Adaptive Area Lamp with Independent Emitter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional area lamps with a large field of view require multiple lamps with narrower fields of view to control illumination in specific areas, increasing complexity and cost, and reducing energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive area lamp with an emitter array of solid-state light emitters and driver circuitry that allows independent control of light emission in different portions of the field of view using fewer drive signals, reducing complexity and enabling selective illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple area lamps with narrower fields of view are used to control illumination in specific areas, then illumination control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large-area lamp into multiple independently controllable light emitter arrays, each targeting a specific zone within the overall field of view. This segmentation allows precise illumination control for different areas (e.g., seating area vs. presentation area) while using only one physical lamp fixture, thereby maintaining illumination control precision without increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by arranging multiple light emitter arrays at different positions and orientations within a single lamp fixture. Each array is directed toward a specific zone, enabling area-specific illumination control through spatial differentiation rather than requiring multiple separate lamps.
2Measurement precision
If multiple area lamps with narrower fields of view are used to control illumination in specific areas, then illumination control precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light emitter arrays that would traditionally require separate lamp fixtures into a single integrated area lamp. This consolidation reduces the quantity of physical lamps from multiple units to one, while maintaining the ability to independently control illumination in different zones through electronic control of each light emitter array.
Solution Approach 2:
The single area lamp fixture is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating several light emitter arrays that can be independently controlled. This multi-functionality allows the lamp to provide both general ambient lighting and targeted zone-specific illumination, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized lamps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple area lamps with narrower fields of view are used to control illumination in specific areas, then area-specific illumination control is improved, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of light emitter arrays through a control system that can independently adjust the operation of each array based on real-time requirements. This allows the system to illuminate only the necessary zones at any given time (e.g., only the presentation area during a presentation), reducing energy consumption compared to having multiple lamps continuously operating or all arrays operating at full power.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically changes operational parameters (on/off state, intensity levels) of individual light emitter arrays based on the specific illumination needs of different zones. This parameter control enables energy optimization by adjusting light output to match actual requirements, improving energy efficiency while maintaining area-specific illumination control capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adaptive area lamp provides additional functionality by allowing selective illumination of specific areas within a larger field of view, reducing the need for multiple lamps and improving energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The emitter array includes a number of solid-state light emitters. Each one of the solid-state light emitters is configured to provide light suitable for general illumination within a field of view
Data Source
AI summary
An area lamp includes an emitter array and driver circuitry. The emitter array includes a number of solid-state light emitters. Each one of the solid-state light emitters is configured to provide light suitable for general illumination within a field of view such that light emitted from a first subset of the number of solid-state light emitters is provided to a different portion of the field of view than light emitted from a second subset of the number of solid-state light emitters. The driver circuitry is coupled to the emitter array and configured to provide drive signals to the emitter array such that the light provided from each one of the solid-state light emitters is independently controllable and a number of drive signals is less than the number of solid-state light emitters.