Dynamic LED Strip Lighting from 2D Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers lack the skills and tools to easily generate dynamic lighting patterns using programmable strips of LEDs, as existing methods require programming knowledge and are not user-friendly for creating custom animated lighting effects.
Innovation Solution
A method that captures and processes images using a digital camera or scanner to generate a single-dimensional dynamic lighting effect by determining color and intensity for each row of pixels in a programmable LED strip, allowing for iterative illumination to recreate the optical characteristics of the input image, enabling users to create custom animated lighting patterns without programming expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software algorithms using branching and iterating programming logic are used to generate animated lighting displays, then dynamic lighting patterns can be created, but the complexity of operation increases and requires programming knowledge that consumers lack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by capturing real-world images or scenes with a camera and directly translating them into lighting patterns. Instead of requiring users to program complex algorithms, the system copies visual information from the captured image and maps it to the LED strip, enabling non-programmers to create dynamic lighting effects by simply taking photos of objects, scenes, or artwork they want to reproduce as lighting displays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing image capture and processing as a mediator between the user and the lighting control system. The camera and image processing software serve as intermediaries that automatically convert real-world visuals into programming instructions for the LEDs, eliminating the need for users to directly write or understand programming logic while still achieving complex dynamic lighting patterns
2Adaptability or versatility
If consumers want to generate multiple different lighting patterns, then versatility is improved, but the difficulty of operation increases due to lack of programming skills and technical tools
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables creation of multiple lighting patterns by copying different images or scenes. Users can capture numerous images of different objects, artwork, or scenes, and each image automatically generates a corresponding lighting pattern. This eliminates the need for technical tools or programming skills, as the system handles the conversion from image to lighting pattern automatically, allowing consumers to easily generate a vast library of custom lighting displays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by making the lighting system capable of reproducing any visual content captured by the camera. The system is not limited to pre-programmed patterns but can translate any image - whether it's a photograph, drawing, or scene - into a lighting pattern. This multi-functional capability allows a single device to create infinitely varied lighting displays without requiring additional technical tools or programming knowledge
Data Source
AI summary
A method producing a dynamic single dimensional output image from a two dimensional image is disclosed. A camera captures a digital image. In the method, each row of pixels of the input image may be read progressively to generate lighting instructions corresponding to each row. The instructions are sent to e.g. programmable LEDs. The process continues with a first row of pixels from the input image being processed first, followed by processing of a subsequent row of pixels of the input image. Upon processing of the second row of pixels, LEDs of the LED strip are illuminated correspondingly. This process continues iteratively until the final row of pixels of the input image. If the imaged object varies visually from one side to another or from top down, the LEDs illuminated by processing of each row of pixels will vary, thereby generating a dynamic image.