Digital LED Controller With Automatic Multi-Format Signal Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in adapting digital LED controllers to different types of digital LEDs from various manufacturers, requiring reconfiguration of hardware settings or reinstallation of software.

Innovation Solution

A digital LED controller with a determining module that stores multiple data formats for different types of digital LEDs, allowing it to reformat or bypass input signals to match the specific LED type, eliminating the need for hardware reconfiguration or software reinstallation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the controller uses a fixed data format for a specific LED type, then it can drive that LED type reliably, but it cannot adapt to different LED types from various manufacturers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different LED typesVSAvoidcontroller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed with multiple data format support (first data format and second data format) to drive different types of digital LED devices. The converting module can convert between different data formats, enabling a single controller to universally drive various LED types from different manufacturers without requiring hardware reconfiguration or software reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically switches between different data formats based on the type of LED device being driven. The determining module identifies the LED type and selects the appropriate data format, allowing the controller to adapt its behavior in real-time without physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the controller supports multiple data formats, then it can adapt to different LED types, but users still need to reconfigure hardware settings or reinstall software

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different LED typesVSAvoidease of adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs automatic format conversion without requiring user intervention. The determining module automatically identifies the LED type and selects the appropriate data format, while the converting module automatically converts the input signal to the required format. This eliminates the need for users to manually reconfigure hardware settings or reinstall software when switching between different LED types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the controller requires reconfiguration for different LED types, then it maintains simplicity for a single LED type, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontroller simplicityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is pre-equipped with multiple data formats and a converting module that can handle different LED types. This preliminary preparation allows the controller to automatically adapt to various LED types without requiring user reconfiguration, maintaining simplicity while improving user convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3772236B1Digital LED controller
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3772236B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3772236B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3772236B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A controller for an illumination device is provided. The controller may comprise a data input module configured to receive an input signal, a determining module, with at least one data format stored thereon for driving at least one type of LED device, wherein the determining module is configured to determine whether the input signal received from the data input module belongs to the at least one data format and generate an output signal based on the input signal, and a data output module configured to drive the illumination device based on the output signal received from the determining module. The controller may further comprise a command input module configured to receive a command from a user. A method for controlling an illumination device and one or more computer-readable storage media storing computer-executable instructions, that when being executed, cause a controller to perform the above method are provided.