Embedded MCU for Segmented LED Lighting Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing segmented LED lighting systems require complex and costly multi-channel controllers with extensive cabling, leading to high manufacturing effort and potential reliability issues due to external sequencers controlling segmented ring or three-/four-sided lights.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a signal processor and non-volatile memory within the lighting arrangement to form a single-channel controller with a communication interface, allowing for spatially integrated sequencer functionality, reducing hardware connections to two power lines and two communication lines, and enabling programmable segment control via a single-wire interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external multi-channel controllers with multiplexer/sequencer assemblies are used to control segmented LED lighting, then segment control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesegment control functionalityVSAvoidcontroller structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the sequencer and multi-channel controller functionality directly into the LED lighting module by embedding a microcontroller unit (MCU) within the lighting assembly. This merging of control functions into the lighting device itself eliminates the need for separate external controllers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full segment control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The LED lighting module becomes self-controlling by incorporating the sequencer and control logic internally. The embedded MCU enables the lighting system to autonomously manage segment activation sequences without requiring external control hardware, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If extensive cabling and connectors are used to route connections from each segment to the multi-channel controller, then complete control signal routing is achieved, but manufacturing effort and potential reliability issues increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol signal routingVSAvoidmanufacturing effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control signals for multiple segments are merged into a single communication channel by using an embedded MCU within the lighting module. This eliminates the need for separate control cables for each segment, significantly reducing cabling requirements and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining full control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical cabling and connector system with an integrated electronic control system. By using an embedded MCU and internal signal routing, the system eliminates extensive physical connections, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If external sequencers are used to control the course of sequence steps, then sequencing functionality is achieved, but hardware connections and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesequencing functionalityVSAvoidhardware connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sequencer functionality is merged with the lighting control system by embedding a MCU within the lighting module. This integration allows the sequencer to control the course of sequence steps internally without requiring external sequencing hardware, thereby maintaining sequencing functionality while reducing hardware connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4007454A1Arrangement for operating segmented ring lights or segmented lighting with three or four sides

Publication Date: 2022.06.01 EVOTRON GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement for operating segmented ring lights or segmented three- or four-sided lights with a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) grouped into segments and controllable in groups, with a sequencer for selecting active segments per sequence step and for determining the sequence of steps, a digital, controllable current source for the LEDs, and a communication interface.Within the spatially and physically designed lighting system, a freely programmable, non-volatile memory and a signal processor are provided, wherein the signal processor is connected to a signal edge detector integrated into the power supply for the LEDs or reacting to light pulses of the lighting segments, such that, based on at least one control data set stored in the memory and at least one sequence pattern, the function of the sequencer can be realized by means of the signal processor as an integral part of the respective lighting system.