Dependent Control of Colour Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling multi-colour light sources in luminaires are complex and uneconomical, often requiring a large number of components, which limits their practicality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system that includes a drive current controller and a signal derivation module to provide primary and secondary drive currents to light-emitting elements, allowing for dependent control of colour light sources, which can extend the colour gamut by adding additional colours while maintaining desired chromaticity and intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multi-colour LED control systems are used to extend colour gamut, then colour variety is improved, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a standard three-colour LED system (red, green, blue) to perform multiple functions: generating white light at various correlated colour temperatures (CCT), producing saturated colours, and achieving high colour rendering index (CRI). The single controller 11 manages all these functions through unified control signals, eliminating the need for separate control systems for different lighting modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control of multiple LED colours and multiple functions into a single controller 11 that receives one control signal and generates all necessary drive signals. It also merges the white light generation and colour generation capabilities within the same LED assembly, allowing the system to switch between functions without additional hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more light-emitting elements of different colours are added to extend colour gamut, then colour variety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing three-colour LED assembly universal by programming the controller 11 to generate white light, saturated colours, and high CRI light using only the red, green, and blue LEDs. This eliminates the need to manufacture separate LED assemblies for different lighting functions, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Manufacturing precision
If colour rendering index is improved by adding new light sources, then colour accuracy is improved, but overall colour gamut may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the system to adaptively switch between different operating modes: high CRI mode (using combinations of red, green, blue LEDs for accurate colour rendering), saturated colour mode (using individual LEDs for vivid colours), and white light mode (with adjustable CCT). The controller 11 dynamically adjusts the drive signals based on the desired output, optimizing both CRI and colour gamut for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by selectively activating only the necessary LEDs for each function. For example, when generating saturated blue light, only the blue LED is activated at high intensity, while other LEDs remain off or at low intensity. This selective activation maintains colour gamut without requiring all LEDs to operate simultaneously, which would be necessary for high CRI white light.
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 efficient control of colour light sources, increasing the colour gamut and maintaining desired chromaticity and intensity, even when reducing total light intensity, thus addressing the complexity and cost issues of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more first groups of light-emitting elements, each first group operatively connected to the drive current controller and each first group responsive to a primary drive current
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for dependently controlling colour light sources. The lighting system comprises a drive current controller providing current signals for one or more first groups of light-emitting elements, and a signal derivation module operatively connected to the drive current controller. The signal derivation module is configured to determine and provide current signals for one or more second groups of light-emitting elements, the current signals being based on the current signals provided to the first groups of light-emitting elements. The method comprises the steps of determining one or more first drive currents for driving one or more first groups of light-emitting elements, and determining one or more second drive currents for driving one or more second groups of light-emitting elements, wherein each of the one or more second drive currents is predetermined based on at least one of the one or more first drive currents.