Add-on VLC Controller for LED Lighting Upgrade
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The embedded VLC controller design in LED lighting devices limits deployment and upgrade possibilities, requiring costly replacement of existing devices and preventing users from benefiting from advancements in data transmission speed and functionality over time.
Innovation Solution
An add-on VLC controller for LED lighting devices, featuring a power input port, a power output port, a housing, and a control unit with a VLC protocol engine and transceiver, allowing for external data signal reception and conversion into LIBM-modulated signals, enabling flexible integration and upgrade without replacing the existing LED lighting device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a VLC controller is embedded inside an LED lighting device, then maximal controllability is achieved, but deployment is limited and upgrade possibilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The VLC controller is separated from the LED lighting device into an independent add-on unit. The controller contains all necessary components including protocol engine, transceiver, and processing units, while the LED device remains as a standalone lighting source. This segmentation allows the controller to be upgraded independently without replacing the entire LED lighting device, resolving the contradiction between maintaining controllability and enabling future upgrades.
2Reliability
If existing LED lighting devices are replaced with VLC-enabled ones, then VLC functionality is achieved, but significant costs on material and labor are induced
Solution Approach 1:
The VLC controller is designed to work with existing LED lighting devices by receiving power input from them and controlling their operation. The controller merges VLC communication capabilities with standard LED control functions, allowing existing LED devices to gain VLC functionality without replacement. This approach significantly reduces deployment costs by avoiding material and labor expenses associated with replacing entire LED lighting devices.
3Device complexity
If a VLC controller is embedded inside an LED lighting device, then integrated control is achieved, but the device cannot be upgraded over its long lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with dynamic upgradeability where the VLC controller can be replaced or upgraded independently of the LED lighting device. The controller serves as a modular component that can evolve with technological advancements while the LED device continues to function. This dynamic architecture allows the system to adapt to future VLC technology improvements without requiring complete device replacement, maintaining both integration and upgradeability throughout the LED device's 10-20 year lifespan.
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
Enables the addition of new functionalities like dimming and wireless communication to existing LED lighting devices, allowing for incremental upgrades and reducing environmental waste by avoiding complete device replacement, while providing cost-effective and secure high-data-rate communication.
Implementation Method 1
The VLC transceiver converts the received data into one or more LIBM-modulated signals by varying a frequency at which one or more LEDs of the LED lighting device are turned on and off and by varying a light intensity of the one or more LEDs
Implementation Method 2
On the VLC signal receiving end, there is a photo diode for receiving the VLC data
Data Source
AI summary
An add-on VLC (Visible Light Communication) controller for an LED lighting device includes a power input port, a power output port, a housing, a control unit in the housing, and at least one data signal receiver in the control unit. A power input of the control unit is connected to the power input port. A power output of the control unit is connected to the power output port. The data signal receiver is configured to receive data from the external data source. The control unit further includes VLC protocol engine configured for interpreting the received data according to VLC protocol, and a VLC transceiver for converting the received data into one or more LIBM (Light Intensity Baseband Modulation) modulated signals. The control unit is configured to activate and deactivate the power output port to supply output voltage responsive to the one or more LIBM-modulated signals.