Discrete-Spectrum Light Color Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Discrete-spectrum light sources, such as LEDs and CFLs, do not change color temperature when dimmed, leading to unnatural lighting effects, as they maintain a constant color temperature even when dimmed, unlike traditional incandescent lights which become redder, causing discomfort to the human eye and appearing unnatural when placed with other light sources that change color temperature over time.
Innovation Solution
A system and method to control the color temperature of discrete-spectrum light sources based on environmental criteria and user preferences, using a composite lighting load with discrete-spectrum and additional light sources, adjusting their intensity to match ambient color temperature, occupancy, time, and other factors, allowing the system to make the light appear redder or bluer to mimic traditional lighting effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If discrete-spectrum light sources (LEDs, CFLs) maintain constant color temperature for energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but the lighting appears unnatural and causes discomfort to the human eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the color temperature of discrete-spectrum light sources adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes color temperature based on ambient light conditions, time of day, and user preferences, allowing LEDs and CFLs to mimic the natural color temperature variations of incandescent lights while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the color temperature parameter of discrete-spectrum light sources to match natural lighting patterns. By adjusting this physical parameter based on environmental criteria and user preferences, the system achieves both energy efficiency and natural appearance, resolving the contradiction between fixed color temperature for efficiency and variable color temperature for naturalness.
2Device complexity
If discrete-spectrum light sources maintain constant color temperature, then device simplicity is preserved, but adaptability to different environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes discrete-spectrum light sources multi-functional by enabling them to operate in both constant color temperature mode (for simplicity and energy efficiency) and variable color temperature mode (for adaptability). The lighting system can universally serve different environmental conditions and user preferences while maintaining the underlying simplicity of discrete-spectrum technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic adaptability to discrete-spectrum light sources, allowing them to respond to ambient light conditions, time of day, and user preferences. This dynamic capability enables the simple discrete-spectrum devices to adapt to various environmental conditions without fundamentally changing their core technology.
3Use of energy by moving object
If discrete-spectrum light sources are dimmed without color temperature change, then energy efficiency is improved, but the lighting becomes unnatural and causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the color temperature parameter in response to dimming operations. When discrete-spectrum light sources are dimmed, the system adjusts the color temperature to match the natural behavior of incandescent lights, which become redder when dimmed. This parameter change eliminates visual discomfort while maintaining the energy efficiency of dimmed discrete-spectrum lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor dimming levels and ambient conditions, then automatically adjust color temperature accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that when discrete-spectrum lights are dimmed for energy efficiency, the color temperature is simultaneously adjusted to maintain natural appearance and prevent visual discomfort.
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 system dynamically adjusts the color temperature of discrete-spectrum light sources to match ambient conditions and user preferences, providing a more natural and aesthetically pleasing lighting experience by simulating the color temperature changes of traditional light sources, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Traditional sources of light such as the Sun (and later incandescent lights) may exhibit the characteristics of a black body radiator. Such light sources typically emit a relatively continuous-spectrum of light, and the continuous emissions range the entire bandwidth of the visible light spectrum
Implementation Method 2
Discrete-spectrum light sources, such as LEDs and CFLs
Implementation Method 3
Discrete-spectrum light sources, such as LEDs and CFLs
Data Source
AI summary
Controlling the color temperature of a composite light source including at least one discrete-spectrum light source is disclosed. For example, the color temperature of a composite light source including at least one discrete-spectrum light source may be determined and/or adjusted based on one or more of the ambient color temperature of a space, the actual temperature of the space, the relative brightness of the space, the occupancy of the space, a time clock, a demand response command (e.g., from an electrical utility), the absolute location of the composite light source, the location of the composite light source relative to other light sources, inputs from a camera or other external devices, the operation of appliances or other machines in the vicinity of the composite light source, media content being utilized in the vicinity of the composite light source, and/or other sensor inputs.