 5 seconds for 10 seconds each time; for other distances, the above-mentioned light control signal is executed once every 10-15 seconds for 10 seconds each time, in order to improve the indication battery life in a low-power manner.

[0063] Furthermore, the LED control module's light-off logic can also include: matching multiple different lighting times based on different power information, with priority higher than matching multiple different lighting times based on distance.

[0064] For example: when the battery level is greater than 30%, the light strip is directly controlled by the light control signal; when the battery level is less than 30%, the light control signal is executed once every 10 seconds for 5 seconds each time; and when the battery level is less than 10%, the light control signal is executed once every 20 seconds for 5 seconds each time.

[0065] Regarding priority, when both the power condition and the above conditions are met, and there is a conflict in the matching instructions, the instruction corresponding to the power condition will be executed.

[0066] In another embodiment of this system, the tap unit 3 includes an electronic switch that matches each output interface. The control terminal of the electronic switch is connected to the LED control module 1 and is used to connect the input interface and the output interface of the tap unit 3.

[0067] Electronic switches can be switching circuits composed of MOSFETs and relays; it is understood that this type of MOSFET switching circuit is existing technology, so it will not be described in detail.

[0068] At this time, LED control module 1 is set as follows:

[0069] Based on the positioning information at takeoff and the current positioning information, the current orientation of the drone relative to the takeoff position is calculated;

[0070] Search and retrieve the LED strip installation location record in the preset storage unit;

[0071] The flight controller obtains the drone's current attitude (attitude information such as angle and rotation vectors in each direction) from the IMU feedback and controls the corresponding electronic switch to deactivate the light strips on the drone that are relatively away from the takeoff position.

[0072] Based on the above settings, after the application of this system, the LEDs on the racing drone will no longer be lit in all positions. At least during the phase when the pilot can see the drone, only the LED strips in the visible position will be lit, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0073] This application also discloses an LED control box.

[0074] The LED control box includes a protective box, and an LED control system as described in any of the above embodiments is installed inside the control box.

[0075] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An LED control system, characterized by: It includes an LED control module (1), a control switching unit (2), a tapping unit (3) and a near-field information reading module (4). The tapping unit (3) is used to connect to the flight controller and has multiple output interfaces for connecting LED light strips. The control switching unit (2) has at least two paths. One path is connected in series between the input port of the tap unit (3) and the flight controller. The other path connects the LED control module (1) and the input terminal of the tap unit (3) and is controlled by the LED control module (1). The LED control module (1) is used to connect to the main chip of the flight controller and to the near field information reading module (4); the near field information reading module (4) is used to interact with another near field information reading module (4) within a preset range. The LED control module (1) is configured as follows: The flight controller generates unique identification information based on the control parameters of the LED light strip. Obtain positioning information from the flight control unit; The positioning information and unique identification information of other drones are obtained through the near-field information reading module (4); Based on the positioning information, the distance between the current drone and other drones is calculated. If the distance difference meets the preset nearest neighbor condition, the unique identification information is compared to determine whether to perform light differentiation control. When the unique identification information is the same, it is determined that light differentiation control is required; When it is determined that light differentiation control is required, the control switching unit (2) disconnects the connection between the tap unit (3) and the flight controller, and searches and calls the light control data set in the preset storage unit to output the light control signal to the tap unit (3) in order to distinguish the control parameters matched by another unique identification information that is different from the current unique identification information.

2. The LED control system of claim 1, wherein: The control switching unit (2) includes a relay. The normally open contact of the relay is used to connect to the light control signal output terminal of the LED control module (1), the normally closed contact is connected to the flight controller, and the coil is controlled by the LED control module (1).

3. The LED control system of claim 1, wherein: The near-field information reading module (4) includes a GPRS unit and / or an RFID module.

4. The LED control system of claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein: The LED control module (1) is also configured as follows: Obtain the RSSI (Signal Strength Indicator) information for remote control from the flight controller; When the RSSI signal strength information meets the preset signal loss conditions, the control switching unit (2) disconnects the connection between the tap unit (3) and the flight controller, and searches and calls the lighting control data set in the preset storage unit, and outputs the lighting control signal that matches the specified loss prompt lighting effect to the tap unit (3).

5. The LED control system of claim 4, wherein: The LED control module (1) is also configured as follows: Obtain the drone's battery level information from the flight controller; If the current power information meets the preset low power consumption and battery life conditions, the lighting duration will be corrected by the preset turn-off logic after the light control signal matching the specified loss warning light effect is output to the tap unit (3).

6. The LED control system of claim 5, wherein: The LED control module (1) implements the following light-off logic: based on the positioning information at takeoff and the current positioning information, calculate the distance of the drone relative to the takeoff position, and match various different lighting times according to the distance.

7. The LED control system of claim 6, wherein: The LED control module (1) implements the following lighting logic: matching different lighting times according to different power information, and the priority is higher than matching different lighting times according to distance.

8. The LED control system of claim 4, wherein: The tap unit (3) includes an electronic switch that matches each output interface. The control terminal of the electronic switch is connected to the LED control module (1) and is used to connect the input interface and the output interface of the tap unit (3). The LED control module (1) is configured as follows: Based on the positioning information at takeoff and the current positioning information, the current orientation of the drone relative to the takeoff position is calculated; Search and retrieve the LED strip installation location record in the preset storage unit; The flight controller obtains the drone's current attitude from the IMU feedback and controls the corresponding electronic switch to deactivate the light strip on the drone that is relatively far from the takeoff position.

9. An LED control box comprising a protective box, characterized in that: The control box is equipped with an LED control system as described in any one of claims 1-8.

Images