Alternating LED Color Mixing via Temporal Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing LED lighting technologies face challenges in achieving perceived light mixing due to the large volume and high cost of driver electronics, which restricts the size and flexibility of lighting products, especially in architectural, theatrical, and landscape applications.
Innovation Solution
A light apparatus and method that utilize a master controller, pulse duration and/or amplitude controller, and driver to alternate the activation of at least two different colored LEDs in accordance with a timing sequence, ensuring only one LED is powered at a time to achieve a desired color output, without physically mixing colors in space but rather in the human brain or mechanical sensor perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple driver electronics are used to simultaneously activate multiple colored LEDs for light mixing, then the color output quality is improved, but the device volume and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by alternating the activation of different colored LEDs in a time-sequential manner rather than simultaneously. Each LED is activated in periodic cycles, with the timing and duration controlled to create the perception of mixed color output. This temporal multiplexing allows a single driver to sequentially drive multiple LEDs that would traditionally require separate simultaneous drivers, thereby reducing device volume while maintaining color quality.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple driver electronics are used to simultaneously activate multiple colored LEDs for light mixing, then the color output quality is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple driver electronics into a single driver through time-sequential control. Instead of having separate drivers for each colored LED, one driver is designed to sequentially activate different LEDs at different time intervals. This consolidation reduces component count, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers cost while maintaining the ability to produce high-quality mixed color output through precise temporal control of each LED's activation.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple LEDs are activated simultaneously for perceived light mixing, then the color mixing accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static simultaneous activation model to a dynamic time-sequential activation model. The system dynamically adjusts which LED is active at any given moment, with precise control over activation timing and duration. This dynamic approach allows accurate color mixing to be achieved through temporal modulation rather than spatial simultaneous activation, reducing device complexity while maintaining color mixing accuracy through controlled temporal sequences.
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
This approach allows for compact and cost-effective LED lighting solutions that produce a continuous perceived color output by alternating the activation of LEDs at a high frequency, eliminating the need for simultaneous activation of multiple drivers and reducing the overall size and cost of the lighting system.
Implementation Method 1
a receptive sensor perceives the requested color output
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for achieving perceived light mixing via alternating colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) is disclosed. For example, a control signal to produce a requested color output is received. Then a timing sequence for at least two different colored LEDs to achieve the requested color output is determined. Then the at least two different colored LEDs are activated in an alternating fashion such that the requested color output is observed.