Circadian rhythm lighting controller based on radio clock and LED driving module and lighting system having the same

Abstract

The application discloses a circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio clock, an LED driving module and a lighting system with the same, and the lighting controller comprises a radio clock module receiving time coding information in the form of low-frequency radio waves, a storage device storing lighting parameters related to the time information, an MCU module and a dimming controller; the MCU module receives a timing signal sent by the radio clock module and decodes the current time information; the storage device is accessed to find the lighting parameters matched with the current time; then the lighting instructions are obtained or converted; the dimming controller generates corresponding control signals according to the lighting instructions and sends the control signals to the driving circuit of the lighting load. The radio clock module directly receives the standard time coding signal emitted by the national time service station, and the time error can be controlled within milliseconds, so that an absolute accurate and never-drifting time source is provided for the circadian rhythm lighting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lighting, and more particularly to a circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock, an LED driver module therein, and a lighting system. Background Technology

[0002] Since the incandescent lamp era, lighting technology has evolved from simply pursuing brightness and energy efficiency to gradually moving towards intelligence and user-friendliness. Current mainstream intelligent lighting systems generally offer basic functions such as remote switching, brightness adjustment, and color temperature switching via mobile devices. Some systems can also automatically adjust brightness to maintain a constant illuminance level based on feedback from ambient light sensors.

[0003] Modern people spend over 90% of their time indoors, and traditional fixed-color-temperature lighting has long neglected the impact of light on circadian rhythms. Existing artificial light environments, especially fixed indoor lighting, often have static or randomly varying spectra and intensities. For example, offices may use cool white light with a color temperature of around 5000-6000K throughout the day; this light continuously suppresses melatonin at night, interfering with sleep preparation. Meanwhile, homes may use warm yellow light with a lower color temperature for extended periods, which fails to effectively provide the necessary "wake-up" stimulation in the morning. This non-dynamic light exposure, contrary to natural rhythms, is considered by scientific research to be a significant factor contributing to sleep disorders, daytime fatigue, decreased attention, and even long-term health problems in modern people. Prolonged indoor time often fails to provide the necessary sunlight exposure, which affects the function of the circadian rhythm system and sleep quality.

[0004] Although a few cutting-edge studies have proposed the concepts of "circadian rhythm lighting" or "human-centered lighting," and with the rapid iteration of modern lighting technology, lighting systems have upgraded from simply "providing brightness" to "scenario-based and human-centered experiences," and are widely used in homes, offices, commercial spaces, and public facilities. However, mainstream lighting fixtures on the market still have significant functional limitations: most products only support fixed color temperature output (such as 3000K warm white light and 6500K cool white light) or preset scene mode switching (such as "reading mode" and "rest mode"), or can only achieve simple timed color temperature switching. Their core design logic remains at the level of "static adaptation," failing to fully consider the deep coupling relationship between the temporal dynamic characteristics of natural light and human physiological rhythms.

[0005] The disclosure of the above background technical content is only for the purpose of assisting in understanding the concept and technical solution of this application, and does not necessarily provide technical instruction. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock, which uses a radio-controlled clock module to provide an absolutely accurate and drift-free time source for circadian rhythm lighting.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock includes the following modules: The radio clock module is configured to receive time-coded information in the form of low-frequency radio waves and convert it into timing signals. A storage device configured to store lighting parameters related to time information; The MCU module is configured to perform the following operations: The system receives the timing signal sent by the radio clock module and decodes it to obtain the current time information. Access the storage device to find lighting parameters that match the current time information; Based on the found lighting parameters, obtain or convert them into lighting commands; A dimming controller is configured to receive lighting instructions sent by the MCU module, generate corresponding control signals according to the lighting instructions, and send the control signals to the drive circuit of the lighting load.

[0008] Furthermore, following any one or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the lighting parameters related to time information stored in the storage device include color temperature; The dimming controller includes: An input unit configured to receive the lighting instruction, the lighting instruction including a target color temperature; The data processing unit is configured to calculate control parameters corresponding to different color temperature light sources that satisfy the target color temperature based on the characteristic parameters of different color temperature light sources. The signal generation unit is equipped with a multi-channel signal generator, and each channel signal generator generates a control signal according to the control parameters calculated by the data processing unit. The output unit is configured to send control signals generated by the channel signal generator to the drive circuit of the lighting load.

[0009] Furthermore, following any or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the data processing unit calculates the first control parameters of the cool white LED and the second control parameters of the warm white LED based on the luminous flux and color coordinates of the cool white LED and the warm white LED under different currents, so that the mixed light meets the target color temperature. The signal generation unit includes a first signal generator corresponding to a cool white LED and a second signal generator corresponding to a warm white LED. The first signal generator generates a first control signal according to the first control parameter, and the second signal generator generates a second control signal according to the second control parameter.

[0010] Furthermore, following any one or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the signal output channel in the output unit corresponding to the first control signal is configured to be electrically connected to the driving unit in the driving circuit corresponding to the cool white LED. The signal output channel of the output unit corresponding to the second control signal is configured to be electrically connected to the driving unit of the corresponding warm white LED in the driving circuit.

[0011] Furthermore, based on any one or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the data processing unit calculates the control parameters corresponding to different color temperature light sources that satisfy the target color temperature as the PWM duty cycle; The multi-channel signal generator of the signal generation unit is a multi-channel PWM generator, and the control signal generated by each channel PWM generator according to the PWM duty cycle calculated by the data processing unit is a PWM signal.

[0012] Furthermore, based on any or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the storage device is a read-write non-transitory memory inside the MCU module; Alternatively, the storage device may be an external, read-write, non-transitory memory that is communicatively connected to the MCU module.

[0013] Furthermore, following any one or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the lighting parameters related to time information stored in the storage device also include brightness information.

[0014] Furthermore, following any one or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the MCU module is also configured to perform the following operations: Find the brightness that matches the current time information, and then generate the corresponding third control signal; The channel through which the MCU outputs the third control signal is configured to be electrically connected to the drive unit corresponding to each lighting load in the drive circuit.

[0015] Furthermore, in accordance with any or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock provided by the present invention further includes an AC-DC power supply module, the input of which is configured to be connected to an external AC power supply for the lighting controller, and the output of which is electrically connected to the MCU module.

[0016] Furthermore, in accordance with any or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock provided by the present invention also includes a weather module, which is configured to acquire current weather information; The storage device is configured to store lighting parameters related to time and weather information; The MCU module is also configured to obtain current weather information through the weather module and to search for lighting parameters that match the current time and weather information through the storage device.

[0017] Furthermore, the circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock provided by the present invention also includes a geographic module, which is configured to acquire location information. The storage device is configured to store lighting parameters related to time and geographic information; The MCU module is also configured to obtain the current location information through the geographic module and to search for lighting parameters that match the current time and geographic information through the storage device.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, an LED driving module is provided, including a driving circuit and a circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock as described above.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a lighting system is provided, including a lighting load and an LED driver module as described above.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by this invention are as follows: a. Compared to traditional network-based or local clocks that suffer from cumulative errors or rely on external networks, the radio-wave clock module used in this invention receives national standard time-encoded signals. The millisecond-level time error provides an absolutely accurate and drift-free time source for circadian rhythm lighting. Even if the device is powered off and restarted after a long period of time, it can immediately restore accurate timing without manual time calibration. This fundamentally ensures that the triggering time of the "working at sunrise and resting at sunset" lighting program is kept strictly synchronized with real astronomical events or set schedules at the year, month, and day level, overcoming the core defect of rhythm disorder caused by inaccurate clocks. b. The system automatically completes the closed-loop control of "time decoding - parameter query - instruction generation - signal output" through the MCU module. Users only need to preset or the system has a built-in rhythm scheme once to achieve lifelong maintenance-free automated operation: the lighting parameters (color temperature, brightness) can be automatically adjusted steplessly and smoothly according to the precise time of day, dynamically simulating the change curve of natural light, thereby actively and accurately regulating the user's physiological rhythm, improving alertness and sleep quality; c. The radio-controlled clock provides reliable time, the MCU handles logic and polling, and a dedicated dimming controller generates high-quality PWM signals. This division of labor eliminates the need for the MCU to handle high-precision real-time PWM generation, reducing its software complexity and timing burden, and improving the overall system stability and response performance. Simultaneously, the clear modular design facilitates production, debugging, and maintenance. d. Achieving a leapfrog upgrade in multi-dimensional perception of time, weather, and geography, enabling circadian rhythm lighting control to break through geographical limitations and achieve dynamic weather compensation, more accurately determining when and how much artificial lighting is needed to supplement or replace natural light. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a basic embodiment of the circadian rhythm lighting controller provided by the present invention; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a specific embodiment of the circadian rhythm lighting controller provided by the present invention; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the architecture of the dimming controller of the circadian rhythm lighting controller provided by the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an upgraded embodiment of the circadian rhythm lighting controller provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, apparatus, product, or device that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, a circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock is provided, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the circadian rhythm lighting controller includes the following modules: radio-controlled clock module, storage device, MCU module, and dimming controller. Each module will be described in detail below.

[0026] The radio-controlled clock module is configured to receive time-coded information in the form of low-frequency radio waves and convert it into timing signals, such as pulse signals, square wave signals, etc., which carry time information. The radio-controlled clock module receives low-frequency radio waves carrying time codes transmitted by the national standard time broadcasting station through a built-in long-wave ferrite rod antenna. It has stable propagation, strong diffraction ability, can cover indoor and underground areas, and has low power consumption.

[0027] A storage device is configured to store lighting parameters related to time information; the storage device may be a read-write non-transitory memory inside the MCU module, or an external read-write non-transitory memory that is communicatively connected to the MCU module.

[0028] The MCU module is configured to perform the following operations: The system receives the timing signal sent by the radio clock module and decodes it to obtain the current time information. Access the storage device to find lighting parameters that match the current time information; Based on the found lighting parameters, lighting commands are obtained or converted.

[0029] A dimming controller is configured to receive lighting commands sent by the MCU module. These commands are not direct control signals (such as digital signals or PWM signals), but rather commands sent through a digital communication interface, such as a color temperature of 4500K or a brightness of 80%. The dimming controller then generates corresponding control signals (such as digital signals or PWM signals) based on the lighting commands and sends these signals to the drive circuit of the lighting load. The dimming controller is a dedicated peripheral or coprocessor for the MCU: the MCU only needs to send high-level commands (such as "brightness 70%, color temperature 3000K"), and the dimming controller is responsible for executing low-level, high-precision signal generation and output. The quality of the digital control signal or PWM control signal generated by the dimming controller directly determines the final optical effect. Taking PWM control signals as an example: the higher the duty cycle adjustment bit depth, the higher the resolution, and the smoother the brightness / color temperature changes of the lighting load; consistent frequency and controllable phase among multiple PWM signals ensure uniform light mixing and avoid low-frequency flicker. Dedicated LED dimming controllers include TI's TLC5971 and LP5562.

[0030] In one specific embodiment, the lighting parameters related to time information stored in the storage device include color temperature information; like Figure 3 As shown, the dimming controller includes: An input unit configured to receive the lighting instruction, the lighting instruction including a target color temperature; The data processing unit is configured to calculate the PWM duty cycle corresponding to different color temperature light sources that meet the target color temperature based on the characteristic parameters of different color temperature light sources. The signal generation unit is equipped with a multi-channel PWM generator, and each channel PWM generator generates a PWM signal according to the duty cycle calculated by the data processing unit. The output unit is configured to be electrically connected to the input of the drive circuit and to send multi-channel PWM signals to it.

[0031] Specifically, the data processing unit calculates the first PWM duty cycle of the cool white LED and the second PWM duty cycle of the warm white LED based on the luminous flux and color coordinates (photoelectric characteristic curve data) of the cool white LED and the warm white LED under different currents, so that the mixed light meets the target color temperature; the photoelectric characteristic curve data of the cool white LED and the warm white LED are usually stored in the chip's Flash in the form of a lookup table, including the total luminous flux emitted by a single LED under different driving currents; and the color coordinates of a single LED under different driving currents.

[0032] The signal generation unit includes a first PWM generator corresponding to a cool white LED and a second PWM generator corresponding to a warm white LED. The first PWM generator generates a first PWM control signal based on the first PWM duty cycle, and the second PWM generator generates a second PWM control signal based on the second PWM duty cycle. Figure 2 As shown. Find the driving current combination of cool white LED and warm white LED so that the color coordinates of the mixed light are closest to the color coordinates corresponding to the target color temperature (usually calculated on the CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram).

[0033] Accordingly, the signal output channel of the output unit corresponding to the first PWM control signal is configured to be electrically connected to the driving unit of the corresponding cool white LED in the driving circuit; the signal output channel of the output unit corresponding to the second PWM control signal is configured to be electrically connected to the driving unit of the corresponding warm white LED in the driving circuit.

[0034] The above data processing unit calculates the PWM duty cycle, and the signal generation unit generates the PWM control signal in the form of a PWM generator. This is only one feasible technical solution. However, the present invention is not limited to the PWM control method. For example, the technical solution of the present invention can also be implemented by using digital control technology, that is, by generating digital control signals with a digital signal generator. This will not be elaborated here.

[0035] In one embodiment, the lighting parameters related to time information stored in the storage device also include brightness information. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the MCU module is also configured to perform the following operations: Find the brightness that matches the current time information, and then generate the corresponding third control signal; The channel through which the MCU outputs the third control signal is configured to be electrically connected to the drive unit corresponding to each lighting load in the drive circuit. Similarly, the third control signal can be a PWM control signal or a digital control signal.

[0036] Specific numerical example: Assume the current target color temperature is 4000K and the target brightness is 80%. The data processing unit retrieves the luminous flux (Φ) and color coordinates (x,y) of cool white LEDs and warm white LEDs at several current sampling points from the characteristic database. The algorithm searches among the current combinations of cool and warm LEDs and calculates the mixed light for each combination: Total luminous flux Sum(Φ) = Φ cw (I cw )+Φ ww (I ww ); Mixed color coordinates = x-coordinates of luminous flux weighted average mix ,y mix Find a set of currents (Icw ,I ww ), such that the total luminous flux Sum(Φ) ≈ 80% * maximum brightness, and (x mix ,y mix The color coordinate point closest to 4000K.

[0037] Then the optimal current I cw and I ww The current-duty cycle relationship of the driving circuit is converted into the corresponding first duty cycle and second duty cycle. The first duty cycle is written into the duty cycle register of the first PWM generator, and the second duty cycle is written into the duty cycle register of the second PWM generator.

[0038] The two PWM generators immediately output square wave signals with their respective duty cycles to control the subsequent drive circuit, ultimately causing the LED load to emit 4000K neutral light.

[0039] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 or Figure 4 As shown, the circadian rhythm lighting controller in this embodiment also includes an AC-DC power supply module, whose input terminal is configured to be connected to an external AC power supply for the lighting controller, and whose output terminal is electrically connected to the MCU module.

[0040] One embodiment of the present invention is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the circadian rhythm lighting controller also includes a weather module, which is configured to acquire current weather information, such as ambient light intensity, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure collected by environmental sensing sensors. The storage device is configured to store lighting parameters related to time and weather information; The MCU module is also configured to obtain current weather information through the weather module and search for lighting parameters that match the current time and weather information through the storage device. The specific reference strategy for formulating lighting parameters is shown in Table 1. Table 1

[0041] In addition to weather information, the day-night rhythm lighting controller in this embodiment also includes a geographic module, which is configured to obtain the location information of the location. The storage device is configured to store lighting parameters related to time and geographic information; The MCU module is also configured to obtain the current location information through the geographic module and to search for lighting parameters that match the current time and geographic information through the storage device. Specific reference strategies for formulating lighting parameters are shown in Table 2. Table 2

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, an LED driving module is provided, including a driving circuit and a circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock as described above; a lighting system is also provided, including a lighting load and the LED driving module as described above.

[0043] Dynamic changes in lighting are closely related to the secretion of melatonin and the regulation of the biological clock in the human body, and are important natural factors for maintaining physiological health and psychological comfort. Existing fixed color temperature or preset scene lighting schemes are essentially "fragments" of natural lighting and cannot simulate this continuous and dynamic lighting rhythm.

[0044] This invention can adjust the simulated color temperature and brightness in real time according to time, breaking the limitations of the traditional fixed mode, and constructing an intelligent lighting solution based on the natural light rhythm that can adapt to time changes, improving the comfort and personalization of the lighting experience, and can also maintain human physiological health through light regulation to meet the needs of the human body's circadian rhythm.

[0045] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0046] The above description is only a specific embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock, characterized in that, Includes the following modules: The radio clock module is configured to receive time-coded information in the form of low-frequency radio waves and convert it into timing signals. A storage device configured to store lighting parameters related to time information; The MCU module is configured to perform the following operations: The system receives the timing signal sent by the radio clock module and decodes it to obtain the current time information. Access the storage device to find lighting parameters that match the current time information; Based on the found lighting parameters, obtain or convert them into lighting commands; A dimming controller is configured to receive lighting instructions sent by the MCU module, generate corresponding control signals according to the lighting instructions, and send the control signals to the drive circuit of the lighting load.

2. The circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage device stores lighting parameters related to time information, including color temperature; The dimming controller includes: An input unit configured to receive the lighting instruction, the lighting instruction including a target color temperature; The data processing unit is configured to calculate control parameters corresponding to different color temperature light sources that satisfy the target color temperature based on the characteristic parameters of different color temperature light sources. The signal generation unit is equipped with a multi-channel signal generator, and each channel signal generator generates a control signal according to the control parameters calculated by the data processing unit. The output unit is configured to send control signals generated by the channel signal generator to the drive circuit of the lighting load.

3. The circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock according to claim 2, characterized in that, The data processing unit calculates the first control parameters of the cool white LED and the second control parameters of the warm white LED based on the luminous flux and color coordinates of the cool white LED and the warm white LED under different currents, so that the mixed light meets the target color temperature. The signal generation unit includes a first signal generator corresponding to a cool white LED and a second signal generator corresponding to a warm white LED. The first signal generator generates a first control signal according to the first control parameter, and the second signal generator generates a second control signal according to the second control parameter.

4. The circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock according to claim 3, characterized in that, The signal output channel in the output unit corresponding to the first control signal is configured to be electrically connected to the driving unit of the corresponding cool white LED in the driving circuit. The signal output channel of the output unit corresponding to the second control signal is configured to be electrically connected to the driving unit of the corresponding warm white LED in the driving circuit.

5. The circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The data processing unit calculates the control parameters corresponding to different color temperature light sources that meet the target color temperature as the PWM duty cycle; The multi-channel signal generator of the signal generation unit is a multi-channel PWM generator, and the control signal generated by each channel PWM generator according to the PWM duty cycle calculated by the data processing unit is a PWM signal.

6. The circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The storage device is a read / write non-transitory memory inside the MCU module; Alternatively, the storage device may be an external, read-write, non-transitory memory that is communicatively connected to the MCU module.

7. The circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lighting parameters related to time information stored in the storage device also include brightness information.

8. The circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that, The MCU module is also configured to perform the following operations: Find the brightness that matches the current time information, and then generate the corresponding third control signal; The channel through which the MCU outputs the third control signal is configured to be electrically connected to the drive unit corresponding to each lighting load in the drive circuit.

9. The circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes an AC-DC power supply module, whose input is configured to be connected to an external AC power source for the lighting controller, and whose output is electrically connected to the MCU module.

10. The circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a weather module, which is configured to obtain current weather information; The storage device is configured to store lighting parameters related to time and weather information; The MCU module is also configured to obtain current weather information through the weather module and to search for lighting parameters that match the current time and weather information through the storage device.

11. The circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a geographic module, which is configured to obtain the location information of the location; The storage device is configured to store lighting parameters related to time and geographic information; The MCU module is also configured to obtain the current location information through the geographic module and to search for lighting parameters that match the current time and geographic information through the storage device.

12. An LED driver module, characterized in that, It includes a drive circuit and a circadian rhythm lighting controller based on a radio-controlled clock as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A lighting system, characterized in that, It includes a lighting load and an LED driver module as described in claim 12.

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